Chicago Sun-Times Reports Historic Decline in Memorial Day Weekend Violence, Points to Value of Community Violence Intervention
The Chicago Sun-Times recently reported the lowest levels of violence in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend in at least 16 years. This is part of an overall trend of declining violence citywide.
Leaders from Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) organizations are optimistic that their collective efforts are paying off, but this also means their services are more essential than ever.
The Sun-Times found this past weekend’s levels of shootings to be the lowest in an analysis of shootings dating back to 2010. The historic decline in violence over the holiday weekend also comes at a crucial time for CVI organizations in Chicago, as federal grant cuts threaten to slow life-saving outreach, workforce development, and behavioral health programming.
Les Jenkins, Associate Director of Reentry and Support Services at the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, says the recent declines in violence are due in part to the work of CVI professionals, who not only mediate and respond to violence as it happens, but connect victims and their families to wraparound support. “It’s a showing of all the amazing work and us engaging relentlessly with communities to continue to combat or face the challenges around violence. It shows the man-hours that we spend out in the community,” Jenkins said.
Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI) Executive Director Vaughn Bryant also sees these trends as a sign that CP4P is making an impact. “This milestone is a testament to the courage, commitment, and compassion of those working on the front lines of peace every day – from CPD to CVI,” Bryant said. “And while we take a moment to recognize this progress, we know the journey isn’t over. I’m hopeful we can carry this momentum forward and continue to make Chicago the safest major city.”