PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Just over three weeks ago, on March 27 16-year-old Semaj Fields was shot and killed on Wister Avenue in Germantown, and a 17-year-old was also shot and wounded.
A group of men from the community were galvanized to make a difference to prevent gun violence.
Leading the group is Justin “Hoagie Guy with the Tie” Harris. Semaj’s murder and countless similar murders in the city prompted him to take action.
“I was upset about the murder of Semaj Fields on Wister, it led to all of this,” Harris said.
He contacted the Peace Patrol and Philly Truce, local organizations dedicated to reducing gun violence. More than two weeks ago, they and several other organizations came together and came up with a plan that they’re putting into action Friday, and their goal is simple.
“To stop at least one tragedy from our neighborhood, and by the men of the community,” Harris said.
And so they walk through the streets on Friday, until just before midnight.
“We will be patrolling around the perimeter we have already mapped out and just taking gentle walks in shifts for most of the evening,” Harris said.
No structural issues will be resolved tonight, but this is an important and impactful step in reaching the community and meeting residents where they are and where they live.
Siafa Lewis
