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Toll the Bell is a city-wide sound installation and commissioned performances bringing greater awareness to the gun violence epidemic affecting our city and the nation.
In the wake of historic surges in gun-related crime, community-based violence prevention initiatives are making a notable impact. Since 2022, Philadelphia has seen a 42% reduction in gun violence victims, yet the crisis persists, and further action is needed. Now in its second year, Toll the Bell aims to amplify this critical balance, highlighting the vital progress made and creating space for the hope that fuels continued change.
At 1 PM on June 6, National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a prolonged period of bell ringing and other sound-making will take place at 45+ locations across the city and beyond. A collaboration with Penn’s Office of the Chaplain, Interfaith Philadelphia and many faith-based organizations and other partners, the sound installation will be paired with an interfaith vigil service and a community walk of reflection.
Newly this year, two Philadelphia-based artists have been commissioned to create and perform a work reflecting on this uniquely American tragedy: jazz vocalist/composer Ruth Naomi Floyd (June 6-7) and the West Philly community jam band, Omar’s Hat (June 7).
Through this sonic device and artistic response, Toll the Bell exemplifies how the performing arts serve as a powerful catalyst for addressing society’s issues. On June 6-7, Philadelphians will come together to pause and reflect, but Toll the Bell is not a profile of tragedy; it is a resounding call to action — a literal ringing of the bell — urging us to work towards transformative change for the future of our city.
June 6
Interfaith Vigil Service
12:15 PM | Annenberg Center
Please plan to arrive by 12 PM as the vigil will start promptly.
- Welcome by Christopher Gruits, Penn Live Arts Executive & Artistic Director
- Declaration by Rev. Charles (Chaz) Lattimore Howard, University Chaplain and Vice President for Social Equity & Community
- Prayers and Reflections by the Religious Leaders Council
Reflective Walk
12:55 PM | From the Annenberg Center to Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral
Immediately following the vigil, while the bells are tolling, walk as a group to the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral.
Sound Installation
1 PM | City-wide
Marking National Gun Violence Awareness Day, there will be a prolonged period of bell ringing and other sound-making taking place at
45+ locations across the city and beyond. Connect with us and all of Philadelphia while the bells are ringing. Share a video or post and use #tollthebell.
Performance: Ruth Naomi Floyd
1:15 PM | Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 19 S 38th Street
Philadelphia’s own sacred jazz vocalist and composer, Ruth Naomi Floyd, performs
Echoes: Shattered Flesh and Breathless Souls, a commissioned work reflecting on the devastating impact of gun violence.
Community Partner Resources
Following the performance, connect with some of our partner organizations and learn about their vital work: The Trace, Women Against Abuse, Eddie's House, CeaseFire PA, Friends Ending Gun Violence Collaborative of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, Heeding God's Call to End Gun Violence, and Souls Shot Portrait Project.
June 7
Performance
2 PM | Tindley Temple United Methodist, 750 S Broad Street
For this program, there will be an encore of Ruth Naomi Floyd’s
Echoes: Shattered Flesh and Breathless Souls as well as several speakers and a two-part commissioned work by Omar’s Hat.
» More details on all Toll the Bell events
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Lead support for Toll the Bell is provided by the William Penn Foundation.
