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Community Events
The J-Def Peace Project Festival 2023
In collaboration the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council and Cornell Square Park, the J-Def Peace Project hosted the annual J-Def Festival. Teens and parents from our expanded program locations were bussed in to participate in self-empowering workshops. Teens also enjoyed music, food, and art, and back to school activites
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The J-Def Peace Project Festival 2022
In collaboration with Pear Gonzalez, the J-Def Peace Project hosted a festival at Dvorak Park. Teens and parents from our expanded program locations were bussed in to participate in self-empowering workshops. Teens also enjoyed music, food, and art activities
A Day With Pearl Gonzalez
Pearl Gonzalez is originally from Pilsen and has become a star in the Mixed Martial Arts world. She is the XFC Strawweight Champion, UFC Veteran, Bareknuckle fighter, and MMA commentator. Pearl facilitated a day with 20 teens from Chicago, some J-Def Peace Project teens, and some fighter-enthused teens. Each teen created a visualization board in this workshop, shared a meal, and took photos with the recognized MMA fighter.
Safe and Peaceful Pilsen
A free community event bringing together J-DEF teens from communities, South Chicago, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Brighton Park, Wolfe Park, and Pilsen for a day of self-healing workshops and a block party atmosphere afterward.
Free music, food, and haircuts were provided by community partners: Charlie Glitch/ Ghetto Division, H.O.P. 22 Barbers,
Lalo's Mexican Restaurant, Cafe Jumping Bean, Pilsen Gym
Free music, food, and haircuts were provided by community partners: Charlie Glitch/ Ghetto Division, H.O.P. 22 Barbers,
Lalo's Mexican Restaurant, Cafe Jumping Bean, Pilsen Gym