Chicago, often celebrated for its rich culture and resilience, has also been plagued by violence that claims too many young lives. However, in a powerful move towards healing, the fathers of late Chicago rappers Lil Durk and FBG Duck have joined forces to advocate for peace. These two men, whose sons were icons in the city’s drill music scene, have turned their tragedies into a mission to transform their community.
Dontay Banks Sr., better known as Big Durk, and FBG Duck‘s father, Leonard Weekly, understand the profound pain of losing loved ones to street violence. Lil Durk and FBG Duck, influential figures in Chicago’s music scene, represented opposing sides of the city’s infamous rivalries. Their fathers, however, have set aside past divisions, determined to create a better future for Chicago’s youth.
“When I lost my son, I felt like my whole world ended,” Weekly shared during a recent community event. “But instead of staying in that darkness, I knew I had to fight for these kids who are still here.”
Big Durk echoed this sentiment.
“We’ve both experienced unimaginable loss, but we also understand that it’s never too late to make a change. We’re using our pain as fuel to drive peace.”
Initiatives for Change
The duo’s efforts center on creating safe spaces, educational opportunities, and support systems for Chicago’s youth. Their initiatives include:
Support for Affected Families: Recognizing the toll of violence on families, they’ve partnered with local organizations to provide grief counseling and resources to parents who’ve lost children to gun violence.
Community Outreach Programs: Events that unite young people from rival neighborhoods to foster dialogue and understanding. The goal is to break down barriers and create a sense of unity.
Educational Workshops: Sessions focused on the consequences of violence and the importance of making positive life choices. These workshops often feature mentors who share their own stories of overcoming challenges.
Celebratory Events for Unity: The duo plans to host concerts and art showcases featuring local talent, emphasizing themes of peace and resilience.
The work of Big Durk and Leonard Weekly complements broader initiatives aimed at reducing violence in Chicago, such as the Scaling Community Violence Intervention for a Safer Chicago (SC2) program. SC2, which aims to halve shootings and homicides over the next decade, has seen measurable success, with two consecutive years of double-digit declines in shootings.
From increased access to behavioral health because of grassroots collaboration among leaders like Big Durk and Weekly to job opportunities and mentorships for at-risk youth through better-established programs like SC2’s, the shift in hope and unity now ripples over the entire city.
These two fathers are rewriting the narrative in a city where violence often dominates headlines. Their message is clear: peace is possible when communities come together.
“The streets don’t have to own our kids,” Big Durk said passionately at a recent rally. “We can’t change what happened to our sons, but we can change what happens next.”
Leonard Weekly added,
“It’s about unity. If we can work together after everything we’ve been through, anyone can.”
Their hard-won work is already impacting: Young people are rebuilding lives that had seemed stuck in cycles of violence. Their families, though touched by loss, find community support. This city, forever scarred but resilient, is beginning to heal.
Their story is a testament to the power of unity and the strength that comes from turning pain into purpose. With leaders like Big Durk and Leonard Weekly at the helm, hope is on the horizon, and Chicago’s youth deserve a chance at brighter futures.
As Big Durk said,
“Together, we’re showing the world that love and community can conquer even the deepest wounds.”
