Local conversations on gun violence are receiving statewide attention.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis visited City Hall to take part in one of City Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s “Peace Not Guns” roundtable discussions in an effort to gain insight into Johnson’s methods of helping families of gun victims deal with loss and propose solutions to curb violence in the future.
Davis and Johnson spoke with about a dozen victims and co-victims on Oct. 15 during the discussion.
“I want to thank Lt. Gov. Austin Davis for coming to Philadelphia to hear from individuals and families impacted by gun violence and children who live with this issue,” said Johnson, a Point Breeze native who represents South Philly’s 2nd Council District. “I have held Peace Not Guns discussions for years so elected officials can have open conversations with the leaders and advocates to hear from them what are some of the root causes of the shootings happening in Philadelphia and throughout the commonwealth and what are some short-term and long-term solutions to solving the problem.”
Johnson hosts roundtable discussions regularly so residents impacted by gun violence can help formulate ideas with city and community leaders. According to Johnson, the goal is to explore effective advocacy approaches and actionable recommendations, solutions and strategies to address the issue of gun violence in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. Johnson also takes part in Peace Not Guns rallies in neighborhoods that experience gun-related deaths.
“The voices of those who have been impacted by gun violence should be at the center of every conversation we have about gun violence,” said Davis, who chairs the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order in September re-establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The state followed up by launching a statewide listening tour that included the stop in Philadelphia.
After the roundtable at City Hall, Davis and Johnson visited the New Options, More Opportunities Foundation, a local gun violence prevention organization, where they heard from young residents about their experiences with gun violence and listened to suggestions on how to reduce it.
Since opening in North Philly in 2010, the NoMo Foundation has provided a comprehensive anti-violence program that offers alternative education, tutoring, study skills training and instruction leading to secondary school completion, including dropout prevention strategies, paid work experiences with an academic and occupational education component. NoMo now has three locations throughout the city, including a South Philly location at 1212 S. Broad St.
“We want to hear from those who have been injured and those who have lost loved ones, as our Office of Gun Violence Prevention works to develop a plan to address this epidemic and continues our initiative to improve services and support for gun violence victims,” Davis said. “I look forward to partnering with the Council president and the City of Philadelphia in our effort to make our neighborhoods and communities safer.”
