Philadelphia, PA (October 25, 2022) – Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence (BBBS Independence) announced today that it is launching The Big Adventure, a fundraising climb at Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, to raise $500,000 in support of community-based youth mentoring programs. The Big Adventure represents and innovative campaign, in partnership with Beasley Media Group and presented by The Higgins Group.

Marcus Allen, CEO of BBBS Independence, Stephen Smith, Board Chair of BBBS Independence, Donna Higgins, founder of The Higgins Group, and Gary Jonas, CEO of HOW Group, will join 15 other donors and supporters on a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano in Tanzania, December 1-8, 2022. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world. Locally, several hiking and rock-climbing activities will be arranged for Little Brothers and Sisters in the program, along with their mentors, to expose youth to new experiences and opportunities.

Beasley Media Group is partnering with the agency and will host a Radiothon in tandem with the climb, where popular affiliate stations including 93.3 WMMR’s The Preston & Steve Show, 97.5 The Fanatic’s The Anthony Gargano Show, 92.5 XTU, 102.9 MGK, and 95.7 BEN FM will share the BBBS Independence mission while helping to raise $500,000 for this event.

In addition to providing donations to make the climb, most climbers have organized peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns to match their contributions. Proceeds will be used to help remove a portion of the 700 youth still waiting for a mentor. It costs approximately $1,500 to support one mentoring match for 12 months.

BBBS Independence will host a press conference to discuss The Big Adventure, and provide an opportunity for a question-and-answer session with organizers and climb participants:

WHEN:
Wednesday, October 26, 2022

TIME:
Press Conference begins 4:30pm. Q&A begins at 4:50pm.

WHERE:
Pyramid Club, Franklin Room, 1735 Market St., 52nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

WHO:
Marcus Allen, CEO of BBBS Independence
Stephen Smith, Board Chair of BBBS Independence
Donna Higgins, Founder of The Higgins Group & Board Member of BBBS Independence
Gary Jonas, CEO of How Group & Board Member of BBBS Independence

Fundraising is vitally important for BBBS Independence to operate its programs and continue its mission in Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey. Individuals and corporations interested in participating in The Big Adventure may contact Rachelle Armstrong at rarmstrong@independencebigs.org. Donations can be made online at http://bigadventure.GiveSmart.com or by texting BIG ADVENTURE to 76278.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence
Since 1915, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence has been creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Through its community-based and school-based youth mentoring programs, more than 1,600 children are served annually in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in Pennsylvania, and Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties in New Jersey. In 2015, the organization created MENTOR Independence Region to work collaboratively with external organizations to fuel the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships for greater Philadelphia’s young people and close the mentoring gap. Learn how to get involved at www.independencebigs.org.

About The Higgins Group
The Higgins Group, Inc. is an executive search and consulting firm focused exclusively in the life sciences. For over two decades we’ve been helping our clients thrive by going beyond recruiting the best leaders: as a strategic partner we consult on organizational issues that affect executive integration, retention, and performance. This approach has led to long-lasting relationships with a select roster of global pharmaceutical and biotech clients, helping us to grow exclusively through referrals since 1998. For more information, please visit www.higgins-group.com.

About Beasley Media Group
Beasley Media Group (BMG), LLC, a subsidiary of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., is a multiplatform media company providing advertising and digital marketing solutions across the United States. BMG owns 61 radio properties located in 15 large and medium markets across the country, as well as offers capabilities in audio technology, esports, podcasting, ecommerce and events. Beasley Media Group reaches more than 20 million consumers on a weekly basis. For more information, please visit www.bbgi.com.

According to Big Brothers Big Sisters, the role that caring adults play in the lives of young children can help reduce their chances of being exposed to violence and trauma in their neighborhoods, schools, communities, and even their own homes. Yet, in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey alone, more than 750 young people are waiting to be matched up with a mentor.

To support the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence (BBBSI), the Philadelphia Eagles and Lincoln Financial Group have announced a partnership with the regional program to help recruit 100 adults. In addition to the recruitment of mentors, the partnership will include Eagles tickets, youth football clinics, tours of Lincoln Financial Field, education around Eagles business operations, player PSAs, fan engagement events, and more. The goal is to ignite potential in youth by providing them with one-to-one mentoring relationships and exposing them to new opportunities and experiences.

Those interested in becoming a mentor can apply directly at www.independencebigs.org/be-a-big.

“We are proud to team up with Lincoln Financial Group to help amplify the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence,” said Julie Hirshey, Vice President of Community Relations, Philadelphia Eagles. “The presence of positive role models in the lives of children can have a profound and measurable impact on their overall development. We look forward to supporting BBBSI’s efforts to recruit more mentors so that children in our communities can reach their full potential.”

Today, nearly 11 million kids live in poverty and more than 13 million young people experience emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions like depression. During the height of the pandemic, 20 percent of youth served by Big Brothers Big Sisters nationally lost contact with an important adult in their lives.

“This partnership is much more than a few game experiences and meeting players,” said Gregory Burton, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, BBBSI. “The Eagles are very active in the community and have been committed to reducing youth gun violence in Philadelphia – a strong focus of ours as well when we talk about uplifting entire communities. Mentorship is not a full solution to that problem, but we know it’s a partial solution with proven results. Introducing our young people to positive role models helps them realize their inherent potential and surrounds them with a positive environment. Partnering with the Eagles and Lincoln Financial Group in this way serves as a powerful message in recognizing the importance of investing in mentorship to build and strengthen communities.”

The partnership kicked off on Tuesday, September 27, when the Eagles and Lincoln Financial Group co-hosted a carnival-style experience at Lincoln Financial Field where Bigs, Littles, and children on the BBBSI waiting list enjoyed an evening of games, activities, and player meet-and-greets.

“Through the efforts of the Lincoln Financial Foundation and employees across our locations, we have been long-time supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Elena French, senior vice president, Corporate Marketing, Communications and Brand for Lincoln Financial Group. “In partnership with the Eagles, we are proud to sponsor this new mentoring program that will create vital opportunities for so many young people. It’s another example of Lincoln’s commitment to extending our amazing partnership with the Eagles far beyond our naming rights sponsorship and into the community we call home.”

It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I share that Judy Spangler, our colleague and friend, passed away on August 6. Prior to retiring, in 2018, Judy was the Chief Program Officer with BBBS SEPA, now known as Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence. Judy was someone who helped shape Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence into the thriving organization it is today. She was always a defender of the underdog, demanding that the status quo be challenged, and equity and justice be sought – especially where children were concerned.

Some of Judy’s many contributions during her 20+ years with BBBS include helping multiple BBBS affiliates across the country implement the Amachi Program with Reverend Dr. Wilson Good, Sr., which gained national recognition for excellence in mentoring youth with incarcerated parents, a force behind creating Mentor Partnership & Resource Center, which is now known as MENTOR Independence Region, assisted with the launch of BBBS Independence’s Montgomery County back on Track Program, a unique program focused on youth involved with navigating through the juvenile justice system, and she was instrumental in BBBS Independence’s merger with additional counties, ensuring that all received the best resources.

After Judy’s retirement, BBBSA’s Agency Support team had the pleasure of working closely with Judy while she conducted on-site program audits with some of their agencies. Judy found such joy in learning as much as she could about programs across the country and offering her expertise to continue strengthening the BBBS brand. Judy also stepped in on more than one occasion to take on the role of Interim CEO with several BBBS agencies during their times of transition. Judy truly loved Big Brothers Big Sisters and contributing to the mission any way that she could.

Judy will be fondly remembered for the meaningful things she accomplished during her time with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She was fully dedicated to young people, including many of BBBS Independence’s employees for whom she served as a mentor. Below are just a few verbatims of what those employees shared regarding what they learned from her:

• No matter how big we get or how successful we become, we must always keep our mission and child safety at the forefront.
• Even if your viewpoint is not popular, do not be afraid to speak up – put it all out on the table
• Judy taught me the importance of personally caring about the people you work with and those that report to you. She said it wasn’t immediately unconditional, but something that needed to be earned – and when it was earned, it should last forever.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 19th, in West Chester, PA. The family has provided instructions for donations and gifts in honor of Judy’s memory at the following link: Obituary: In loving memory of Judith Marie Spangler.

With gratitude,
Marcus Allen

On Saturday, July 9, 2022, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence hosted it’s 17th Annual Summer Picnic, a free, fun-filled day of food, face painting, carousel rides, arts and crafts, scavenger hunt, dunk tank, balloon art, games and more. Despite a threat of rain, Bigs (adult mentors), Littles (youth mentees) and their families came out in full force to enjoy the festivities. Attendees were especially excited since the picnic was put on hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the global pandemic.

The event was made possible thanks to sponsors including AmeriHealth Caritas, the Mitchell Benson family, and Beasley Media Group. Beasley Media Group’s, Steve Morrison, of The Preston and Steve Show (WMMR 93.3FM) was also on site to meet and talk with fans and attendees.

The day also feature several fitness workout sessions including Morning Yoga with Jade Javon, Bodyweight Workout with Asher Freeman, and Chen Style Taiji with Caleb Arnold.

Vice President of Program, Rich Berry, was particularly popular as the person to be sunk in the dunk tank. Both youth and adults lined up for hours waiting for their chance to send him below the water’s surface, and they didn’t disappoint. Thanks to several accurate throwers, Rich was waterlogged shortly after it opened.

For more than 100 years, BBBS Independence has delivered a one-to-one youth mentoring model with a proven record of success. This unique event provides a special opportunity for the extended family members of both Bigs and Littles to spend time together in a fun atmosphere—and to witness firsthand the positive influence and notable impact Bigs and Littles have on each other’s lives.

It is truly bittersweet as we celebrate our beloved colleague and Match Support Specialist extraordinaire, Anne Marie McMullen, as she officially retires after 38 years of dedicated service to Big Brothers Big Sisters. That’s right … nearly four decades of positively impacting local youth.

Anne Marie’s first day with Big Brothers Big Sisters was back on January 1st of 1984. This was the same year that the original Apple Macintosh personal computer went on sale, the US accomplished its first untethered spacewalk, Ronald Reagan became President of the United States, and Prince’s hit song, “When Doves Cry,” rose to number one on the Billboard 100.

During her tenure, Anne Marie navigated through three mergers and helped hundreds of New Jersey youth work with their Big Brothers and Big Sisters to overcome major obstacles and achieve success in life. She also started the St. Stephen’s School-Based program, a unique mentoring program where high school students mentor elementary students.

We can’t even begin to count the number of support calls, interviews, trainings, picnics, parent sessions, or recruiting pitches that Anne Marie has completed over the years, but we do know that our staff members love her. Here’s what a few of them had to say:

“She loved her St. Stephens program and her Bigs loved her too! She had many former Bigs that would visit her program to just to say hi and welcome new matches to the program.”

“Anne Marie hosted several Bridging the Summer Gap Programs with her St. Stephens program. One experience that stands out was watching Anne Marie have more fun than the kids on the trampoline!”

“At the start of the pandemic, Anne Marie changed her work schedule to 11-7 to be available to talk with parents after 5pm. I remember her saying that she felt it was important to be there for the Littles and their families during difficult times and that’s why she had no problems working late.”

“She spent many hours personally going through training materials to recommend which ones would be good to help Bigs enhance their understanding of Diversity Equity and Inclusion.”

“She is always willing to help whenever needed. She has covered match support for countless program caseloads over the years and helped other teams when they were really short-staffed.”

“Something that always stands out to me with Anne Marie is how well she connected with the parents and guardians with kids enrolled in our programs. She truly cares about the whole family of the children we serve.”

“Above all, Anne Marie has been a treasure to this agency and the youth she has served all these years! She is one-of-a-kind and she will leave a lasting impact on this agency.”

Please join us as we congratulate Anne Marie on her retirement!

PHILADELPHIA – Programs that help address the local/region’s issues around youth mentorship, economic mobility and academic and workforce development for low-income communities will be able to scale, helping even more people through a multi-year grant from Bank of America. Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence and Graduate! Philadelphia have been named as the 2021 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders® awardees for their work in the Greater Philadelphia community addressing these issues.

As a Neighborhood Builder, each organization receives a $200,000 grant over two years, comprehensive leadership training for the executive director and an emerging leader on topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management and strategic storytelling, joins a network of peer organizations across the U.S., and gets the opportunity to access capital to expand their impact. The program continues to be the nation’s largest investment into nonprofit leadership development.

Since 1915, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships with compassionate adult volunteers. Through community-based and school-based youth mentoring programs, 2,200 children are served annually in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in PA, and Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties in NJ.

Graduate! Philadelphia was born in 2005 to ensure that low-income families did not get left behind by a changing economy. Unlike any other nonprofit organization in the region, Graduate! Philadelphia works at the seams of both academic and workforce credentialing to address both the short- and long-term needs of families. Amidst a poverty rate that hovers just above 24%, Graduate! Philadelphia’s education and workforce services are critical to mitigate the persistent tide of unemployment, underemployment, and income stagnation for Black and Latinx Philadelphians, among other low-wage racial demographics.

“As communities continue to recover and navigate a changing landscape, nonprofits are still experiencing significant demands and are in need of resources to help meet critical local needs like youth mentorship and academic and workforce development,” said Jim Dever, president, Bank of America Greater Philadelphia. “Big Brothers Bigs Sisters Independence and Graduate! Philadelphia are helping bridge important gaps for individuals and families to help them chart a path toward economic opportunity and stability. Programs like Neighborhood Builders helps these organizations grow sustainably and strategically for greater positive impact in the community.”

“Most youth we serve come from low-income, single-parent homes. Eighty-two percent are from ethnic minority backgrounds. Many attend schools that lack resources and have overwhelmed teachers and administrators. We know that mentorship can help fill that void and ignite their full potential,” said Marcus Allen, executive director, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence. “Decades of research have shown the beneficial impact of having a caring, committed adult mentor to help these youth overcome obstacles and envision a successful future. With this support, we are enabled to reach even more youth in the Greater Philadelphia region and match them with the resources and relationships they need to thrive.”

“At Graduate! Philadelphia, we believe that our vision is only limited by our imagination,” said Malik Brown, president and CEO, Graduate! Philadelphia. “Being a Neighborhood Builder recipient allows us to bolster our work to promote educational attainment and workforce preparation as well as build deep community relationships that will have a lasting impact.”

Since 2004, Bank of America has invested over $280 million in 50 communities through Neighborhood Builders, partnering with more than 1,400 nonprofits and helping more than 2,800 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills. Here in Greater Philadelphia, 29 nonprofits have been selected as a Neighborhood Builder, with the bank investing more than $5 million into these local organizations through the program.

The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and leading members of the community participated in a collaborative selection process to identify this year’s awardees. Neighborhood Builders is just one example of how Bank of America deploys capital in communities, builds cross-sector partnerships, and promotes socioeconomic progress as part of its approach to responsible growth.

Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

Tuesday, May 25, 2021 – Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence (BBBS Independence) announced today it has launched an exciting new fundraising and awareness campaign called Miles for Mentoring, in partnership with Beasley Media Group and presented by The Higgins Group. The goal of the campaign is to raise critical funding to support the work BBBS Independence is doing within the communities it serves and bring awareness to the over 750 children currently waiting to be matched with a mentor and role model. The agency is especially in need of male volunteers to mentor youth in Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey.

The campaign will kick off on June 5th as BBBS Independence CEO, Marcus Allen, and Governing Board member, Gary Jonas, embark on a 3,700 mile ride from San Francisco, California to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Beasley Media Group is partnering with the agency and will host a Radiothon on June 9th, where popular affiliate stations including The Preston & Steve Show, The Anthony Gargano Show, 92.5 XTU, 102.9 MGK, and 95.7 BEN FM will share the BBBS Independence mission while trying to raise $100,000 and recruit 100 adult mentors. The campaign will culminate on July 23rd with a celebration event in Atlantic City, New Jersey which will be hosted by Beasley Media Group.

Throughout the seven week duration of the 3,700 mile journey, BBBS Independence will also be mobilizing with Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliates across the country, highlighting the universal message of BBBS’s mission – igniting the power and promise of youth. Over 30,000 children are waiting for a mentor across the United States and BBBS Independence is utilizing this campaign to help as many of them as possible. Additionally, the seven weeks will include weekly dispatches from the road updating the audience on the riders’ progress and one mission-focused piece highlighting the campaign’s theme of the week:

• Week 1: Power of Mentorship
• Week 2: Social Justice
• Week 3: Community Engagement
• Week 4: Educational Equality
• Week 5: Building Social Equity
• Week 6: Empowerment of Youth
• Week 7: Resilience

Individuals can find out how to get involved with the campaign by visiting MILES.GIVESMART.COM or by contacting Rachele Armstrong at rarmstrong@independencebigs.org. Donations can be made via the website above or by texting the word MILES to 76278.

BBBS Independence will also kickoff a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign during the final seven days of the coast-to-coast ride, July 16-23. This will be an open invitation for those who wish to support BBBS Independence to join one of seven teams competing to see who can raise the most funds during the final days of the campaign. For more information or to join a team, please contact Bailey Wood at bwood@independencebigs.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence
Since 1915, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence has been creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Through its community-based and school-based youth mentoring programs, more than 2,200 children are served annually in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in Pennsylvania, and Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties in New Jersey. In 2015, the organization created MENTOR Independence Region to work collaboratively with external organizations to fuel the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships for greater Philadelphia’s young people and close the mentoring gap. Learn how to get involved at www.independencebigs.org.

About Beasley Media Group
Beasley Media Group (BMG), LLC, a subsidiary of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., is a multiplatform media company providing advertising and digital marketing solutions across the United States. BMG owns 62 radio properties located in 15 large and medium markets across the country, as well as offers capabilities in audio technology, esports, podcasting, ecommerce and events. Beasley Media Group reaches more than 20 million consumers on a weekly basis. For more information, please visit www.bbgi.com.

About The Higgins Group
The Higgins Group, Inc. is an executive search and consulting firm focused exclusively in the life sciences. For over two decades we’ve been helping our clients thrive by going beyond recruiting the best leaders: as a strategic partner we consult on organizational issues that affect executive integration, retention, and performance. This approach has led to long-lasting relationships with a select roster of global pharmaceutical and biotech clients, helping us to grow exclusively through referrals since 1998. For more information, please visit www.higgins-group.com.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the Act) provides immediate assistance to individuals and families with children in the form of cash payments outright in the coming months or benefits claimed on your 2021 tax return. These benefits are for 2021 only and are intended to lessen the impact from COVID-19 and provide much needed assistance to individuals and families with children. All are based on the level of income you report and are reduced as income exceeds certain limits.

Dependent Care Assistance
The credit for child/dependent care expenses you pay is increased so that up to $8,000 of expenses for one child and $16,000 of expenses for two or more children are eligible. The credit is increased from 20% of expenses to 50% of expenses meaning that 50% of expenses incurred create a dollar for dollar credit against 2021 income tax. If the credit exceeds your income tax you receive the excess in a check from the government. The available credit phases out as joint income exceeds $125,000. Just to compare, the credit in 2020 was limited to $600 per child based on expenses of $3,000 (that is a credit of 20%). The Act was specific in its intent to helps families afford to pay child care expenses This credit is taken on your filed 2021 tax return. It is not an advance of funds during 2021.

Advances of Funds:

Third Economic Impact Payment
The attached link is the best and quickest way to understand the third Economic Impact Payment otherwise known as COVID-19 recovery payments. If you received the first ($1,200 per adult and $500 per child) or second payments ($600 per adult and $600 per child) during 2020 you should be receiving the third ($1,400 per adult and $1,400 per child). The payments are based on tax filing information. You should file your 2020 tax return now. The IRS has websites to assist you in filing and there are many tax site preparation sites on-line. Alternatively, visit a national tax preparation firms such as H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt. The three Economic Impact Payments are not additional income to you. But the only way for the government to know you qualify is to file a tax return. If possible, supply direct deposit information to funds can be wired.

Link: Third Economic Stimulus

Advance of 2021 Extra Child Credit
The other advance of funds is directed to families with children. The extra 2021 child care credit equals $1,600 for children under 6 (those children who have not attained the age of 6 as of December 31, 2021) and $1,000 for children under 18. The extra credit is in addition to the $2,000 credit which applies to dependents under age 18. Beginning this Summer, the additional credit will be advanced through direct deposit to you (again a good reason to immediately provide this information on your 2020 tax return) or otherwise paid before the filing of your 2021 tax return.

Filing a tax return provides the Internal Revenue Service with sufficient information to process the various credits. Despite the filing deadline being extended for 2020 until May 17, 2021, please file quickly. As with all government benefits there is a wide variety of phase outs for those who do and who do not qualify. Most phase-outs are based on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on line 11 of the tax return. You will generally qualify for the above payments and credits if you are single with AGI up to $75,000 or married with AGI up to $150,000.

Most likely the extra credits and stimulus will end in 2021. Please be vigilant in follow through for these funds and have a plan for the best use of the resources that are provided. It has been a difficult time and we hope the future is brighter for everyone.

Article courtesy of Mitchell E. Benson, CPA, MT, CFF
Partner, Savran Benson, LLP

Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Family

Walter Wallace, Jr. should be alive today. Like so many others, he struggled with mental health – a young Black man in crisis. Instead of providing the care and support he needed, he was shot by Philadelphia police officers in the street in front of his mother and neighbors who loved him. He was the victim of a broken system.

This same story keeps repeating itself over and over again, in Philadelphia and across the country. It is infuriating and frustrating, particularly because incidents like this one are easily avoidable. Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence stands with our West Philadelphia neighbors in their grief and anger at another life senselessly taken through police violence. Failure here has many masters: the disregard given to mental health care, the poor training of the police meant to protect our communities, and the decades of normalized violence by the Philadelphia Police Department. But ultimately, this is a continuation of structural and systemic racism and class oppression that claimed the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and so many more.

In order to create a future of freedom, justice, and equality for all, we all have work to do to fight systemic racism and oppressive systems holding us back. That work begins with a solutions-oriented approach, aimed toward breaking the cycles of police brutality, racial inequality, social inequity and poverty. The policies and laws that exist in this country do not fully represent or benefit marginalized people. This has to change.

Communities must also believe there is hope. Hope is seeing young people fighting for what they believe in. Hope is witnessing so many Black, Brown and White allies coming together to say “this is not right.” These times require definitive change and immediate response. Moving forward, here is how Big Brothers Big Sisters’ leadership and staff will take action:

• Continue to prioritize conversations with city and police officials, to help citizens engage in productive outlets allowing for their voices be heard – voices that ask to bring people together.
• Work with elected officials to encourage solutions that get more fundamentally at the gaps in our systems, such as revamped and improved training and supports for police officers (including sociology, psychology, and conflict resolution), while providing the communities they serve with desperately needed mental health resources.
• Encourage our supporters and community members to GET OUT AND VOTE, as we have a duty to hold our legislators accountable for change. The November 3rd election isn’t just about a President and a Vice President; it’s about legislators and court justices that are shaping the laws of this country.
• Continue to support community leaders in their efforts to find solutions to our most challenging social justice issues.
• Continue to provide a variety of educational resources to our Bigs, Littles and their families, helping them to discuss what is happening and how to effectively deal with the aftermath.
• Continue to ignite the promise and power of hope in the youth we serve.

We have a lot of work to do. Our families are hurting. Our city is hurting. We are at a pivotal moment in history. In the meantime, Walter Wallace, Jr. will be laid to rest on November 7th. We hope that his family, his friends and the West Philadelphia community can, with time, heal from this tragic loss.

#BiggerTogether

Recently I was walking home from my office in Center City Philadelphia and noticed something peculiar. I have walked past the Philadelphia School District Building at 440 N. Broad St. at least 3 times a week when the weather is nice. However, recently I began to pay attention to the fact that the School District Building is physically attached to the future location of the new Police Headquarters. There are several public issues that are currently being debated about this move, most noted is the amount the building was bought for by the City without an independent appraisal of the value. Yes, this is worth further discussion, but I am concerned about something more important and more detrimental to the psyche of a community that has been ravaged by the disinvestment in our children.

A couple of weeks ago I went on Fox 29 to talk about the recent youth violence we’ve seen at public transit stops when our young people are dismissed from school. I gave several solutions that I believe could help decrease some of the incidents that keep happening. My question now, given the visual of having a future jailhouse physically connected to the central School District Headquarters at minimum makes me cringe. As organizations and advocates decry systems and policies that create pipelines from school to prison, how dare we as Philadelphians even fathom the visual of having our school physically connected to a jailhouse. How can that be? I hope well before the building is complete that our leaders understand that we cannot allow our place of learning to have any connection to a place where people are taken to jail. We must give our young people hope. We must show them why life is worth living. We must give them access to achieve their full potential. We must never allow for education and learning to be compromised.