Chicago Pastor Hosts Rally for Peace on South Side

A pastor in Chicago gathered hundreds of men on the South Side this past Sunday, aiming to tackle violence and reclaim a neighborhood once labeled as the most dangerous in the city.

The Rev. Corey B. Brooks, along with Project HOOD, organized a “Unity Rally of 1,000” at the nearly completed Robert R. McCormick Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center located at 6620 S. King Drive. The event’s organizers proudly declared the surrounding area a “100% violence-free zone.”

“This is bigger than just the building,” Brooks said. “It’s really about forming a culture where men join forces to protect families, mentor youth, reduce violence, and create something lasting.”

He further emphasized that “this community deserves peace, opportunity, and hope.”

At the rally, a diverse group of individuals came together, including pastors, fathers, leaders, activists, former gang members, and residents. The goal, according to the organizers, was to foster safety, accountability, and opportunities within the South Side community.

Brooks indicated that around 750 men participated, expressing a collective commitment to keeping the area safe and nurturing for kids and families.

“We declared this to be a zone of peace, a zone of non-violence,” he stated. “It’s essential that young children can visit the center without worrying about their safety.”

The Robert R. McCormick Center aims to provide various services, including workforce development and education, as part of its mission to uplift the community. On that day, participants had a chance to see the facility and learn about its future role in the area.

Brooks pointed out that just a few years ago, the location was acknowledged as one of Chicago’s most hazardous neighborhoods. “In 2014, there was a report specifically mentioning this block as the most dangerous in the city,” he recalled. “So we decided to take action, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Interestingly, the neighborhood is now not considered among the 35 most dangerous areas in Chicago, which Brooks attributes to ongoing efforts and investments made by the community.

He founded Project HOOD — Helping Others Obtain Destiny — to combat violence and poverty on the South Side through mentorship, faith, and various economic initiatives. Brooks hopes that this project can serve as a blueprint for other urban communities striving for lasting change.

“I believe this center can set an example for what’s achievable in urban settings across America,” he noted. “We can indeed alter the future of our neighborhoods if we take responsibility and not solely rely on government assistance.”