19: I would ban GUNS: Tyrique Glasgow (Young Chances Foundation)

In today's episode, we meet Tyrique Glasgow, a South Philadelphia native who transformed his life from a trajectory marked by gun violence and incarceration to one of community service and mentorship. Tyrique is the founder of the Young Chances Foundation, a community organisation that addresses the deeper systemic issues affecting urban communities, such as access to quality nutrition, generational trauma, and environmental pollution.

Key Takeaways

Community and Personal Transformation:

• Tyrique shares his personal journey from surviving multiple shootings and imprisonment to becoming a pivotal community figure. His transformation began with mentoring local youths, eventually leading to the creating of the Young Chances Foundation.

Environmental and Social Impact:

• Philadelphia's history of industrial pollution and its effect on public health, particularly respiratory conditions, is highlighted. Tyrique discusses how these conditions contribute to the broader context of violence and community despair.

Holistic Community Support:

• The foundation's approach goes beyond addressing immediate needs, focusing on systemic changes that provide sustainable support and empowerment. Initiatives include access to healthy food, mental health services, and youth mentorship programs.

Challenges and Barriers:

• Tyrique points out the obstacles faced by community members, from bureaucratic hurdles that prevent children from participating in recreation to the pervasive violence that impacts daily life.

Vision for the Future:

• A passionate discourse on what leadership and systemic change should look like, emphasising education, community engagement, and environmental justice.

This episode offers a profound look into how interconnected systems of disadvantage and environmental degradation contribute to cycles of violence and poverty. Tyrique Glasgow's story is one of hope and determination, showcasing how one individual's change can lead to community-wide transformation. His insights challenge us to think critically about the root causes of urban violence and the broader societal changes needed to foster true community resilience and growth.

Follow the show:

You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

Connect with our guest:

• Young Chances Foundation

Follow Gillian

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/

Website: https://www.gillianburkevoice.com/

Mentions & Resources

• PES Oil Refinery
• The birth of Philadelphia

What would you do if you ruled the world?

If you have any insights or feedback on today’s episode or you have an idea for how the world could be a better place, drop me an email on [email protected]

A final thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen, and to The Wildlife Trusts for their continued support.

Credits:

Host: Gillian Burke

Production Company: Soundquake

Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner

Editor: Jake-Lee Savage