Kankakee, IL — On June 15, Illinois Coalition for Community Services will join jurisdictions across the country for “Walk It Out to End Community Violence,” a national day of action led by Cities United to promote safe, healthy, and hopeful communities for young Black men, boys, and their families.

This inaugural Peace Walk is part of a coordinated national effort to visibly demonstrate what community-centered public safety looks like in action. Participants will gather in [location] to walk in solidarity, honor lives lost to violence, and uplift community-driven solutions rooted in healing, prevention, and collective responsibility.

“Gun violence is a pandemic that continues to sweep across the country but also has affected my family personally.  I walk for all those who have lost a loved one due to gun violence in Kankakee and across the world.” 

Across the country, Cities United is activating a national network of leaders, organizations, and residents to model comprehensive public safety strategies built on community leadership, guided by evidence, and strengthened through collaboration.

“On June 15, communities across the country will unite around a shared belief that every neighborhood should be safe, healthy, and hopeful. It is a visible declaration that violence is preventable, healing is possible, and young Black men and boys deserve the opportunity not only to survive, but to thrive,” said Anthony D. Smith, Executive Director of Cities United. 

“As we mark 15 years of Cities United walking alongside communities to build comprehensive public safety ecosystems, this walk serves as both a celebration of progress and a call to action. It is a reminder that reducing community violence requires all of us to show up, stand together, and remain steadfast in the work,” stated Smith. 

WHO:	Community members, local leaders, organizations, youth, families, including: Illinois Coalition for Community Services, Kankakee Forgives, Kankakee United, Duane Dean, City Life, Live Free, and Harbor House
WHAT:	Walk It Out to End Community Violence – Peace Walk
WHEN:	June 15, 9:00 a.m.
WHERE:	Starting and ending at 209 E. Court St. Kankakee

Visuals and media opportunities:

• Participants wearing orange, community gathering, signs/messages of healing and safety
• Interviews with local leaders, organizers, and participants
• Stories highlighting local public safety efforts and community-led solutions

 

About ICCS:
Founded in 1985, ICCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free social services across Illinois, including 24/7 crisis intervention, youth development, and violence prevention programs. Learn more at www.iccscares.org

About Cities United:
Cities United supports a national network of mayors and other local leaders who are committed to building comprehensive public safety ecosystems designed to reduce community violence and its impact on young Black men and boys, and their families, while also creating new pathways for them to thrive. Through partnerships, policy support, and storytelling, Cities United helps cities build sustainable, community-led strategies for safety and well-being. Learn more: CitiesUnited.org