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Honoring and congratulating Champion of the Week, Traci Carter, for creating the youth anti-violence program, Anchors Camp, after losing his brother to gun violence.
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WHEREAS, Traci Carter was born and raised in Philadelphia, beginning his basketball career at Roman Catholic High School, later transferring to Life Center Academy in Burlington, NJ; and
WHEREAS, Following graduation, Carter played at Marquette University and La Salle before transferring to Hartford and playing in March Madness in 2021; and
WHEREAS, Traci’s brother, Semaj, was tragically shot and killed in July 2020 at Myers Rec Center after a basketball game; and
WHEREAS, In honor of Semaj, Traci Carter reached out to his Coach at Hartford who connected him to Jimmy Newfrock in Madison, N.Y. that set up a residential program for disadvantaged youth on Newfrock’s property; and
WHEREAS, Anchors Camp held its first session in August 2020 with 8 Philadelphia youth where they pursued trade skills, such as mechanics, plumbing, electrical as well as special activities like hiking, fishing, and trips to local colleges; and
WHEREAS, The camp’s mission is to “provide an opportunity that introduces young men to a range of activities, hands-on learning, and skill-building. Campers’ curiosity will be sparked as they learn valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, communication, accountability, and community”; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and congratulates Traci Carter for his perseverance after losing his brother to gun violence and for creating the youth anti-violence program, Anchors Camp.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Traci Carter as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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