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A CDHC Learning Series Event:
Violence, Conflict, and Building a More Civil Society
A Conversation with Curtis Toler
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Meet Our Speaker & Moderators
Curtis Toler
Director of Outreach for Chicago CRED
Curtis Toler’s journey to becoming one of Chicago’s leading authorities on gang culture began as a youth growing up on Chicago’s south side. Finding his mothered ruthlessly murdered by his stepfather led Toler on a path in search of power and respect. Curt eventually found himself in the company of one of Chicago’s most respected gangsters since Al Capone – the unrivaled Jeff Fort, leader of the Blackstone Rangers (also known as EL Rukns). Curt joined the organization, and quickly rose to a position of leadership.
Tragically, a close friend of Toler’s, was kidnapped and murdered. Curt fully understood the fate of continuing life as a gang leader and opted out for a second chance to do life differently. He left the gang.
Curt now works as the Director of Outreach for Chicago Cred, a violence reduction organization led by the former Secretary of Education, Arnie Duncan. Toler is leading the charge of training a new generation of violence interrupters and outreach specialists. Learn more about Curtis Toler’s work on Chicago CRED's website.
Anita Banerji
CDHC Commissioner and Senior Director of Strategy and External Relations, Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation
