The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute broke ground on a new center over 30 years in the making — steps from the ground where the institute’s namesake lived, went to school and was killed.

“That’s my backyard,” said Institute founder and CEO Clementina Chery, Louis D. Brown’s mother. “Across the street is where my three children went to school. Four Corners is what’s considered one of the most eclectic neighborhoods, and one of the most violent neighborhoods. We are going where the violence is. We are going to show and transform.”

The new headquarters of the Peace Institute, named for Chery’s 15-year-old son who was shot and killed in 1993, will be located at 30 Westville St. across from Up Academy Dorchester. The Boston-based nonprofit has served the local area since 1994, providing support

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