North Philadelphia Neighborhood Takes Stands Against Crime, Gun Violence On National Night Out
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Communities in the Philadelphia-area and across the country celebrated the 31st annual "National Night Out."
A North Philadelphia neighborhood is standing up against crime and gun violence in its streets.
For the children in this neighborhood, a chance to hit the playground. And, with their eyes wide, going through a fire truck and high-fiving those who put their lives on the line.
"It's amazing for us to hear the laughter of the adults and the laughter of the children," Ruth Birchett said.
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Birchett organized the National Night Out at 22nd and Norris, at Young Scholars Frederick Douglass Charter School. It was a time for fun and promoting education and fighting back against violence.
"You don't have to die here in North Philadelphia if you make the right choices in your life. That's what this is about," Birchett said.
Among the groups on hand was Philadelphia Ceasefire. Volunteer Nortavian Rogers, with recent tragedies in the city involving kids on his mind, looked around and felt some hope.
"This is how it's supposed to be. It's not supposed to be kids fearing for their life," Rogers said.
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