PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A community peace patrol is calling for a gun stand-down on the streets of Philadelphia between now and the start of 2022. Volunteers are needed to help in the effort.
Several community organizations came together to form a coalition to encourage people to put down their firearms and stop the trend of gun violence in the city.
A motorcade of activists launched the effort, stressing the importance of community involvement. The participants made stops in various neighborhoods.
Related
Olivia Sumter got a flyer, and she spoke about the “Stand Down for the Holidays” initiative with one of the organizers, Mazzie Casher of Philly Truce, one of the partnering organizations.
Sumter knows firsthand about gun violence, as her son was shot this past summer. He has made a full recovery.
"He's fine by the grace of God. He is alive and well. He was the 15-year-old who got shot in Germantown on Knox Street," said Sumter.
Related
“He was hit [in the] lower groin and it severed a major artery. They had to do a bypass and everything, but by the grace of God he is tremendously healed."
“We've just got to take responsibility for these kids," said Casher.
"We've got to let them know there are outlets, people they can turn to."
Volunteers are needed to join the community peace patrol. Participants will walk together at six locations throughout the city, now until the end of the year, making their presence known and promoting peace.
“Men need to get more involved in the streets. Stop letting these kids, especially young men, disrespect them," said Sumter.
Casher said people can sign up here to join the peace patrols and find available stations across the city where they can participate.
Related
“We have six locations across the city you can report to. We do two walks a day, noon and 8 p.m. On New Year’s Eve, we’ll just do a 4 p.m.” Casher explained.
“We just ask for people to come out, be present, reclaim the community, spread the love."
Find out how to get involved by clicking here.
