The Miguel Angel Rios Memorial Project is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the devastating impact of gun violence.
It was founded in honor of Miguel Angel Rios, an 18-year-old whose life was tragically taken five years ago. Despite the passage of time, justice has yet to be served—Miguel’s killer remains unaccountable, a painful reminder of the systemic failures that allow such tragedies to go unresolved.
In the face of immense grief and loss, Miguel’s mother created this organization to keep her son’s memory alive and transform her pain into purpose. Our mission is rooted in advocacy, awareness, and community empowerment. By sharing Miguel’s story, we aim to spotlight the broader issues of violence and injustice while working to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
Through public events, youth outreach programs, and partnerships with community leaders, we promote nonviolence, accountability, and healing. Our initiatives include educational workshops, memorial gatherings, and community service drives—all designed to provide spaces for dialogue, remembrance, and action.
At its core, the Miguel Angel Rios Memorial Project is both a tribute to Miguel’s life and a call to create safer environments where no family has to endure the pain of unanswered violence.