Families grieve as Chicago killings increase

[JustAnotherGen]

3. This one hits home

And this is what is wrong in Chicago:

Devastated communities

But not everyone sees more policing as part of the solution to the violence.

"The reason why the violence is getting worse is because more and more resources are being taken away from our communities," said Chris Bufford, a 26-year-old community activist who worked with Darius at the Southwest Youth Collaborative (SWYC).

In October, SWYC - one of the few organisations of its kind on the Southwest Side - was forced to close due to a lack of funds.

Bufford described SWYC as a space where many young people from the community would get services such as mentorship and tutoring. "And that's no longer there for them," he said.

In largely Black and Latino areas on Chicago's South and West Sides, where most killings occurred in 2012, it's common to see empty lots and boarded up homes and shops on nearly every street. In many neighbourhoods, liquor stores are some of the only places that can be found open.

Similar to my cousins death. But it doesn't matter - because it was only one expendable.

Cue the "If he had a gun on him" chorus . . .