(Aug 02, 2022) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein
Safe communities are on everyone’s minds right now. Back in April, I wrote about how 70% of Philadelphia residents believe community safety is the primary issue affecting their lives right now . This evening, we will be recognizing National Night Out, with the police and community organizations of the 15 th , 24 th , and 26 th police districts. People studying the rising violence, especially among our young people, cite the fact that many of the institutions that brought community together were damaged severely during the Covid-19 pandemic. National Night Out, a unique, free event that brings police, business, and community neighbors together, is one of those institutions that we missed during the pandemic. I encourage everyone to get to one of the events close to you, get to know the police who walk your streets, your neighbors running organizations that set the standards for what we expect from each other, and take the opportunity to get involved yourself. Some groups that are part of NNO are organized specifically for your kids, giving them messages about community in a way that makes sense and is real for them. Other groups are focused on helping anyone take action to make their block, their neighborhood, our city, a better place to be. These are places where everyone across generations can gather, and we can take care of each other. If we are going to repair the damage done during the pandemic, and recognize the harm that was already plaguing us, we must Read more