Case Study: The Concrete Cowboys of Philadelphia

Case Study: The Concrete Cowboys of Philadelphia

Located in Southwest Philadelphia, The Concrete Cowboys of Philadelphia is a small group of teenagers whom ride horses around Southwest Philadelphia. The horses that these teenagers ride along belong to Malik Divers, a 55-year-old man who has a goal of "keeping the kids off the streets and out of trouble". The main purpose of this "program" is to provide a lesson of hard work and responsibility. Many of the teens that are involved with this program consider this to be a sort of therapy. By interacting with the horses the teenagers are taught empathy, compassion, and responsibility. Divers is also credited (by the teenagers) for helping them stay out of trouble. 

According to Divers, "In southwest Philadelphia there's alot of senseless killing. . ." , by having this program he utilizes the horses to help the teens keep on the right path so they will be able to succeed and do well. He wants to be able to provide these teens the same opportunity he had growing up while allowing for them to care for these horses. In exchange for these opportunities, the teenagers offer $5 rides to the local residents. 

Diver's stables currently house two horses however, there are current problems with keeping the horses on the current property in which the stables reside. In his current location, his landlord is demanding for more money and because of this he is in search of a new home to house the horses. Diver's was able to find a new location but there were other conflictions that occurred. The new location is owned by PRA (Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority) and is listed on the market for $500,000.00. However, Divers does not want to purchase the land but would like to set up a horse stable there. PRA is not allowing him to do so saying that there are certain processes that he would have to go through. This is Bartram's Garden comes into play.

Bartram's Garden would like to offer a part of their land in order to house Diver's horses. By providing a living space for these horses they are meeting their mission and vision. 

This video shows part of the Concrete Cowboys story.

Links:

http://www.odditycentral.com/news/the-concrete-cowboys-of-philadelphia.html

http://www.pdnonline.com/features/Documenting-Philadelphia-s-Teenage-Urban-Cowboys-13796.shtml