Meet 2026 ‘Peace Portraits’ Honoree Tavares Harrington

Meet Peace Portraits honoree Tavares Harrington, Outreach Supervisor for the Austin neighborhood at the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago (INVC). Harrington is an integral part of building peace on the West Side, managing more than a dozen outreach workers who deescalate hostile situations, provide case management services, and support those most vulnerable to gun violence. 

Peace Portraits, presented by the Illinois Peace Project, is a visual project dedicated to spotlighting the incredible individuals making a difference in Illinois. This year’s six honorees embody the spirit of Peace Portraits, as they work tirelessly to strengthen their communities, empower residents, inspire change, and foster peace and harmony in their communities. 

After the tragic passing of his mother and 7-year-old niece to gun violence, Harrington was driven to help prevent the next shooting from occurring and from families being torn apart.  

“That was my whole mission,” he says. “I was like, ‘I’m going to get in here and I’m going to lead by example.’ You would see me out in the street passing out flyers. I don’t care how I look. I’m going to get out there and try to win some people over for this work and save some lives. 

“Peace means to me no more shooting. I want these kids to be able to be kids, who can run up and down these streets and not worry about getting hit by a stray bullet.”  

Read Harrington’s story and check out the entire project here.