In our latest video project Boystown youth speak out against violence in Lakeview and being scapegoated for the recent increase in reported crimes. They express the need for more safe spaces for youth in the neighborhood and the impact programs at Center on Halsted and Broadway Youth Center have had on their lives.

In recent weeks, Boystown youth have been blamed for the purported increase in crime in Boystown, during the midst of summer months when crime is typically increased. At a CAPS forum to discuss violence, youth were shouted down and heckled by some Boystown residents, yelling “get a job” and “go back to the southside.” Video Action League wanted to give youth a space to express themselves without the threat of being silenced.

Hey, everybody, it’s Pride Month, and VAL is part of the Advocate article, 193 Reasons to Have Pride in 2011!

See Page 3, where they mention our mayoral candidates video and quote our cofounder, Lindsey Dietzler. Thanks, Advocate!

Thanks very much to Parlour for hosting a Video Action League fundraiser on Wednesday, and to everyone who came and supported us.

Check out the photo album on Facebook for some fun pictures.