Bo Deal learned all he could from life in the streets. Then he got a college degree.

Billy “Bo” Deal at graduation ceremonies for Northeastern Illinois University at the Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC on Dec. 10. Deal, a former gang member, has worked for anti-violence organizations since he got out of prison on 2004. He earned his undergraduate degree in urban community studies. (Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times)

When he started out as an anti-violence outreach worker, the most important items on Billy “Bo” Deal’s resume were his former position as a high-level gang member and his two trips to prison.

As a bonus, he was also a rap battle champion who’d appeared on tracks with the likes of G Herbo and the late FBG Duck.