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Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11

City of Chattanooga keeping youth from gangs ‘piece by piece’

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CITY PROGRAMSChattanooga’s Youth Development Division has set up a variety of programs to help keep kids off the streets and out of gangs:I’m Unique: Targeted for teenage girls to help them redefine “pretty” and “beautiful”;Grilling with Brian: To help children understand nutrition and the value of food;Listen Up: To build future leaders;Who you’re reppin’: To inform youth about roles in government with a component in which children campaign and run for various offices;Studio 101: Shows youth there is more to the recording industry than rapping;Graphic and video: Allows youth to make art for CDs and make documentary filmsSource: City of Chattanooga

RELATED STORYCommittee set up to combat gangs moves forward

photo The CIty of Chattanooga and Hamilton County representatives speak about what needs to be done to remedy Chattanooga’s gang problem early Tuesday morning at the County Courthouse off of Georgia Ave.
photo Mitch McClure speaks to a board of officials about what needs to be done to remedy Chattanooga’s gang problem early Tuesday morning at the County Courthouse off of Georgia Ave.
photo Hamilton County District Attorney Bill Cox speaks to a board of officials about what needs to be done to remedy Chattanooga’s gang problem early Tuesday morning at the County Courthouse off of Georgia Ave.

Twelve-year-old Darrion Robinson hung around the South Chattanooga Recreation Center, dodging in between the basketball gym and the recording studio.

The Lookout Valley Middle School student said he doesn’t see many gang members around his school, but he knows to stay away from them.

“My Momma said they will kill you,” he said, his voice rising. “She said you fight over [gang] colors, it will kill you.”