x
Breaking News
More () »

Cities United, Buffalo leaders seek solutions to end violence

Cities United was formed by a group of mayors in 2011 to end violence facing African-American men and boys.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo leaders say violent crime is down here, and a nonprofit wants to expand that success to other cities.

Cities United was formed by a group of mayors in 2011 to end violence facing African-American men and boys. 

Mayor Byron Brown is one of more than 90 mayors working with the program. He says Buffalo's initiatives have led to a nearly 20 percent decrease in gun-related deaths during the past five years.

Cities United was here Friday, hoping to share that success elsewhere.

"How you highlight that, and use that data to really bring awareness to the situation, right? Because a 20  percent reduction is a good thing, but that still means we're losing way too many kids. Like the mayor said, one kid lost is way too many," Cities United executive director Anthony Smith said.

The program believes that other cities have a lot to learn from Buffalo, as they work to cut homicides in half over the next five years.

RELATED: Witness: The tip line for Buffalo Police was full

RELATED: Buffalo Police investigate threat at International Prep School

RELATED: Cheektowaga man arrested following shooting on Buffalo's Main Street

Before You Leave, Check This Out