Vic Mensa found a positive way to help Chicago communities after local police left a “bait truck” on the city’s Southside earlier in the month, to “lure poor people” into breaking the law. Mensa and his SaveMoneySaveLife foundation plan to hold a back-to-school event at the same location where the sting operation went down, only this time the truck filled with shoes that will be donated to thousands of Chicago youth in need.
“We wanted to do something in response, but have a positive response,” Laundi Keepseagle, the executive director of SaveMoneySaveLife foundation told the Chicago Sun-Times on Thursday (Aug. 16). “We don’t want to create conflict with the police, but we do want to take a step forward, and just showcase that acts like that aren’t acceptable in communities that we care for.”
Mensa and activist Shaun King are spearheading a crowdfunding effort through Amazon, which allows anyone to purchase sneakers for the giveaway. The foundation is also working with shoe companies, athletes and other notable faces, to garner donations and help promote the “anti-bait truck” effort. A date for the back-to-school event will be announced after the foundation secures the shoes.
Last week the Chicago Police set up a bait trap by putting a truck full of tennis shoes in the hood then arresting any kids who took a pair.
So – let’s buy THOUSANDS of shoes for every kid in Chicago who needs a pair.
ORDER TONIGHT @ https://t.co/aNWxI4MijJ pic.twitter.com/GUWp7WvOTq
— Shaun King (@shaunking) August 16, 2018
The CPD and Norfolk Southern Rail police department fended off outrage after video of the “bait truck” operation went viral. The truck was spotted parked on a street near children playing in the neighborhood. A local activist recorded the footage and posted it to Facebook. Norfolk Southern Railroad later issued an apology, and promised to end the entrapment method.
READ MORE: Vic Mensa Sounds Off After Being Threatened By Chicago Police At Bud Billiken Parade