Metropolitan Peace Academy Celebrates 52 New CVI Leaders at Fall Graduation

Chief Training Officer Dr. Vanessa Perry-DeReef gives closing remarks at the Metropolitan Peace Academy graduation.

The Metropolitan Peace Initiatives’ (MPI) Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) celebrated the graduation of its newest class of community violence intervention (CVI) leaders on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago. Three new cohorts comprising of 52 graduates were honored, each receiving certificates in their fields.

“This class of graduates joins a growing workforce across Chicago serving as boots on the ground and working to build the safest communities in the country,” said MPI Executive Director and Vice President Vaughn Bryant.

This exciting occasion was yet another milestone for MPA and MPI, as more than 500 graduates have passed through the Academy since its first trainings in the beginning of 2018.

The evening was joined by musician, actor, and activist Vic Mensa, who served as special guest speaker.

Musician, actor, and activist Vic Mensa delivers keynote speech at MPA graduation.

Mensa, who served as keynote, urged attendees and graduates alike to embrace love and hope, despite facing systemic and personal challenges.

“The work you all do really deals with freedom,” said Mensa. “The cycle of violence is so imprisoning, not just in the physical sense. I’ve realized I have to recontextualize myself as a peaceful person, and to believe in myself as a peaceful person.”

The MPA also honored late MPA graduate Marcus “Moon” Mitchell with a moment of silence and a gift to his family in recognition of his service to CVI in Chicago.

The MPA serves as the training grounds for street outreach workers, case managers, victim advocates, and trauma recovery specialists. The facility also provides community training for Chicago residents and police officers.

Learn more about the MPA and its services.