Showing block captains more love
Resolve Philly
Developing and advancing journalism based on equity, collaboration, and the elevation of community voices and solutions
March 8, 2024
Introducing ‘A More Loving Philly’
This week we are sharing the first in a series of stories called “A More Loving Philly.” PJC partner Love Now Media is the newsroom leading the series that will run through the end of the month.
Love Now Media and Madre Tierra have been talking to Philadelphians at public events, surveying them online and even asking elected officials what it would take to make our city more loving.
One theme that consistently surfaced was the importance of having communities where people come together, support each other, and work as one. People expressed a desire and need for communal activities, shared responsibilities, as well as a collective effort to uplift each other. It inspired the first story’s focus on block captains’ work in communities and the potential to help prevent gun violence and nurture community safety.
Director of Collaborations
Resolve Philly
Philly Block Captains Hope Cleanups and Care Will Keep Streets Safe from Gun Violence
When Nate Riley moved to his block in the Logan neighborhood of Philadelphia in 2021, he was surprised that there were very few elderly people spending time outside.
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“Because of the violence, there’s a sense of alienation between the ages,” he said. “Older people, they’re afraid of the younger people … they look at them more as being a problem instead of embracing them.”
He worked with the city to start a free summer program where senior residents distribute lunches to children. This spring, he wants to organize a cleanup day where young people will be paid to tidy the block alongside their senior neighbors.
“Poverty creates crime and violence,” he said. “To have a little child be able to come out of her home and see it’s a clean environment allows for them to have pride.”
Partner Spotlight: Love Now Media
Love Now Media is “on a mission to help create a more just, well, and equitable future by amplifying acts of love at the intersection of social justice, wellness, and equity.”
Jos Duncan Asé founded Love Now Media. She has been involved in our collaborative for years, including when she worked at WURD Radio before focusing full time on LNM.
Last year, her organization began publishing Love Now Magazine. They also do podcasts, video and work on other platforms. Check them out!
Thanks for sharing, partner!! We truly appreciate it!