New Release Coming 2024
Interrupting Violence
One man's mission to heal the streets
and redeem himself.
Streets are erupting, people are hurting, and our world is begging for change. It's time to interrupt the violence and paint a brighter future.
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Alert Me When I Can Pre-Order the Book
#MoreOrange is the call to action in Cobe's new book as he lays the roadmap for change in our communities for the good and forever.
The Talk Behind
Interrupting Violence
The Man
Behind the Orange
Get on Cobe's newsletter and be the first to get his new book, Interrupting Violence
Ricardo “Cobe” Williams is an award-winning peacekeeper, community activist, and public speaker who has spent the past decade training 1000+ violence interrupters in mediation and conflict resolution strategies across 52 sites in 23 US cities as well as dozens more all over the globe. He also developed the peace tournament model alongside NBA players in Chicago, New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New Orleans using basketball to reduce violence.
Cobe began his career as a violence interrupter with CeaseFire Illinois in Englewood on Chicago’s south side. His work was chronicled in the award-winning film “The Interrupters” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011 and aired on PBS’ FRONTLINE in January, 2012 as a two-hour special. Mr. Williams then went on to become Deputy Director of Cure Violence (CeaseFire’s parent organization), overseeing their national and international work. He also worked as the Community Outreach Director for Noah’s Arc Foundation helping NBA star Joakim Noah create art workshops, sports tournaments, and the renowned “Rock Your Drop” Campaign in Chicago, Baltimore, New York, and Memphis.
He has received the Hero Award from world famous psychologist Phillip Zimbardo, the United Nations Peace Award, and recognition from former Illinois governor Pat Quinn, the Mayor of Milwaukee, University of Illinois at Chicago and Chicago State University. He has appeared on Vice, People Magazine, The Guardian, and numerous other media outlets.
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Behind the Orange
#MoreOrange means you want to get involved in meaningful ways to help end the senseless violence - worldwide. Orange is the official color of anti-violence and with each event, program, social media interaction, media event, and with his new book, you learn the skills he has used globally to de-escalate the most violent communities. Join us in putting more orange into our communities.
Interrupting Violence - New Book
Interrupting Violence is the first-person account of Richard 'Cobe' Williams, a shot caller and former leader of one of Chicago’s most notorious gangs, who transformed his life to become a conflict mediator and the face of a national social justice movement. Part memoir and part call to action, it's a blueprint for cities across America looking for a new way to address community violence.
#MoreOrange Tour 2024
The only way the world changes is if YOU become part of the change itself. Orange is the official color of anti-violence and Cobe is on a mission tp 'cover the globe in more orange' using the power of people in action. #BeTheOrange is the official tour name as Cobe embarks on a national city-driven tour teaching everyone how to interrupt the violence in their own communities. Many special events are planned so get on the newsletter so you can join us.
One City Tournaments
This season of the One City Basketball League Tournament ends August 2023. Cobe will continue running monthly basketball clinics alongside NBA players in Chicago, New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New Orleans; setting sights on a new year trip in Africa, for at-risk Chicago youth to be trained in deescalation skills. One City Tournaments begin a second season just in time for Cobe's book tour - opening dozens of interactive events. for you to join.
Annual Redemption Awards 2024
The 1st Annual Redemption Awards are coming in 2024. If you know someone who has an amazing story of redemption and deserves recognition, nominate them for one a 12 prestigious awards. Stay tuned for more details on this star-studded awards show celebrating ordinary people who have made extraordinary change in this world.