Phil and John

Phil Waller and John Blanks live in the Grays Ferry neighborhood of South Philadelphia. While celebrating a neighbor on his way to college at their block party, a series of events unfolded that led to an excessive showcase of police power. Early Experiences: Phil and John had different formative experiences and beliefs about police.

Culture Clash: The conflict that took place at the block party is partially explained by the different cultures in the neighborhood, which John explains.

Contributing Factors: Phil explains how the threat of gang activity in a different neighborhood downgraded the block party, and what his neighbors did.

Party’s Over: The police arrive in force, offering no explanation for breaking up the neighborhood celebration.

The Times: The police shut-down of the party reminded John of how he and other African Americans were treated in the 60’s.