WHAT:

The Chicago Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Mayor's Office for Community Safety and community partners, will host a launch event to announce Cycle Breakers, a youth safety initiative designed to disrupt cycles of violence. The initiative aims to empower youth, adults, and community leaders in Chicago's South and West sides with resources, tools, and an enhanced sense of culture and belonging to break from destructive patterns.

WHO:

Mayor Brandon Johnson, City of Chicago

Garien Gatewood, Deputy Mayor of Community Safety

Olusimbo Ige, MD, MPH, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health

Tewodros Josef (TJ) Crawford, Founder, Institute for Culture Wellness, and Managing Executive Director, South Shore Works Planning and Preservation Coalition

Haman Cross III, Chicago Muralist, Artist, and Community Engagement Advocate

Gregory D. Matthews, Community Engagement Manager at the Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative and the Community Safety Coordination Center

WHEN:

Tuesday, July 9, 2024
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall
78 E. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602

RUN OF SHOW:

5:00pm - 6:00pm: Registration + Food/Mingling Hour

6:00pm - 6:05pm: Event Kickoff

6:05pm - 6:10pm: Opening remarks

6:10pm - 6:15pm: Transition + Cycle Breakers video

6:15pm - 6:45pm: Youth Safety Interactive Panel

6:45pm - 6:55pm: Cycle Breakers Resource Hub Overview

6:55pm - 7:25pm: Entertainment

7:25pm - 7:30pm: Closing

BACKGROUND:

Cycle Breakers is a community-led initiative under Mayor Johnson's People's Plan for Community Safety, which leverages the full force of government to provide much-needed resources to the communities most impacted by systemic issues. Planning and development of Cycle Breakers began in 2023 and over 200 youth from high-opportunity communities were actively involved in the development process. They participated in focus groups to share community insights, provided feedback on campaign iterations, and created artwork, which was later incorporated into a mural by Chicago artist Haman Cross III. Cross, a renowned artist committed to community collaboration and cultural enrichment. The mural will be unveiled at the Cycle Breakers launch event. Youth and community leaders who contributed to the campaign will be in attendance to celebrate the official kickoff. Learn more at chicago.gov/CycleBreakers.

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