Lakeidra Chavis

Lakeidra Chavis was a reporter for The Trace in Chicago, where most of her work focused on the city's gun violence prevention efforts. Prior to coming to The Trace, she reported for ProPublica Illinois and Chicago Public Media (WBEZ).

What It’s Like to Be One of Chicago’s ‘Last Responders’

Chicago

What It’s Like to Be One of Chicago’s ‘Last Responders’

Rising homicides, the pandemic, and drug overdoses have created unprecedented loss in Cook County. Medical examiners see the devastation up close.

Lakeidra Chavis
On the Frontlines of Gun Violence Prevention, Lessons Learned From a Harrowing Year

How We Fix This

On the Frontlines of Gun Violence Prevention, Lessons Learned From a Harrowing Year

2020's shooting surge was overwhelming and in many cities unprecedented. But for outreach workers and other experts, it also led to new ideas and approaches.

Ann Givens, J. Brian Charles, Lakeidra Chavis, and Jennifer Mascia
In a Year of Racial and Political Turmoil, This Black Gun Group Is Booming

Chicago

In a Year of Racial and Political Turmoil, This Black Gun Group Is Booming

The National African American Gun Association was founded as a refuge from the discrimination and fear that often come with being Black and armed in America. Thousands of new members have joined its ranks in 2020.

Lakeidra Chavis and Agya K. Aning
As Suicides Among Black Residents Continue to Climb, Chicago Officials Sound the Alarm

Chicago

As Suicides Among Black Residents Continue to Climb, Chicago Officials Sound the Alarm

One week into November, Cook County has nearly matched a ten-year high for annual suicides among Black residents.

Lakeidra Chavis
Chicago’s Gun Violence Plan Looks Good on Paper, Prevention Leaders Say. Can the City Pull It Off?

Chicago

Chicago’s Gun Violence Plan Looks Good on Paper, Prevention Leaders Say. Can the City Pull It Off?

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposal prioritizes police reforms and expansions to social services. How officials will accomplish their goals is left unanswered.

Lakeidra Chavis
A Promising Violence Prevention Program in Chicago Faces a Massive Budget Setback

Chicago

A Promising Violence Prevention Program in Chicago Faces a Massive Budget Setback

READI addresses shootings by tackling joblessness, but without public funding, its future is in doubt.

Lakeidra Chavis
‘We Have No Choice But to Do Better’: Cook County Pledges to Address Increase in Black Suicides

Chicago

‘We Have No Choice But to Do Better’: Cook County Pledges to Address Increase in Black Suicides

Officials say it’s “all hands on deck” to quell the sudden increase in deaths.

Lakeidra Chavis
An Outdated Understanding of Chicago Gangs Could Be Hampering Gun Violence Prevention

Chicago

An Outdated Understanding of Chicago Gangs Could Be Hampering Gun Violence Prevention

Roberto Aspholm spent years researching the transformation of the city’s gangs. He says law enforcement in Chicago hasn’t caught up.

Lakeidra Chavis
In Chicago, a Steep Rise in Suicide Among Black People

Chicago

In Chicago, a Steep Rise in Suicide Among Black People

Halfway through 2020, the number of Black residents of Cook County who’ve died by suicide has already surpassed last year’s total. “Ignoring the issue until it becomes a crisis has become the method of treatment,” says one mental health advocate.

Lakeidra Chavis
Chicago’s Peace Academy Graduates a New Class of Violence Interrupters

Chicago

Chicago’s Peace Academy Graduates a New Class of Violence Interrupters

As shootings rise and the pandemic continues, street outreach workers are juggling multiple roles to preserve community health.

Lakeidra Chavis
Chicago Doubled Its Street Outreach Workers. Memorial Day Weekend Could Be a Big Test.

Chicago

Chicago Doubled Its Street Outreach Workers. Memorial Day Weekend Could Be a Big Test.

Shootings typically jump during summer months. Gun violence prevention groups hope reinforcements can stem the tide.

Lakeidra Chavis
When the Shootings Don’t Stop

Coronavirus & Guns

When the Shootings Don’t Stop

In many cities, gun violence is dealing a double blow to black communities already ravaged by the pandemic. Community outreach workers are struggling to keep up.

Champe Barton, J. Brian Charles, Lakeidra Chavis, Ann Givens, and Daniel Nass
Will Illinois’s Stay-at-Home Order Reduce Gun Violence in Chicago?

Chicago

Will Illinois’s Stay-at-Home Order Reduce Gun Violence in Chicago?

The city says crime is down in March. But experts warn it’s too early to draw conclusions as to why.

Lakeidra Chavis
Already Fighting One Public Health Crisis, Chicago’s Gun Violence Interrupters Take on Coronavirus

Chicago

Already Fighting One Public Health Crisis, Chicago’s Gun Violence Interrupters Take on Coronavirus

Street outreach workers are doubling as messengers on avoiding infection.

Lakeidra Chavis

Support journalism that shines a light on gun violence.

Lakeidra Chavis

What It’s Like to Be One of Chicago’s ‘Last Responders’

On the Frontlines of Gun Violence Prevention, Lessons Learned From a Harrowing Year

In a Year of Racial and Political Turmoil, This Black Gun Group Is Booming

As Suicides Among Black Residents Continue to Climb, Chicago Officials Sound the Alarm

Chicago’s Gun Violence Plan Looks Good on Paper, Prevention Leaders Say. Can the City Pull It Off?

A Promising Violence Prevention Program in Chicago Faces a Massive Budget Setback

‘We Have No Choice But to Do Better’: Cook County Pledges to Address Increase in Black Suicides

An Outdated Understanding of Chicago Gangs Could Be Hampering Gun Violence Prevention

In Chicago, a Steep Rise in Suicide Among Black People

Chicago’s Peace Academy Graduates a New Class of Violence Interrupters

Chicago Doubled Its Street Outreach Workers. Memorial Day Weekend Could Be a Big Test.

When the Shootings Don’t Stop

Will Illinois’s Stay-at-Home Order Reduce Gun Violence in Chicago?

Already Fighting One Public Health Crisis, Chicago’s Gun Violence Interrupters Take on Coronavirus