State grant to help Peekskill leaders tackle gun violence concerns

A $100,000 grant is fueling the fight against gun violence in Peekskill.
The announcement was made at Peekskill City Hall Thursday by an alliance of local leaders who have come together in the wake of a shooting that injured two last month.
The funding comes from the Community Violence Intervention Act passed by state legislators last year, and was secured by State Sen. Pete Harckham who represents the city.
It will go to Black Diamonds Academic Success, a nonprofit that mentors young men of color, and the city of Peekskill.
"The funding that we are getting from this program is going to help us reach the kids we want to reach the most," said Martin McDonald, founder and CEO of Black Diamonds Academic Success Inc.
The grant will help the city work with young men ages 18-24 through programs that address mental health and help them find careers.
The funding will also help create programs through Black Diamonds that engage the community to hear concerns, bolster youth leadership and violence prevention.
There will be a town hall meeting Tuesday Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Peekskill Middle School focused on youth safety.
Residents are encouraged to attend.