Some Buffalo children attended an anti-violence program the Delavan Grider Community Center in Buffalo Thursday afternoon. WBFO'S Eileen Buckley says they heard from a former gang member who encouraged them to avoid a life of crime.
"Stop the violence", shouted the children. They participated in this program sitting the bleachers inside the gym center.
They heard from U.S. Attorney William Hochul and Buffalo Police Commissioner. Hochul selected the site to announce the latest arrest of a member of the Schuele Boys Gang.
Schuele Avenue, were the gang originated from, is just blocks from the center. One of the former gang members talked to the children telling them to stay out of trouble.
"And I wish I would have made the right choices and it starts with the age that you are now. Stay in school. I'm in school right now. I'm 30-years-old and I went back to school and this is eye opening," said the man.
Due to his involved in the case we could not identify him. The man has pled guilty to a crime. But he explained he works two jobs, one as a city garbage collector and a We Care van driver.
"I know you hear it all the time -- go to school," said the man, encouraging the children to occupy their free time. "Do good things. Help your mom, help your parents because if you have idle time you don't' want to be doing the wrong thing."
Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda also encouraged children to avoid crime. "You know you see a lot of people out there doing the wrong thing -- as you grow up, try to do the right thing," said Derenda. "Stay in school. Listen to what your parents tell you. Stay out of trouble."
Unfortunately some of the children are surrounded by some very difficult situations. One of the boy's explained to the officials how his cousin was arrested and jailed for shooting two people.
