7 Principles Of Peace: How The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute Is Building A $25 Million Center For Healing

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) is not just a non-profit organization; it is a profound movement born from unimaginable grief, transforming the tragedy of gun violence into a global model for peace and healing. Founded in 1994 by Clementina "Tina" Chéry following the murder of her son, Louis D. Brown, the Institute has spent three decades leading the way in comprehensive homicide response and violence prevention, rooted in a unique philosophy that prioritizes the emotional and spiritual well-being of survivors. As of late 2025, the Institute is embarking on its most ambitious project yet: the $25 million Campaign for Peace, which includes the construction of a state-of-the-art Center for Healing, Teaching, and Learning in Dorchester, Massachusetts, solidifying its future as a beacon of hope and resilience. This deep dive explores the powerful history, the foundational principles, and the groundbreaking, current work of the LDBPI, revealing how one mother's commitment to justice and forgiveness is reshaping the conversation around community violence and providing essential services to families navigating the devastating aftermath of murder. The Institute’s work, which has recently secured major funding and broken ground on its new facility, represents a crucial, fresh chapter in the fight for peace in urban communities.

The Tragic Genesis: Louis D. Brown and Founder Tina Chéry

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute was established as a living memorial and a direct response to a heartbreaking act of violence that shook the Boston community.

• The Victim: Louis D. Brown was a vibrant 15-year-old caught in crossfire on Geneva Avenue in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in December 1993. His life was tragically cut short, but his memory became the catalyst for a monumental movement.
• The Founder: Chaplain Clementina "Tina" Chéry, Louis's mother, channeled her grief into action, founding the Institute in 1994. She is the Founder, President, and CEO of the LDBPI.
• The Mission's Birth: Rather than succumbing to despair, Tina Chéry sought to create a support system that she wished she had access to, focusing on the needs of families and young people impacted by violence. Her vision was to create an environment of peace and unity where young people and their families are valued.

This foundation, built on personal loss, gives the Institute a profound level of credibility and empathy, allowing it to connect deeply with the community it serves. The LDBPI is a testament to the power of post-traumatic growth and the transformative potential of restorative justice.

The Revolutionary 7 Principles of Peace

The core of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute's philosophy and direct service model is based on the 7 Principles of Peace. These principles are used to guide families through the healing process and serve as a framework for violence prevention in the broader community. The principles are:

1. Love: The foundation for all human interaction and the power to overcome hatred.
2. Unity: Working together to create a stronger, more peaceful community.
3. Faith: Believing in the possibility of a better future and the power of peace.
4. Hope: Maintaining optimism even in the face of despair and tragedy.
5. Courage: The strength to seek peace, justice, and forgiveness.
6. Justice: Seeking fairness and equity for all, especially for victims and their families.
7. Forgiveness: The ultimate act of release, allowing survivors to move past the trauma and begin to heal.

The integration of these principles into their programs, such as the Survivors Outreach Services (SOS), provides a holistic, spiritual, and emotional approach to healing that is often missing from traditional criminal justice or mental health responses. The SOS program, one of the Institute's earliest services, was specifically designed to support families immediately following a murder.

A New Era: The $25 Million Campaign for Peace and New Center

The most significant and current development for the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute is the launch of its ambitious Campaign for Peace. This $25 million initiative is designed to drastically expand the Institute's reach and solidify its infrastructure for the next generation of peace work. The Campaign has two primary, interconnected goals:

1. Building the Center for Healing, Teaching, and Learning

The cornerstone of the Campaign is the construction of a new, permanent home for the Institute in Dorchester. This facility, which has recently begun construction, is envisioned as a global model for peace and healing. * A Hub for Healing: The Center will serve as a dedicated space for survivors of homicide and trauma to find support, counseling, and community. * Educational Outreach: It will be a center for teaching the 7 Principles of Peace and training other organizations in the Institute’s proven model of homicide response and violence prevention. * Current Funding Success: The vision for this Center received a massive boost with a $2.5 million earmark in the 2024 Economic Development Bill, demonstrating significant governmental support for the Institute's work.

2. Expanding Programs and Services

The Campaign for Peace will also fund the expansion of critical programs that address the immediate and long-term needs of survivors. * Increased Capacity: The funds will allow the Institute to serve more families who have experienced murder, trauma, grief, and loss, broadening the impact of the Survivors Outreach Services. * Long-Term Stability: In May 2024, the Institute was awarded a significant $750,000 Cummings Grant, providing 10 years of sustained funding and ensuring the long-term viability of their core operations. This financial stability is crucial for an organization dedicated to addressing chronic community trauma. The construction of the new center and the expansion of programs represent a momentous step for the LDBPI, moving it from a vital local resource to a globally recognized institution for peace advocacy and restorative justice.

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s Enduring Impact and Legacy

The LDBPI is more than a service provider; it is an advocacy leader. The Institute has been at the forefront of policy discussions around gun violence and victim services in Massachusetts. The Institute’s unique approach to homicide response has created a powerful legacy: * Dignified Response: The LDBPI provides immediate, compassionate support to families in the critical hours and days following a homicide, ensuring that the process is handled with dignity and respect. This immediate intervention helps set the tone for the family’s long-term healing journey. * Community Empowerment: By focusing on the 7 Principles of Peace, the Institute empowers survivors to become agents of change, transforming their pain into purpose and contributing to the overall peace in the community. * A Model for Cities: The LDBPI's comprehensive model, which integrates spiritual, emotional, and practical support, is increasingly being recognized and emulated by other cities grappling with the epidemic of urban violence. As the Institute celebrates its three decades of service since its founding in 1994, the commencement of the Center for Healing, Teaching, and Learning marks a decisive moment. It is a powerful affirmation that the legacy of Louis D. Brown continues to inspire a movement dedicated to the profound belief that love, unity, and forgiveness can ultimately triumph over violence and despair. The work continues, with the Institute standing as a testament to the enduring human capacity for resilience and peace.