CHICAGO—Large gatherings of teenagers across major cities, dubbed “teen takeovers,” have raised concerns among parents and other adults. The youth who participated have been accused of damaging property, disrupting businesses, and there have been reports of injuries and arrests.
Chicago has experienced a fair share of takeovers, prompting parents, school officials, and business owners to take action.
A “parent takeover” was organized in response to a planned teen takeover scheduled for the Hyde Park community in the city on April 14.
Hyde Park was overrun weeks ago with hundreds of disruptive teens, causing thousands of dollars in damage to residents’ cars and running through the streets. Chicago police issued citations for curfew violations and a 16-year-old girl was arrested.
Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement via social media: “Chicago, there are credible reports of a teen trend forming in Hyde Park later today. Parents, be aware of where your children are going this evening.
DO NOT allow your children to attend one of these gatherings; they are dangerous and can often turn violent. Together we can keep our youth and our communities safe.”
Photos: Haroon Rajaee
According to a widely circulated social media flyer, the teen takeover was to begin at 5:30 p.m. However, the gathering of parents and concerned residents discouraged any unruly activity and resulted in a peaceful evening.
Sip & Savor coffeehouse, a Black-owned business in Hyde Park, was the meeting point for the parent takeover. “You want to have fun, go to the park, go to the movies. You don’t need to be trashing people’s property or jumping on cars because it’s just not cool,” said Trez Pugh III, founder and CEO of Sip & Savor.
Dr. Glenn T. Miller is a concerned parent and participated in the parent gathering. “Seeing these teen takeovers broke my heart, I started thinking about the resources that were available to me when I was a teenager.
I was having a conversation with my teenage daughter, and she expressed how this trend is giving all teenagers a bad name. I believe that lack of real socialization is a big problem. Most teens have an electronic screen in their faces at all times, so social guidelines are not there,” said Mr. Miller.
Kenwood Academy High School is located in the Hyde Park community, and many of the school’s officials were involved with the parent takeover, including Assistant Principal Joseph Mason. “Our goal is to encourage the teens to be productive by showing our faces, letting them know that we’re here to create a safe space for them,” he said.
Community activist, parent and Hyde Park native Afrika Porter also attended the gathering. “My children are adults now but it makes sense to show up. This way our children will know that we love and care about them. We are out here with a nurturing spirit.”
According to reporting from ABC7Chicago.com, Mr. Pugh has operated his Sip and Savor coffee shop in Hyde Park for the last 14 years, cares about the community, and told the media outlet that what he saw during the last teen takeover “left him feeling more than frustrated.”
“It was heartbreaking, to be honest, man. I mean, it was total chaos. It was no control, no law and order, and I just felt as though something needed to be done,” he said.
“The parent takeover was an idea from businessman and philanthropist Early Walker, who is calling this an amber alert, if you will, for parents, with the mindset it takes a village to respond to problems like this,” he said, reported ABC7Chicago.com.
(Shawntell Muhammad can be contacted at [email protected].)