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University Hosts 'Creating Peace on Chicago Streets' March 20

Families affected by violence, University community to discuss ways to promote peace

CHICAGO (March 14, 2013) – Parents of teens who died as a result of violent acts in Chicago neighborhoods are expected to speak at "" March 20, at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥. The event is intended to engage attendees with ideas to promote peace and nonviolence in the community.

"This event is intended as a day of worship, prayer, discussion, and action for a culture of peace and nonviolence in our city," said , coordinator of outreach ministries, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Ministries. "We’re creating a place for dialogue on peace. There’s no question we must work together for peace for all citizens of Chicago.”

The day-long event will begin with regular worship at 10:30 a.m. in Anderson Chapel. A public forum in the University's Hamming Hall is planned for 3:30 p.m., followed by a neighborhood prayer vigil and walk at 6:00 p.m.

, pastor of New Beginnings Church, Chicago, will speak at the University's regular chapel service. Brooks, known as the "rooftop pastor," was a featured speaker at the at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ in 2012. 

The afternoon forum will feature a conversation on ways to counteract violence in the city. Confirmed attendees are Cleopatra Cowley-Pendleton, mother of Hadiya Pendleton, killed in a Chicago shooting days after marching in President Obama's second inaugural parade; Ronald Holt, father of Blair Holt, killed when he shielded a friend from gunfire in 2007; and Pamela Hester Jones, mother of Lazarus Jones, murdered by strangers in 2007. Local elected officials, plus representatives of the and , are expected to participate. , a reporter for WBBM-TV, Chicago, will moderate the public discussion, to be live.

After the forum, , professor of communication arts, and Radhika Sharma, a community activist, will lead a prayer walk through the Albany Park community. They plan to stop and pray for peace at spots in neighborhood where people have been killed by violence, as well as visit places of hope.

A concluding reception, with performances and an art exhibition, is planned for 7:00 p.m., in Hamming Hall.

Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .