A Hope That Lights The Way is both a community-based engagement process and a documentary that uplifts the impactful stories of people who have successfully overcome the numerous challenges posed by gun violence. By actively listening to community members and conducting focus group discussions with our Temple University research partners, we’ve chronicled an ongoing narrative of progress and transformation.

A Hope That Lights The Way features community leaders and organizations, also known as “Hope Dealers,” who are committed to anti-violence and intervention initiatives. The project aims to inspire others to follow their lead and expand this critical work to their own neighborhoods. Some of the featured Hope Dealers include Joseph Budd, Valencia Peterson, Ryan Harris, Eugene “Buddah” Thomas, Pastor Aaron Campbell, Rickey Duncan, Manny215, Pastor Carl Day, and Milaj Robinson.