‘No Crime Weekend’ unites Chicago communities in push for peace

CHICAGO — Chicago faith leaders and community activists are joining forces to call for peace in the city. Several “No Crime Weekend” events are being held through Sunday.

“I was an ex-gang member, so I come out here to be part of something positive and give back to our community which I grew up in,” Gregory Collins said. “I fight for peace.”

Collins was among several former gang members-turned community activists leading a peace walk on the Far South Side on Saturday.

“We’re trying to put the neighbor back in the hood, and that’s all we’re basically trying to do. I’m sick of all these kids out here shooting and stuff and all this gun violence,” Collins said.

Attendees marched from 127^th Street and Michigan Avenue in West Pullman to 111^th Street and Indiana Avenue in Roseland — nearly two miles — in hopes of making a difference.

Along the way, even more people joined in.

It all led back to Palmer Park where a picnic was held, bringing together the community, people who are boots on the ground, 5^th District officers and families impacted by violence.

“Their whole focus is to stop the shooting, lets save lives,” Geri Jones, Executive Director of St. Titus One Youth Program, said.

The walk and picnic were part of a wider effort by eight different churches and organizations.

In its fourth year now, organizers say they have expanded their call from No Crime Day to No Crime Weekend.

“We get real encouraged after this every year when the statistics come out and show that there was a decrease. That’s what keeps us going,” Pastor Michael Jones, of St. Titus One Missionary Baptist Church, said.

On Saturday, Chicago police released new statistics that show the city saw 35% less homicides in July 2025 compared to July 2024.

They say there has also been a 26% drop in shooting victims.

Since the start of the year, police say they’ve seen the lowest number of homicides in more than a decade.

“We’re going to get through this as a city. It might not be today, but we are planting the seeds right now to where our kids can grow and not have to go through the same thing we went through,” Allen Mickle said.

Events were also held in the city in the Englewood and South Shore neighborhoods. Organizers put on fun fests and picnics while also distributing school supplies and free food at some events.

On Sunday, the Little Village Community Council will host a free fishing camp in North Lawndale as part of No Crime Weekend at the Douglas Park Pond from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.