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.
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