A pastor from Chicago brought together hundreds of men on Sunday in a bid to curb violence and reclaim a neighborhood that had been labeled one of the city’s most dangerous.
The Rev. Corey B. Brooks, along with Project HOOD, organized a “unity rally for 1,000 people” at the nearly finished Robert R. McCormick Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center, located at 6620 S. King Drive. During the event, they proclaimed the surrounding area a “100% violence-free zone.”
Brooks stated, “This is bigger than just the building. It’s really about establishing a culture where men unite to protect families, mentor kids, reduce violence, and create a lasting legacy.”
“We declare that this community deserves peace, opportunity, and hope,” he added further.
The gathering attracted pastors, fathers, leaders, activists, and former gang members from all over Chicago, all aimed at fostering safety, accountability, and opportunities in the South Side.
He mentioned to FOX News Digital that around 750 men participated, emphasizing the community’s dedication to keeping the area a peaceful space for families and children.
Brooks asserted, “We’ve declared this a zone of peace, a zone free from violence. Kids can come here and feel safe.”
According to Project HOOD, the Robert R. McCormick Center for Leadership & Economic Opportunity seeks to combat violence and poverty through workforce development, mentorship, education, and job training among other programs.
Participants were given a preview of the center’s future goals, which aims to benefit generations to come in Chicago’s South Side.
Brooks reflected on the site’s past, recalling that it was once deemed one of Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods in a 2014 article by the Chicago Sun-Times. “So, we decided to transform it, and that’s what we’re doing,” he remarked.
Currently, this area is not among Chicago’s 35 most dangerous neighborhoods, a change Brooks credits to ongoing community efforts and investment.
He founded Project HOOD—Helping Others Obtain Destiny—to combat the issues of violence and poverty through mentorship and economic development.
Brooks expressed his hope that this initiative could serve as a national template for urban communities aspiring for long-term improvements.
“I think this center can exemplify what’s possible in urban areas across the country,” he said. “If we take responsibility rather than waiting for the government, we can shift the direction of these neighborhoods.”
