ATLANTA — An Atlanta artist is working to curb gun violence with a monthly initiative that keeps children active.
Chilly-O, known for his work in the arts and entertainment space, has been introducing BMX biking to youth in the metro area. He held a "Wheels Up, Guns Down" event Sunday, where a group of about 80 to 100 people rode through the Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park to Northside Drive. Those participating in Sunday's event included teachers, mentors, and mental health professionals.
“We’re just making a statement through the city about how we can better engage with the youth and how the youth can better engage with the city," Chilly-O told 11Alive.
BMX -- short for bicycle motocross -- can be an exciting sport for many, and Sunday's event was one piece of a greater movement meant to help keep young people out of trouble.
"This is a (monthly) program to get kids to deviate from the mischievous things that we all know children do and get them in engaged in something more positive, and that positivity lies within bike culture and BMX," he said.
His organization, The Invisible Army, also helps children get their first professional BMX bike; Chilly-O has helped provide 75 bikes to youth in the city.
“Shoutout to Chilly-O, because he made sure numerous of us had good bikes and he really helped out," Carter Leslie, one of Sunday's participants, said.
Chilly-O said the organization gets positive feedback during their rides.
"It’s like when we ride through our neighborhoods, especially on the west side -- we haven’t made it to the east side, yet -- people cheer us on," he said. "It’s something positive for the community. More than that, it’s inspiring. So, these kids have the skill set and the ability to control these bikes, and we’re just trying to grow the sport.”