‘Interrupting’ Chicago’s Gang Violence

The Takeaway

In 2010, 66 children died of gunfire in Chicago, and hundreds more were injured. Staggering statistics like this show that gang violence in the Windy City has grown out of control. CeaseFire, a community organization with a public-health approach, tries to lead Chicago’s youth away from a life of crime. To do that, the group employs “interrupters,” former gang members who actually go to the scene of a conflict and try to resolve it in a non-violent way. And it’s all chronicled in a recent documentary film called “The Interrupters.” Ameena Matthews is an “interrupter” with the Chicago-based group CeaseFire. Alex Kotlowitz co-produced the film. “The Interrupters” will premiere on Feb 14 on “Frontline” and is a co-production of our partner WGBH.  
“The Interrupters” – Official Trailer

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