Chicago State University is playing host Thursday and Friday to a summit on urban violence convened by state lawmakers. Illinois congressmen Bobby Rush, Danny Davis, and Robin Kelly have organized the event in response to the culture of violence plaguing Chicago’s communities—particularly those hard-hit by unemployment and poverty. Rush and Davis both represent districts that experience the largest concentration of gun violence in the city.  

The public event is scheduled for Friday, July 26 from 1:00 – 9:00 pm. A general discussion will take place earlier in the day and will be followed by a town hall beginning at 7:00. The summit will be held at the Jones Convocation Center (9501 S. King Dr.).

At least 1,000 people are expected to participate in the event, including elected officials, religious leaders, national organizations, psychiatrists, local gang members, parents, and other interested parties. Gov. Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Police Department officials, and the White House have been invited to participate. Organizers say that the summit will not only ask attendees to discuss the problem of violence in Chicago communities, but will also demand solutions to this complex issue.

For more information on the event, head to Rush's, Davis's, and Kelly's Facebook pages and check out their updates.