In Generocity’s first SoundBites dining series, four Philadelphia leaders shared a four-course meal about their experiences with gun violence and how those experiences have motivated them to create positive change in their communities. Their candid conversation provided important insights into the challenges faced by communities affected by gun violence and possible solutions.

Turning Experience into Purpose

Chef Tarik Ryant of Chef Reeky Cafe & Juice Bar and Chezzy Vegan described how his time in prison at the age of 18 became a turning point: “My journey started in the penitentiary. I was 18 years old…Never been locked up before.” It was in prison that he discovered his passion for cooking, which set him on a new path. After his release, he trained as a chef locally and in Paris and eventually opened his own restaurant. He now uses his experience to mentor young people and teach them culinary skills as an alternative to life on the streets.

Malcolm Yates from the Marcus Yates Foundation recounted how he survived a shooting as a child in 1988: “We out there, little kids…Next thing you know, one [guy] comes in… he turned around and started opening fire inside a store.” This traumatic experience prompted his mother and family to start a gun violence prevention organization, setting him on a path to advocacy at a young age.

The Beef with Gun Violence

Together the group identified several key challenges faced by communities affected by gun violence:

• ~Lack of economic opportunity and financial literacy
• ~Trauma and mental health issues
• ~Negative peer influences and street culture
• ~Distrust between communities and law enforcement

Sound Solutions

While these leaders are making progress within their own organizations, they offered insights into the critical role that institutions and leaders must play to ensure that all communities have equal access to opportunity. As Malcolm went on to say, “We can’t make [incarceration] a rite of passage… We got to also prevent that as well.”

Investing in Lived Experience

The table emphasized the importance of investing in grassroots organizations led by people with firsthand lived experience, highlighting how their personal journeys from being gun- violence impacted to becoming a community leader demonstrates how lived-experince can create pathways for youth. By prioritizing such efforts, institutions can ensure that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of communities. Chef Tarik explains, “We have to invest in the folks who are closest to the solutions. People who’ve been in this space, people who have these experiences.”

Institutional Reforms

From policy changes to equitable funding models, the conversation began focusing on moving away from reimbursement-based grants that often exclude smaller organizations doing impactful work. Rickey Duncan argued, “Activity grants to nonprofits are disrespectful. This is not a $1,000 problem, this is not a $5,000 problem; this is a $1 million problem.”

The group also agreed that there is an urgent need for educational reform that incorporates financial literacy and emotional intelligence into the curriculum. One leader suggested, “Let’s replace algebra with financial literacy,” emphasizing the need for practical skills that empower students to navigate life successfully.

Rebuild Trust and Partnerships

Rebuilding trust between institutions and communities was another central theme. Leaders emphasized that transparency, accountability and ongoing dialog are essential for fostering trust. Regular town halls and structured community gatherings were recommended as tools to ensure residents feel heard and valued. Programs such as deliberative panels and participatory budgeting were highlighted as effective ways to foster inclusion.

Malcolm highlighted that programs that “Get [youth] outside their zip code; broaden horizons.” By creating spaces where young people can interact with peers from different neighborhoods or socioeconomic backgrounds, institutions can break down barriers and foster collaboration.

Collaboration between schools, businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies was highlighted as a way to expand opportunities. They agreed that internships, mentorship programs and community service initiatives that bridge the gap between education and employment are necessary. These partnerships not only prepare students for future careers, but also bring expertise and resources to underserved communities where alternative activities may lead them down the wrong path.

The conversation made it clear that ensuring equitable access requires multifaceted solutions driven by those closest to the issues. From grassroots empowerment to systemic reforms in funding and education, leaders urged institutions to prioritize inclusivity and innovation.
As one leader summarized, “We need each other. We come together; it’s like a fist.” By investing in local leaders, fostering collaboration across sectors and directly addressing systemic barriers, institutions can create pathways for all communities to fully thrive in society. This collective action is important not only for empowering individuals, but also for building stronger, more resilient communities that are able to overcome challenges together.