Peace Week Aims To Stop The Violence By Influencing Philadelphia Youths
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- As of today, 146 people have lost their lives to homicide in Philadelphia this year; that's 12 more than the same day in 2014. However, a South Philadelphia group is continuing its effort to tackle violence before it starts.
It's the eighth year that Unity in the Community has organized "Peace Week." Their goal: stop the violence by promoting peace among the youth.
"We are trying to engage that young demographic, [by getting them] to actually come out and talk to create an awareness of what's going on in the community," says Anton Moore, founder of Unity in the Community and creator of "Peace Week."
He and his group organize free events like a peace rally, softball game, celebrity basketball event, block party and more to attract thousands of young people by bringing in folks they admire like rapper Meek Mill and athletes like Mo'Ne Davis, as well as community leaders to promote messages of peace.
"These are the people that are getting involved in the nonsense around here," Anton noted at Monday's peace rally, "and if you look around, some of them are listening. Hearing the artists talk is a good thing."
Unity In The Community also produced a PSA on YouTube to tell the story of the impact of violence on young people.
"In the video you have people disappearing and that's what's happening in the community," he says, "you're here today, gone tomorrow and we have to correct that."
"We need peace. Our children are just dying," says Josie, a South Philadelphia resident who brought her niece to the peace rally at 24th and Wharton on Monday. "I thought if she heard the motivational speakers, she'd be inspired."
Desjane, 13, was drawn to the event.
"It makes me feel sad to see people are dying and to hear that people are killing each other," she says.
If you could stop the violence, would you? "Yes," Desjane said.
"Peace Week" will continue with a senior brunch, expungement clinic, GED workshop and block party on Saturday. For more go to unityinthecommunity215.com.
