Guns, Gangs & Violence

A Regional Emmy award-winning documentary. Willie Jones, was valedictorian of his high school class, an outstanding student, athlete and class leader bound for Cornell University. The day after he graduated, Willie Jones Jr. was gunned down in a drive-by shooting as he left a graduation party where parents were acting as chaperons, alcohol was prohibited and an off-duty police officer was providing security. The killing of Willie Jones shocked and angered much of San Diego, particularly the African American community, in which Jones had become a role model and a symbol of hope. Family members and friends reflect on the very personal pain of youth violence and express hope that Willie’s story will be a resounding wakeup call for teenagers today facing the daily struggles of guns, gangs and violence. The Teens At Risk series deals with powerful and relevant issues facing teenagers today. This series reveals first-hand how young people deal with and overcome the very real challenges encountered as part of their growing up. Personal interviews and real life stories teach students how seemingly overwhelming problems can be overcome. Teens At Risk is crafted by experts to help solve and give advice about pressing issues facing youth in school, family and adolescent society and gives viewers the messages of hope and support that are needed in this complex and often overwhelming world.