Shania Bennett

Reach4Peace is a community non-violence organization based in South Philadelphia that has been committed to doing the work around gun violence prevention. As an alarming surge in incidents of gun violence have many Philadelphia residents calling on community leaders and elected officials to act, community- and faith-based organizations have played a significant part in tackling the persistent senseless gun violence in Philadelphia.

Reach4Peace was founded in 2017 after the year end total of 315 homicides in the city of Philadelphia. Two South Philadelphia teenagers: Tyrell Evans Manning and Dre Coleman decided that they would start the organization in efforts to make a call of action to stop the violence, restore hope to the community, and to preach peace. For 3 consectutive years the two teengers have participated in gunbuy backs where individuals are able to surrender guns without question in efforts to get guns off the streets and to stop the violence. In addition the teens have started a basketball league centered around community day fun, annual back to school drives, toy drives, and winter coat drives to promote a positive presence in the community. 

Tyrell Manning, a founder of the organization, said in a brief interview that “Reach4Peace is all about if I can just save one life from the hands of senseless gun violence.” Tyrell, community members and partners remain hopeful even as homicide numbers continue to climb. Although all of Reach4Peace’s annual events that really engage the community and teenagers during the summer were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Reach4Peace has taken a variety of approaches to still make their presence known in the community and to promote peace on the streets.

A significant increase in homicides suggests that Philadelphia will reach nearly 400 or more homicides by the end of the year. Philadelphia’s gun violence crisis is evident as cases of gun violence continue to increase and reach startling numbers since the beginning of May of 2020.

Philadelphia Police Department statistics reported that 184 people were shot in the month of May. From May to August the monthly number significantly surged, with August’s monthly total reaching over 275 reported incidents of gun violence. Of the reported incidents of gun violence many have unfortunately resulted in death.

Since September, according to Philadelphia police crime statistics, there has been a 40% increase in the number of homicides since 2006. As of October 7th, 368 individuals have fallen victim to gun violence. 

More information on Reach4Peace can be found on all social media outlets @Reach4Peace or contact at reach4peace2019@gmail.com