Black Expo Community Development Association Inc. is committed to providing essential resources and support systems that foster growth and stability for individuals and families in need.  We achieve this through dedicated support and attention to those we serve.

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Today, our focus has been on gun violence intervention as it has dominated the landscape nationally and is very prevalent in Chicago.  Building Better Futures (BBF) assists individuals who are victims or survivors of gun violence. Working with our dedicated, experienced team of Community Violence Intervention advocates, we play a vital role in connecting victims and survivors to resources to help them rebuild a sense of safety in their community and homes. These include mental health support, food, clothing, job readiness and referrals and much more.   Our team's persistence, dedication, focus and presence in the communities we serve has resulted in notable, quantifiable shifts in gun violence incidents.

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​The elimination of violence can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals by fostering a sense of safety and security. When people are free from the threat of violence, they can pursue their goals and aspirations without fear, leading to increased productivity and personal growth. A peaceful environment allows individuals to focus on their education, careers, and personal relationships, contributing to overall well-being and happiness. Moreover, the absence of violence reduces the physical and psychological trauma that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, causing them to fail to live up to their potential and from living a fulfilled life.

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From January 2025 through June 2026, our violence intervention team recorded a 70% decline in gun-violence incidents across the four Auburn Gresham neighborhoods we operate. During this period, our team engaged in sustained negotiation, mediation, mentorship, and relationship-building with individuals from four groups with a history of conflict spanning more than 30 years. These efforts helped the groups reach a continuing non-aggression agreement: when disputes arise, they commit to coming to BBF to seek support before those conflicts escalate to violence.

 

City of Chicago data also show that, across the Auburn Gresham community area, homicide victims declined 32% and people recorded with gunshot injuries declined 52% in January–September 2026 compared with the same period in 2024. BBF’s service-area results reflect our team’s tracked work in four beats; the City figures provide broader community context. Together, these results underscore the importance of sustained investment in violence prevention, trusted relationships, and opportunities that support people committed to peace.