Two events raising awareness to violence within the community are planned this weekend in Mantua. Neighborhood and church groups are organizing an anti-violence rally and march on Friday, April 17, and everyone is invited to join them and other community members, city officials, clergy, and other organizations as they rally and pray for peace.

“Violent crime in Black neighborhoods has reach(ed) epidemic proportions and requires everyone to commit to finding ways to solve the problem,” reads a press release by Transfiguration Baptist Church, signed by Reverend Dr. Charles L. McNeil. “In our effort to raise awareness to this problem, churches and organizations in the Mantua section of Philadelphia sponsor an anti-violence rally and march against black on black crime.”

The rally will begin at 6 p.m. with a prayer and introductions at Transfiguration Baptist Church at 3732 Fairmount Avenue, then will proceed to designated churches throughout Mantua, ending at Second Antioch Baptist Church at 912 North 41st Street for refreshments and conversation. 

In addition to the anti-violence rally and march, a panel discussion and information sessions, “Community Conversations on Violence: Persons,” featuring police administrators, neighborhood leaders, and city officials will be held at Drexel University’s Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships at 3509 Spring Garden Street on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided.

More information can be found on the Mantua For Peace website.