Credible Messengers Ep. 1: CP4P Field Manager Lamont Coakley

“Credible Messengers” passes the mic to the people leading Community Violence Intervention (CVI) work in Chicago. From insights on how they got into the work to the future they envision for our city, they share their lived experiences and how they’re fostering change in their communities.

As Metropolitan Peace Initiatives and Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) celebrate Second Chance Month, we honor CP4P Field Manager Lamont Coakley for his dedication to ensuring Chicago’s safety. Press play to learn more about his journey, from incarceration to being awarded by the Biden administration. It’s a story of resilience, purpose, and legacy.

“I was actually in prison, and I saw guys like Benny Lee, [Leon] Burnett, the role models coming through, and I could relate to their message. They had been through what I was actually experiencing at the time, and didn’t know a way out. But those guys came through and gave us a hope shot.”

“By me being boots on the ground for so long, it was time for me to transition into something else so I can share my experience, strength, and hope with the new people. […] I thank God for giving me a chance, because I should have been on a T-shirt. But, I wouldn’t trade this work in for nothing. And MPI, that’s been my dream job, and it became my dream job.”

“What brings me joy in this work is actually seeing some of the guys that I mentored through the years and how they’re doing today. […] I could do this work in my sleep. I love doing it. I love helping people. And that’s what brings me joy. The benefits of this is priceless.”

“In 2024, I was celebrated with the community and loved ones and family with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Biden administration — the White House, y’all. […] It just goes to show you this work goes farther than boots on the ground, if you apply yourself.”

Learn more about Lamont’s work at the Metropolitan Peace Academy here.