Caption by Ashmar Mandou

Youth from Little Village, Pilsen, and South Chicago paired off with veterans of recent wars as part of The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Urban Warriors program to address those who are exposed to violence in some of Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods and help to reduce the cycle of harm by fostering healthy adolescent. The 2016 “Urban Warriors” graduates were recognized on Saturday at The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration with former Chicago Bulls player Mickey Johnson who served as keynote speaker. This year, 22 young men, ages 13 to 19 years old graduated from the program. If you would like to learn more, visit ymcachicago.org.