In the aftermath of the gun-related death of Issiaka Meite and wounds sustained by six other youths, members of the African and Caribbean immigrant communities in Philadelphia vow to support neighborhood initiatives against gun violence.
What: Rally and Soccer for Peace. When: Friday, July 26, 2019 at 6:00 – 7:00 pm Where: Finnegan Playground, 6801 Grovers Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19142 Who: The Coalition of African and Caribbean Communities (AFRICOM), Faith-based organizations, elected officials, and members of the African and Caribbean communities in the Philadelphia region. Why: Philadelphia African and Caribbean immigrant community members, clergy members, and human rights activists, will host a rally and a soccer game to support community initiatives against gun violence in the city of Philadelphia. As participants in the city’s vibrant culture and economy, immigrant communities feel they must also be civically engaged against gun violence, which impacts their livelihood, families, and businesses. Three weeks ago, a shooting at Finnegan Playground in Southwest Philadelphia, left one dead and 6 other youths injured.
The choice of Finnegan Playground for the rally and soccer game is a vigorous response from the impacted families and communities to heal, strengthen bonds, eliminate fears, raise awareness, and commit to support local initiatives to make Philadelphia’s neighborhoods safer for all. The rally will start at 4:00 pm with music and networking. The official program will run from 6:00 pm to 6:45 followed by a soccer game. City officials, civic associations, and faith-based leaders are invited.
Thousands of African and Caribbean immigrants live in Philadelphia. They make invaluable contributions that have led to economic growth and cultural diversity in Philadelphia. But gun violence fosters a climate of distrust and fear and severely impacts inter-cultural relationships. Together, we stand strong in the face of gun violence, which threatens all of us. We Are The Coalition of African and Caribbean Communities, created in 2001, advocates and organizes so that immigrant communities feel a sense of belonging, empowerment, and self-sufficiency. Contact: Eric Edi (215) 816 8163. Sada (215) 435 3245
