Anti-gun violence group BRAG holds annual Peace Barbecue in Wakefield
BRAG says outreach events like this help foster safer streets for kids to flourish and reduce shootings in the neighborhoods they are in.
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Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence, or BRAG, held its annual Peace Barbecue in Wakefield on Saturday.
The organizer for the event said it is a group effort to create safe streets and promote a new normal in Wakefield that rejects gun violence.
The group holds a series of these barbecues each summer in different neighborhoods throughout the borough.
"We work with other entities to decide what areas are high in crime, high with shootings and gun violence and then we decide which areas to go in," said BRAG director Yadira Moncion.
BRAG said outreach events like this help foster safer streets for kids to flourish and reduce shootings in the neighborhoods they are in.
"It's a fear as a mom, but I am so grateful we have community outreach like BRAG that can bring educational information to our neighborhood and let our kids know they can be safe," said Wakefield resident Yurika Brown.
NYPD crime reports show the 47th Precinct has one of the highest number of shootings this year in the Bronx compared to this time last year.
"What's going to make a difference will be credible messengers," said resident Sheila Rule.
Parents agree that more youth mentorship and programs is key to keeping kids away from guns.
"If the government can do more of this in the community, I think it's going to prevent a lot of gun violence," Brown said.
BRAG will hold four more Peace Barbecues throughout the summer in different neighborhoods in the Bronx to continue promoting their message.
