Dr. Lance Williams, scholar and author of several books on Chicago's street organizations, brings a unique perspective to understanding gang culture through academic research combined with personal connections. As the son of an original Vice Lords founding member, Dr. Williams traces the historical evolution of Chicago's street organizations from the Policy Kings of the early 1900s through today's horizontal gang structures. He explains how the elimination of Policy Kings by Italian organized crime created a power vacuum that led to the emergence of Black street gangs in the late 1950s, and how groups like the Vice Lords, Disciples, and Black Stone Rangers became involved in civil rights and political movements. Dr. Williams discusses the transformation from vertically organized gangs with clear leadership to today's fragmented cliques and crews, arguing this shift was an adaptive response to federal prosecutions that targeted gang leaders. He offers sobering analysis of current community violence intervention efforts, questioning whether the scale of investment matches the magnitude of the problem.

Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with Aaron Rivas, an outreach leader with New Life Centers, serving Chicago's Little Village community. Aaron shares how a life-changing moment at a funeral, seeing his own name on a young victim's casket, led him from church pews to street corners. He discusses the remarkable 75% reduction in shootings his community has achieved, the challenges of working with heavily armed teenagers who trust him enough to call at 3 AM, and the success stories like a former mentee who went from near-death experiences to directing his own organization.

Aaron explains how the Latino community's unique dynamics differ from other neighborhoods, the importance of having "roots in the ground" rather than just "boots on the ground," and how the SC2 initiative has expanded their team from 6 to over 30 staff members. Through candid discussions about trauma, the peacekeeper program, and the ongoing struggle to get local businesses to invest in their own community's youth, Aaron demonstrates how authentic love and consistent presence can transform lives in one of Chicago's most vibrant yet challenged neighborhoods.

In this episode of License to Operate, hosts Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with former Chicago Police Sergeant Vivian Williams about her transformative 30-year career serving the same South Side community where she lived and raised her children. Vivian shares her philosophy of policing with dignity, the hidden trauma affecting officers, and how authentic community relationships can break cycles of violence. From paying a family's rent to prevent eviction to facilitating historic peace treaties between rival gangs, Williams demonstrates what community policing can look like when officers truly care. She discusses the evolution of police training post-George Floyd, the mental health crisis among law enforcement, and her current work with Chicago CRED helping young people choose different paths.