Metropolitan Peace Academy Celebrates 52 New CVI Leaders at Fall Graduation

Members of Metropolitan Peace Academy Victim Services Cohort 3 with Mayor Brandon Johnson, musician Vic Mensa, and Metropolitan Peace Initiatives Executive Director and Vice President Vaughn Bryant.

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 Mayor Brandon Johnson and musician, actor, and activist Vic Mensa, who served as special guest speakers.

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.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson accepts first-ever MPI Peacemaker Award at MPA Graduation.

Mayor Johnson accepted the first-ever MPI Peacemaker Award for his efforts advocating on behalf of communities most affected by gun violence and spearheading violence prevention programming across Chicago.

“I’m grateful to be recognized for this commitment to fostering true, healthy communities,” said Mayor Johnson. “Of course, I cannot do this work alone. I accept this alongside the entire city of Chicago, including you all. You all in this room are activating a mission to ultimately build a better, stronger and safer future for posterity.”

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.