PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Cedric Huntley, a staunch advocate for peace and nonviolence in Providence, has passed away.
Huntley, more commonly referred to as “Mr. Ced,” was named the executive director of the Nonviolence Institute back in 2020 and held that role for three years before stepping down.
Keith Morton, interim executive director of the Nonviolence Institute, described Huntley as being “a pillar in his community.”
“Cedric Huntley was with the Nonviolence Institute at its founding in 2001,” Morton said. “He came out of retirement to lead the Nonviolence Institute and continue his life work of building the beloved community. He seemed to be always present and available, always calm and always focused on setting things right.”
“He kept nonviolence simple, inviting us all to soften our hearts and work at being kind to one another,” he continued.
Huntley was widely respected for his commitment to promoting peace and unity throughout Providence. He was recognized for those efforts back in 2022 when he was inducted into the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame.
“Cedric’s legacy of compassion, dedication and transformative impact will continue to inspire us all,” the Providence Police Department said in a social media post Thursday morning. “We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Huntley worked as the director of student services and safety at The Met School in Providence for 17 years. He also spent more than 20 years as the capital city’s site director.
Warwick Police Chief Col. Bradford Connor, president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, said Huntley “was a friend of law enforcement.”
“Cedric worked tirelessly to bring people together to find common ground,” Connor said. “His passion for teaching young people that nonviolence is the solution undoubtedly saves countless lives. The state of Rhode Island and especially our urban areas have benefitted from Cedric’s lifetime of work.”
“I hope everyone will remember his message when he said, ‘I challenge each of you to act on your impulses to be kind by sharing and giving each day. One act of kindness per day can create an energy that will generate more energy which will lead to more acts of kindness. This is how we change the cycle. This is how we change the world,’” he added.
Huntley’s funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.