'Put The Guns Down' To Be Featured On Milwaukee Radio Station

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI—A hip hop and rap song called Put'em Down (Put the Guns Down) was created by the Milwaukee Coalition Against Hate to educate youth that there is an alternative to violence. The full video was unveiled during a virtual news conference on Wednesday.

Reggie Moore, Director, Office of Violence Prevention, Milwaukee Health Department spoke on the importance said everyone has a role to play with the issue of gun violence.

"This is an example of what artists, activists and concerned residents in our city who care about the safety and well-being of our city. This is an example of what can be done," Moore said.

Moore added it could be as simple as looking out for the people on your block or making sure people have food who are struggling.

"As it is to raising awareness, there is no better tool than art and music," Moore said.

The Milwaukee Coalition Against Hate is comprised of individual citizens, leaders, organizations, and businesses that are focused on stopping racism, prejudice, and inequalities. They also focus on making the community safer.

Tracey Dent, the organization's cofounder, said the violence in the city has always been a concern to him. His own mission is to help people be "the best version of themselves."

Lyrics were written by Quinlan Bishop (Q.B. Speaks), Chris Camacho (Just Chris) who created the song "Go Bucks Go (Bonkers)" and Shawn Matthew. Dent said each artist contributed their own "flavor."

Dent was able to find sponsors to help with the production of the video.

The song and video aim to show how the actions of people not only impact family members, but also the community as a whole. Dent explained the video is about a mother who is part of a Stop the Violence Rally when she hears a gunshot and runs towards the shooting only to realize that her son was killed.

"We pray that the message reaches the people it needs to reach and we amplify the message," Moore said.

Derrick Rogers of Milwaukee's 414Life program said the community is already disorientated and fragmented due to "engineered neglect and systemic violence."

"A project like this is extremely important at this time," Rogers said.

Reggie Brown, Program Director and on air talent with Milwaukee's V100 radio station said he applauds the crew for doing something unique and it is amazing for Milwaukee. Brown said Put'em Down (Put the Guns Down) will be featured on Friday at 5:25 p.m. and Saturday night during the 8 p.m. hour.