On the Monday following the release of Spike Lee’s controversial film, Chi-raq, EBONY.com sat down with some of the community’s most trusted members to discuss Chicago, Chi-raq and gun violence in urban communities.

Digital Editor Shantell E. Jamison moderated a conversation with Reporter Natalie Moore, WBEZ 91.5FM, Independent Filmmaker and Chicago Resident Jovan Landry, Williams Youth Services Founder Earl C. Williams Sr. and Comedienne/Chi-raq cast member Erica Watson about the importance of the gun violence epidemic that plagues our society, as well as the growing controversy surrounding Spike Lee’s most recent film.

Video by Chan C. Smith