Is Champaign’s Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint working?

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Historically, with the summer months ramping up, so too does gun violence.

A 25-year-old man is recovering in the hospital after being shot just after midnight Thursday at his apartment’s courtyard.

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Banio Koroma has been working on combatting the trend of gun violence for years.

“Especially in the summer, which you’ll see that there’s always going to be a spike in violence,” he said. “Not just here locally, but all around the nation.”  
           
Koroma is the founder of Manhood Training Camp that he runs at his retreat. It focuses on showing kids and young men how to have confidence in themselves.   

“The key for the youth is to find a value in their lives,” Koroma said. “You know, and that’s why, my goal is to help them find a vision and a purpose… so that they don’t feel the need to go out and commit crimes.”

His program is part of Champaign’s Gun Violence Reduction Blueprint.

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“I’ve been graced to be able to work with the Champaign, through the blueprint, work with the Champaign County Violence Prevention Board. And, you know, we’re just going to take all of us,” the founder said.

The blueprint was created at the beginning of 2022 when Champaign saw a record high in gun violence. In the year prior, there were 259 shooting incidents.

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He said police, community and families are the major components to winning that battle.

“The more resources we can put into the community and where I want to see more resources put into [are] programs that directly impact youth,” he said.

As for the Thursday shooting, Champaign Police said they have not found a suspect. They are asking anyone who may have cameras in the area to contact them by calling 217-351-4545 or Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477.

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