Students Plan 3rd Annual Peace March On South Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Thousands of Chicago Public Schools students were getting ready to take to the streets on Friday, to demand an end to violent crime.
The march will step off at 10 a.m. in the South Loop. Students from all five Perspectives Charter Schools will march to the Bronzeville neighborhood. Kids from Evanston, Tennessee, and Georgia also will join the effort.
Organizers said they expect more than 2,000 people to take part in the march.
It's the third year Perspectives students have organized a peace march ahead of summer break, to send a message they want to see less bloodshed on city streets.
Last year's march was one of the largest student-led anti-violence efforts in Chicago history. This year, students were encouraging community members and leaders to join them, to help spread a message of peace and social responsibility.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel will join a 9:30 a.m. rally before the march. After the group marches to Perspectives' IIT/Math and Science Academy in Bronzeville, they will hold a "peace jam," featuring music, performances, and speeches from students and supporters.
Organizers said similar events were planned for Friday in Haiti, South Africa, and Belgium – as well as in Ferguson, Missouri; Madison, Wisconsin; Minneapolis, and Miami.
