GIVING PEACE A CHANCE: S. Philly Leaders March Against Violence

COMMUNITY LEADERS, led by Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, march for peace at 1200 block of Hawthorne Street. Photo by Rory McGlasson

BY RORY McGLASSON/ A group of community advocates marched in a “Peace Not Guns” rally yesterday. The peaceful march, at G.W. Childs ES, 1599 Wharton Street, was led by Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, who said he will introduce a resolution to hold a City Council hearing to examine gun violence and its effect on Philadelphians.

It was the second march in five days. Last weekend, dozens marched to show support of family and friends of slain Hawthorne resident, Robert McKee. The rallies are in response to recent gun-related violence in South Philadelphia. In the city, 245 homicides have been committed to date in 2012 — three in a South Philadelphia were added to the tally just hours after Councilman Johnson joined residents and community leaders in expressing a commitment to peace.

The rally gave community leaders and residents a chance to voice their concerns over the increasing gun violence in the city – especially in South Philadelphia. Councilman Johnson was joined by Councilman Mark Squilla at the rally, as well as many community activists and leaders from across South Philadelphia, including Mothers in Charge, Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network, Hawthorne Empowerment Coalition and Men United For A Better Philadelphia, and Friends of Hawthorne Park.

McKee, 24, was shot once in the head on the 600 block of 12th Street, around the corner from his home on the 1200 block of Bainbridge Street. He died on the scene.

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