Copyright Chicago Tribune
In just two months, five families with ties to Thornton Fractional South High School suffered tragedies. Between a former student getting shot to death, a senior student committing suicide, a former student who died in his sleep after a medical emergency while away at college and a deadly car accident that claimed the lives of the siblings of two current students, it’s been two months of non-stop grieving around the school in Lansing. “The students couldn’t catch their breath,” principal Lisa Bouler said. “It’s been almost too much to bear.” School District 215 sponsored a student-led Anti-Gun Violence Rally Saturday morning at the school’s athletic stadium. Despite the main theme of gun violence prevention, issues relating to mental health and suicide issues were addressed as well. There were speeches by a student, teachers, administrators, a pair of mayors and Lansing police Chief Al Phillips. More than 100 people attended and, after the speeches, the people gathered walked around the track surrounding the football field, with some carrying signs. Senior Isaiah Allen gave a stirring speech in honor of his friend, Ross Anthony Whitt, who was shot and killed Oct. 26 in Lansing at a party after homecoming. Allen and Whitt were basketball teammates last season and Allen said Whitt transferred to Phillips High School this year with a plan to play hoops there. Allen, who plans to study psychology in college, said it didn’t take him long to write the speech because “it came from my soul.” The theme was that he was “tired of being tired” and that too many people treat guns as a toy. “It’s the same toy that took my good friend away from me,” he told the crowd. “It’s the same toy that took my teammate away from me. The same toy that got my family thinking that they got to carry it to feel safe. “The same toy that had my brother in fear to walk out on the street. The same toy that my father got hit with. The same toy that kids my age are playing with but don’t know the rules. The same toy that can make a difference between you attending prom or me attending your funeral.” Whitt’s grandmother, Sheila Wilson, told the rally there were too many times that she had seen the deaths of young people on television and would sigh with relief that it wasn’t someone she knew. But that ended in late October, and she had some strong words for students. “Young people – you are our future,” she said. “We love you. I love you. Ross would tell me in the morning ‘Nana, I love you.’ Before he left the house that day (of the shooting) those were his last words to me. “I know you are all hurting, but there is help. Call somebody. Reach out. Talk to your pastors. Your deacons. Your family members.” She said whether it’s gun violence or suicide, they have to talk to somebody. “You call me when you are hurting,” she said loudly. “You get my number, and you call me and you reach out to me. I will stand with you, and I will pray with you. “There is nothing more dangerous on this earth than a grandmother who knows how to pray!” Lansing Mayor Brian Hardy is hopeful that students can help curb the gun violence. “The loved ones we lost must never be forgotten,” he said. “Let’s grow in their memories. I look around at all of the students here among us. I see leaders. I see educators. Doctors. Lawyers. And mentors. “So I’m asking you, please, let’s not lose one more student to gun violence.” Calumet City Mayor Thaddeus Jones said that his community stands with the families who went through the tragedies in September and October. “We know that people are suffering,” Jones said. “They are suffering mentally. The only way to get through this is to be together. Remember, we are all in this community together whether it’s the border of Calumet City or the border of Lansing. We are all in this together. “A simple prayer and a simple word or a kind gesture to someone will help them get through these moments. And these five families need you guys more than ever.” Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
