The City of Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations was founded under the City Charter in 1951 to address workplace discrimination, enforce Philadelphia’s civil rights laws and to deal with all matters of intergroup conflicts in the city. The PCHR has a two-pronged approach for making the city a zone of peace. On the legal end, they address unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and the delivery of city services across 16 protected categories, offering legal services and advising people of their rights.

Their community relations division works to diffuse and mediate intergroup and community tensions and conflicts throughout the city. Through human relations representatives, they work directly with the people in conflict through deep listening, building trust and providing safe places for airing grievances as well as opportunities for bridge building and reconciliation. This organization is a fundamental part of Philadelphia’s commitment to promoting equality and improving the quality of life of its residents.