Articles by Steven Gilchrist

I n 2012, the city of Chicago had over 500 confirmed homicides. This tragic number of homicides is primarily the result of two factors: gang violence and the dissemination of illegal firearms. With over 500 confirmed homicides, Chicago endured more deaths via homicides than the number of American military personnel who were killed in combat in Afghanistan last year. In 2012, there were 295 American service members killed in combat in Afghanistan. The spike in gun-related homicides in Chicago and recent mass shootings and domestic terrorism incidents at places such as: Aurora, Boston, Newtown, Tucson, and Virginia Tech have intensified the ongoing gun control debate in the United States. In the aftermath of the December 14, 2012 Newtown, Connecticut tragedy, both Connecticut and New York state enacted stricter gun control legislation. However, in mid-April 2013, President Obama criticized members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate for not passing a comprehensive fede...

I n 1993, the United Nations began to formally observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.   The U.N. General Assembly signed Resolution 47/196 in 1993.   This resolution declared October 17 of every year as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.   The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of eradicating poverty and destitution across the globe, particularly in developing nations.   The theme for this year’s day is – “Working together out of poverty.” Although the U.N. formally adopted the commemoration of the day in 1993, there was an event held in 1987 to honor victims of poverty, hunger, fear, and violence.   Over 100,000 people gathered at the event held in Paris, France on the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza at the Trocadero.   The commemoration was led by Joseph Wresinski – founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World.   Wresinski once said: “Wherever men and women are conde...

L ast month, the political leaders of several central African nations acknowledged Michel Djotodia as the transitional head of the Central African Republic (CAR).   Although the leaders recognized Djotodia as the transitional head of the CAR, they have not recognized him as the president of the country.   Djotodia, who is the leader of the Seleka coalition, led thousands of rebel fighters in overthrowing President Francois Bozize on March 24, 2013.   The Seleka coalition apparently rebelled against President Bozize for failing to pay rebel fighters who helped him seize power in a 2003 coup that deposed former President Ange-Felix Patasse. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the Central African Republic has endured decades of coups and political instability.   CAR is one of the least developed countries in the world.   As a result of years of social unrest, the illegal arms trade is prevalent in CAR which a landlocked country with a population of...

C ANCER is a disease that affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnic and racial backgrounds.   In the United States, it is estimated that nearly ½ of all men and 1/3 rd of all women will battle cancer at some point in their lives.   Minorities and economically disadvantaged people are more likely to develop and die from cancer.   Each year, during the third week of April, National Minority Cancer Awareness Week is held to promote improved awareness about the prevention and treatment of cancer in minority communities. During the Awareness Week, doctors, researchers, and social workers make an extra effort to give minority communities information about the importance of cancer screenings and maintaining healthy lifestyles.   On April 8, 1987, legislation establishing the awareness week was signed into law when the U.S. House of Representatives Joint Resolution 119 was passed.   Often times, minorities might not go to see a doctor until they are ex...

H omelessness is a complex problem that occurs in cities and towns across the United States.   According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, nearly 700,000 people in the U.S. experience homelessness on any given night.   Furthermore, over 1.5 million Americans use a shelter or transitional housing annually.   There are several factors that cause homelessness including: alcoholism, broken families, drug addiction, mental illness, unemployment, and poverty; however, access to affordable housing is the main reason why people experience homelessness.   Scarce affordable housing is especially prevalent in urban communities.        A goal that the Obama administration has advocated for is to eradicate homelessness among veterans by 2015.   In 2009, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki promised that the administration would eradicate homelessness among veterans by 2015.   This goal is certainly a noble one and in order for ...

T he West African nation of Mali is one of the world’s 25 poorest countries.   Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid and money sent home from Malians working abroad.   In the middle of the 19 th century, Mali was colonized by France.   In 1960, Mali gained independence from France.   After gaining independence from colonial rule, the people of Mali endured droughts, rebellions, and 23 years of military dictatorship.   In 1992, democratic elections were held.   Mali is a landlocked country with much of its territory covered by the Sahara Desert.   Mali has a population of about 15.5 million people and it is one of Africa’s largest producers of cotton and gold.   A March 2012 military coup in the Malian capital of Bamako led to chaos throughout the country.   As a result of the coup, Malian soldiers gave up towns to insurgent fighters. Last month, France became involved with Malian government affairs once again.   On Friday, Janu...

L ast Sunday night, millions of people around the world watched the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers compete in Super Bowl XLVII.   The game was one of the most exciting championship games in recent memory.   However, beneath the media frenzy, television commercials, and high-energy half-time show, there is an insidious occurrence that takes place at the Super Bowl.   In a February 4, 2013, Huffington Post article by Eleanor Goldberg titled: “Super Bowl is single largest human trafficking incident in U.S.: ‘Attorney General,’” the prevalence of forced prostitution during the annual Super Bowl is detailed.   In 2010, for Super Bowl XLIV which was held in Miami, 10,000 prostitutes were brought to Miami for the event.   “The Super Bowl is the greatest show on Earth, but it also has an ugly underbelly,” said Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott in a 2011 USA Today interview.   Human trafficking is currently the fastest growing criminal industry ...