Bringing Peace to the West Side

During his participation in the 2022 CJA Summer Fellowship, Javion Hall opened up to his CP Counselor that he had lost a close friend, Latif Adeboyejo, to gun violence. This loss impacted him greatly and he dreamed about hosting an event to honor his memory and his birthday: the Peace Over Violence Community Event was born. 

On Saturday, November 5th, 2022, Javion – with the support of the CP Team – provided a space for Chicago’s west side to have fun in a safe environment while addressing the very real impact gun violence continues to have on the community. There was a basketball tournament, games, food donated from Panera Bread, music, and a processing space hosted by BUILD, Inc. Another fellow alumni and victim of gun violence, Jason Williams, shared his story and wisdom during this event. Malachi Glenn-Johnson, also a member of the CJA alumni community, designed flyers, stickers, and t-shirts for the event that was sponsored by ROCK-a-BLOCK, the CJA Alumni Board, Matt’s Cookies, and more. 

Javion brought people of so many backgrounds together with his compassion and vision for a safer community. Many people came out to support his event and honor the life of his friend. Javion is now working hard to get EMT certified to eventually become a firefighter to continue helping people and support his family. He is also celebrated the arrival of a baby girl in November, the same month he will continue to honor Latif and what would have been Latif’s birthday.