District 65 is hosting a community-wide “healing space” meeting on April 25 at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The meeting is in response to the April 12 shooting at Clark Street Beach. Jacquis Irby, an 18-year old, was murdered in the shooting. Two 15-year-old boys were also injured, one critically.
The district sent out a notice about the event on April 21, calling the deadly shooting “a devastating reminder of the continued impact of gun violence within our community.”
The focus of the healing space planned for Tuesday night will be “to process emotions, support one another, and promote healing.” The announcement said speakers will share ways to discuss gun violence with children, how to avoid racist assumptions while processing tragedies and how to promote gun safety. The names of the speakers hasn’t been announced yet.
The district will also host a separate event for staff. The announcement did not explain how that gathering for employees will be different from or similar to the community-wide healing space on April 25.