WHEREAS, In response to a record 562 homicides in the City in 2021, Philly United As One is facilitating a “Day of Serenity,” to provide communities a time to gather and peacefully heal from the constant gun violence that has besieged their neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Philly United As One intends to host this event annually going forward; and
WHEREAS, Philly United As One is working with the CHARLES Foundation, Philly Masjid, Mothers In Charge, Northwest Victim Services, Release Bliss, Put It Down, B. McFly, Jeff Brown, Jessica Hill. Dr. Pamela Keye, Retired State Rep. Movita Johnson, and Police Officer Courtney Smith to coordinate the inaugural Day of Serenity; and
WHEREAS, This historic coalition demonstrates the community’s commitment to collective healing and trauma-informed practices to combat the gun violence epidemic; and
WHEREAS, Communities suffering from gun violence routinely find themselves portrayed in a negative light in the media. As a result, outsiders may not realize these neighborhoods maintain a strong sense of community and neighborly love; and
WHEREAS, The Day of Serenity is a reminder that positivity, love, and community are powerful and underutilized tools in the fight against violence; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes May 15th, as the inaugural Day of Serenity in the City of Philadelphia, providing communities disproportionately impacted by gun violence the opportunity to gather in peace and healing.
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