Heaven: Can You Hear Me?

In Philadelphia, gun violence is the leading cause of death for young Black men. HEAVEN: CAN YOU HEAR ME? explores the impact on families through the eyes of mothers like one woman whose youngest of four sons was murdered. The film demonstrates the challenges gun violence prevention advocates confront while allowing viewers to understand the often-untold trauma and resilience of survivors.

In Philadelphia, gun violence is the leading cause of death for young Black men. HEAVEN: CAN YOU HEAR ME? explores the impact on families through the eyes of mothers like one woman whose youngest of four sons was murdered. The film demonstrates the challenges gun violence prevention advocates confront while allowing viewers to understand the often-untold trauma and resilience of survivors.

Gun violence in Philadelphia is the number one lead cause of death for African American men age 14-24. And Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight knows this all too well. She talks about the loss of her 24-year-old son, Khaaliq, and what finding and running the organization Mothers in Charge means to her and how she is helping other mothers try to heal a wound that will stay with them forever.

Why has gun violence become a crisis in US cities like Philadelphia? For community leaders Colwin Williams, Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight and Reuben Jones, they see the challenges, and are working with young Black men and mothers to prevent, intervene and heal them from the traumas inflicted on their community.

When a mother loses a child, they also lose a piece of themselves. The Philadelphia organization, Mothers in Charge, provides support to women like Johndell Gredic, who lost her 20-year-old son Nacear Gredic, Jr. Here they find a safe space to talk, cry, laugh and give back to one another.