The churches taking part are also establishing mentoring programs. Outstanding fatherhood awards were presented to the grandfather of Derrion Albert, who was killed outside Fenger High School this year and to the father of Willie Williams III, a 16-year-old who was murdered in 2006.
"He was a great kid. I miss him. He's the angel on my shoulder. I'm out here trying to save our youth. If I have to go across town or the world to get this message out, I'm gonna do it," father Willie Williams Jr. said.
"What keeps me going is the memory of my grandson and to help save another life, that's my agenda," said Joseph Walker, Derrion Albert's grandfather.
Organizers of Sunday's event partnered with the Chicago's Police Department to recruit teens for its self-esteem and personal enrichment program.
