Addressing Community Trauma: Real Life Stories from Mantua. The Bottom to the Top.

“I like to think that when we straighten our backs up, no one can keep us down.”

Stories from community member Danielle Anders about growing up in Mantua, facing violence firsthand and finding her own strength and resilience.

“I am a Black man, a police officer and a peacemaker.”

Seante shares his personal story of being a Philadelphia police officer who grew up in Mantua.  It is a poetic story that highlights his desire to be a positive example for the community.

“You can change. You can find peace.”

The heartfelt journey of community member Trae Pate, a teacher and positive mentor to the youth of Mantua.

“...do we really come back the same after seeing gunshots kill a man?”

Brian reads the moving poem he wrote about being a Philadelphia police officer serving Mantua as well as the impact on him of sharing his story with the group.

“I know what it feels like to think what you are doing is right because nobody is telling you that it is wrong.”

Community member Rasheed Pickett shares stories about growing up in poverty and violence and later losing his son to gun violence.

“I come from a long line of African Women enslaved in America.”

Rikeyah Lindsay a community member, mother, daughter and grand-daughter shares her spoken word poem celebrating the ancestral strength of Black women.

“I want to say to people - Mantua it’s a pleasure protecting you.  It’s an honor and I won’t let you down.”

George, a Philadelphia Police Officer, shares his personal story of growing up with trauma and a desire to be a hero and and a police officer.