Coalition of Gun Violence Prevention Advocates Endorses Senator Sharif Street for Congress in PA-03
Philadelphia, PA — A united coalition of frontline gun violence prevention activists and community champions today announced their official endorsement of Senator Sharif Street for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes many of the neighborhoods most deeply impacted by gun violence, including North, South, West, and parts of Southwest Philadelphia.Senator Street, a co-victim of gun violence himself, has consistently demonstrated bold leadership rooted in lived experience, legislative commitment, and deep community collaboration. From championing violence interrupter programs and trauma-informed care to securing funding for grassroots prevention efforts and neighborhood restoration, his track record reflects both integrity and impact.
“Senator Street doesn’t just talk about gun violence—he walks with us, mourns with us, and fights beside us,” said Dr. Movita Johnson-Harrell, Founder of the CHARLES Foundation. “We’ve buried our loved ones. We’ve built movements from grief. Sharif shows up and stands with us—not just in word, but in action.”
The endorsing coalition includes:
- Darryl Shuler – Founder of Put It Down
- Dr. Movita Johnson Harrell – Founder, CHARLES Foundation, DONTE Initiative & CARES at the DAO
- Yancy Harrell – Executive Director, CHARLES Foundation
- Bryan Miller – Executive Director, Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence
- Zarinah Lomax – Founder of Apologues
- Stanley Crawford – Founder of Black Male Community Council
- Mel Wells – One Day at a Time
- Tasha Wells – One Day at a Time
- Felicia Pendleton – Founder of Mothers United By Angels
- Dawan “Packy” Williams – NoMo Foundation
- Cheryl Seay – Co-founder, Jarell Seay Love and Laughter Foundation
- Joel Seay – Co-founder, Jarell Seay Love and Laughter Foundation
- Rickey Duncan – Executive Director, NoMo Foundation
- Terrez McCleary – Co-founder of Moms Bonded By Grief
- Michelle Parker – Co-victim of gun violence
- Terry Vera Cruz – Founder of Terrell’s Way
- Tahira Fortune – Founder of Moms Bonded by Angels
- Ronald Ryan – Founder of Ryan Family Hope
- Cheryl Pedro – Co-victim
- Diane Williams – Co-founder of Moms Bonded By Grief
- Darnetta “Nana Peace” Green Mason – Co-victim
- Cherie Ryans – Co-victim / Mom for Group Violence Intervention
Each individual is endorsing Senator Street in a personal capacity. Organizational affiliations are listed for identification purposes only and do not imply institutional endorsements.
“I’m humbled to receive the endorsement of so many Philadelphians fighting to make our city a safer and more just place,” said Senator Street. “As a lifelong North Philadelphian who has seen gun violence cut short the life of a family member, I know that public safety and criminal justice reform go hand in hand. In Congress, I will work tirelessly to strengthen our broken gun safety laws, reform our criminal justice system to end over-policing of Black and brown communities, and ensure that community groups get the resources they need to prevent violence in the first place by providing mentorship, support, and career opportunities.”
These advocates represent decades of collective organizing, healing, and policy innovation. Each has turned personal tragedy into community transformation—and together, they believe Senator Street is the candidate with the knowledge, relationships, and skills to advance their work at the federal level.
“We’re not endorsing a politician. We’re endorsing a partner,” said Darryl Shuler, Founder of Put It Down. “This district needs someone with roots in our neighborhoods and vision for our future. That’s Sharif.”
Senator Street’s legislative priorities include expanding funding for community-based trauma recovery, advocating for evidence-based gun safety laws, and investing in equitable urban development strategies that address the root causes of violence.
The coalition calls on voters to support Senator Sharif Street—a champion for healing, justice, and generational change.
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