Honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, Traci Carter, for creating the youth anti-violence program, Anchors Camp, after losing his brother to gun violence.

WHEREAS, Traci Carter was born and raised in Philadelphia, beginning his basketball career at Roman Catholic High School, later transferring to Life Center Academy in Burlington, NJ; and

WHEREAS, Following graduation, Carter played at Marquette University and La Salle before transferring to Hartford and playing in March Madness in 2021; and

WHEREAS, Traci’s brother, Semaj, was tragically shot and killed in July 2020 at Myers Rec Center after a basketball game; and

WHEREAS, In honor of Semaj, Traci Carter reached out to his Coach at Hartford who connected him to Jimmy Newfrock in Madison, N.Y. that set up a residential program for disadvantaged youth on Newfrock’s property; and

WHEREAS, Anchors Camp held its first session in August 2020 with 8 Philadelphia youth where they pursued trade skills, such as mechanics, plumbing, electrical as well as special activities like hiking, fishing, and trips to local colleges; and

WHEREAS, The camp’s mission is to “provide an opportunity that introduces young men to a range of activities, hands-on learning, and skill-building. Campers’ curiosity will be sparked as they learn valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, communication, accountability, and community”; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and congratulates Traci Carter for his perseverance after losing his brother to gun violence and for creating the youth anti-violence program, Anchors Camp.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Traci Carter as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End