Rapper Vic Mensa is taking an innovative approach to combating gun violence in his hometown of Chicago by training young people on how to “stop blood flow from gunshot wounds”.
In a recent interview with Essence, the Grammy-nominated rapper shared his plan to train the youth of Chicago on how to act as street medics during violent situations. Mensa launched the training program through his SaveMoneySaveLife organization after he was inspired by community emergency rescue he saw when he was overseas.
“We train and equip first aid responders in Chicago’s most violent neighborhoods,” he explained. “And teach them how to not bleed out, how to stop blood flow from gunshot wounds.”
“I was in the occupied West Bank in Palestine and I met a young man from Gaza who was from an organization called Build Palestine,” he added. “[They] had a similar program where they trained 35 first aid responders, I think it was in Gaza.”
The 26-year-old rapper compared Chicago to Gaza saying both places have problems with gun violence and slow ambulance arrival times. He hopes his program will help save lives in his hometown.
Mensa is a passionate advocate and ally for Chicago. Through his nonprofit UniVerse, Mensa provides mentorship for school children. He recently partnered with the apparel company Wolverine to launch its own shoe line where proceeds will go to Chicago youth from underserved communities.
According to NBC News, four people were killed and 56 wounded by gunfire in Chicago within four days last weekend. The Chicago Tribune also reports that 250 people have been killed in the Windy City this year as of June 29.
