Chicago pastor Corey B. Brooks gathers hundreds of men to declare violence-free zone on South Side

A Chicago Pastor Leads Effort to Reduce Violence and Revitalize South Side Neighborhood

Chicago pastor, Corey B. Brooks, recently organized the “1000 Men Unity Gathering” on the city’s South Side in an effort to combat violence and reclaim a neighborhood that was once considered one of the most dangerous in the city. The event, hosted by Pastor Brooks and Project H.O.O.D., took place at the Robert R. McCormick Leadership & Economic Opportunity Center, where organizers declared the surrounding area a “100% violence-free zone.”

Brooks emphasized the importance of creating a culture where men stand together to protect families, mentor young people, reduce violence, and build a sustainable community. He stated, “This is bigger than a building. This is about creating a culture where men stand together to protect families, mentor young people, reduce violence, and build something that will outlive us.”

The gathering brought together a diverse group of individuals including pastors, fathers, mentors, activists, business leaders, former gang members, and residents from across Chicago. The unified effort aimed to promote safety, accountability, and opportunity on the South Side.

Approximately 750 men attended the event, committing to maintaining the neighborhood as a peaceful environment for families and children. The Robert R. McCormick Leadership & Economic Opportunity Center, a key initiative of Project H.O.O.D., is designed to address violence and poverty through workforce development, mentorship, education, entrepreneurship, job training, and community engagement.

Brooks shared the transformation of the neighborhood, once considered one of the most dangerous areas in Chicago, into a safer community through ongoing investment and outreach efforts. Project H.O.O.D., founded by Brooks, focuses on reducing violence and poverty on Chicago’s South Side through mentorship, faith, workforce training, and economic development initiatives.

Looking ahead, Brooks envisions the project serving as a national model for urban communities seeking long-term change. He expressed, “I think this center is going to be an example of what we can do across America in urban areas. If we don’t wait on government and take responsibility for ourselves, we can change the trajectory of these neighborhoods and urban centers.”