Metropolitan Peace Academy Celebrates Spring 2026 Graduates and the Future of Community Violence Intervention

There was plenty to celebrate on June 11 as Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI) and other Community Violence Intervention (CVI) organizations gathered at the South Shore Cultural Center to honor the newest graduates of the Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA).

Family members, friends, colleagues, and community leaders came together to recognize 69 CVI professionals who successfully completed MPA’s intensive 18-week training program. The graduates are now prepared to serve as street outreach workers, case managers, victim advocates, and other frontline professionals working to reduce gun violence, support healing, and strengthen communities across Chicago.

The evening began with remarks from MPI Executive Director Vaughn Bryant, who congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone and thanked them for choosing a path rooted in service, leadership, and community impact. Bryant reflected on the importance of CVI as a proven public safety strategy and reminded graduates that their work has the power to change lives, families, and entire neighborhoods.

“CVI is selfless work that doesn’t stop at 5 o’clock or on holidays, you are our city’s antibodies,” said Bryant.  “We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication you put in to develop into CVI professionals. With this achievement, you’re not just receiving a certificate, you’ve also accepted the responsibility of building safer and stronger communities across Chicago.”

The ceremony’s keynote address was delivered by Chicago Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Emmanuel Andre, who challenged graduates to let their work in violence prevention “move the crowd,” a reference to the classic hip-hop anthem by Eric B. & Rakim. Drawing on the various cultural elements of hip-hop, Andre encouraged graduates to embrace their unique talents, creativity, and leadership as tools for positive change.

Using the art forms of emceeing, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti as metaphors for community engagement and transformation, Andre emphasized that effective violence prevention requires innovation, authenticity, and the ability to inspire others. He reminded graduates that each of them has a unique role to play in creating peace and helping communities move forward.

Before graduates took the stage to receive their certificates, attendees were treated to a lively musical performance by Chicago artist and youth advocate Zion Ali. Through a powerful blend of music and message, Ali energized the audience and reinforced themes of hope, perseverance, and community empowerment which filled the room throughout the night.

This year’s graduation marked new milestones for the Metropolitan Peace Academy, including the addition of participants from the Lake County Peacemakers who service areas such as Waukegan, North Chicago and Zion. The graduates also included the second cohort of the Management and Supervision Fellowship which helps bridge the gap between frontline work and leadership for emerging supervisors and mid-level managers. 

Since its launch in 2018, more than 800 individuals have graduated from the Academy and gone on to careers in CVI, helping expand and strengthen violence prevention efforts throughout Chicago.

As graduates crossed the stage to receive their certificates, there was a shared sense of pride and purpose throughout the room. The celebration was not only a recognition of what they had accomplished over the past 18 weeks, but also an acknowledgment of the important work that lies ahead.

The newest MPA graduates now join a growing network of violence prevention professionals committed to making Chicago and the nation safer, healthier, and more connected. Their success represents more than the completion of a training program, but a commitment to showing up for their communities every day and helping create lasting change.

Congratulations to the Spring 2026 Metropolitan Peace Academy graduating class. We look forward to seeing the impact you will make as the next generation of CVI leaders.