A Chicago pastor gathered hundreds of men on the city’s South Side Sunday. The event aimed to diminish violence and reclaim an area once known for high crime rates. Pastor Corey B. Brooks, alongside Project H.O.O.D., organized the ‘1000 Men Unity Gathering’ at the nearly finished Robert R. McCormick Leadership & Economic Opportunity Center. The location is at 6620 S. King Drive. During the gathering, organizers announced the surrounding area as a ‘100% violence-free zone.’
Brooks expressed, ‘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.’ He emphasized that the community deserves peace, opportunity, and hope.
The event united pastors, fathers, mentors, activists, business leaders, former gang members, and residents from across Chicago. Organizers described a collective effort to promote safety, accountability, and opportunity on the South Side.
Brooks informed Fox News Digital that around 750 men attended the event. Community members committed to maintaining the neighborhood as a safe environment for families and children. Brooks stated, ‘We declared that this is going to be a peace zone, a nonviolent zone, a violence-free zone. Young kids can come to the center and have peace of mind knowing they don’t have to worry about their safety.’
The Robert R. McCormick Leadership & Economic Opportunity Center aims to tackle violence and poverty. It focuses on workforce development, mentorship, education, entrepreneurship, job training, and community engagement, as Project H.O.O.D. outlines.
Attendees explored the center Sunday, learning plans for its role in serving future generations on Chicago’s South Side.
Brooks highlighted the past reputation of the surrounding neighborhood as one of Chicago’s most dangerous areas. In 2014, the Chicago Sun-Times described it as the city’s most dangerous block. Brooks and Project H.O.O.D. decided to transform this narrative.
Today, the area is not ranked among Chicago’s 35 most dangerous blocks. Brooks attributed this change to continued community investment and outreach.
He founded Project H.O.O.D. — Helping Others Obtain Destiny — to combat violence and poverty on Chicago’s South Side. The initiative uses mentorship, faith, workforce training, and economic development.
Brooks hopes the project can set an example for urban communities striving for long-term change. He stated, ‘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 the government and take responsibility for ourselves, we can change the trajectory of these neighborhoods and urban centers.’
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