A Family Visit Turns Fatal

On May 12, 2013, Mother's Day, Ronald A. Baskin, the great-nephew of prominent Chicago anti-gang activist Hal Baskin, became a victim of the city's pervasive gun violence. Ronald, who resided in the southern suburbs, had returned to Chicago to visit his grandmother and great-grandmother, intending to celebrate the special day with family. Tragically, during this visit, he was shot and killed, adding his name to the growing list of gun violence casualties in Chicago. 

The Impact on the Baskin Family

The Baskin family, already familiar with the devastating effects of gun violence, was deeply affected by Ronald's death. Hal Baskin, a former gang member turned community activist, had dedicated his life to combating the very violence that claimed his nephew. In an interview, Hal expressed the profound pain of losing Ronald, stating, "When Ronald got killed, I think I felt just like anybody else. I'm only human." Despite his grief, Hal chose to channel his emotions into furthering his mission to prevent such tragedies, emphasizing the importance of allowing authorities to do their job and working harder to keep the streets safe. ...Read More