The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), K.L.E.O. Community Family Life Center, and the Open Society Institute’s Campaign for Black Male Achievement will present “Breaking Barriers: Ending School Violence and Improving Academic Success among Black Males,” from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on October 23 at the K.L.E.O. Community Family Life Center, 119 E. Garfield Boulevard Chicago, Illinois. The forum is in response to the recent number of violent youth deaths in the city.

Joining the discussion will be Robert Woodson, president of the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise which has been instrumental in implementing the Violence Free Zone – a grassroots initiative being implemented in 32 schools at five sites. Using young adults who are from the same neighborhoods as students in the schools they serve, the youth are able to command trust and respect from their younger peers.