FBI Chicago Announces Recipient of Director’s Community Leadership Award

 CHICAGO—Emmerson Buie, Jr., special agent-in-charge of the Chicago Division, announced that Dwayne Bryant has been named the 2020 recipient of the FBI’s Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for the Chicago Division. Established in 1990, the DCLA honors individuals and organizations for their efforts in preventing federal crimes and enhancing law enforcement efforts in their communities. The award is given annually on behalf of FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Over 22 years ago, Dwayne Bryant founded Inner Vision International, Inc. (IVI), a non-governmental organization established to motivate, educate, and inspire individuals to achieve their maximum potential in their personal lives and their communities. Mr. Bryant and his consultants developed a powerful, evidence-based curriculum to transform the life trajectory of urban youth. Through these curricula, parents and students gain essential education in character development, social-emotional learning, and life management. To date, IVI has directly impacted approximately 35,000 students, 10,000 parents, and 1,500 teachers.

In 2020, IVI created virtual programs to improve the relationship between police and the African American community following nationwide restlessness after the murder of George Floyd. These innovative programs provided a safe space during the unrest and pandemic to discuss complicated issues such as gun violence and conflict resolution. Due to IVI’s influence, reach, and use of virtual connectivity, those difficult conversations became approachable and empowering to local youth.

Mr. Bryant is the author of “The STOP – Improving Police and Community Relations,” a book written in response to the increase in officer-involved shootings during routine traffic stops. Additionally, as an alumni of the 2019 FBI Chicago Citizen’s Academy (CA) class, Mr. Bryant worked closely with the FBI’s Miami office to co-sponsor the Trayvon Martin Anti-Violence Summit in Florida. The summit created awareness of the impact of violent crime on victims’ families and provided support and advocacy for families in response to Martin’s murder.

For additional information on the DCLA: https://www.fbi.gov/about/community-outreach/dcla.