The first computer, lovely parks and Black Guns Matter
Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the USA. It was here that the American Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) was proclaimed and the Constitution was adopted. From 1790 to 1800 Philadelphia was the national capital and the second largest English-speaking city in the world after London. Today, “Philly” is the sixth largest city in the United States with a population of 1.6 million and the poorest among the largest cities.



I like the city right away. Although it is located in the north, it has a “Southern feel.” Perhaps because more blacks than whites now live within the city limits, as whites tend to move to the suburbs? In any case, the pace seems much more compatible than that of its bigger sister, New York City. Like there, Philly’s urbanites vote overwhelmingly Democratic, while the rest of the state, here Pennsylvania, is firmly in Republican hands.


In the Amtrak station on 30th Street, I discover a sign: “Philadelphia is the home of the first computer. Its weight was 30 tons.” In terms of nature, Philly boosts wonderful parks. For example, the Awbury Arboretum, which tempts many to take a midday nap in the summer heat.



But Philly also has one of the highest crime rates in the U.S., with the number of deaths from shootings rising steadily. Many of these murders are never solved.
So, to date, has the murder of Andrew Stengel. He was shot by an unidentified man at 8:41 p.m. on Nov. 26, 2021. At 9:04 p.m., the 29-year-old was pronounced dead. The murder happened just a few blocks from the house where I live for ten days. Andrew Stengel’s picture hangs on a utility pole with a message that a reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of the perpetrator.

Should gun ownership be more strictly regulated – or does this contradict the Second Amendment, which states that citizens’ right to defend themselves with arms may not be infringed? On this issue, gun critics and supporters have so far been divided into hopelessly divergent camps. Is the answer responsible gun ownership? How do you educate / train people to have such an attitude?

Maj Toure, founder of Black Guns Matter, believes he has found an answer. The 34-year-old has opened a community center in Brewerytown in predominantly black North Philadelphia. He calls it Solutionary Center. Which means “solution-oriented center.” There, he offers courses and workshops in safe gun handling. Plus yoga, TaiChi, first aid, info on buying real estate and job interviews.
I took part in one of his arms safety workshops and met there amongst others Barbara. More then in my radio features.
