Volunteers with the Kansas City Mothers In Charge anti-violence group handed out pamphlets on the Country Club Plaza on Saturday reminding parents of a summertime curfew.
The curfew was put in place after numerous violent incidents over the years on the Plaza.
In 2011, shots were fired only about 50 yards from Mayor Sly James as he toured the area. Three teenagers were injured in the shooting.
Last year, a video showing teens jumping on cars at the Plaza and damaging them got the attention of many people, including city leaders.
This summer, all minors must be with a parent past 9 pm if they are at the Plaza, Westport, downtown's Central Business District, 18th & Vine, or Zona Rosa.
If a child is found to be violating the curfew, they face possible detainment and a fine of $500 for their parents.
Kansas City Mothers In Charge volunteers tragically know the consequences of street violence.
All of the women who handed out pamphlets on Saturday had lost a child to murder.
Lenora Williams, whose son was shot and killed in 2013, made sure to remind parents the importance of the curfew.
"My motivation is to be my son's voice because his voice is now silent," she explained. "I don't want another mother to go through what I went through of burying a child. No mother should have to bury their kids."
Kansas City Mothers In Charge head volunteer Rosilyn Temple helped organize the weekend canvassing.
She said the curfew is significant for keeping children safe.
"We should know where our children are," Temple said. "Curfew is made to protect our children."
The volunteers said the reminder to stay safe was especially close to their hearts this weekend.
"Memorial Day is coming up. We miss our children," Temple said. "We just want things to be peaceful. We want this weekend to be peaceful in our city."
Extra police officers will patrol the entertainment districts this summer while enforcing the curfew.
The curfew for metro entertainment districts will be in effect until September 25th.
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Tom Dempsey can be reached at Tom.Dempsey@KSHB.com.
