By Jiayan Jenny Shi

Marcos Constantino Jr., 21, is a college student living in Little Village. Growing up in a family once involved in gangs, Constantino avoided joining a gang with the support from his family and by participating in a Little Village Softball League.

Along with other community organizers, Constantino helped create the first “Little Village #increasethepeace” campout on May 12. This event combined the forces of community leaders, businesses and residents to fight against gang violence in the community.