A stirring account from the front lines of urban violence prevention. Writing with Gryniewicz, Williams alternates between frank discussions of the challenges faced by anti-violence ‘interrupters’ performing conflict mediation in Chicago’s resource-poor Black neighborhoods and a memoir about his own improbable transformation from a second-generation member of the Black Disciples. Alongside other aspects of restorative justice, the movement gained visibility following the acclaimed 2011 documentary The Interrupters, in which Williams appeared. In the foreword, director Alex Kotlowitz writes, ‘It’s formally known as community violence intervention, but that doesn’t begin to capture the scope of what Cobe and others do as they walk their communities with an open heart and a quiet fury stemming from their belief that things need not be this way.’ Williams later adds, ‘Community violence intervention is a growing public safety movement that stops shootings and killings on the front end. It uses formerly incarcerated gang members as ‘credible messengers’ to interrupt violence.’ The narrative presents a vivid family history, including intense vignettes like his own father’s murder following success as a drug dealer, alongside an ongoing account of the complex networking involved in the conflict resolution efforts of organizations like CeaseFire (since renamed Cure Violence), which provide “a model for this approach borrowed from the discipline of public health rather than criminology.” Indeed, during the pandemic, writes the author, ‘we moved from solely focusing on violence prevention to serving as community health workers.’ Following the police murder of George Floyd and subsequent uprisings, ‘the community violence intervention model, which I had been promoting for over a decade, reached new prominence.’ …Williams is deeply perceptive about brutal urban realities, and he dismantles assumptions rooted in implicit bias with academic rigor and effective storytelling. A heartfelt, authentic guide for combatting community violence.

Kirkus Reviews

Cobe's story is a testament to the belief that nobody is ever lost. Everyone can have a second chance. Everyone can turn their life around and do something positive. Cobe was a product of his environment. Now, he is making things happen all over the country—all over the world. He has made a real impact.

Matt Forte, former running back for the Chicago Bears

Now, even more necessary, to hear the voices directly from the Street . . . where everywhere, the killing is happening.

Leigh B. Bienen, senior lecturer, Northwestern University School of Law; author Florence Kelley, Factory Inspector in 1890s Chicago, and The Children

Cobe's journey unfolds as a compelling narrative of challenges and aspirations, a testament to enduring perseverance and transformative triumph. This book is a beacon for those who have navigated the rough terrains of life, seeking a path to brighter horizons. I advocate for its reading, especially among the youth emerging from comparable circumstances. They will find a mirror in Cobe's battles, drawing inspiration to reach the heights of their own potential.

Tony Allen, former NBA player for the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies

From the Foreword: I don’t want to give away Cobe’s story, but suffice it to say I marvel at his journey, and revel in his companionship. His personal journey is one of heartbreak and loss, but also one of an abundance of joy and redemption. I hope in these pages you, like I, will come to treasure his company, that you will come to understand the true capacity of the human heart, that you will get at least a taste of what it means to have Cobe by your side.

Alex Kotlowitz, producer of The Interrupters and author of The Other Side of the River and There Are No Children Here

From the Foreword: As a Violence Interrupter, sought-after national expert, speaker, trainer, and leader, he has more insight into the subject than most thinkers. … Cobe Williams is the real deal. … He lived the life, survived these events, transformed himself, and returned to the community to help heal it. He was part of the problem, and now he is part of the solution.

Joakim Noah, former professional basketball player, Chicago Bulls