Kimberly Kamara is the author of “Where’s My Daddy,” a children’s book aimed at kids who’ve lost a parent to murder. The book was inspired by her family’s continuing journey of grief after her son, Niam Johnson-Tate, lost his life to gun violence on July 5, 2017. Kimberly has two daughters and lives in Germantown with her husband.
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Every day you turn on the local news and the crimes seem worse than ever. You turn to the national news and there is war somewhere. Each major city has one thing in common: gun violence is plaguing the streets. Yet the news reports that murders are down — the lowest rate in years.
I asked some of my Facebook friends what they thought about crime rates going down. A couple agreed with the reports and sent me articles; others laughed, and some asked if I really believed that. One person said he believes crime is decreasing because of neighborhood gentrification and even claimed that violent crime and homicides in 2024 and early 2025 reached their lowest levels in over a decade.
I asked my Facebook friends whether anyone in their family had been murdered in Philadelphia. Many have been touched by murder more than once. One person said his best friend was killed in 1968. A young woman said three of her cousins were murdered, and she is herself a gunshot survivor.
When I asked if they heard a loud boom and automatically thought “gunshots,” many said they did not — and several described how to tell gunshots from fireworks, which I appreciated.
I asked whether they were afraid to walk past a group of teens. Most said no, and a few shared stories: one recalled taking a child to the playground where a group of teens moved aside for the child to use a swing. A couple of people said it depends on how you walk — with purpose or confidence — and one added, “I wish these mofoes would… I’ve had something on my chest I’ve wanted to get off for months.” The point was clear: most people won’t bother you if you carry yourself confidently.
Even if you’re scared, don’t let them know. One person said he’d walk up and say, “Peace! What’s up, little homie?” He continued, “I’m not scared; I love our youth, but I’m no fool either.”
When I asked if they felt safe in Philadelphia, most said they do — but they keep their heads on a swivel because you can’t get too comfortable. Some said they’ve never felt completely unsafe, only more aware. Others named neighborhoods where they don’t feel comfortable, like Kensington and parts of North Philadelphia.
I ask these questions because every time I watch the news I get angry about the crime in the city and surrounding areas. I understand we can’t control others or predict their actions.
A prime example happened yesterday. I parked in the CVS parking lot and saw three teenage boys walking toward the store. I immediately grabbed my pocketbook and went inside. As I entered, the same three teens were running out while an employee chased them. The employee told me, “They slip in here every day and steal. I’m going to hurt one of them if it’s the last thing I do.”
I turned around and went to another CVS — it was too overwhelming. Stress and anxiety took over. My mind ran through “what-ifs”: What if someone gets hurt? What if someone pulls a gun and fires? What if…ugh.
My question is: are we tired yet as a city? Why must we lose another child, woman, or man to these crimes before we are exhausted? Today it may not be you, but tomorrow it could be you or a family member. Let us begin to heal ourselves so the city can heal together.
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