Louis D. Brown Peace Institute CEO and Founder keynotes New York State’s Office of Victim Services Summit 

ALBANY, NY – Earlier last week, Chaplain Clementina Chéry, the Founder and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) delivered the keynote address at New York State’s Office of Victim Services Seeking Solutions Summit.  

This year’s summit was entitled Restorative Justice: A Survivor-Centric Approach.  According to organizers, the event brought advocates and allied professionals together to learn from experts about ways restorative practices may be implemented into their own programs and community. Participants learned how restorative practices have evolved and discussed where the field may be headed in the future.

During Chéry’s presentation, she led the audience in an “I Am” exercise. “I Am” is a tool that the LDBPI uses, where participants affirm their assets and strengths. Hearing the participants’ responses reminded Chéry “that the journey to creating a more peaceful world can be joyful.” 

Following the event, Chéry shared this observation: “Oftentimes, those who work within our systems of justice must do so strictly by the book. Many do not feel the latitude to show up and be themselves. Thus, it is remarkable to witness the power of providing space for people to be human. When providers experience transformative moments within their own lives, it is imperative that they bring those skills into their work. By sharing the tools of the LDBPI, I believe peace is within greater reach.“

Chéry founded the LDBPI following the murder of 15-year-old Louis, after whom the center is named, in 1994. He was a peacemaker and the LDBPI stands as part of his living legacy.  Its programs and services help interrupt cycles of retaliatory violence by teaching the value of peace and supporting survivors in healing from the crisis and chaos after the murder of a loved one.

Informed by CDC guidelines and survivor experiences, the LDBPI has developed best practices and toolkits for appropriate and effective homicide response. In 2013, the LDBPI published The Survivors’ Burial and Resource Guide “an important tool for survivors and agencies who serve survivors after their loved one is murdered. It is currently used by four trauma-one hospitals in Boston. The Burial Guide and related training have been requested from across the country and beyond, including San Francisco, Philadelphia, and the US Virgin Islands.” Learn more about their Best Practices, tools and training opportunities at: https://ldbpeaceinstitute.org/training/.

… 

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s mission is to serve as a center of Healing, Teaching, and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. We 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. We offer resources to families seeking support and training to providers in the field of homicide response. Learn more at https://www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org/

Chaplain Clementina Chéry, Founder and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, delivers the keynote address at the 2022 New York State Office of Victim Services Seeking Solutions Summit. Credit: Shaulita Francis

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute Celebrates Community with 7th Annual Peace B’Que 

BOSTON – Saturday, August 20 marked the 7th Annual Peace BQue at Town Field and Doherty-Gibson Playground

The Annual Peace B’Que is a neighborhood cookout organized by the Louis D. Brown Institute (LDBPI) to celebrate the vibrancy and assets of the Dorchester community. 

This year, the event took on the theme of “Excited to be United” as the LDBPI staff curated a fun and exciting space for neighbors to join together. Attendees played games, danced, ate tons of food and sang along to old hits. They were also invited to participate in Peace Play in Urban Settings, a healing technique for individuals, families, and communities experiencing trauma. 

Joining neighbors were elected officials and candidates including Mayor Michelle Wu, City Councilor Brian Worrell, Chris Worrell (Candidate of House of Representatives), City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, Police Chief Michael Cox, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden and Representative Liz Miranda. They all greeted, danced and played games with their constituents. 

The LDBPI celebrates its role of convener, bringing together survivors, providers, and advocates alike to build community and meet the needs of survivors of homicide victims. The following organizations hosted resource tables and provided the community with information on resources available to them: 

Resource Tables:

About LDBPI:

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s mission is to serve as a center of Healing, Teaching and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. We 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. We offer resources to families seeking support, training and homicide response toolkits to providers on best practices in the field of homicide response. Learn more at https://www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org/

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute statement in response to multiple familial/domestic homicides in the New England Area:

Homicide is a uniquely violent loss for a family. Too often, as we all have been reading these past days, the very people who take the lives of those we love are others in our trusted circles. This only complicates the pain and trauma, especially for children and young people.  We are speaking out today to ask those who report on these crimes to remember the impact of their reporting on the families in the headlines, and all the families before them who are now survivors living with the enduring pain of having a loved one stolen from them. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute reminds those families that everyone impacted by murder deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion and that there are healing resources available to you. Please visit ldbpeaceinstitute.org for more information.

If you have experienced the murder of a loved one, you deserve to be supported with dignity and compassion, regardless of the circumstances. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s mission is to serve as a center of Healing, Teaching, and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. We are an integral partner to the City of Boston and have developed best practices and homicide response toolkits in serving families and communities impacted by murder for 28 years. We offer resources to families seeking support. Learn more at https://www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org/ or call 617-825-1917.

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute Statement exhorting freedom from violence:

For many Americans, Independence Day weekend is a time to celebrate freedom. Yet, for far too many of our neighbors, this past weekend was full of danger at parades, backyard barbecues, on local streets, and in their own homes as nearly every state in our country experienced murders totaling over 200 deaths. 

All of us at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and recognize that every act of violence causes harm to the wider community. Every homicide leaves behind survivors whose pain and grief endure long after the world has moved on. For every homicide victim, there are at least 10 immediate family members impacted. Even when homicide rates reportedly decline, the survivor rate increases daily.

LDBPI CEO and Founder Clementina Chéry pursues a comprehensive approach to “transforming the narrative of gun violence, that includes and goes beyond reforming gun laws,  so that the focus is not solely on the gun, for the gun is a weapon of choice.” Chéry states,  “People are hurting. People are dying; we’re in pain. We absolutely must deal with the aftermath and help people to heal. So as we begin to transform the narrative of gun violence, put attention and resources to what the researchers say needs to happen, investing in prevention beforehand and in healing afterward, that’s when we will really see transformation – especially within communities of color –  that’s sustainable.”

If you have experienced the murder of a loved one, you deserve to be supported with dignity and compassion, regardless of the circumstances. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s mission is to serve as a center of Healing, Teaching, and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. We are an integral partner to the City of Boston and have developed best practices and homicide response toolkits in serving families and communities impacted by murder for 28 years. We offer resources to families seeking support. Learn more at https://www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org/ or call 617-825-1917.

Boston Celtics honor Clementina Chéry as a Hero Among Us during Game 3 of Championship Finals

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/

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute Founder and CEO Clementina Chéry waves to the cheering crowd as she received the Heroes Among Us Award from the Boston Celtics during Game 3 of the NBA Championship Finals. Photo: Darrus Sands

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) Statement regarding yesterday’s deadly violence at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas:

Our hearts are broken as we continue to grieve and mourn the children, mothers, aunts, neighbors and friends whose lives were taken in yet another mass shooting, that took place in Uvalde, Texas yesterday afternoon. All of us at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

We beg of our leaders that when the inevitable discussion turns to why this happened – again – that yes, we talk about guns and how they are too easy to come by, but we must go beyond that. Why are so many young men reaching for guns in the first place? If we don’t answer that question, all the gun policies in the world won’t prevent the next tragedy. It pains us that we are back here again, talking about another mass murder at a school. Intervention and healing need to take place.

For survivors, events such as this can cause pain and trauma to resurface for many of us, even when they happen far away.

Here is a gentle reminder to practice self-care. Limit consumption of the news, stay hydrated and nourished, and spend time with your loved ones and community, wherever you feel supported and safe. And we invite you to watch a message from Generation Peace.

If you have experienced the murder of a loved one, you deserve to be supported with dignity and compassion, regardless of the circumstances. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s mission is to serve as a center of Healing, Teaching, and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. We are an integral partner to the City of Boston and have developed best practices and homicide response toolkits in serving families and communities impacted by murder for 28 years. We offer resources to families seeking support. Learn more at https://www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org/ or call 617-825-1917.

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) Statement regarding Sunday’s deadly violence in Buffalo, New Boston (NH), and in Boston:

Yesterday, a young man drove to a supermarket in Buffalo specifically to kill Black people, and ten families have now had loved ones taken from them.  In New Boston, New Hampshire, we only know that a police officer fatally shot someone overnight near the Space Force Station there, but have no other information at this time.  Here in Boston, we still know very little about a call for Boston police to respond to a person screaming that resulted in a police officer being stabbed and another person shot dead by an officer.  All of us at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims and recognize that every act of violence causes harm to the wider community. Every homicide leaves behind survivors whose pain and grief endures long after the world has moved on. For every homicide victim, there are at least ten immediate family members impacted. Even when homicide rates decline, the survivor rate increases daily.

As leaders call out for changes to gun policy, LDBPI CEO and Founder Cementina Chéry pursues a more comprehensive approach to “transforming the narrative of gun violence so that the focus is not solely on the gun, for the gun is a weapon of choice.” According to Chéry,  “People are hurting. People are dying; we’re in pain. We absolutely must deal with the aftermath and help people to heal. So as we begin to transform the narrative of gun violence, and put attention and resources to what the researchers say needs to happen, investing in prevention beforehand and in healing afterward, that’s when we will really see transformation – especially within communities of color –  that’s sustainable.”

We grieve with families dealing with an unimaginable sense of loss. And, we stand ready to guide families in the right direction for services to help bury their loved ones with dignity and respect. 

If you have experienced the murder of a loved one, you deserve to be supported with dignity and compassion, regardless of the circumstances. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s mission is to serve as a center of Healing, Teaching, and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. We are an integral partner to the City of Boston and have developed best practices and homicide response toolkits in serving families and communities impacted by murder for 28 years. We offer resources to families seeking support. Learn more at https://www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org/ or call 617-825-1917.

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute leads 26th Annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace

BOSTON – Sunday, May 8th marked the 26th Annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace in Boston, kicking off at Dorchester’s Town Field 8:00 AM.

The Mother’s Day Walk for Peace has grown from a small gathering of neighbors to a movement of thousands who come together every year to promote Peace.  Organized by the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, founded by Chaplain Clementina Chéry after her 15-year-old son Louis was caught in the fatal crossfire of a shootout near his home in Dorchester, the Walk was back live this year after being held virtually for the past two years due to COVID. The Walk also had a virtual component and was live streamed on the organization’s website and on NBC10 Boston’s and NECN’s Facebook pages.

“We are so blessed to be back together in person this year,” said Chéry. “It is bittersweet. There are people no longer here who should be here.  We walked for and with them and we hold them close.”

A brief speaking program emceed by Emmy Award-Winning Anchor, Latoyia Edwards featured Chéry, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley said, “The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute is a pacesetter for the country on how to respond to homicide.” On stage, she reminded the crowd of the years spent doing the Mother’s Day Walk for Peace with her own mother before she passed and told the story of how Mama Pressley was so committed to this event and its mission, she took several steps before becoming too weak to continue in her final act of activism.

“The walk is now a legacy that came from a place of unspeakable trauma which has now built an organization and a community to help heal residents all across the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Mayor Wu. 

“To all the mothers out there that we honor and celebrate today, thank you for being the presence in our lives and our communities,” said Attorney General Healey.  “The best thing we can do today, all of us, is to honor them, and to honor all we’ve lost in these last few years especially by doing exactly what community is doing today.”

They shared the stage with several other leaders including Dr. Kevin Tabb, CEO of Beth Israel Lahey Health, Cindy Diggs, Peace Commissioner and founder of Peace Boston, and Survivors Network Chairs Debra Morris-Covington, Natasha Carrington, and Beverly Parham.

“This is the only place I’d want to be on Mother’s Day.  It is so important for us to acknowledge the fact that homicides and violence are affecting the communities that we live in,” said Dr. Tabb.  “We all need to be part of the solution.”

Survivors Network Chair Natasha Carrington said, “It benefits us as survivors, it benefits us as a community, coming together to be there for one another to heal together.”

The Mother’s Day Walk for Peace had a practical side as well.  It serves as the organization’s single largest fundraiser and the goal this year is $600,000. By the next morning, they had raised nearly $430,000 toward that goal.  Teams and individuals registered online at mothersdaywalk4peace.org and collected donations.  There are many teams doing amazing work to make their goals and raise awareness. Go to https://bit.ly/peacewalkteam for a list of all of the incredible teams you can support right up through Father’s Day.

The following people and organizations have generously agreed to sponsor the 2022 Mother’s Day Walk for Peace:

– Martin Richard Foundation

– Rick and Gitte Shea

– Mass General Brigham

– Beth Israel Lahey Health

– Arbella Insurance Foundation

– Boston Medical Center Health System

– Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation

– Everytown

– Josie Greene and Glenn Asch

– Stanley N. Griffith and Anne E, Schauffler

– South Cove Community Health Center

– Patriots Foundation

– NECN, NBC10Boston, Telemundo

– Boston Globe

– Dorchester Reporter

About LDBPI:
The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s mission is to serve as a center of Healing, Teaching, and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. We 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. We offer resources to families seeking support, training and homicide response toolkits to providers on best practices in the field of homicide response. Learn more at https://www.ldbpeaceinstitute.org/

Zakim Bridge Saturday night lit up purple, in honor of the Mother’s Day Walk for Peace. Credit: MassDOT
Boston City Hall lit purple Saturday night, in honor of the Mother’s Day Walk for Peace.  Credit: Rick Rendon/The Rendon Group
Ready to Walk for Peace. L-R: City Councilor Erin Murphy, Shamya Garden, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley,
Mayor Michelle Wu, Jay’Lana Johnson, City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, Clementina Chéry, Rep. Liz Miranda,
City Councilor Julia Mejia, City Council President Ed FLynn. Courtesy Photo.

Guiding Lights in Dark Hours: Community Partnership Supports Survivors of Violence

While patients have their most acute care needs met in the hospital, long-term healing often happens closer to home — underscoring the importance of partnerships with community-based organizations. One example of this is the partnership between the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) and the Brigham’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Programs, whose staff collaboratively deliver compassionate, comprehensive care to patients and families admitted to the Brigham after experiencing community violence.

“In one’s darkest moments — in the midst of the pain of loss and trauma — light often comes from those who rally around us,” said Claire-Cecile Pierre, MD, associate chief medical officer and vice president of Community Health at the Brigham. “It is when partnerships transform into a community of support that we — the Brigham, LDBPI and others — can together provide critical guidance through the complex aftermath of community violence. We are incredibly fortunate to have LDBPI’s leadership and partnership in this work.”

 

Read the full article in Brigham Bulletin

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute closes out Women’s History Month by celebrating a new, all-female Board of Directors

BOSTON, MA – On Monday, March 28, the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) officially announced its new, all-female Board of Directors during the last days of Women’s History Month. As an organization that was founded and is led by women, this is an especially proud moment for the survivor-led organization.

The new board members are the first of a brand new slate even as the LDBPI maintains strong ties with the previous Board members, some of whom served for many years.  Co-Executive Directors Alexandra Chéry-Dorrelus and Rachel Rodrigues expect to name three to five additional board members in the coming months and are excited by the strong start of these first three, who will all serve as officers.  Chéry-Dorrelus and Rodrigues added that the fact of this group being all women was a coincidence and that they were all chosen based strictly on their qualifications and capacity to serve the survivor community.

Dr. Cecilia M. Cardesa was born and raised in Argentina and grew up during the nation’s Dirty War. Dr. Cardesa is the founder of TraumaVenture, which she launched in 2016 to humanize trauma and destigmatize mental health conditions. In 2020, Cecilia founded MappingOnward which is a digital journal, mainstreaming healing. Cecilia is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where she acquired both her doctoral and master’s degrees. She holds a master’s degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and studied political science as an undergraduate student at Villanova University. Cecilia humbly, joyfully and proudly began her academic journey in community college. Dr. Cardesa’s professional work, academic scholarship and personal compass guiding her trauma repair and healing are rooted in forgiveness, peace and hope.  She will serve as Chair.

Beth Dill is currently retired after being in Finance and Operations at several companies. Her last position was COO/CFO of Stone Temple Consulting, a digital marketing agency, which was sold to Perficient Digital in July 2018.  She is currently on the Bethany Hill Board and Chair of Board of Southborough Community Fund.  In addition to her volunteer work, she does some financial consulting in the nonprofit sector and teaches weaving.  Beth and her husband Eric have lived in Southborough for the past 27 years and have raised three children. Beth will serve as Treasurer.

Cheryl Lang is a public health practitioner with a passion for injury prevention. She currently serves as Program Manager to the Stepping Strong Injury Prevention Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, after having served as the Program’s Project Manager for the previous two years. In this role, she assists in developing the Injury Prevention Program, enhancing collaboration efforts among Brigham’s existing injury prevention initiatives, establishing external partnerships, and managing the program’s current initiatives. Cheryl comes to the Brigham from Boston Children’s Hospital and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, where she focused on integrating poison prevention strategies into community public health initiatives. Cheryl received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health degrees at Boston University. She will serve as Board Clerk.

Members are expected to serve up to 3-year terms, and their very first order of business will be to examine and revise the by-laws.

Girls Leadership Academy As we close out Women’s History Month, LDBPI is also proud to lift up the Girls Leadership Academy. Directed by Janice Johnson, Healing and Support Services Manager, Girls Leadership Academy (GLA) is a quest to help girls 10-22 who may be experiencing or healing from trauma in their lives, build a toolbox of skills to promote leadership and confidence. GLA focuses on building leadership through highlighting strong leaders, helping girls discover their passion, and teaching them life skills for self-care and stress management. Girls Leadership Academy partners with elected officials, local businesses, and universities to identify mentors, access to education, and gateways to career opportunities for young women and girls.