Prairie State College to Host Violence Prevention Summit on June 17

June 11, 2025

Violence Prevention SummitViolence Prevention Summit

Prairie State College (PSC) invites the community to a day of healing, hope, and action at its upcoming Violence Prevention Summit on Tuesday, June 17. The summit reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to change and a future free from violence.

The event will feature panels, breakout sessions, and community voices from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., including special guests Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, community leaders, advocates, and families impacted by gun violence. The summit will also provide insights into prevention efforts at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as resources and opportunities to help create stronger, safer communities.

Violence Prevention Summit Agenda: 

  • Opening Panel (9:15 a.m.): Featuring Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, and state and local leaders on the root causes of violence.
  • Prevention Panel (10:15 a.m.): Perspectives from education, faith, law, healthcare, and social services.
  • Lunch and Local Impact (11 a.m.): Presentations from GRO Community, Grand Prairie Services, and others.
  • Breakout Sessions (12:15–3 p.m.): Topics include healing-centered practices, restorative justice, and youth-led dialogue.

Additional Speakers Include: 

  • Dr. Kisia L. Coleman – Executive Director, Inner City Empowerment (I.C.E.) CDC; Pastor, Kingdom Church International
  • Lisa D. Daniels – Founder, Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices
  • Avik Das – Executive Director, Justice Advisory Council
  • Crystal Henderson, RN, BSN, GC-C – Certified Grief Counselor; Mother of Cleonte Henderson
  • Karla Lyles – Assistant Principal, Barbara A. Sizemore Academy
  • Dwight McTizic – Southland Juvenile Justice Council
  • Bamani Obadele – Community Engagement Director, Acclivus
  • Paul Robinson – Survivor
  • Randall White, Jr. – Trustee, Village of Park Forest; Vice Chair, South Suburban Youth Coalition; and Pastor, First Baptist Church of Park Forest
  • Carl Williams – Father of Carlton Weekly (Rapper FBG Duck)

____________________________

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
PSC Conference Center | 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights, IL 60466

Parking:

  • Park in Lot B and enter through Door M34
  • OR Park in Lots C or D and enter through Door M36

Attendance is free and open to the public | Complimentary lunch provided. 

RSVPs encouraged but not required.

____________________________

This event supports the Wear Orange Movement, observed June 6–8, which honors survivors of gun violence and unites those working to end it. According to the site, on average, 125 people are shot and killed each day in the United States, with hundreds more injured or traumatized. The summit carries the Wear Orange mission forward—addressing not only gun violence, but all forms of violence that harm our communities.

Movements like Wear Orange begin in loss—but grow through action. 

#