Overview
With 380 murders in 2005, and a record-setting pace of homicides this year, Philadelphia is a city in crisis, yet too many people have chosen to ignore the problem. We are all affected by this violence, no matter in which neighborhood we live. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.”

Our Mission
• to publish a book that features 10 mothers in Philadelphia (and possibly 10 mothers in 10 cities across the country) who have been affected by violence
• to create a multimedia installation or public service announcement
• to raise money for local programs that help address the problem: getting kids off the street, reducing easy access to handguns, enabling neighborhood groups to take back their streets and stop the violence
• to support local and national politicians, neighborhood associations, and local concerned citizens who all strive for safer communities

Biography of Jonathan Rubin
Jonathan taught high school English at Penncrest High School in Media, Pennsylvania for seven years. In 1999, after the murder of two Penncrest students, Jonathan led a rally for peace, marching down State Street in protest to the culture of violence in America. Students wrote letters, finding a voice for their emotions; listened to impassioned speeches from students, parents, and politicians; and were able to express their outrage in a positive manner. Jonathan is the owner of Studio Nine Photography and Gallery @ Studio Nine, located in Queen Village in Philadelphia.

Biography of Chase Bowman
Chase is an award winning cinematographer and producer who has worked on projects ranging from visual documentaries in Thailand and Rome to independent features in Philadelphia.  In the Spring of 2006, Chase filmed and produced a public service announcement for the Penn Center for AIDS Research to promote National HIV Testing Day.    Chase is the owner of Cut to the Chase Productions, located in South Philadelphia.

Mothers United Through Tragedy
The project consists of 10 mothers who are members of Mothers United Through Tragedy. MUTT is an organization dedicated to helping families cope with the murder of a loved one and to increase public awareness of fire-arms violations and its devastating effects. Their mission is to turn “tragedy into advocacy.”