the interrupters

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i finally saw the interrupters.  

eddie, one of the violence interrupters, worked with youth at a community center to help them express creatively on issues such as gang violence affecting their communities.  young students were encouraged to talk about their own encounters and experiences with violence in their neighborhoods during one of the sessions.  a distressed young girl started crying as she talked about hearing gun shots outside her window.  the scene ended there, but eddie came back to the center as students were displaying their final paintings and commentaries on the wall.  students responded to gang violence by painting words and pictures, expressing what they hope to see... peace, unity and love in the community.  

the film tells a short story of another young girl who lost her brother from a shooting.  she said he loved art and wanted do something in memory of him.  before his death, her brother had wanted to paint a picture of the virgin mary so she painted the virgin mary, along with silhouettes of her brother up in the sky and the rest of the family near the bottom of the canvas.  the word forgiveness was written on the canvas as well.  

these scenes were short, but definitely an eye-opener.  it showed the consequences and impacts the violence had on youth, and how some dealt with their situation through art.  art is an extremely powerful tool for expression and healing... a tool for dialogue, empowerment, and hope.  the film definitely made me reflect back to my own life- how it has helped me get through some of the most difficult times and how it forced me to stay grounded and be true myself and my goals.  it is time to break the silence.  as an art educator and advocate, i hope to introduce this powerful tool to children, youth and adults in the community.