Community gathers for screening of “The Lasting Impact”

Credible Messenger Maxayn Gooden produced “The Lasting Impact.”

A crowd of community members gathered Sunday to watch the in-person premier of the short documentary “The Lasting Impact: The Emotional Scars Gun Violence Leaves Behind,” which centers around the stories of three co-victims of gun violence who worked together to show the long-lasting effects loss can have on friends, family and community members.

The documentary features Credible Messenger producer Maxayn Gooden, co-producer Taj Devore-Bey and Sahir Copper. At the event, Gooden and Devore-Bey were joined in a panel by former Philadelphia Inquirer reporter and editor Chris Hepp and PCGVR Director Jim MacMillan. The premier was followed by a community conversation during which participants shared their own experiences with gun violence and discussed solutions.

The documentary and event were produced with support from our Credible Messenger Reporting Project, which pairs emerging community journalists with more advanced professionals, leveraging their combined authority to explore the root causes of gun violence, lived experience and possible solutions from the community perspective. Project goals include not only producing the content but also building networks, community and trusting relationships, as well as learning new skills.

Co-producer Taj Devore-Bey also joined the panel discussion.

Watch it now: The Lasting Impact: The emotional scars that gun violence leaves behind

Check out this CBS3 news report from the event: Philadelphians Personally Impacted By Gun Violence Come Together To Share Coping Strategies As Epidemic Worsens

Community members gathered for the event at the Awbury Arboretum in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.

Meet the Messengers: Learn more about the team behind “The Lasting Impact.”

Learn more about: The Credible Messenger Reporting Project and check the latest project update.