Targeting Gun Violence

Gun violence in Philadelphia has reached unprecedented levels, see how BuildaBridge and like-minded organizations have been addressing the issue.

On Thursday, April 7th, BuildaBridge International, Firelight Media, Storiez, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Engaging Males of Color Initiative/Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual disAbility Services, and the filmmaker behind the short documentary, Heaven: Can You Hear Me? helped facilitate "Creating Space."

The virtual conversation with community leaders, youth, clinical practitioners, and creatives explored the transformative power of art and storytelling in building resilience and supporting trauma survivors in communities impacted by gun violence. Watch this recording and learn how community activists, creatives, and clinicians in Philadelphia are using these healing tools in their work.

The featured speakers and moderators for the conversation include: Ami Yares, Executive Director & Teaching Artist, BuildaBridge International Gabriel Bryant, Coordinator, Engaging Males of Color Initiative, Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual disAbility Services (Panel Moderator) Meagan Corrado, Doctor of Social Work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Founder, Storiez Nadia Malik, Porch Light Program Director, Mural Arts Philadelphia Kendra Van de Water, Executive Director, YEAH Philly Joshua Williams, Young Adult Participant, YEAH Philly Beatrice Forman, Deputy Editor, Billy Penn (Digital Q&A moderator)

"Creating Space" is part of a series of virtual events that address themes from the film Heaven: Can You Hear Me? - released on the WORLD Channel and PBS affiliates in February 2022. The film explores the impact of gun violence on Philadelphia families. The event’s organizational sponsors include: BuildaBridge International, Firelight Media, Storiez, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Engaging Males of Color Initiative/ Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual disAbility Services. Production partners include: Human Impact Solutions and Humanature.