Billy “Bo” Deal: From Gang Member to College Graduate in Anti-Violence Outreach

Accident – Death – Obituary News : When Billy “Bo” Deal first started his career as an anti-violence outreach worker, his resume boasted a high-level gang member position and two prison trips. On top of that, he had also achieved the title of rap battle champion and collaborated with renowned artists like G Herbo and the late FBG Duck. However, this month, Deal added another impressive accomplishment to his list: a bachelor’s degree in urban community studies from Northeastern Illinois University.

Four years ago, when Deal embarked on his college courses, he realized that obtaining a degree was crucial for advancing his career and leading the outreach programs he had been a part of for over a decade. Deal understood that without a degree, he would hit a glass ceiling and be unable to participate in decision-making processes that determine the needs of their communities. He expressed his desire to be at the table where important decisions are made.

Deal’s journey began at a time when Chicago was pioneering anti-violence outreach programs shortly after he finished serving his prison sentence for drug conspiracy in 2004. Back then, having a violent past and a criminal record was often seen as prerequisites for an outreach worker. These workers were expected to approach young men identified as instigators of neighborhood violence, including shooters, and recruit them into therapeutic and training programs to help them turn their lives around.

Over the past two decades, the number of violence intervention organizations has increased significantly. However, many workers who started their careers in their teens, 20s, or 30s have realized that credentials are necessary to build successful careers. These credentials are crucial in winning over academics, philanthropic organizations, and city leaders.

Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI), the nonprofit organization where Deal now serves as the senior manager of field services, has recognized the need for formalized training for outreach workers. Since its establishment in 2017, MPI has been actively guiding its workers into degree programs to enhance their skills. Deal has become the first worker to complete his degree, setting a positive example for others in the field.

During his courses, Deal would sometimes attend online classes while parked in struggling neighborhoods that were the focus of his Urban Community Studies courses. His lived experience as an MPI worker added depth and valuable insights to the classroom discussions, according to Northeastern professor Zada Johnson. Traditional undergraduate students acknowledged the authenticity and real-world perspective brought by Deal and other returning learners.

Johnson has encountered numerous former gang members in her classes over the years and observed that most of them successfully complete their degrees, despite having dropped out of high school many years ago. She commended their sincerity and commitment to making a difference in their communities, describing them as serious students.

Fortunately, some hurdles to obtaining advanced degrees are lifted for anti-violence workers like Deal. They are exempted from entrance exams like the SAT and can provide a narrative admissions form instead. Additionally, MPI offers assistance with tuition or facilitates financial aid, which is crucial for workers who often earn less than $50,000 annually.

When Deal first started his college journey, he was uncertain about his ability to handle college-level work after spending so many years away from the classroom. Although he had accumulated some credits for classes taken in prison, he remained skeptical that professors or books could teach him anything new about the neighborhoods he had been a part of his whole life.

Initially, Deal’s motivation for pursuing a degree was primarily to obtain the credential. However, as he delved into his studies, he discovered the origins of the problems he witnessed in his community. He gained insights into the lack of opportunities, the trauma of slavery, and discrimination. This knowledge gave him hope that positive change was possible.

By obtaining a bachelor’s degree, Deal has not only expanded his own knowledge and skills but has also set a precedent for other anti-violence workers. His accomplishment highlights the importance of education in the violence intervention field, particularly for those who interact with academics, philanthropic organizations, and city leaders. With his newfound qualification, Deal is well-equipped to contribute to decision-making processes and drive meaningful change in his community..