PEORIA (25News Now) – Two Peoria groups have united to keep kids on the right path and away from violence.
The founders of Don‘t Start have been using hip-hop music with positive messages to help kids since 2016. Co-founder Warith Muhammad believes popular “drill” music has harmed the city’s youth.
“We believe that the culture is being destroyed by today’s predominantly hip-hop music,” Muhammad said. “Drill means to drill bullet holes in you, and then go talk and make songs about it.”
Don‘t Start’s new partner in their mission, Stepping 4ward 2gether, will bring youth mentorship to the group’s efforts.
Muhammad said he hopes to reach more kids through the partnership and address youth violence.
“United we stand, divided we fall. We could do way more great work together,” Muhammad said. “We could be that bridge to bring all organizations together, work together, and curb the violence that’s going on in our city.”
Stepping 4ward 2gether Executive Vice President Benjamin Nicks said kids need guidance from adults.
“A lot of young people feel left out, cast away, or forgotten about,” Nicks said. “We don’t want them to think that at all. We want them to know there are people out there that care, that want to work with them.”
He said, together with Don’t Start, they want to show kids they have options in life.
“There‘s more to this world than just Peoria, and if they think they’re stuck here and they’ve got nothing else but this, there is more out there,” Nicks said. “So, we have to give them that opportunity to know, see, learn, and educate them what there is.”
Muhammad and Nicks agree that different approaches are needed to address troubled youth and youth violence. Muhammad said it’s about being proactive.
“If we don’t combat the problem at the root, it’s not going to change,” Muhammad said. “It’s just going to continue like it’s been for the past 40, 50 years.”
The group initiative is looking for funding to start holding school events again soon. You can donate on their website.
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