Unity in the Community is continuing its fifth annual Peace Week celebration with Operation College Help.
On Wednesday, the nonprofit organization promoting an end to violence in South Philadelphia held its college-promoting event in the Point Breeze section of the city. Unity in the Community was founded by Anton Moore, who spoke at last week’s Democratic National Convention about his anti-violence and community-building efforts.
The event was in honor of Jesse “E.J.” Williams, a South Philadelphia resident who lost his life to gun violence.
Along with Moore and the Williams family, Mayor Kenney, City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, and WDAS radio personality Patty Jackson attended.
In memory of Williams’ love for bike riding, UITC members and local politicians rode bikes provided by IndeGo to the homes of two college-bound Philadelphia high school graduates to present them each with $650 in checks.
“He was always on a bike,” said Moore. “He had a bike riding around South Philadelphia. So I said to myself what better way to do this than to honor him that way.”
Williams was shot on April 29 in his Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Before everyone mounted their bikes and took to the streets, the crowd gathered around to say a few words to remember Williams’ contributions to their lives.
“It really affected all his family and friends,” said his sister, Kim Williams. “And I just want to let everybody know when you take somebody away, it won’t only hurt the person. It hurts the family and friends.”
Afterward, the gathering of about 30 people hopped on their provided bikes, while Kenney and Jackson rode in SUVs, to the homes of Hanif Tart, a graduate of Prep Charter High School on his way to Keystone College to study criminal justice, and Kwynasia Young, a graduate of Central High School who will study business at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Each student was greeted at the door by Moore, Kenney, Johnson, and Jackson and presented a check from IndeGo bikes. And as a surprise, Mayor Kenney and Councilman Johnson made additional contributions. IndeGo contributed $300, and Kenney and Johnson each contributed $500.
Though he was expecting something, Tart said he was surprised by all of the people at his door. Young, the daughter of a Philadelphia School District police officer, said she was grateful and plans to return to her neighborhood after graduating. Both were recommended for the awards by community members.
“I’m just excited to have the opportunity to give back to my community,” she said. ”When I get my business degree from Wharton, I hope to return to Universal Companies [a nonprofit education management and community development organization] to help.”
Johnson, who attended Mansfield University and received a master’s in government administration from Penn, said that he related to the students and that he was humbled by Moore’s decision to recognize young people who have made the decision to go to college and avoid the violence in their neighborhood.
“I’m born and raised in South Philadelphia,” said Johnson. “I’m also a college graduate, but I also did not let my neighborhood, or the circumstances of my surroundings, dictate my future. So this is a great event here today for South Philadelphia.”
Unity in the Community will continue its Peace Week celebration with events through Saturday, when it will end with a celebrity block party.