Ald. Maldonado Joins Mother of Neftali Reyes to End Gun Violence Saturday, April 21st
(April 18, 2018) Neftali Reyes, age 19, a graduate of Roberto Clemente High School and on the school's baseball team, was the innocent victim of a drive-by shooting in West Town last December. His mother, Annette Flores, is now honoring Neftali's life by advocating to end senseless gun violence at a rally on April 21, 2018. It will take place near his murder at 515 North Western Avenue.
Flores explained, "I am conducting a protest against the gun violence that has contaminated the community. I am standing up for justice for my son. The injustice to many of the reckless killings is overbearing. I am urging Chicago Police to do better."
Maldonado urged all Chicagoans who are concerned with gun violence to join Ms. Flores. According to the Brady Campaign, nationwide an average of 7 children and teens under the age of 20 are killed by guns every day. "Mothers who’ve lost children to violence know a different kind of grief," said Maldonado. "Ms. Flores's courage in the face of this grief is an inspiration to all those whom feel hopeless."
Neftali Reyes was an avid baseball player and well liked by his fellow students. On April 14th, the dugout at Roberto Clemente High School was named in Neftali "Buzzo" Reyes's honor with a memorial plaque hung.
What: Neighborhood Rally to End Gun Violence
When: Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Noon
Where: 515 North Western Avenue