Cleveland starts toy gun buy-back program after Tamir Rice's death

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Cleveland, OH — Kids and teens in Cleveland, Ohio, can trade in their toy guns for comic books starting December 13.

The toy gun buy-back event takes place after the shooting death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was killed when he reached for a toy gun that an officer mistook for the real thing.

“These toy guns today are just too real, too realistic,” said activist Yvonne Pointer. “We really feel this program could work and help make a difference.”

The comic books the kids will get in return for their toy guns are created by Damian Forsche of the Rid-All Green Partnership and focus on sustainability.

“It’s an alternative to go from the violence into the light of education,” explained Forshe. “We stand on education very heavily, and we know that education leads to a better life.”

The buy-back will take place December 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland at 6114 Broadway Ave.

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