The STREET PEACE COALITION was formed as the by-product of countless discussions among the men of Torchlight Interfaith Ministries about the continuing plague of random, senseless violence that has beset the Black community in Chicago. Minister Muhammad and the men of Torchlight began to strategize of what ways would be effective to have a long-term impact on these conditions. During this period of discussions, Brother Ernest Muhammad, a former ranking member of one of Chicago’s street organizations and a Co-Founder of Torchlight Interfaith Ministries expressed the need to include Brother Lloyd 2X Johnson in the discussions. Brother Lloyd being another formerly active member of one of Chicago’s street organizations, was intimately acquainted with other key individuals who’s input would help any serious effort. Brother Ernest connected with Brother Lloyd on the west-side of Chicago at the annual commemoration activities on the assassination date of Illinois Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton Sr.
Following this initial conversation, a meeting was arranged with Brother Lloyd 2X Johnson and the Brothers of Torchlight Interfaith Ministries in Chicago’s Bronzeville area. These early discussion drew many active and formerly active members of street organizations. Members of the Black Disciple Nation, Vice Lord Nation, Growth and Development, the Black Stone Nation, The Black Gangsters and others joined the discussions. The discussions led to several initial attempts to show a presence and respond to several incidents of violence. However, much more work was needed to stabilize the group, its structure and strategy before it could begin to effective.
After many months of ad-hoc discussions, the group called for the facilitator, Minister Michael Muhammad to put forth a structure and agenda. Out of this consensus call from the group; Minister Muhammad officially named the group: The STREET PEACE COALITION and began to legalize the group as an official Illinois Non-profit organization, create and trademark it’s name and logo, and set forth a working structure, strategy, goals and agenda.
WHAT IS OUR VISION?
The vision of the Street Peace Coalition is to spread infect street leaders and organizations with the concepts and tools of mediation, conflict resolution and values – based leadership. We want to effect long-term, non-reactionary solutions to murders and violence. We envision street leaders becoming empowered to serve the communities they emerged from, as forces for peace and safety.
Following this initial conversation, a meeting was arranged with Brother Lloyd 2X Johnson and the Brothers of Torchlight Interfaith Ministries in Chicago’s Bronzeville area. These early discussion drew many active and formerly active members of street organizations. Members of the Black Disciple Nation, Vice Lord Nation, Growth and Development, the Black Stone Nation, The Black Gangsters and others joined the discussions. The discussions led to several initial attempts to show a presence and respond to several incidents of violence. However, much more work was needed to stabilize the group, its structure and strategy before it could begin to effective.
After many months of ad-hoc discussions, the group called for the facilitator, Minister Michael Muhammad to put forth a structure and agenda. Out of this consensus call from the group; Minister Muhammad officially named the group: The STREET PEACE COALITION and began to legalize the group as an official Illinois Non-profit organization, create and trademark it’s name and logo, and set forth a working structure, strategy, goals and agenda.
WHAT IS OUR VISION?
The vision of the Street Peace Coalition is to spread infect street leaders and organizations with the concepts and tools of mediation, conflict resolution and values – based leadership. We want to effect long-term, non-reactionary solutions to murders and violence. We envision street leaders becoming empowered to serve the communities they emerged from, as forces for peace and safety.