GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A grassroots group of community activists is using technology to curb a vicious cycle of violence in Grand Rapids’ inner city.
“I’ve lost some friends and family to violence, and I’m passionate about seeing real change for the kids, the youth,” Ricardo O’Neal, co-creator of theSilence Violence Project, told News 8.
The group’s mission is to mute gunfire and promote peace.
“The core thoughts about the project was really about us finding a way to come together as a community to silence the uproar in violence,” O’Neal said.
Using virtual reality, the team is creating simulated experiences designed to show kids ages 10 to 17 how to combat violence in their lives and community. The goal is to give at-risk youth alternatives and help them seek a brighter future.
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