CHICAGO – State Rep. Sonya M. Harper, D-Chicago, recently showed U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin various urban farms, which healthy food for local residents, and the two also discussed ways to reduce gun crimes and address trauma in Chicago.

“I am grateful that our senator took time to come by and see firsthand how urban agriculture directly benefits ordinary people,” said Harper. “Our conversations did not stop there, as he knows just as much as I do that we need to collaborate on all levels to get illegal guns off our streets and keep our schools open for our children in our most vulnerable communities.”

Harper and Durbin toured local farms and discussed community based solutions to end gun violence. Both officials sat down with local groups like the Sweet Water Foundation, Growing Home Inc., CureViolence and The Peace & Education Coalition in an effort to collaborate on the issues collectively. To stay up to date with upcoming events, legislation and neighborhood news, please contact Rep. Harper’s office at repsonyaharper@gmail.com.