about THE Bridge

The Bridge Forward International Institute for Public Safety represents a new era in community-centered public safety. Combining decades of experience, proven methodologies, and a global network of practitioners and leaders, the Institute serves as a catalyst for transformative change, helping communities prevent violence, strengthen local leadership, and create lasting pathways to safety and well-being.

Our History: Two Legacies, One Shared Vision:

Founded in 1995 by Dr. Gary Slutkin as the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention, Cure Violence Global pioneered a public health approach to violence prevention, launching its first intervention site in Chicago in 2000 before expanding its methodology nationally and internationally. Established in 2011, Cities United built a national movement of mayors, community leaders, and young people committed to reducing violence and creating safe, healthy, and hopeful communities for young Black men and boys. Over the decades, both organizations have helped redefine public safety by elevating community leadership, advancing evidence-informed strategies, and strengthening local capacity to prevent violence. Today, their legacies converge through The Bridge Forward International Institute for Public Safety, uniting their collective expertise, networks, and approaches to accelerate sustainable change in communities across the country and around the world.
Cities United logo with word mark

who is cities united

Cities United is a national organization committed to creating safe, healthy, and hopeful communities for young Black men and boys and their families. Through strategic partnerships with mayors, local leaders, community-based organizations, and young leaders, Cities United supports jurisdictions in building comprehensive public safety ecosystems that address violence, advance equity, and create pathways to opportunity. By connecting leadership, community expertise, and resources, Cities United helps communities move from vision to action and lasting change.

"The Bridge Forward represents the future of public safety, taking the lessons of the past and building on the innovations of today - to ensure that every child and community is safe, healthy and hopeful."  Anthony D. Smith

who is cure violence global

Cure Violence Global is an international organization advancing an evidence-based, public health approach to preventing and reducing violence. Grounded in the understanding that violence is a preventable health issue, its proven methodology equips communities and trusted messengers to interrupt violence, change behaviors, and transform community norms. Through research, training, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships, Cure Violence Global supports locally driven solutions that save lives and build safer communities around the world.

“We've spent decades demonstrating that violence is preventable. Now we have an opportunity to connect the knowledge, expertise, and progress happening across our field in ways that make us stronger together. Bridge Forward is about building on what exists, bridging what remains disconnected, and strengthening the systems and infrastructure that allow communities to create and sustain safety.” Dr. Monique Williams
For Media Inquiries
Please contact Letrece Griffin for any media inquiries involving our organization.
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More Details to Come in January 2027

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