http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-742498.mp3
When it comes to violence, it's been a long hot summer in Kansas City. Nightly local news is peppered with reports of violent incidents.
According to Kansas City police statistics, 77 percent of the victims are young black males. When homicides spiked three years ago, the city council called for a commission to examine the root causes of violence.
But community leaders say efforts to address the problem have been too little, too late, and they are critical of planners who have not involved young people in finding solutions.
KC Currents' Susan Wilson talked to former gang member Ossco Bolton about the causes and solutions. Bolton is a youth advocate and founder of POSSE - Peers Organized to Support Student Excellence.
This story was produced for KC Currents. To listen on your own schedule, subscribe to the KC Currents Podcast .
