The Credible Messenger
The Credible Messenger is more than a documentary—it’s a powerful journey into the lives of those on the frontlines of community healing. Guided by Dr. Chico Tillmon, a nationally recognized leader in violence prevention whose own life journey took him from being system-impacted to becoming a Ph.D.-holding changemaker, the film offers an unfiltered look at the people whose lived experiences uniquely position them to break cycles of violence. Through raw storytelling and intimate perspectives, viewers witness the courage, complexity, and resilience it takes to transform pain into purpose and create safer communities.
This film isn’t just about the work—it’s about the people behind it. Dr. Tillmon brings decades of leadership, national recognition from the White House, and deep community trust to illuminate why credible messengers are an essential force in public safety. The Credible Messenger challenges assumptions, inspires action, and leaves viewers with one undeniable truth: change is possible when those most affected by violence are empowered to lead the way. Watch it, and you won’t just see the problem—you’ll see the path forward.
Community Mobilization
and Norm Change
Individualized Support
Empowering CVI Leaders:
Trauma-Informed Care
Addressing Root Causes
Community Violence Intervention (CVI)
LeaderShip
Our leadership development programs are designed to cultivate strong, values-driven leaders who create lasting impact within their organizations and communities.
Through immersive training, strategic coaching, and evidence-based frameworks, we empower leaders to build capacity, foster collaboration, and drive measurable results.
Each program is tailored to align with organizational goals while inspiring authentic, equity-centered leadership.
Speaking
Our speaking services offer powerful and transformative experiences that inspire action and leadership at every level.
Through keynotes, panels, and workshops, we deliver compelling insights on topics such as community transformation, resilience, reentry, and systems change.
Each engagement is crafted to educate, motivate, and equip audiences with the tools needed to lead with purpose and drive meaningful change.
Consulting
We provide strategic consulting solutions that help organizations, agencies, and institutions strengthen their capacity to reduce violence, advance equity, and improve community outcomes.
Our team offers expertise in program design, policy development, and organizational growth—delivering actionable, data-informed strategies that bridge the gap between research and practice.
We partner closely with clients to create sustainable systems that drive long-term impact.
Trusted by Leading Organizations
Press & Media highlights from the Work of Dr. Chico Tillmon
10 Gun Bills Introduced in New York State Legislature
Chico Tillmon, Senior Research fellow at UIC Crime and Education labs and violence prevention expert, joins "Morning in America" to discuss solutions to summer gun violence.
Start your day with Morning in America, NewsNation's live three-hour national morning newscast hosted by Adrienne Bankert. NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all America.
From prison to Ph.D, this activist fights for peace in Chicago
Many twenty-somethings spend their formative years between classes and exams, expanding their knowledge. Chico Tillmon spent his 20s — and his 30s — in prison. The street gang lifestyle, he said, caught up with him at the age of 23, when he was convicted and sent to prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
After nearly 17 years in prison, Tillmon is now a Ph.D candidate studying criminology. He’s using his own life story to...
Chicago wages war on gangs,
but some say fingerpointing oversimplifies gun violence issue
With support from key members of the City Council, the mayor introduced a plan to sue gangs for their assets.
“To be very blunt and clear, we are going after their blood money,” Lightfoot told reporters after announcing an asset seizing plan. The aldermen examine the feasibility of gang forfeiture, the Chicago Police Department is taking the fight to street organizations, building another gang database...
Syracuse’s leaders in gun violence prevention gathered for a retreat to identify the challenges and find solutions.
"We are finally starting to see the wheels rolling. I think it's important to know this is the first time that we've had a retreat like this, um, where we're seeing all this organization, uh, come together and they're doing the hard work, and have been doing the hard work. I think that needs to be realized."
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Dr. Chico Tillmon’s transformative leadership is amplified by the strength of his partnerships—none more impactful than those who stand alongside him in advancing the mission of community healing and public safety. His strategic alliances are rooted in mutual respect, shared purpose, and a commitment to sustainable change for communities affected by violence.Together, these partnerships drive innovation across prevention, intervention, and reentry efforts, bridging academic insight with grassroots power to deliver scalable solutions nationwide. Each partner Dr. Tillmon works with brings a unique perspective and proven expertise in tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing urban communities.