Interrupting Violence Through Mercy
Talk given at WTTW’s Firsthand Talks: Peacekeepers
January 25th, 2025
Click to watch talk on WTTW’s website
Cobe Williams
Community Violence Intervention Leader
Director of National Programs, Cure Violence Global
Co-Founder, One City Basketball League
About the Talk
When Cobe Williams faced his father's killer, he chose mercy over revenge – a decision that would launch him into a career in violence prevention. Williams demonstrates how deep listening and authentic connection can interrupt cycles of violence.
Source: WTTW
“This is a quote from the speaker providing a testimonial for the coach”
About Cobe
Ricardo “Cobe” Williams is an award-winning peacekeeper, community activist, and public speaker who has spent the past decade training 1000+ violence interrupters in mediation and conflict resolution strategies across 52 sites in 23 US cities as well as dozens more all over the globe. He also developed the peace tournament model alongside NBA players in Chicago, New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New Orleans using basketball to reduce violence.
Cobe began his career as a violence interrupter with CeaseFire Illinois in Englewood on Chicago’s south side. His work was chronicled in the award-winning film “The Interrupters” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011 and aired on PBS’ FRONTLINE in January, 2012 as a two-hour special. Mr. Williams then went on to become Deputy Director of Cure Violence (CeaseFire’s parent organization), overseeing their national and international work. He also worked as the Community Outreach Director for Noah’s Arc Foundation helping NBA star Joakim Noah create art workshops, sports tournaments, and the renowned “Rock Your Drop” Campaign in Chicago, Baltimore, New York, and Memphis.
He has received the Hero Award from world famous psychologist Phillip Zimbardo, the United Nations Peace Award, and recognition from former Illinois governor Pat Quinn, the Mayor of Milwaukee, University of Illinois at Chicago and Chicago State University. He has appeared on Vice, People Magazine, The Guardian, and numerous other media outlets.
Source: interruptingviolence.com
WTTW’s Firsthand Series: Peacekeepers
As crime and public safety are top of mind across Chicago’s communities, there are people who are working to prevent conflict before it happens and stop it from escalating when it does. WTTW spends a year exploring violence interruption and prevention in Chicago in Firsthand: Peacekeepers, a series of documentaries, expert talks, investigative journalism, and community engagement focusing on extraordinary people who are making a difference. Through their firsthand accounts, we witness their struggles and triumphs as they mentor youth, build trust, and mediate conflicts.
Source: WTTW
Coach’s Reflections
Lorem Ipsum - a reflection on the talk process, what worked well for him, etc.
Dustin Huibregtse
Founding Principal
Talks & Speaker Coach
