Metropolitan Peace Academy Celebrates Newest Class of CVI Leaders at Spring Graduation, Marks More Than 500 Graduates to Date

Members of street outreach, case management, victim services, and the Crisis Prevention & Response Unit (CPRU) cohorts graduate from the Metropolitan Peace Academy on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Chicago’s South Shore Cultural Center. (Photo credit: Ken Lewis)

The Metropolitan Peace Initiatives’ (MPI) Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) celebrated the newest class of street outreach workers, case management workers, victim service advocates, and its first-ever Crisis Prevention & Response Unit (CPRU) cohort at its Spring graduation on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Chicago’s South Shore Cultural Center. Across five cohorts, 106 community violence intervention (CVI) leaders received their certifications in their respective expertise.

The momentous occasion also marked a major milestone for the organization. To date, more than 500 graduates have passed through the MPA since its inception in January 2018.

The graduation was emceed by Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) Field Manager Jaron Washington, a former graduate of the MPA. He kept the energy flowing throughout the evening as hundreds of guests celebrated CPRU Cohort 1, Case Management Cohort 7, Victim Services Cohort 2, Outreach Cohort 16, and Outreach Cohort 17. 

MPI Executive Director Vaughn Bryant provided opening remarks, noting that the five graduating cohorts were the first to have their entire coursework take place at the MPA’s new training and wellness facility. The site, located in Pilsen, opened in January 2024 after holding previous trainings at various locations across the city.

“I’m honored to be able to see the manifestation of this work that we embarked upon in January 2018 when we had our very first cohort. I don’t think any of us would have been able to imagine that we would be here today,” Bryant said. 

“[…] Now you’re graduates, but the MPA is still home. We’re going to still continue to pour into you.”

State Senator Robert Peters (13th District) served as the keynote speaker for the evening. While in office, he’s been instrumental in helping make Illinois safer as a whole by championing the Reimagine Public Safety Act, a comprehensive approach to violence prevention.

Peters spoke of the negative narratives spun by the media and outsiders not familiar with Chicago, while encouraging graduates to undo perceptions and help reverse destructive cycles.

“This work that you’re doing is just the beginning. This is the foundation. […] We have the possibility to undo the impossible in our communities, in our cities, and in the trash talk of people who don’t live here each and every day,” Senator Peters said. “You all are the people who undo the impossible, and I am proud to support you.”

State Senator Robert Peters delivers the keynote speech at the Metropolitan Peace Academy’s 2024 Spring Graduation. (Photo credit: Ken Lewis)

As graduates received their certificates, they also got the opportunity to hear reflections from their fellow cohort members about their experience at the MPA. Patrick Bose, a member of Outreach Cohort 16, said the 18-week training gave him the hunger to be a changemaker in Chicago.

“It means everything to go through this Academy because it changed my thought process. It just makes you value life a lot more. You just want to help people,” Bose said. “[…] The MPA has given me the opportunity, the chance, and the drive to be part of the change that I want to see in the city.”

The evening also included a moment of silence for former MPA graduates Jerusha Normand-Hodge and Adrian Granados, who’ve since passed on. Their loved ones were in attendance to accept recognitions in their honor.

Before closing out the evening, MPA Chief Training Officer Dr. Vanessa Perry DeReef presented special recognitions to Senior Field Manager Jesus Salazar and Training Managers Tara Campbell, Chaunese Torry, and Elizabeth Vega for their tireless work and dedication to the organization.

“We don’t do this work for the recognition, but rather, we do this for the results,” said Salazar, who graduated from the MPA’s inaugural Outreach cohort in 2018.

“Cohort members: Y’all make me so proud. I can’t stress enough how grateful I am to be a part of your growth and development. You guys are the reason I have purpose. I love my career. I love everything about the work.”

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 here.