Writing Heals 18
Rasheen Naseeb Robinson, 22, aspiring actor who had that “MJ” smile
This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of the deceased to write the story of the loved one they lost. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here. “This story was made possible through a […]
Tyhesia Street, 46, funny in out of the kitchen, with a heart big enough to hold all six of her kids
This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of the deceased to write the story of the loved one they lost. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here. “This story made possible through a collaboration […]
SIGN UP for Writing Heals—a program to pay family members to tell their loved one’s stories
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP We’re launching the second year of our Writing Heals program, which empower families to share the life stories of loved ones they’ve lost to gun violence. We guide family members on how to craft personal, positive narratives about their relatives. Families ARE PAID $200 to tell stories about victims who […]
Anthony Pinkney, 14, goofball who loved Fortnite as much as his family
One cold afternoon in the Pinkney household, the family was left to entertain themselves in the midst of a cold rainstorm. Anthony, who wanted to brighten up the mood, found the perfect song on YouTube and cranked up the sound. “Momma what you know about this?” he told his mom, Tyra, as the O’Jays started […]
Ajanai Stinson-Downing, 22, Level Up Philly volunteer and choreographer who ‘saw potential where others saw uncertainty’
This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of a victim of homicide to write the stories of people who have been killed in Philadelphia. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here. Story by David Bratcher, who […]
Alaysia Smith, 13: cheerleading captian who was ‘like a sister to everyone’
After breaking a leg, most people just want to go in the house and mope around. For Alaysia Smith, that wasn’t an option. “All she wanted to do was go get some tacos and watch videos of the rest of the cheerleading contest,” said her cousin Dezeray Jones. “You woulda thought it was a normal […]
Angelique Holloman, 15, hilarious on TikTok, so compassionate in life she couldn’t wait to be a foster mom
This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of a victim of homicide to write the stories of people who have been killed in Philadelphia. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here. Story by David Bratcher, who […]
Ronald Wilford, 27: “Booooogie!” was a protector who made everyone feel safe
This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of a victim of homicide to write the stories of people who have been killed in Philadelphia. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here. Story by Donna Jones, Ronald’s […]
Ethan Parker, 12, talented singer whose song will never fade
This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of a victim of homicide to write the stories of people who have been killed in Philadelphia. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here. Story by David Bratcher, who […]
Diallo Braheme Gray, 26, a Trekkie and Army veteran who was the ‘MacGyver’ of the family
This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of a victim of homicide to write the stories of people who have been killed in Philadelphia. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here. Story by RuNett Ebo, mother […]
Iz’hir Gonzalez, 14, star athlete at Master Charter who was loved by ‘all the old ladies on the block’
This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of a victim of Homicide to write the stories of people who have been killed in Philadelphia. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here. _______________________ Written […]
Kareem Wisher, 25, ‘Superman’ who helped raise three brothers and almost became a father
Even at an early age, Kareem Nasir Wisher knew how to light up a room with his affectionate smile and sense of humor that could brighten up any room. “He had a babyface with a million dollar smile—and a lot of jokes” said his aunt, Candice Colquit. “And a lot of jokes.” Like the time […]
Writing Heals: Marcus Yates, a 5-year-old Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka with dimples that melted hearts
This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of the deceased to write the story of the loved one they lost. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here. ___________________________________________________ By Rochelle Yates-Whittington, Marcus’ mother There […]
Writing Heals: Tyrek Dunn, 21, the fly guy with the cool smile—and a great bunny hop in the snow
This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of the deceased to write the story of the loved one they lost. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here. _____________________________________________________ By David Bratcher, Tyrek’s brother It’s the […]
Writing Heals: Jameel Devlin, 46, ‘not your typical kid’ who grew up to be a barber and loving father
This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of the deceased to write the story of the loved one they lost. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here. ___________________________________________________ By Yasmin Devlin-Barnes, Jameel’s mother […]
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