Illinois Peace Project Announces 2026 Peace Portraits Honorees
Illinois Peace Project is proud to announce the honorees for its 2026 Peace Portraits series, a visual project dedicated to spotlighting the extraordinary individuals working everyday to build safer, stronger, and more peaceful communities.
This year’s honorees include leaders from Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI) and Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P).
The honorees are:
- Luis Bahena, SC2 Street Outreach Supervisor, New Life Centers
- Tavares Harrington, Outreach Supervisor (Austin), Institute for Nonviolence Chicago
- Diane Latiker, Executive Director, Kids Off The Block
- Benny Lee, CEO and Founder, National Alliance for the Empowerment of the Formerly Incarcerated
- Steven Perkins, Director of Field Instruction, Metropolitan Peace Initiatives
- Nicole Reed, Executive Director, Still Searching Project
Each honoree’s work and personal journey will be captured through a powerful series of videos, photographs, and written features, as part of Gun Violence Awareness Month in June.
The screening for the 2026 Peace Portraits will be held Thursday, May 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gene Siskel Film Center, hosted by ABC7 Chicago reporter Leah Hope. Immediately following, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception. An RSVP is required for entry.
Learn more about Peace Portraits and view last year’s honorees here.
