Level Up Philly: Kids across the city remember victims of violence in mass balloon release
PHILADELPHIA - Hundreds gathered Wednesday to celebrate one of the biggest youth advocates in Philadelphia.
Folks also paid tribute to some of the kids from Level Up Philly, who were senselessly taken by gun violence.
What we know:
Balloons were released Wednesday night on 15th Street across from the SEPTA subway station at City Hall.
It's where Racquel Clark says her then 16-year-old son Tyshawn Wells was shot a year ago today and died the day after.
"An awesome kid. My best friend. My firstborn," said Racquel Clark, mother of Tyshawn Wells. "He was a big brother to his friends. His siblings."
Tyshawn's family joined Aaron Campbell, executive director of Level Up in West Philly, for the balloon release.
Tyshawn was a Level Up youth and was shot on Campbell's birthday after leaving the center earlier that day.
"SEPTA police confirmed that a random shooter hopped on the train by himself from far North Philly and just shot into the crowd," Campbell said.
Campbell says another one of his youth, named Talik, was murdered on C and the Boulevard last Christmas Eve.
"This is a way for even more closure and it's all about healing because your young people have PTSD," Campbell explained.
Earlier Wednesday, Campbell was at Level Up with hundreds of youth, celebrating his 51st birthday.
Big picture view:
As much as Wednesday was his day, Campbell and his staff continued to make it about the youth.
"We're showing the city the power of young Black and brown beauty. We're changing the story," he said.
He brought in celebrity influencers, DJs, and gave the kids Level Up hoodies to wear during their high-energy dance battles Level Up is known for hosting.
"I ask of them that they will believe that they have value. We can make the shooter put his gun down if we show him he has value. We can make the girl stop twerking and thinking that's how you get likes because we show them they have value," Campbell said.
Eighteen-year-old James King has been coming to Level Up for nearly four years. He's also on the Philadelphia Youth Commission, serving as the chair of public safety.
"I just want to advocate for us Black youth," James said.
James says Level Up is an important safe space for the youth.
"It shows us that we're more than just some gangster kids on the streets. We get to express that we like to dance, hang out, have fun, play games, and this building is a great representation of all of that," he added.
The Source: The information in this story is from Aaron Campbell, executive director of Level Up in West Philly and families of victims killed by gun violence.