Illinois Peace Project Celebrates 2026 ‘Peace Portraits’ With Premiere Screening and Cocktail Reception

The Illinois Peace Project (IPP) celebrated the second year of the Peace Portraits digital storytelling series with a screening and cocktail reception on May 28, 2026 at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The gathering brought together brought together violence prevention leaders and community members from across Chicago to celebrate six new Peace Portraits honorees and watch the premiere screening of the visual project, which highlights individuals dedicated to making safer, more peaceful communities.

This year’s honorees exemplify IPP’s mission to create peace throughout the state of Illinois, whether it’s through vibrant works of art, powerful acts of restorative justice, or life-saving and life-changing community support.

The honorees included:

The six documentary shorts, captured by 5 by 12 Films and photographer Kelcey McKinney, feature the stories and impact of each community leader, diving into the details of their efforts and the reasons behind their drive to create peace in their community. The online digital series will roll out over the coming weeks as part of Gun Violence Awareness Month in June, in addition to original editorials that expand upon the honorees’ perspectives on what it takes to heal collective trauma.

The screening was hosted by award-winning ABC7 Chicago reporter Leah Hope, with remarks from MPI Communications Manager Camille Travis and MPI Executive Director Vaughn Bryant.

In her remarks, Hope spoke to the remarkable impact CVI and community engagement has had on Chicago’s levels of violence.

“CVI programs use trusted community members to mediate conflicts, prevent retaliation, and connect people to support – helping stop violence before it happens,” Hope said. “That support includes an entire suite of wraparound services that include mental health, case management, life coaching, victim services, education, and employment.

“In fact, in 2025, CVI efforts helped Chicago close out the year with the lowest number of homicides since 1965,” she continued. “Still, as we’ve seen over this recent Memorial Day holiday, there’s still much work to be done across the city to keep our streets safe.”

Travis, who led the development of the series, reminded attendees of the part they can play in creating safer communities. “I want us all to remember that we play a role in creating peace and I hope these stories motivate everyone in this room to take action and find the ways in which they can serve,” she said.

Bryant also shared his appreciation for the honorees, stating, “At the center of all this work are the people, and we can never forget that. Peace Portraits humanizes all of our collective efforts and shows us that we hold the key to healing,” said Bryant.

“It’s a project that allows those who do the work—and who are impacted by the work—to tell their stories,” he continued. “Day in and day out, we see the news headlines and know what Chicago is up against, but these stories remind us that peace is possible if we all play our part.” 

“It feels so good to know that you’re there in different communities,” said Latiker to the other honorees and CVI leaders in the room. “The only way I can keep doing this work is [that] more that people feel like me. We want better for our children and our grandchildren, and so I thank you for doing what you do. Let’s support each other.”

Visit the Illinois Peace Project website and follow on social media to keep up with the digital series as it rolls out through June, which is also Gun Violence Awareness Month.

Do you or someone you know deserve to be a Peace Portraits honoree? The application for the 2027 Peace Portraits opens August 3, 2026. Learn more here.

Watch our video recap below.