BOSTON – Wednesday, June 8th was a great night for Boston and a humbling evening for Dorchester’s own MVP and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, Chaplain Clementina Chéry. During Game 3 of the NBA Championship Finals between the Celtics and the Warriors, fans at the TD Garden paused to celebrate the legacy of Louis the peacemaker whose life was taken when he was just 15 years old, and the mother who has made it her life’s work to serve families like hers who have lost a loved one to homicide.
Chéry became emotional as she stepped to center court and thousands cheered. As she turned to them and waved, they began to chant, “MVP! MVP! MVP!”
It was a fitting tribute to a woman and a movement that too often has to work so hard to secure basic resources for families suffering unimaginable pain, and such a joy to see peace being cheered in a crowded arena full of sports fans.
“It’s overwhelming,” said Chéry. “After so many years of doing this work, we are unaccustomed to this kind of attention, yet I realize that stepping into these moments shines a light on all survivors and that is why we are here. I thank the Boston Celtics for this honor and for the opportunity to represent survivors, and especially to deliver Louis’ message that Peace is Possible.”
Since its establishment in 1997 by the Boston Celtics, the Heroes Among Us program has recognized outstanding individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities. The award is presented at every Celtics home game and pays tribute to the heroic achievements of these outstanding citizens.
Our beloved Boston Celtics went on to win the game after some nail-biting moments, yet for Clementina Chéry, her team, and for the thousands of people served by the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute since its inception in 1994, Clementina’s MVP moment was the highlight of the night.
To support the work of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, please visit and contribute what you can: https://www.mothersdaywalk4peace.org/Donate
About the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute: The LDBPI’s mission is to serve as a center of Healing, Teaching, and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. They have been an integral partner to the City of Boston and have developed best practices in serving families and communities impacted by murder for 28 years. They offer resources to families seeking support and training to providers on best practices in the field of homicide response. Learn more at https://www.LDBpeaceinstitute.org/
