Citizens group rekindles effort to stop violence

By Maria Cramer
Globe Staff / January 29, 2008

Seventeen years ago, they banded together to combat violence.

Former gang members, lawyers, school officials, and business owners, they sought to form truces between warring gangs and stem Boston's skyrocketing homicide rate.

Today, Citizens for Safety will announce its rebirth and its new members, an eclectic group that includes mothers of homicide victims, religious leaders, a former policeman, and a suburban mom. They will also announce their new mission: to track sources of illegal guns and learn how they end up in the hands of teenagers and criminals.

Eight men have been killed since the year began. Nearly all of them were shot, and police said they believe several were victims of gang violence.

The spasm of violence spurred the group to announce its initiative so it could begin soliciting new members and financial support for their proposals and raise awareness about illegal gun trafficking.

"That created a sense of urgency," said Nancy Robinson, a Newton resident with a teenage son who will serve as the coalition's executive director. "We needed to move ahead.

In 1990, the year Citizens for Safety was first formed, Boston had 152 homicides, the highest number on record. The group helped create after-school programs and jobs for city teenagers. They focused on compelling gang members to get together for basketball matches. They were among several grass-roots organizations whose work with police helped lead to the so-called "Boston Miracle."

For those of you interested in learning more about Citizens for Safety and how you can become involved, contact Nancy Robinson at nancyrob@comcast.net, or by phone at: (617)-233-5363.