Philly nonprofit thrilled over financial boost to prevent gun violence

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Five years ago, veteran Philadelphia journalist Solomon Jones experienced the harsh reality of gun violence firsthand. Known for his work across the city — even once writing for WHYY — Jones couldn’t escape the epidemic that has touched too many others in the city.

In an interview with WHYY News, he explained how someone opened fire, killing his son’s classmate in South Philadelphia. He was 15 years old. Sitting at the teenager’s funeral was surreal for Jones.

“He was buried in his uniform,” Jones said. “All I could see was my son. All I could see was all of our sons.”

Jones was compelled to do something. He founded ManUpPHL, an anti-gun violence organization.

As Executive Director, he’s committed to supporting young men in Black and brown communities to escape gun violence through mentorship programs.

“We’re going to walk them through this curriculum around job development, financial literacy and trauma, anger management, conflict resolution.” Jones said.

Jones wants to expand the program in hopes of reaching more men. ManUpPHL is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from Everytown Community Safety Fund. His plan is to hire additional staff members and pay for more participants to enroll in the program.

“We’re thrilled.” Jones said. “This was a godsend. It really was exactly the right time.”

Everytown Community Safety Fund has invested over $2 million into twenty gun violence intervention organizations across the country.

“We are proud to announce ManUpPHL has been awarded a 2024 grant from the Everytown Community Safety Fund,” said Michael-Sean Spence, managing director of Community Safety Initiatives at Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund and creator of the Everytown Community Safety Fund.

“ManUpPHL’s crucial work to address the root causes of gun violence have had a transformative impact on Philadelphia’s youth and young adults, amplifying their experience with gun violence and empowering them to co-design safer communities.”

Jones says the goal is to save young Black men who are most impacted by gun violence.

“The streets will give them an opportunity quickly. We need to be able to give them legitimate opportunities in order for them to avoid going back from where they’ve already come,” Jones said.