Give peace a chance in February, Philly coalition urges
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Peace activists speak out at City Hall Wednesday about a plan to establish February as "Peace Month" in Philadelphia. (Tom MacDonald/WHYY)
The Philadelphia Anti-Violence Coalition wants to make February “Peace Month.”
Coalition members said they will work from all avenues to establish a month of peace, said Bilal Qayyum. One key goal will be helping people settle arguments without guns.
“We want to ask young men who have a tendency for negative behavior to put down their guns, he said. “Don’t shoot during the month of February and resolve conflicts through mediation or discussion.”
Will Little, who spent 10 years in prison for murder, urged Philadelphians to think before doing something they will regret.
“Because if you are pulling the gun on someone else, you are pulling it on yourself … simple as that,” Little said. “You can’t get that time back. You can’t bring that life back.”
The effort will include offering mediation opportunities in violent neighborhoods.
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