Brandon, who is most popularly known as B McFly on Instagram on Twitter, became widely known in the city once he declared sobriety in 2018. On his social media, he reenacts real-life scenarios through skits to spread awareness about drug addiction and gun violence. Along with this, he uses his own knowledge and life experience to inspire change amongst inner city youth. With his videos, he provides examples of crucial life experiences. Brandon’s message is that anyone can face life’s biggest hurdles, and overcome them.
After graduating from Lincoln University in May 2004, Brandon was shot in July of that same year. While he was recovering from wounds, his doctors prescribed him percocets. “Everything really went downhill after I got shot. From 2004 to 2018, I smoked, drank, and used percocets. I couldn’t function without it. Not only was I taking drugs for my physical health, but I was also taking it for my mental health”
Brandon talked about how the traumatic experience changed his life. He took part in using and abusing drugs, which negatively impacted the way he looked at life. For a brief period before 2018, he questioned his will to live. “I was tired of living. I felt as though I set a bad example for my kids.” Brandon stated that going to rehab was the decision that changed his life, “In 2018, I told my girlfriend at the time that I was ready to go to rehab. She took me up to Arms Acres in upstate New York, and I stayed there until January 21, 2018. I became clean after that.”
Once he became sober, he launched his Instagram @b.mcfly_. With his Instagram, he started to post skits based on his experiences. Not only does he portray the evils of drug abuse in these skits, he also depicts what gun violence is doing to Philadelphia. Philadelphia recently went through one of the deadliest years in history, with a total of more than 500 homicides in one year.
Brandon believes that the mischief and disobedience starts in a dysfunctional home. “If your home is dysfunctional, school is the next place kids follow, or go to. If they’re bored or uninterested with school, the streets are next.” said Brandon in response to what creates these toxic environments.Brandon provided what he considers to be a clear answer to what could stop gun violence in the city: “Education is key. There needs to be more educational programs, with black people at the forefront.” Brandon believes that representation plays a big part in keeping the youth engaged in school. “Not only should kids be learning about American history, but they need to learn about our history. They need to learn more about the destruction of the black community and ways they can counter the root of the issue.”
Brandon Chastang wants to tackle gun violence and drug addiction in PhiladelphiaIn response to a question about who he primarily works with, he mentioned “@nogunzone,” from Instagram. “NoGunZone” is an Instagram page that also uses the platform to raise awareness to the destruction caused by gun violence. “Me and NoGunZone are doing a Philadelphia tour, called the “Peace and Prosperity Tour.” We want to be able to connect with the youth. I also wanted to find a way in which I can connect with drug facilities.”
Brandon has also created his own podcast called “Self Inventory,” which is centered around mental health and caters to Philadelphia youth. He continues to use his platform to try eliminating the issues that black people face in our city.
