Daily News | Philly’s block parties can foster community connections, but they’re being canceled because of gun violence
Philadelphia’s iconic block party culture may be another type of casualty of the city’s record-level gun violence. Before COVID-19 and the surge in shootings, the city had a reputation for robust street life. But those were the good ol’ days when block party approvals were routinely issued.
The more stringent oversight is an effort to prevent gun violence like last year’s July 4 shooting of Sircarr Johnson, Jr., who had invited his West Philadelphia neighborhood to a free Independence Day BBQ to celebrate his fashion store’s anniversary. Johnson and Salahaldin Mahmoud, first cousin of State Senator Sharif Street, were killed amid the festivities as the gunmen sprayed over 100 bullets.
The practice is cause for heated debate among residents and neighborhood groups concerned about the tradeoff between public safety and community engagement. “Even though I understand the security concerns, I am opposed to [the policy]. The moment we concede [our neighborhoods] to bad actors, they win,” said City Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr., chair of the Public Safety Committee. “We have to fight for the space we occupy to claim it.
Philadelphia 3.0, a political organization supporting progressive candidates, has maintained a petition against the more restrictive block party permitting process since 2018 and has collected over 670 signatures. “It’s funny, but every few months we rack up signatures on block party permits,” said Director of Engagement Jon Geeting. “It’s as if when people read something about it or get denied, they sign the petition.
That lack of connection can drive violence, Williams added. “When you think violence is the only way to solve a problem, you’re in dangerous territory.”
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