Ciera Bates-Chamberlain
2024-2025 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Executive Director, Live Free Chicago - Live Free Illinois
Dolton, Illinois
Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain is the founder and executive director of Live Free Chicago - Live Free Illinois, an organization that mobilizes Black churches to improve public safety and transform the criminal justice system. She is a born and raised South Sider dedicated to advancing safety and economic opportunity by building the power and leadership of faith communities and clergy. In her work, she has convened statewide coalitions of clergy and nonprofits dedicated to peace and justice, developed violence reduction strategies, and designed innovative programs related to gun violence reduction and incarceration.
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