Youth violence has declined sharply over two decades--more than 70 percent in New York State, according to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention. Yet in some neighborhoods there are now increasing reports of gang activity and violence. Tensions and distrust remain high between law enforcement officials and community members - especially young people. Leaders in other cities have shown that youth, communities, and law enforcement can work together for successful solutions. Can we follow that path in New York? What strategies are already working, and how can we make them stronger?

Remarks from: David Kennedy, author of Don’t Shoot: One Man, A Street Fellowship, and the End of Violence in Inner-City America; director of the John Jay Center for Crime Prevention and Control

Followed by a conversation with: Reean Charles, Youth Organizing to Save Our Streets (Y.O.S.O.S.) Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Member, District 8, New York City Council Iesha Sekou, Executive Director, Street Corner Resources

Moderated by: Errol Louis, Host, NY1's Inside City Hall

[youtube width="640" height="360"]http://youtu.be/kjM3WaXyopE[/youtube]

This event and the Center's research about youth and families is made possible by the generous support of the Sirus Fund, the Milano Foundation, the Pinkerton Foundation, the Child Welfare Fund, the Viola W. Bernard Foundation and the Ira W. DeCamp Foundation.