Chicago-area leaders who work to stop the killings in Chicago will be honored by representatives from CeaseFire Chicago, an initiative of the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention based at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health.
The honorees are:

U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin
U.S. Congressman Danny Davis
U.S. Congressman Janice Schakowsky
State Sen. Lisa Madigan
Cook County Board President John Stroger
Cook County Chairman John Daley
Cook County State's Attorney Richard Devine
Attorney Marty Castro
(Attendance confirmed for above honorees)

Speaker of the House Michael Madigan
Mayor Richard M. Daley
State Sen. Steven Rauschenberger
Chicago Ald. Toni Preckwinkle
(Attendance unconfirmed for above honorees)

Dec. 7, 9 a.m.

UIC School of Public Health
1603 W. Taylor St., Multi-Purpose Room

According to Chicago-area crime statistics, it is very likely that the number of murders this year will top last year's 627. However, two pilot locations of the CeaseFire project (West Garfield Park police beat 1111 and Auburn-Gresham police beats 611 and 612) have seen significantly fewer shootings. West Garfield Park beat 1115 has seen the greatest reduction in shootings, 67 percent.

Dr. Gary Slutkin, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the UIC School of Public Health and director of the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention, agrees with many social scientists that the best way to reduce poverty and crime in low-income neighborhoods is first to wage a war against violence.

Slutkin and his team of violence-prevention technicians from the project are working in 10 of the most troubled neighborhoods in the city. Using a scientific, targeted strategy focused on collaboration with law enforcement, clergy leaders, youth outreach, community mobilization and public education, the project is carefully documenting and measuring its progress to determine the most effective methods of combating violence.

Given the early results of CeaseFire Chicago, particularly in Chicago police beat 1115, the project's supporters and community residents are optimistic that they have the right formula.

CeaseFire Chicago is a partnership among community-based organizations, residents, clergy, law enforcement, business and civic leaders and corporate and philanthropic organizations.

"In honoring these individuals today, we express our heartfelt gratitude for their courage in continuing to support the work of CeaseFire Chicago and their commitment to promote a violence-free Chicago," said Carmen Reyes, executive director of the Alliance of Logan Square Organizations, a community partner of the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention.

(Note to editors: Youth and gang outreach workers will be available for interviews. In addition, a former gang member who is turning his life around will be available for interviews.)