Rockin' Horse Saloon Owner Plans Anti-Gun Violence Effort

OAK FOREST, IL — Neither Earley Walker nor Sean Howard are strangers to violence. Howard's nephew, a Harvey police spokesman, was shot last month in Markham while sitting in the car with his girlfriend and baby, waiting for a friend to come out of a house. A few weeks later, shots were fired outside of The Rockin' Horse Saloon & Grill, the Oak Forest bar Walker owns. No one was injured and one man was charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, but the shooting sent waves of fear through the community and threatens to tarnish the bar's reputation.

Both men said they've had enough. And they're taking steps to stop gun-related violence in Oak Forest and the surrounding communities.

"We’re not going to take this anymore," said Howard, who also acts as Walker's publicist. "We are going to get the attention of legislators. We don't think there is such as thing as 'nothing can be done.'"

Gun violence is a public health problem and should be treated as such, Howard said.

A review of Cook County Medical Examiner's Office data shows the extent of the problem: From 2018 through March, the office recorded more than 3,500 gun-related deaths. Seven occurred in Oak Forest, Midlothian and Tinley Park.

Walker and Howard said their goal is to lead the public effort in developing public policy that addresses the problem. The two started at the end of February by sponsoring a public listening session at The Rockin' Horse. Although the date fell after the shooting at the bar, Walker said the event had been planned "for awhile."

Dozens of residents and some lawmakers attended, including 4th Ward Alderman Paul Selman, Walker said, and together they came up with a plan of action. Selman did not respond to requests for comment.

The group decided to build on the momentum after the Parkland shootings to strengthen gun policies. They also want to focus on efforts that include mentoring and conflict resolution for teens.

"So many kids need an outlet. They don't have anybody to talk to," Walker said.

He said he's committed to making a change in those kids' lives. Walker, who also owns W&W Towing, is a known local philanthropist who helped a South Shore homeless couple find housing and get married and sent six trucks to Texas to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. He knows how to mobilize, and he will work to put the anti-gun violence plans into action, he said.

Walker and Howard plan a series of public meetings after the April 2 municipal elections. They said they'll be reaching out to local and state legislators to urge them to join in their efforts.