In response to the tragic shooting of teenager Semaj Fields in Germantown, deli manager Justin Harris, also known as “The Hoagie Guy with the Tie,” took action, initiating the Operation Hug The Block—Uptown Chapter. This community-led initiative, inspired by the work of Philly Truce, aims to combat gun violence through nightly patrols and engagement starting April 18, 2024.
Philly Truce ran from August 26 through November 7, hoping to reignite a sense of community. Mazzie Casher shares some of his takeaways from the peace patrols and some Germantown neighbors lend their thoughts, too.
Philly Truce’s Safe City Boys program trains young men in conflict resolution to serve as role models in Philly public schools and their respective neighborhoods. Philly Truce co-founders Mazzie Casher and Steven Pickens bring the program to Germantown this week.