Film Screening and Conversation: Shuja Moore on Pardon Me

Moore is an award-winning filmmaker from West Philadelphia. His documentary Pardon Me (2023) has been presented by museums, universities, legal organizations, public agencies, and community organizations across the country, sparking conversations about justice, accountability, and second chances. His perspective is informed by a lived experience navigating incarceration, reentry, and civic leadership. His work has been recognized by the American Bar Association and the American Society of Criminology.

Barr is the director of victim/witness services at the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia (AVP), where he supports individuals and families affected by violence, and the community liaison director at the Philadelphia Masjid. A former funeral director, Barr witnessed the devastating impact of gun violence in Philadelphia, which deepened his lifelong commitment to victim advocacy. In 2024, he was named an honorary deputy by Sheriff Rochelle Bilal and was given a key to the city by Philadelphia councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Best is the founder and president of Victoria Urban Outreach Tutoring Service (VUOTS), a Philadelphia-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing educational equity, youth leadership, and community engagement. Drawing from her lived experience in foster care and the criminal legal system, Best has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for young people and families through education, mentorship, cultural programming, and community partnerships.

A champion for criminal justice reform, Harris is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives serving the 186th legislative district, which includes parts of South and West Philadelphia. Harris was elected in 2012 and named Democratic caucus whip in 2018 and Democratic appropriations chair in 2023. Today, as majority chair of the appropriations committee, he plays a pivotal role in negotiating the state budget and determining how taxpayer dollars are invested.