Latest news with #peacewalk
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Chester gathers for peace in streets and end to gun violence at 2025 Wear Orange Peace Walk
The Brief Gathering together for National Gun Violence Awareness Month, the Chester community stepped up for the 2025 Wear Orange Peace Walk. Additionally, after the walk, a block party was held for the benefit of bringing residents together in the hope of peace in the city's streets. CHESTER, Pa. - The City of Chester banded together for the 2025 Wear Orange Peace Walk, with a block party after, to show unity and in the hope that gun violence can be put to an end. What we know It was a loud and clear message through the streets of Chester, a call for peace in the streets and the end to gun violence in the city. Many of those leading the charge are those hurt by gun violence. "In 2014, my older brother was murdered to gun violence and he wasn't even in the streets. It just made me realize someone in my position, with my energy and my voice, it's time to step up and help the city become a better place," says Cliff Newsome, a lifelong Chester resident. What they're saying That same pain is what influenced Tequiela Rice to join the movement after the love of her life, Willie Hill, was murdered. Rice displayed a picture of Hill and said, "He was a spectacular guy. Unfortunately things happen. We don't understand the story yet; we are still waiting for things to come to fruition but as of right now he lost his life to gun violence." As Rice waits for answers in the death of her partner, she's doing her part in trying to provide solutions to end the gun violence in the city. "Love each other, hug on each other, it is very detrimental that these kids know that these guns don't have a name on it, the bullets don't have a name, and the bullets can hit anybody," says Rice. Big picture view Which is why it was even important to see the Chester youth present for the walk, like Ja'core Stinney. "It's important to come out here to stop the violence and bring peace to the community," says Stinney. Also showing up for the walk and the block party were political leaders who are standing with the community and trying to provide resources to make change in the community. "I represent Chester. I try to get every place in the district that I represent. It's pretty big, all of Delaware County, parts of Philadelphia, parts of Montgomery County, but you can't represent if you're not out in the community," says U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon. With the power of all those voices, they may be able to do just that, one Chester block at a time.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
12th District police hold peace patrol in Southwest Philly
The Brief Police and chaplains talked to residents about violence and resources. Chaplains stopped to pray with and for residents, especially the youth. Peace patrols will be held twice a month during the summer. SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police and Southwest Philly community members joined together in the fight against gun violence and to keep teens out of trouble. The walk comes as the city has seen dozens of shootings in the past few weeks, including several involving young people. What we know 12th District police and community groups met at 55th and Kingsessing Wednesday evening for a peace patrol in the neighborhood. Police say the area has seen several shootings recently. They want to engage residents in areas most impacted by violence. What they're saying "God we come to you today, Lord, to give restoration into the community," said 12th District Police Chaplain Marcy Pack during a prayer ahead of a peace walk in Southwest Philadelphia Wednesday evening. "We pray that the guns will be put down and locked away," she prayed. 12th District police officers and community groups started at 55th and Kingsessing and engaged young people about violence. "I do not like it. It is too many guns," said one teen. Arnold Mitchell is the community relations officer of the 12th District, which he says has had a few shootings recently. The peace walks target neighborhoods heavily impacted by violence. "To actually show them that we are here for them and we haven't given up on them yet," Mitchell explained. The group knocked on doors and spoke to residents about resources and free community events coming up. Dwight Harris was on his front steps playing Uno with his daughter Serenity. He is happy to see the police. "It was just a shooting last week up there on the corner. So, I think it is hopeful and helpful for this community," said Harris. Frightening reality Yatta Gbapaywhea is also encouraged by the peace patrol. "I find it very comforting because we want the people to know that are so comfortable being this way and doing stuff that there are consequences," she said. Gbapaywhea says three weeks ago four armed men carried out a home invasion and robbed her family. "He kept saying be quiet I'm going to shoot you," she recalled. Due to the trauma left behind, Chaplain Beverly Clayburn says prayer is a big part of what they do. "A lot of times, when everybody leaves and walks away, somebody wants somebody to say listen it's going to be ok. Oh that hug, grab that hand or say we got you. That is so important and so we do not ignore that," Chaplain Clayburn said. The group also prayed for healing for the officer who was shot in Overbrook Wednesday afternoon. "We ask Lord God that you would touch him and his family, in the name of Jesus and we ask for divine healing virtue," she prayed. The Source Information for this story was provided by members of the Philadelphia Police 12th District.
