About the Project

In collaboration with Anthony Smith of Cities United and Dr. Eddie Woods of No More Red Dots, the Louisville Peacekeepers Project prioritizes the voices of those on the frontlines interrupting the cycles of violence and those most impacted by the systems of inequity perpetuating the national public health crisis of gun violence.

LSP will engage authors with a diversity of perspectives in the peacekeeping ecosystem in a compelling and compassionate storytelling process culminating in a book of their stories written in their own words. 

We will also publish a companion discussion guide with the authors designed to elevate local dialogue and expand the national discourse on public safety.

The book will be released in conjunction with Cities United’s 2025 Annual Convening in Louisville, putting the book in the hands of a national network of community violence experts, offering the authors a national stage, and shining a spotlight on the stories and solutions at the heart of Louisville’s peacekeeping ecosystem.

Selection of Project Authors

Deborah Barnes-Byers has worked in youth development, violence prevention, and community healing for over 40 years. She is a central figure in Louisville’s peacekeeping efforts. Deborah managed Pivot to Peace, Louisville’s first and only hospital-based intervention program, from its inception in 2016 until it unexpectedly closed in May 2024 due to funding cuts. Deborah continues to advocate and inspire peaceseekers and peacekeepers in Louisville.

Kenneth Forbes Sr. is the father of the late Kenneth Forbes Jr. who was tragically murdered on December 23, 2012. In 2016, recognizing the need for grief support by parents and families who have lost a child to gun violence, Kenneth established M.O.M.S. - Mothers of Murdered Sons and Daughters of Kentucky.

Kiara James is a Community Health Worker Supervisor at the UofL Health Trauma Institute where she and her team work with survivors of gun violence who have suffered spinal cord injuries as they begin the long journey to recovery and reacclimate both physically and emotionally. Kiara realized survivors have common barriers to their successful recovery, including: obtaining residential wheelchair ramps, minor home modifications, and rental home relocation when an existing rental has physical limitations. She founded Pushing Forward to help remove those barriers and promote self-efficacy among gun violence survivors with spinal cord injuries.

Kimberly Moore is the Executive Director of Joshua Community Connectors an organization that works with young adults and returning citizens to break down barriers around mental health, housing, and employment. Kimberly has a long history addressing community violence and a valuable perspective from various points in Louisville's peacemaker ecosystem.