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Gang violence has been heating up in Utah this summer. For one local woman, dealing with it has nothing to do with increased security or "cracking down." She calls it, "Honor Peace Day."
You've heard it before: Take a stand against gang violence and keep neighborhoods safe. Both are big jobs. But a small group is taking it on, peacefully.
It doesn't get more grass roots than this: Juanita Ramos-Corum combing neighborhoods; hanging signs to spread the word about Honor Peace Day Utah, which is Wednesday. Horrified by gang violence, Juanita fights fear and confronts gang members with something else.
"I go up and I talk to them. I extend them a hand, I give them a hug. I say hello. I look them in the eye. I connect with them," she said.
More than a month ago, Juanita was deeply touched by the news of 7-year-old Maria Menchaca, who was shot and killed while playing in her yard. The bullet wasn't intended for her. One gang member took a shot at a rival and missed.
Juanita and co-organizer Margaret Jackson couldn't stop thinking about what happened.
Margaret said, "I have children that I am raising in this community. I choose to have them live in a world of peace and love, not one of harm."
In spite of the unpredictable nature of gang violence, Juanita says she didn't think twice about confronting gang members directly. Treating them with respect is the idea behind Honor Peace Day. And it's something that people in her neighborhood want to believe can work.
Business manager Leroy Nguyen said, "It's good we crack down, but in a good way. We teach them to do good. We show them love, we care about you."
Juanita said, "On the outside, some of these young people can appear to be so hard. But on the inside, they have a heartbeat."
The organizers say people from all over the state plan to come to Honor Peace Day. They say gangs are a part of nearly every community, large and small, in the state.
It is Wednesday, starting at 1:30 at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center at 1355 W. 3100 South in West Valley.
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
