A photo called “Rights of Passage” shows a T-shirt designed by students in the program. Robert Banks
After Amanda King utters her first words, it’s apparent this young woman embodies drive, confidence and ambition. This serves her well now, as the founder and creative director of Shooting Without Bullets, and will after she receives her law degree in May from Case Western Reserve University.
Shooting Without Bullets, which started in the summer of 2016, was formed as a response to police violence against youth in Cleveland, as well as around the country. The goal is to teach youth, through photography and expressive arts, how to practice restraint when dealing with complex social issues.
King is quick to tell you that she’s not catering to an at-risk group, but a voiceless population that deserves to be heard.
“I decided to start the program because it gives an opportunity for young black and brown kids, in Cleveland and the suburbs, to talk about social issues, not with just dialogue, but with emotion,” said King. “We use photography and other forms of art to shed light on issues kids deem important.”
Many of the kids found out about the program through word of mouth. Rapper Los P, 17, credits the program for enlightening him about crucial matters.
“I now have a true awareness of how many youths have been lost to guns,” he said.
This past Tuesday, members of the group gathered to celebrate their achievements during a program at the East Cleveland Public Library. There were people from the community, busloads of schoolchildren and some community leaders. They were treated to African drummers, artists, rappers, students performing improv theater, and a number of speakers, such as Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice. She encouraged the students to stand up for what they believe in, and remain active in their communities.
Yvonne Conner, of the Cleveland Community Police Commission, is working hard to include young voices in solutions that build and transform relationships.
“I’ve encouraged the Cleveland Community Police Commission to embrace this opportunity to strengthen the bridge between [the CPC] and the youth of Greater Cleveland,” she said.
Just in time for Black History month, a photo exhibition featuring the work of some of the Shooting Without Bullets students is on display at the East Cleveland Public Library. It features a diverse range of photography and art work, most depicting urban life. It runs through March 31.
The library is at 14101 Euclid Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday;10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Go to shootingwithoutbullets.org for more information.
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.
