E-Blast: A Word on the Loss of Khalief Webster, and community updates

Rep. Gina H. Curry May 23, 2025

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Hello Neighbors, Community Members and Friends,

It is with deep sorrow that I share my statement below about the senseless loss of 16-year-old Khalief Webster. As you head into this holiday weekend, I hope you find peace and solace in your communities.

Statement from State Representative Gina H. Curry

on the Recent Tragic Loss of a Young Life

Our office is grieved to hear of the senseless loss of one of our children in our community.

The tragic death of Khalief Webster, someone with a future, dreams, and potential, weighs heavily on all our hearts.

This is a moment of deep sadness and reflection for our neighborhood and our schools. We must come together, not only in mourning but in commitment — to build community, to stand with our young people, and to be present in their lives and spaces. Now more than ever, we are called to know our neighbors and care for one another.

We are here because we believe in something powerful: that violence prevention is not just about stopping harm — it is about building something better.

We know that the roots of violence run deep — into cycles of disinvestment, poverty, trauma, and disconnection. And we also know that the solutions must be just as deep — rooted in youth empowerment, mental health investment, access to opportunity, and the everyday acts of community care.

Violence prevention is not just policy — it is practice. It requires collaboration between community organizations, faith leaders, schools, elected officials, and most importantly, you — the people who make up the fabric of this community.

We extend our love, strength, and deepest condolences to the family, friends, and classmates who are grieving. May we honor this young life not only with remembrance, but with action, compassion, and unity.

— State Representative Gina H. Curry
Pennsylvania House District 164

Office Closure for Memorial Day

My office will be closed on Friday, May 23 at 1 p.m. and all-day Monday, May 26, in observance of the holiday.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Visits Legislative District 164

I recently welcomed the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Chester chapter to my offices to discuss issues happening in Delaware County. I am always in awe of how much these ladies accomplish through their service to the community. Thank you for stopping by and for such invigorating conversation!

Upper Darby’s UDTJ Anti-Smoking Programs

I also had a visit from student advocates from UDTJ, a local organization that advocates for understanding, devotion, taking action, and justice, and the American Lung Association, to talk about vaping and smoking cessation programs for Upper Darby High School. These student advocates are engaged and brilliant and are sure to make a positive mark on the future of our student body.

Great Turnout for our Mobile Mammograms!

I was so happy to see all of you who came to our Mobile Mammogram clinic with state Sen. Tim Kearney and Jefferson Health! Breast cancer screenings and care are a top priority for me and I’m proud to have been able to provide this service to our community. Thank you to everyone who came and put their health first!

Safe Use of Fireworks this Holiday Weekend

Did you know that sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees? This Memorial Day Weekend, practice firework safety to prevent injury. Learn more about how to safely celebrate with fireworks from the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

Improving Your Access to High School Equivalency

The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced that high school equivalency exams such as the HiSET and GED tests are now available to eligible Pennsylvanians free of charge. The coverage is on a first-come, first-served basis, so take advantage of it now!

Visit this page to learn more.

Events in the District

Memorial Day Celebrations

Upper Darby Attachment of the Marine Corps League Memorial Ceremony

Monday, May 26

8:30 a.m. start at Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill: Corporal John Mackey’s gravesite

Other ceremonies will be held at

SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield
Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon
Montrose Cemetery, Upper Darby (approx. 11 a.m.) with American Legion Post 214

A noon ceremony will be held on the front lawn of the Marine detachment home at 1026 Providence Road, Secane, with a museum open house to follow. Refreshments will be served.

Lansdowne American Legion Post 65 Observance

Monday, May 26

9:30 a.m.

Penn Wood High School track, 100 Green Ave., Lansdowne

East Lansdowne Memorial Day Service

Monday, May 26

10:15 a.m.
East Lansdowne Memorial Park (Emerson Avenue & Penn Boulevard)

Archer-Epler Post 979, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion Post 979 Joint Memorial Day Ceremony

Monday, May 26

12:30 p.m.

At the Post home, 6736 Marshall Road, Upper Darby

Wednesday, May 28

Menstrual Equity Day

noon - 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 31

Laura's Children Foundation 2.5K Walk & Relay

10:30 a.m. check in, 11 a.m. start

In partnership and service,

PA Representative Gina Curry's signature image

Gina H. Curry

Want to stay up to date on all my happenings in Harrisburg, the 164th Legislative District and beyond? Or do you want to get the latest info on our events and office hours? Make sure to follow me on all my social pages using the icons below!

If you need assistance with any state-related issue, you can reach out to my office.

Thank you for letting our team proudly serve you, your families, and the stakeholders in the 164th in East Lansdowne, Lansdowne, Milbourne, and Upper Darby.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates and events happening in Harrisburg and the 164th!

Sincerely,