PHILADELPHIA, June 5, 2014 — State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams’ campaign to reduce crime and educate children about alternatives to violence returns later this month when “Summer of Peace 2014” opens with a block party at 55th Street and Chester Avenue in Philadelphia.
The block party, in partnership with Mont Brown, will include live performances, arts/culture, and resource tables. It will also feature a pool party to open the Myers Recreation Center.
“My work to engage the community and drive the understanding that we are all neighbors and friends comes at a good time because violent crime is not yet going away in Philadelphia,” Sen. Williams said of his fourth annual program. “More people need to hear and learn about the messages delivered by the ‘Summer of Peace’ because it is in our collective best interest to do so.
“When we work together, we accomplish great things. Our energies combine and neighborhoods transform; our children do better in school and they make our neighborhoods better places to live, work and play,” he said. “’Summer of Peace’ is our commitment to reducing violence among youth and throughout our communities.”
According to the Philadelphia Police Department’s crime mapper, serious, Part I crimes over the past two months in the 8th Senatorial District have exceeded or are outpacing the number of homicides, rapes, robberies and thefts from October 2013 to April 1.
But progress was made last year because of “Summer of Peace” activities.
During the senator’s “Summer of Peace” campaign last year (April 3 – Sept. 30), police reported fewer serious crimes in the district.
“Teaching messages of calm, cooperation and education help us to look at certain situations with less anger and reaction,” Sen. Williams said. “Cooler heads better remember the peaceful solutions available to them, and that is very important during the very hot and humid Philly summers.”
Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams’ “Summer of Peace 2014” campaign will emphasize “The Power of Peace.”
Featured events will be held each month through September:
June 21 – Kickoff
10 a.m. – Basketball games at Myers Recreation Center, 58th & Kingsessing
Noon – 3 p.m. – Pool party at Myers Rec.
1 p.m. – 8 p.m. – 55th Street & Chester Avenue – Block party in partnership with Mont Brown and Pace-O-Beats.
July 12
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – In partnership with Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, state Rep. Jordan Harris and Unity in the Community at Smith Playground, 25th & Jackson streets.
July 19
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – In partnership with state Rep. Margo Davidson and Yeadon Friends & Neighbors, Nile Swim Club, 513 S. Union Ave., Yeadon.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Pool party.
Aug. 16
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – In partnership with Beautification Project Cobbs Creek Parkway, between Catharine and Christian streets
Sept. 6
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Old-School Games, Clark Park, 43rd Street and Chester Avenue.
Each “Summer of Peace” event will feature basketball games, moonbounces, arts and crafts, water activities and free food.
Sen. Williams noted the cooperation of local and state officials in making these events happen, as well as highly involved community partners: Wawa, Keystone First, Herr’s, The Fresh Grocer, Ben & Jerry’s, and Brown’s Shop-Rite, without whose generosity these events could not be offered free-of-charge to district residents and neighbors.
“Summer of Peace 2013” reached between 600 and 1,000 children at each location.
People who have questions about this year’s effort may email Sen. Williams’ staff members Don Cave (dcave@pasenate.com) or Desaree Jones (djones@pasenate.com). Calls can also be made to the senator’s office at 215-492-2980.
More information about “Summer of Peace 2014” can also be found on Sen. Williams’ website.
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