SIUE Partners with 40 Days of Nonviolence Initiative in East St. Louis

University collaborates with community program for second consecutive year to curb violence and support local youth.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is continuing its partnership with the 40 Days of Nonviolence initiative in East St. Louis. The program, now in its second year, aims to reduce violence and engage with local youth through themed weeks of activities and events organized by community leaders, civic organizations, and citizens.

Why it matters

The 40 Days of Nonviolence initiative is an important community-driven effort to address violence and provide positive programming for young people in East St. Louis, a city that has faced significant challenges with crime. SIUE's involvement demonstrates the university's commitment to supporting its local community and leveraging its resources to make a meaningful impact.

The details

As part of the partnership, SIUE will participate in 'Education Week' by collaborating with the Alton School District and Lewis and Clark Community College, as well as 'First Responders Week' where the SIUE Police Department will work with afterschool programs to build relationships with law enforcement and K9 Therapy Dogs. The university will also host a panel discussion on nonviolent resistance and activism, and provide community service during the program's 'Unification Week'.

  • The 40 Days of Nonviolence initiative runs from January 28 to March 8, 2026.
  • SIUE's Project Success will host chess instruction on Wednesdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
  • On February 25, SIUE will host a panel discussion from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
  • SIUE students and alumni will provide community service on March 7.

The players

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

A public university located in Edwardsville, Illinois, that is collaborating with the 40 Days of Nonviolence initiative in East St. Louis.

40 Days of Nonviolence Initiative

A community-driven program in East St. Louis that aims to reduce violence and engage with local youth through themed weeks of activities and events.

Rosetta Brown

Fourth Ward Alderwoman in Alton, one of the participating areas in the 40 Days of Nonviolence initiative.

Kimberly McClellan

Manager in SIUE Human Resources and a member of the 40 Days of Nonviolence executive committee.

Robert Betts

East St. Louis City Manager who expressed encouragement for the 40 Days of Nonviolence initiative and its partnership with SIUE.

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What they’re saying

“This year's theme connects deeply to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a nation committed to nonviolence, compassion, and collective responsibility.”

— Rosetta Brown, Fourth Ward Alderwoman in Alton

“The 40 days of nonviolence initiative has certainly impacted and continues to impact our community. I'm encouraged by the partnership you continue to build with SIUE, with other communities and organizations throughout the city.”

— Robert Betts, East St. Louis City Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

SIUE's continued involvement in the 40 Days of Nonviolence initiative demonstrates the university's commitment to supporting its local community and leveraging its resources to make a meaningful impact in addressing violence and providing positive programming for young people in East St. Louis.