Jessica Rule, 18, began her journey at Illinois State University, focusing on musical theater. Meanwhile, Javon Phillips, also 18, left his Austin community to pursue computer science at Northern Illinois University. Both were graduates of West Garfield’s Legal Prep Charter Academy, where they embraced the identity of ‘Peace Warriors’ during their previous school year.
Rule and Phillips were among 46 individuals, including students and staff, who participated in the Peace Warriors program. This initiative is a student-led restorative justice force at Legal Prep, designed under the guidance of Pastor Gerald Smith, known as Pastor Peace. The program’s mission is to educate young people on conflict resolution and promote peace as a lifestyle.
Rule joined the Warriors to drive change in her school, while Phillips sought personal growth. In the past, Legal Prep experienced multiple fights weekly. However, under Smith’s influence, the school’s culture transformed, according to Principal Marquan Morrison, a graduate of Legal Prep’s first class in 2016. Smith’s aim was to create a paradigm shift in young minds by providing mentorship and guidance at school.
Smith’s engagement with the youth began in 1992, where he utilized his time to mentor and understand them deeply. He emphasized investing energy into spreading love and compassion, rather than mourning loss. Under his leadership, students were trained in the principles of nonviolence inspired by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
“I’m asking their friends: Why did this person have to die? What was the issue?” Smith said. “I never got a satisfactory answer. I realized that school is a place where you can incubate a transformation of thinking.”
Peace Warriors monitor the school environment closely to prevent conflicts. They proactively address issues, check in on students experiencing personal hardships, and intervene in potential conflicts by mediating peace circles. Dispute resolution involves reflective letters that help restore trust and accountability among peers.
Many Peace Warriors have experienced violence or bullying themselves, driving their commitment to an alternative approach. The Peace Warriors initiative marked a significant period without physical altercations last school year, a testament to the program’s impact, as noted by Legal Prep’s founder, Samuel Finkelstein.
The program also collaborates with organizations such as the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago and New Mount Pilgrim MB Church to ensure safety and foster peace. Samuel Castro, the director of strategic initiatives, highlighted the transformation, aligning with Dr. King’s vision of a ‘beloved community.’
The principal, Morrison, expressed his desire for expanding the program’s reach and involving the community further, including partnerships with local businesses and churches. Rule shared that her journey as a Peace Warrior instilled leadership qualities in her, emphasizing the importance of actively resolving conflicts.
Finkelstein plans to extend the Peace Warriors’ principles to local elementary schools, empowering younger students with leadership skills. By placing student leadership at the center, the program aims to mitigate ‘teen trends,’ gatherings in response to limited youth resources post-COVID-19.
Researcher Almethia Franklin at the University of Illinois Chicago notes that young people seek connection and community, particularly where access to social spaces is restricted. Programs like Peace Warriors provide that safe space and foster connection among youth.