Neighbors, advocates, journalists, and city leaders gathered at ECS Philly St. Barnabas Community Resource Center in West Philadelphia for Community Conversations: Public Safety, Public Voice and Accountability in Action. The event created space for open dialogue about what public safety truly means across Philadelphia communities.

Hosted in partnership with Lenfest Every Voice, Every Vote, the conversation brought together voices from violence prevention, journalism, community advocacy, and city leadership to explore how collaboration and accountability can shape safer neighborhoods.

A Panel of Leaders Discussed Public Safety in Philadelphia
The panel featured leaders working across the public safety landscape:

• Adam Garber, CeaseFirePA
• Mensah Dean, The Trace
• Adara Combs, Office of the Victim Advocate, City of Philadelphia
• Eric Marsh Sr., Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting
• Deion Sumpter, Office of Safe Neighborhoods

The discussion was moderated by Meaghan McDonald of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Together, panelists explored how public safety extends beyond policing and enforcement to include community programs, responsible journalism, victim advocacy, and prevention initiatives.

Public Safety Requires Shared Responsibility
During the discussion, panelists emphasized that meaningful progress in reducing gun violence requires collective effort.

Eric Marsh Sr. highlighted the importance of collaboration:

“When we talk about reduction in gun violence and homicides… there is no one solution, one person, or one department that created this. It is a collective responsibility and a shared responsibility.”

This message resonated with attendees, reinforcing that lasting change requires partnership among residents, advocates, media, and government leaders.

Turning Conversation into Action
The event concluded with a challenge to participants: commit to one civic action related to public safety within the next 30 to 60 days.

Actions could include:

• Attending a community meeting
• Supporting violence prevention initiatives
• Engaging with local journalism and public dialogue
• Advocating for community-centered public safety solutions

By encouraging small but meaningful commitments, the conversation extended beyond discussion and into community-driven action.

Strengthening Safer, Thriving Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Community Conversations like this one demonstrate the power of bringing people together to address complex challenges such as gun violence prevention and neighborhood safety in Philadelphia.

We are grateful to everyone who joined the conversation, shared their perspectives, and helped move this important dialogue forward.

Together, we are shaping what safe, thriving neighborhoods across Philadelphia can look like.