East Germantown – Several organizations gathered at the Bellfield Recreation Center on Saturday for a Gun Violence Prevention Day event.

It was hosted by the Omega Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorrity. A Philadelphia police officer was doing a gun buyback, handing out gift cards in exchange for guns.

“Let’s do everything we can to protect our community,” said Charlene Collins, president of Omega Omega AKA. “I’m from Philadelphia and I have to do what I can to show that guns must be taken off the streets.”

Other headings:

“There are too many illegal guns on the streets,” said Philadelphia Police Chief Daniel Outlaw. “We must do something to get these guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.” I have to.”

Nayyar Tenner now lives in South Philadelphia and attended the event to support gun violence prevention efforts.

“Typically, Philadelphia these days sees too many murders, too many killings, too much violence.

Tenner said gun violence has reached every corner of the city, including in her own family. “[My cousin] Taken on Easter Sunday. It was really hard for our family. It was very touch and go and I wasn’t sure if he would succeed, but I am very grateful that he did. “

The event also included a workshop where participants were given the opportunity to open up and share their concerns, pain and fears.

Dr. Dorothy Johnson Speight, National Executive Director and Founder of Mothers in Charge, led one of the smaller groups.

“My son is Harrick Jabbar Johnson and a few years ago he was shot and killed. He was shot in a parking space,” said Dr. Johnson Speight. “Being here today allows us to share information about the work we do, the services we provide, and hope and healing.”

Collins said Omega Omega AKA will continue to engage community members at future events to make Philadelphia a safer place for everyone.