In a powerful reflection on the root causes of violence in Chicago, Johnny Page, executive director of ConTextos, addresses the deeper issues at play beyond just crime rates.
Page argues that violence is not an inevitable reality but rather a symptom of a profound neglect of value within communities.
For many years, institutions in the city have overlooked the worth of certain neighborhoods, resulting in a cycle of despair that ultimately impacts everyone.
When individuals feel unseen, unheard, and unsupported, they internalize a sense of worthlessness.
This lack of value leads to harmful choices and can manifest in irreversible acts of violence on the streets.
Page emphasizes that this issue extends beyond personal decisions; it reflects a societal tendency to prioritize material wealth, property, and status above human life.
The city invests more heavily in punishment and incarceration than in prevention and inspiration.
He points out that the absence of support systems—exemplified by underfunded schools, unstable housing, inadequate mental health care, and dwindling job opportunities—creates fertile ground for violence.
To effectively combat violence, Page calls for a shift in how safety is defined.
Real safety, according to him, does not hinge on police presence, but rather on stable housing, nurturing relationships, and a sense of belonging and purpose within the community.
image source from：https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/11/letters-061125/
