Girls deserve to BE and FEEL safe. That’s it. That’s all. Especially in spaces that are sanctioned by adults. Especially in institutions whose primary purpose is to advance their development and well-being.

So moving the needle forward, my initial utter disgust and shock at the heinous lyrics of yet another Chief Keef song prompted a petition to ban his

La'Keisha Gray Sewell delivering petition signatures to CPS

music from Chicago Public School proms and other school events. We were very successful in exceeding our target of 500 signatures. Not only did we get those signatures, but local and national media helped facilitate the discussion. The petition had amazing support from MomsRising.org, a vanguard in issues that pertain to mother’s rights and issues as well as policy.

In the midst of the momentum of growing support for this particular petition, CPS made an unprecedented move  to become the first district in the nation to mass-close 50 schools, a move that will surely affect safety, academic pursuit, and socialization of Black and Brown students. This politically charged turmoil almost daunted our focus. But with wisdom and encouragement from Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka (a MomsRising.org Fellow) we pressed forward and delivered the signatures; trusting that for this cause, CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett along with other CPS officials will take heed to public opinion and yield to moral obligation to ensure girls are safe; safe from verbal assault, safe fro the threat of rape and sexual violence, safe among male students.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtro5zeTRdQ&feature=player_embedded

Our timing could not be better, because it appears Chief Keef is determined to publicly threatening any woman/girl he comes in contact with sexual violence and battery. His latest was a violent rant against pop celebrity, Katy Perry. Yet while it may be a slow battle to get his songs removed from radio airwaves, we are taking the small steps to disempower his bravado, and mic check his dangerous platform. Not only are we demanding all of our children not be exposed to music that promotes rape culture, we are also emphasizing the need to implement cultural programming in schools that allow students to become media literate…to provide a critical lens by which our young people perceive media messages.

While our students have to navigate treacherous streets on their way to school, we affirm it only right they be kept safe inside the building and spaces occupied for CPS functions.

1. We want media literacy programs in schools such as programs facilitated by Girls Like Me Project, Inc.
2. DJ/Audio entertainers hired by school administrators must adhere to policy developed for & in collaboration with students which outlines SPECIFICALLY what rape culture encompasses
3. CPS must adequately support music/arts programs which foster positive outlet of creativity for its students
4. Parents and adults must take an active role in understanding how to manage their child’s media intake
5. Schools should host forums to discuss social implications behind music that promotes rape culture
6. Join national campaigns against rape culture in media, like Fostering Activism and Alternatives Now Mail (FAAN Mail) Talk Back movement 

We know CPS can shut down anything it puts its mind to…it is time they shut down Chief Keef and all music that promotes sexual violence against our girls… for all of our babies.

This post originally appeared on Girls Like Me Blog on May 24, 2013.