On Saturday, a quiet ceremony in West Philadelphia marked a new chapter for a community that had endured a tragic loss. The intersection of North 63rd Street and Lansdowne Avenue, where 8‑year‑old Jayanna Powell was killed in 2016, was officially renamed Jayanna Powell Way. The renaming was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a public declaration that her life mattered.
A Memorial With Purpose
Jayanna’s family has long argued that memorials should serve a living purpose, not merely honor the past. Ayeshia Poole, Jayanna’s mother, said the block’s new name is “the first step in making sure that Jayanna’s life was for an important purpose.” She believes that every time a resident crosses the street, they will feel the presence of an angel beside them.
A Mother’s Words
“Her life wasn’t just for nothing. She lived for something and she died for something,” said Ayeshia Poole, Jayanna’s mother. The quote echoes her conviction that Jayanna’s brief life had meaning and that her death should inspire action. Poole added that the block now carries a promise: “So, when they cross the street they know they have an angel crossing with them. Because this is her block now. She will always be here.”
Remembering a Joyful Spirit
When asked to describe her daughter, Poole recalled Jayanna’s laughter and ambition. “Jayanna was so joyful. She was full of laughter,” Poole said. “She wanted to be the first woman Black president and she wanted to be a lawyer she loved to go to school.” Those words paint a portrait of a young girl whose dreams were as expansive as her smile.
A Legacy Beyond a Corner
Poole told NBC10 that she hopes Jayanna’s legacy will extend beyond the renamed intersection. She wants her daughter’s memory to resonate across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The family’s vision is for a state that remembers and protects its youngest citizens.
Legislative Advocacy
To turn remembrance into protection, Jayanna’s family has been lobbying for a new law in Harrisburg. The proposed legislation would establish a statewide hit‑and‑run advisory alert system, known as Jay Alerts. The bill’s official page explains that the alerts would be facilitated by PennDOT and would include the car’s make, model, year, color, license plate number, and extent of damage.
Support From State Rep. Cephas
“It’s a priority in Harrisburg right now,” said State Rep. Morgan Cephas, a Democrat from Philadelphia. Cephas’s endorsement signals that the bill is gaining traction in the state legislature. His support underscores the urgency of creating a system that can quickly notify residents of dangerous vehicles.
How Jay Alerts Would Work
Poole explained the practical benefits of the alert system. “You would get a notification to your cell phones, to your TVs, and also to the auto body shops because they like to take their car straight to the auto body shop to get fixed,” Poole said. She added that the system would not only help police locate offenders faster, but also keep the community informed: “So Jay Alert, it would not only help the police find them faster, but it would also give the community an alert to be on the look out for this vehicle.”
Community Impact
The proposed alerts would empower residents to identify suspicious vehicles immediately. By disseminating details such as make, model, and damage, the system aims to deter hit‑and‑run drivers and reduce the likelihood of future tragedies. The alerts would also serve as a deterrent, reminding drivers that their actions could be quickly reported and investigated.
The Bigger Picture
Jayanna’s story is a reminder that a single loss can spark a movement. The renaming of the block to Jayanna Powell Way and the push for Jay Alerts represent tangible steps toward safer streets. They also honor the memory of a young girl whose aspirations were cut short.
Key Takeaways
- Jayanna Powell Way now stands where the 8‑year‑old was killed in 2016.
- Ayeshia Poole urges the memorial to inspire ongoing protection.
- The family is lobbying for a statewide hit‑and‑run alert system called Jay Alerts.
The dedication of the new street name and the legislative effort to create Jay Alerts show that the community is turning grief into action. By memorializing Jayanna’s life and advocating for concrete safety measures, West Philadelphia and Pennsylvania as a whole move toward a future where such tragedies are less likely to happen.
