On October 12, 2024, the Social Media Summit hosted by the Penn Medicine Violence Recovery Program and SAFELab brought together various professionals, influencers, and community partners to explore how social media can be leveraged as a powerful tool for violence prevention and wellness promotion. This timely event was held at Quorum at the University City Science Center. It featured engaging discussions, performances, and networking opportunities for those using social platforms for positive change.
Moderating two dynamic back-to-back panels, P.O.C., founder of REVIVE Radio + Media, facilitated critical conversations about how digital spaces can foster healing and community safety. Here’s a closer look at the panels:
Panel 1: “Social Media as a Tool for Healing: Triumphing Over Adversity Through Violence Prevention”
The first panel featured a thought-provoking dialogue about how individuals and communities can use social media to overcome adversity and promote peace. Panelists included:
- Professor Dr. Desmond Upton Patton, M.S.W. – A leading expert on the intersection of social media and violence, Dr. Patton offered an academic perspective on how online platforms can be analyzed to predict and prevent harmful behaviors.
- Community Advocate Keisha Nesmith (@keisha1212) – Keisha shared real-world insights into how local activism, combined with the reach of social media, empowers communities to address violence and uplift their youth.
- Social Media Influencer Fis Banga (@fisbanga) – With a large following, Fis Banga highlighted the power of digital storytelling to entertain and inspire others to take a stand against violence in their communities.
Panel 2: “Social Media: A Tool for Violence Prevention and Community Safety”
The second panel expanded on digital platforms as a medium for maintaining public safety and preventing violence at both the individual and societal levels. The panel featured:
- Assistant Professor Dr. Elinore Kaufman (Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine): Dr. Kaufman discussed how her work in trauma surgery intersects with violence prevention strategies and how data from social platforms can better inform public health efforts.
- Violence Prevention Specialist Rodney Babb – Rodney shared his experience working on the frontlines of violence prevention and how social media amplifies grassroots efforts to build safer communities.
- Social Media Influencer Layz (@layzzthegod) – As a prominent voice on social platforms, Layz detailed how influencers can use their reach to spread messages of non-violence and mobilize their followers to advocate for safer streets.
Special shout-out to Ant Brown, founder of The Abro Experience, for his partnership and collaboration in making this summit possible!
The event also included performances, networking, and a focus on digital wellness. As social media continues to play an ever-growing role in communicating and connecting, this summit highlighted its potential to drive meaningful, positive change in the face of violence and adversity.
