Nekenya Hardy, the associate director of outreach and intervention for the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, stepped into the spotlight at the Morgan MFG venue last month during Austin Coming Together’s Membership Award event. He received the prestigious Illinois Peace Portrait Award for 2025, a recognition of his tireless work in the community.
Hardy, an African American male with dreadlocks, embodies the potential of countless young Black men who could easily find themselves ensnared in a cycle of violence. Instead, he is part of a proactive movement known as “violence interrupters,” dedicated to reshaping the destinies of young Black men caught in the perilous grip of street life through a community-based approach.
His personal journey began in 2004 when he became a victim of gun violence. At 45, Hardy recalls that life-changing moment when his cousin, Karl Bell, and Alphonso Prater, members of Ceasefire, urged him not to seek revenge but to join them in their mission. In 2005, he accepted their invitation and became part of a transformative initiative.
As part of the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, alongside Prater, Hardy is committed to making a difference in the Austin and West Garfield Park communities. His dedication has led to five promotions since joining the institute in 2017, reflecting his substantial impact through over 1,000 conflict mediations. This year marks two decades of his experience in violence prevention.
Growing Up in Austin: A Personal Narrative
“I grew up on Massasoit [Street] and Augusta [Boulevard],” Hardy shares. “My grandparents lived there, and it’s been home my entire life.” His reality was deeply intertwined with the street life that surrounded him, making the norms of violence and crime seem almost inevitable. “The street life was all I knew.” It enveloped his household and school environment, leaving a profound mark on his early years.
During those formative years, no organizations like Ceasefire or the Institute for Nonviolence existed in his awareness to guide young men like himself toward better paths. “My mother, father, and cousins were all involved in street life,” Hardy recounts, reflecting on a world where survival meant engaging in activities such as drug dealing and gang involvement.
Regrettably, this stark reality persists for many young Black males today. Hardy notes, “We have young men who genuinely want to escape gang culture and aim for something better; however, they feel compelled to carry guns for protection in a world where violence is prevalent.”
Hardy’s approach as a violence interrupter is rooted in mutual respect. He often finds himself intervening not just for strangers but for younger cousins as well. “I helped them realize they could choose a path away from the streets. Once they understand that a productive lifestyle is possible, it creates a ripple effect—each one can teach another,” he explains. Understanding their aspirations helps him connect and guide them effectively.
Samuel Castro, the Institute’s director of strategic initiatives and partnerships, emphasizes the significance of lived experiences in their training curriculum for interrupters. He explains, “Our firsthand experiences with trauma shape our approach. We prioritize training in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and nonviolence, equipping our team with vital tools.” Innovation is key; they continuously seek feedback from frontline staff regarding emerging trends and shifts within the community and culture.
Utilizing social media has also become a crucial part of their strategy for de-escalating potentially violent situations, adapting modern tools for traditional challenges.
The Institute has garnered recognition, receiving the Excellence in Neighborhood Safety and Youth Development award, thanks to their impactful work that empowers youth while fostering safety through collaboration with local organizations. “We have successfully assisted 97 young men in obtaining their CDL license or trade certifications in fields like HVAC. Witnessing these transformations not only uplifts individuals but enhances neighborhood safety as well,” Hardy notes.
Addressing the highest-risk groups—those who could easily become either perpetrators or victims of gun violence—is central to their mission.
A respected leader in the field of gun violence prevention, intervention, and reduction, the Institute operates through street outreach, job programs, behavioral health, and wellness initiatives, deeply inspired by the principles of nonviolence espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A decade ago, in 2016, Austin experienced 459 shootings; due to the collaborative efforts of organizations like the Institute, that number has dramatically decreased to 137 in 2025. Hardy attributes this positive trend to their teamwork and partnerships with community organizations.
Additionally, he highlights the collaboration with Commander Andre Parham of the 15th Police District, which allows for intervention opportunities before individuals fall into the criminal justice system. “Having the chance to work with those at the highest risk before they are taken to jail is invaluable,” Hardy adds, reflecting on the proactive strategies that can make all the difference in their communities.
