Illinois Peace Project Announces 2026 Peace Portraits Honorees

Illinois Peace Project is proud to announce the honorees for its 2026 Peace Portraits series, a visual project dedicated to spotlighting the extraordinary individuals working every day to build safer, stronger, and more peaceful communities.
This year’s honorees are:
- Luis Bahena, SC2 Street Outreach Supervisor, New Life Centers
- Tavares Harrington, Outreach Supervisor, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago
- Diane Latiker, Executive Director, Kids Off The Block
- Benny Lee, CEO and Founder, National Alliance for the Empowerment of the Formerly Incarcerated
- Steven Perkins, Director of Field Instruction, Metropolitan Peace Initiatives
- Nicole Reed, Executive Director, The Still Searching Project
Each honoree’s work and personal journey will be captured through a powerful series of videos, photographs, and written features, as part of Gun Violence Awareness Month in June.
Join us Thursday, May 28 at the Gene Siskel Film Center for the official premiere and screening of the 2026 Peace Portraits, followed by a cocktail reception.
Learn more about Peace Portraits and view last year’s honorees here.
