Mayor Brandon Johnson and Vic Mensa Honor Fall 2024 Metropolitan Peace Academy Graduates
Mayor Brandon Johnson Receives Inaugural MPA Peacemaker Award
Mayor Brandon Johnson congratulated the Metropolitan Peace Academy’s Fall 2024 graduates in an address, praising their resilience and commitment to improving the city.
“Good evening, everyone, and happy holidays,” he began, warmly greeting the assembled crowd. “Let me say that you are all the sharpest-dressed people in the entire city. I am humbled to accept this award, and I am grateful to be recognized for our collective work in fostering healthy communities.
Mayor Johnson received the inaugural MPA Peacemaker Award during the celebration of the academy’s latest cohort of graduates. The award recognized the mayor’s unwavering advocacy for communities most affected by gun violence and his leadership in directing violence prevention programs across Chicago.
“I’m grateful to be recognized for this commitment to fostering true, healthy communities,” said Mayor Johnson as he accepted the award. “Of course, I cannot do this work alone. I accept this alongside the entire city of Chicago, including you here. Ultimately, you are activating a mission to build a better, safer future.”
The mayor highlighted the importance of the collective effort needed to address violence and build safer communities. He highlighted that investing in street outreach is critical in strengthening the “People’s Plan for Community Safety”—the mayor’s community-led initiative to foster safety and healing in Chicago. “The graduates represent the heart of change,” he stated. “You are working tirelessly to reduce violence and support those most affected.”
Vic Mensa’s Powerful Keynote Highlights the Impact of Violence Interruption
Chicago native Vic Mensa, a renowned musician, activist, and actor from the TV series “The Chi,” delivered a powerful keynote address at MPA’s graduation ceremony.
Mensa is known for his work in the entertainment industry and advocacy for peace, mental wellness, and community building. He shared his sincere message about the life-changing power of violence interruption and the work of those in the field with the audience.
“The work that y’all do is the antidote,” he said, referring to the ceremony’s violence interrupters and outreach workers. His profound connection to the cause of violence prevention was evident as he shared personal stories and reflections on his journey.
He credited his understanding of street-level violence prevention to individuals like Auntie and other members of the violence interrupter community, who helped him realize the professional impact of such outreach work. “Seeing how effective it is, made me aware of how much difference one person can make; many times in my life, it could have gone another way, but because of you, I can be on this stage today instead of a cemetery or a cell.”
The work of violence interrupters, which goes beyond intervention, is about breaking the cycle of violence that entraps individuals in a psychological prison. “The cycle of violence is so imprisoning, not just in the physical sense,” he noted. “When you intervene and help someone make a different choice, you give them freedom. You’re helping them break free from a system of violence and reeducate them about the power of peace.”
Celebrating the Fall 2024 Graduates: Transforming Chicago Communities
Acknowledging the systemic roots of violence, he also spoke to the broader social issues that contribute to conflict, such as a lack of access to education, healthcare, and housing. “Chicago is often a scapegoat for all of America’s problems, but we know the root causes of violence—lack of autonomy, opportunity, and resources,” he explained. “The work you do is important because it gives people access to a better life, peace, and ultimately freedom.”
MPA recently hosted its graduation ceremony at South Shore Cultural Center. The event celebrated the dedication and hard work of Chicagoans who had completed an intensive training program in violence prevention.
Fall 2024 graduates represented street outreach workers, case managers, and victim advocates, who have spent months strengthening their skills and knowledge to become integral parts of the city’s efforts to reduce violence and create safer communities.
Conclusion
The Metropolitan Peace Academy’s Fall 2024 graduation ceremony celebrated the commitment and perseverance of the graduates, as well as the important work of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Vic Mensa. The ceremony highlighted the importance of violence prevention and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.
<h4FAQs
Q: What is the Metropolitan Peace Academy?
A: The Metropolitan Peace Academy is a program that provides intensive training in violence prevention and offers a range of services to support individuals and communities affected by violence.
Q: What is the People’s Plan for Community Safety?
A: The People’s Plan for Community Safety is a community-led initiative to foster safety and healing in Chicago, led by Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Q: What is the role of violence interrupters in the community?
A: Violence interrupters are individuals who work to prevent and interrupt violence in their communities, often through outreach and intervention efforts. They play a critical role in reducing violence and promoting safety.
Q: How can I get involved with the Metropolitan Peace Academy?
A: You can learn more about the Metropolitan Peace Academy and its programs by visiting their website at www.metropolitanpeaceinitiatives.org.
