First Lady Michelle Obama returns to Chicago Wednesday to address youth violence in Chicago by talking to business leaders and hearing first-hand accounts from kids.
It's a familiar topic in a city that recently buried a 6-month-old girl killed in a shooting fueled by gangs. Obama herself attended a separate funeral for teen Hadiya Pendleton, killed at a park by a gang member. Pendleton's parents sat next to the first lady during President Barack Obama's State of the Union address.
Last month Chicago Public Schools announced the closing of 54 schools, an issue parents are worried will put their children in harm's way along gang lines.
The first lady plans to join Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Allstate Corporation President Thomas J. Wilson and Loop Capital CEO James Reynolds, Jr., for lunch at The Hilton Chicago to call upon business leaders to invest in opportunities for the city's youth.
"First Lady Michelle Obama will return to her hometown to address local business and community leaders about providing more opportunities for young people to achieve their full potential," a White House statement reads.
After making remarks on youth empowerment at the luncheon, the White House says she will meet with a small group of students and counselors at Harper High School to hear about their experiences.
The White House notes Harper High School has been "profoundly affected by violence" with 29 current or former students shot and eight of them killed in the past year. The Englewood school was featured on a two-part "This American Life" series focusing on Chicago violence.
Emanuel's office said the visit with help raise awareness about successful programs that already help at-risk youth.
“The greatest thing we can do as a city is give our children the support they need to build a successful life," Emanuel said. “We are honored to have the First Lady’s support in this effort. I will work tirelessly to provide safe alternatives that reduce the risk of our kids getting involved with drugs, gangs, and violence.”
Photo Credit: AP