Black & Brown Collective Fellows Visit MPA to Explore Community Violence Intervention Strategies

Since opening in 2024, the Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) has established itself not only as a premier training facility for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) professionals in Chicago, but also as a hub for violence prevention advocates, practitioners and scholars from across the country.

On July 15, the MPA welcomed research fellows from the Black and Brown Collective for Community Solutions to Gun Violence as part of the Collective’s professional development intensive in Chicago. This marks the second year that the Collective has visited the MPA to learn firsthand how Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI) and Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) partners train and support CVI professionals working to promote peace, healing and safety throughout Chicago and the region.

The MPA was one of several stops on the fellows’ tour of Chicago, where they explored how community-based approaches contribute to reductions in violence while supporting the revitalization of neighborhoods facing longstanding challenges.

“While CVI is not unique to Chicago, the work taking place here reflects the power of collaboration led by our hyper-local CP4P organizations, the public, philanthropic and business sectors, along with hospitals and our partners in law enforcement, said MPI Executive Director, Vaughn Bryant. “We, at MPI, proudly work with these stakeholders to help create safer communities through evidence-informed, community-centered solutions.”

During their visit, fellows toured the MPA, participated in interactive discussions and a peace circle focused on violence prevention, and heard directly from MPI team members about their work in the field. The experience provided an opportunity for participants to engage with practitioners on the frontlines and gain deeper insight into the strategies that support individuals and communities impacted by violence.

MPI Chief Training Officer Dr. Vanessa Perry DeReef shared, “MPI is honored to serve as a resource and learning destination for violence prevention leaders from across the country who are helping shape policy, programming and investment in CVI. As interest in community-based violence prevention continues to grow nationwide, opportunities to share knowledge and best practices remain critical to advancing the field.”

To learn more about the Black and Brown Collective for Community Solutions to Gun Violence, visit www.thebbcollective.org.