(Philadelphia, PA) On Saturday, December 28, 2024, the historic Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church was alive with purpose and celebration on a rainy Saturday afternoon as it hosted “Empowering Our Youth: Building a Compassionate and Safe Future for Philadelphia.” This impactful event, presented by the Game 4 P.E.A.C.E Youth and Veterans branches, inspired a packed house and marked the official launch of the “G4P Stop the Concert Violence Concert Tour.”

A Heartfelt Tribute to William “Poogie” Hart – The Heart of The Delfonics

The event’s centerpiece was a deeply moving tribute to the late William “Poogie” Hart, Grammy-winning songwriter, inventor, and lead singer of The Delfonics. Hart’s timeless contributions to The Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP) have left an indelible mark on music and culture. With iconic hits like “La La Means I Love You,” “Ready or Not,” and “Break Your Promise,” his legacy resonates as a beacon of love, compassion, and unity.

The tribute featured unforgettable performances:

• The Supreme Jazz Team delivered soulful renditions of Hart’s classics, capturing the magic of his melodies.
• Poet IllzwilLz honored Hart with a heartfelt spoken word piece, celebrating his influence on generations.
• King Lion brought energy to the room with a stunning dance performance to “Ready or Not.”

William Hart’s music not only defined an era but also continues to uplift communities, reminding all of the power of compassion and understanding.

Honoring Randy Cain and Camphor Memorial’s Legacy

Adding profound significance to the event, it was hosted at Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church, the home church of Randy Cain, a founding member of The Delfonics. Cain’s velvet harmonies and contributions to classics like “La La Means I Love You” and “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)” helped define the group’s signature sound. Camphor Memorial, a church deeply rooted in faith and cultural heritage, provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate The Delfonics legacy. Randy’s connection to the church underscored the enduring bond between music, community, and spiritual growth.

Empowering Discussions for Change

Keynote facilitators Princess Ameenah, a passionate advocate for restorative justice, and Mizz Gabrielle Nicole, co-founder of Game 4 P.E.A.C.E, led the afternoon’s engaging and thought-provoking discussions. They addressed a range of pressing issues, sparking dialogue on critical topics such as the 13th Amendment, restorative justice, mentorship, accountability, Hip Hop versus commercial rap, and fostering community unity.

Panelists shared transformative insights, offering strategies and solutions to inspire positive change, including:

• Violence prevention measures to promote safer neighborhoods.
• Addressing the impact of unsupervised youth through community-driven initiatives.
• Highlighting the importance of discipline in young lives to encourage growth, leadership, and responsibility.

The discussions underscored the need for collective action and the vital role of education, mentorship, and creativity in building stronger communities.

Artistic Performances Unite and Inspire

The afternoon was also a celebration of artistic excellence:

• Secret Weaponz of Mass Construction Showcase, featuring The GR8 Xscape and Golden BrieZ! (The World’s Sexiest Tomboy Alive!), thrilled the audience with electrifying performances.
• Princess Ameena hand Carol Lumford shared inspiring presentations that resonated deeply.
• DJ Chill set the tone with an expertly curated soundtrack, keeping spirits high.

Each act showcased the resilience and creativity of Philadelphia’s artistic community, reminding everyone of the power of collaboration in driving change.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The “G4P Stop the Concert Violence Concert Tour” promises to be more than a series of events—it is a movement. By fostering dialogue, celebrating art, and engaging communities, the tour aims to create safe spaces for youth and inspire meaningful change.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Mizz Gabrielle Nicole stated, “This afternoon was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a community. With compassion, creativity, and a shared commitment to our youth, we can build a brighter and safer future.”

Anchored by the legacies of William Hart and Randy Cain, Game 4 P.E.A.C.E continues its mission to empower communities and create a foundation for lasting unity.

Empowering Discussions for Change

Keynote facilitators Princess Ameenah, a passionate advocate for restorative justice, and Mizz Gabrielle Nicole, co-founder of Game 4 P.E.A.C.E and Executive Producer of the event, led the afternoon’s engaging and thought-provoking discussions. The forum addressed a range of pressing issues, sparking dialogue on critical topics such as the 13th Amendment, restorative justice, mentorship, accountability, Hip Hop versus commercial rap, and fostering community unity.

Panelists shared transformative insights, offering strategies and solutions to inspire positive change, including:

• Violence prevention measures to promote safer neighborhoods.
• Addressing the impact of unsupervised youth through community-driven initiatives.
• Highlighting the importance of discipline in young lives to encourage growth, leadership, and responsibility.

Keynote facilitators Princess Ameenah, a passionate advocate for restorative justice, and Mizz Gabrielle Nicole, co-founder of Game 4 P.E.A.C.E and Executive Producer of the event, led the afternoon’s engaging and thought-provoking discussions. The forum addressed a range of pressing issues, sparking dialogue on critical topics such as the 13th Amendment, restorative justice, mentorship, accountability, Hip Hop versus commercial rap, and fostering community unity.

Panelists shared transformative insights, offering strategies and solutions to inspire positive change, including:

• Violence prevention measures to promote safer neighborhoods.
• Addressing the impact of unsupervised youth through community-driven initiatives.
• Highlighting the importance of discipline in young lives to encourage growth, leadership, and responsibility.

Spotlight Executive Producer Gabrielle Nicole

A powerhouse of talent and vision, Gabrielle Nicole has an extensive background in the arts and community advocacy. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Black Men in Charge! and a driving force behind Game 4 P.E.A.C.E. Gabrielle has made her mark in the entertainment industry as an Executive Producer, Creator, Writer, and President of America’s first all-Black News Channel, “Global News Network” and “Our News Central” powered by Elements Media Networks.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Gabrielle has is a Professional Actress and Stage Manager, earning accolades such as being named one of “Philadelphia’s Best Black Actors” along with panelist Carol Lumford and others, by Barrymore Award-winning Director Bruce Robinson. She also works tirelessly to uplift youth, having been a resident theater assistant at FreshVisions Youth Theater, where she mentored aspiring actors, some of whom have gone on to Hollywood success.

Gabrielle’s unwavering passion for community empowerment and artistic innovation electrified the event, igniting powerful conversations and leaving an indelible mark on everyone in attendance!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Camphor Memorial Methodist United Church

We extend our deepest gratitude to Camphor Memorial Methodist United Church, the home church of Randy Cain of The Delfonics, for hosting this incredible event. The historic significance and welcoming atmosphere of this Philadelphia landmark provided the perfect setting for our afternoon of empowerment and unity.

The church’s legacy of fostering community connection and resilience is an inspiration, and we are honored to have collaborated in this sacred space. We look forward to returning and bringing more impactful events to this historic landmark, continuing to uplift and unite our community for generations to come.

Call to Action

This impactful event underscored the critical role of mentorship, restorative justice, and collective action in shaping a brighter future. Through collaboration and creative expression, the conversations initiated during this forum aim to build stronger, safer, and more united communities.

Click here to watch the event on Facebook Facebook