01/22/2026
At the 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast on Monday, January 19, Teny Gross, CEO of Institute for Nonviolence Chicago was awarded the “2026 Trailblazing and Excellence in Nonviolence Award.” Dr. King’s concept of the challenges us to reject hate, greed, and division – and instead, to create a world where everyone is valued and no one is left behind. That is the work we are called to do - to not only remember the concept of the Beloved Community but to answer Dr.King’s demand for action.
For over 30 years, Teny has embodied this work and mission.
As a proud street outreach worker in Boston, Executive Director of the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence in Providence, RI, and founding Institute for Nonviolence Chicago ten years ago, and helping establish Communities Partnering 4 Peace - CP4P, Teny has helped shape the current CVI ecosystem.
Teny is also an innovator and educator spreading his mission for peace far beyond the city. He has presented at numerous colleges and universities, as well as the National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice, The White House, as well as abroad on the topics of violence reduction, managing outreach teams, professional work with the justice system, and nonviolence.
Teny’s firm commitment to Dr. King’s nonviolence philosophy and building organizations that teach his principles and practices locally, nationally, and internationally, makes him worthy of such an honor presented by Rainbow PUSH Coalition .
We are grateful for Teny’s leadership, hard work, and dedication to nonviolence and building the Beloved Community everywhere he goes.
Communities Partnering 4 Peace - CP4P Metropolitan Peace Initiatives
