On a Friday afternoon, the sound of bells echoed throughout Philadelphia, ringing out in neighborhoods from Old City to West Philly and North Philly. These bells were part of Penn Live Arts’ ‘Toll the Bell’ event, which aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing gun violence crisis in the city.
The event, centered in University City, featured faith leaders who spoke passionately about the urgent need for action against gun violence before a march took to the city streets. Over 50 people participated in this meaningful gathering.
Chris Gruits, a representative of Penn Live Arts, emphasized the event was designed to ‘disrupt the status quo.’ He mentioned, “So the bell ringing is really an opportunity for us to disrupt the average day of a Philadelphian and for them to say what’s going on? Where can I find out more information?”
Though the principal activities occurred in University City, Gruits stated that the bell ringing was meant to resonate with all Philadelphians. He explained that the installation works as a sound experience spanning over 50 locations where church bells rang and other sounds filled the air for ten minutes at 1 o’clock.
“The event is, at its core, a sound installation across the city and region,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity for citizens to stop and reflect on this issue and to find out how they can get involved, and help this not be such a big issue for us in our community.”
Gruits noted the importance of religious institutions in combating gun violence, as they often serve as focal points for community engagement and outreach. “Faith-based organizations are often community hubs,” he also remarked, highlighting how these institutions facilitate collaboration and awareness within various neighborhoods.
Despite some recent improvements, gun violence remains a severe issue in Philadelphia. According to reports, there have been over 420 shooting victims in the city this year alone. This figure matches the same timeframe last year, indicating a decline from the high rates seen from 2020 to 2023, where certain months recorded nearly 300 shootings.
The number of homicides for the year up until Wednesday stands at 93, marking a 15% reduction compared to the previous year and a significant 44% drop from five years ago.
The role of faith leaders at Friday’s event was significant, as many were able to ring their own church bells, creating a collective awareness around the issue of gun violence. Rabbi Erica Steelman highlighted the moral alignment of ending gun violence with the values of various faith traditions. “I’m here as a clergy leader to join the effort of taking a stand to try to bring more love and peace and equity into this world and, by doing so, trying to end gun violence, which affects everyone in different ways,” she said.
Steelman elaborated on the symbolism of the bells, noting that they represent a call for peace amidst turmoil. “It’s about getting people’s attention,” she expressed, drawing parallels between the bells and the shofar, a ram’s horn used in religious ceremonies.
She emphasized that the ringing of the bell symbolizes resilience against the backdrop of gun violence. “There is the fear that young people have that keeps them home when they’re not in school or the fear that plagues guardians, parents, and that’s oppressive,” she explained. “That bell lets us be free from gun violence, but it just won’t happen without our participation.”
Kavneet Singh Pannu of the American Sikh Council also underscored the need for deeper societal changes. He stated, “We know that laws matter, policing matters. But what is also needed is something deeper, something that speaks to the heart.”
Pannu advocated for improvements in schools, housing, and mental health support as part of a holistic approach to combating the gun violence epidemic.
Several community organizations focused on ending gun violence participated in the event, including The Trace, Women Against Abuse, Eddie’s House, CeaseFire PA, Friends Ending Gun Violence Collaborative of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence, and Souls Shot Portrait Project.
The event also allowed individuals with personal stories related to gun violence to share their experiences. Among them was vocalist and composer Ruth Naomi Floyd, who performed a poignant piece that drew from her personal encounter with gun violence.
“On one occasion, I was going to the store with my big sister and a bullet grazed my cheek,” she shared, reflecting on the profound impact of such experiences. Floyd’s work, titled “Echoes: Shattered Flesh and Breathless Souls,” consisted of two movements—one as a lament, recognizing the pain of gun violence, and the other calling for collective action to overcome the challenges it presents.
Floyd remarked, “Gun violence won’t stop unless we rise together to break the chains of gun violence, to unite together, to love, to stand, to press on and to pray for peace.”
Coming from a family with a history of activism and loss due to gun violence, she added that her performance serves not only as a tribute to her family but also to all impacted by this tragedy, hoping it inspires others to engage with the issue.
The event continues with a second set of performances scheduled for Saturday at Tindley Temple United Methodist at 2 p.m.
Gruits reiterated the importance of ongoing involvement from the community. “What we’re hoping is that this really is an invitation for all Philadelphians to learn more about the issue,” he said. “To not just segment the news or compartmentalize this news, to realize that there are organizations here that have been working for decades to really stem the violence and to create resources for young people in our city and for people impacted by this tragedy.”
In conclusion, he urged citizens to recognize the myriad opportunities available for supporting these organizations, reinforcing the need for collective action in the fight against gun violence.
image source from：https://billypenn.com/2025/06/06/toll-the-bell-philly-end-to-gun-violence-epidemic/
