#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Capturing Geno’s orange motif
(Photo by _mtkrupka)
“It feels like history is being made again,” said one man who watched Thursday morning as workers replaced signs on the exhibit that tells the story of nine people enslaved by George Washington while he was living in Philadelphia as president.
The federal government this week appealed a judge’s ruling that the signs must be restored. Read more…
After forming a union two and a half years ago, staff at Movement Gym in Callowhill Street say they have struggled to agree a contract.
Their frustrations mirror similar efforts across the country, where 27 climbing gyms have unionized but only three have signed contracts. Read more…
SUMMARY: What else happened?
$ = paywall
• What Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration told the DOJ about Philly’s “sanctuary” policy in a letter the city tried to keep secret. [Inq$]
• Just when you thought the snow was finally gone, forecasters say a nor’eas could produce another significant snowstorm to our region. [Fox29]
• An attempt to Provide more protection for Philly renters Retaliatory evictions are met with resistance. Councilman Nicolas O’Rourke’s bill would apply “good cause” protections to all tenants. [PlanPhilly]
• A dog the breeding ban was approved in the municipal council. The goal is to control the pet population in a city with thousands of stray animals. [WHYY]
• Artist Isaiah Zagar’s mosaic works can be seen all over the city. Leaders of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, which he created, announced that he died on Thursday at the age of 86. [BP/WHYY]
• Did you know that the Indians aspired to become the 14th state? These were tribal leaders negotiating statehood with the Continental Congress when the new nation was formed at Independence Hall in 1776. [WHYY]
MAYOR LOOK
Mayor Parker’s office has not announced any public plans for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🧨 Lunar New Year Events Guide
📚 Book lover’s guide to Philly
🍹Non-alcoholic options
🏃🏽Philly Runners Guide
Friday, February 20: Philly Bike Party
Meet at the steps of the Art Museum for a 10-mile run at party pace while gathering supplies for a handful of local refrigerators and pantries. Mutual Aid for Introverts/Solidarity, Not Charity! Bring non-perishable food, personal care items and first aid. (meeting at 8 p.m., start at 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday and Sunday February 21-22: Punk rock flea market
This is an indoor event, rain or shine, at the 23rd Street Armory. $10 in advance, $12 cash at the door, $15 credit on the day. Children up to 12 years old are free. One dog is welcome per visitor, on a leash. (Every day from 10am to 5pm)
Saturday, February 21: “52 Weeks of Firsts” in honor of the Chinatown Friendship Gate
The city is organizing a first in honor of the first authentic Chinatown Gate in the US At the Crane Community Center. (11am to 1pm)
Saturday February 21: Winter wellness market
A day of shopping, socializing and more at Kirkbride Arts. All guests receive one free hot chocolate or coffee. (11am to 5pm)
Saturday, February 21: For Love to Thrive Black Cultural Heritage celebration
A free, 4-hour one cultural heritage fair in the Skyline Room of the Parkway Central Library celebrating African American heritage sites and initiatives in the Greater Philadelphia region. (12 to 4 hours)
Saturday February 21: HISTORY MATTERS: free lectures by guides
A class at various locations in Independence National Historic Park. With the history of black and other marginalized Americans. Feel free to join longer free tours at 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15, departing from the Independence Visitor Center, organized by tours at the APT table. Free. (Anytime between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM)
Saturday February 21: Chinese New Year at the Rail Park
Lion dancing, tai chi, taiko drumming, a KPop workshop, a flower market, horses from the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, plus the long-awaited return of the Rail Park Bao Bar and Sego Food Truck. Free. (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
Saturday February 21: Poetry is for everyone Book Club
it can be daunting to dip your toes into poetry. You may not be sure where to start. That’s why H&H Books started a new book club. Today’s meeting will discuss ‘Reclaiming Unconsciousness: Poems’ by Harryette Mullen. Free; $22 book. BYO pencil and paper for a writing exercise. (2 p.m.)
Saturday, February 21: Book presentation of ‘Last Seen: The Enduring Search by Formerly Slaved People to Find their lost Families’
Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion’s annual African History Month lecture welcomes Villanova University professor Judith Giesberg for a discussion on a crucial, often overlooked aspect of nineteenth-century black life. $12 tickets or $27.75 for talk and books. (3 p.m.)
Saturday February 21: Fishtails Retro Prom
Fishtails Animal Rescue rolls out the disco ball for their Retro Prom Fundraiser at Star|Bolt. $35 tickets including live DJs playing throwback hits, snacks, silent auctions and raffles, votes for adoptable Prom King & Queen. (7:00 PM to 10:00 PM)
Saturday February 21: New Year’s at Quig’s
Support Plays & Players Theater as you celebrate Lunar New Year traditions, play games, watch Kpop dance and eat snacks from Vietnamese, Chinese and other Asian cultures. Tickets €17.85. (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
Saturday February 21: From PhilHarmonia with Love: Between Us
Annual choir concert and cabaret, chocolate fountain and drinks included. With music inspired by the supportive bonds of friendship and shared by friends – from the salons of Paris and Queenly Courts to Motown and Spice Girls. At Trinity Memorial Church on Fitler Square. $42 tickets. (7:30 PM to 10:00 PM)
Sunday February 22: New Year’s walk + parade
At 10:00 am, join a walking tour of Chinatown. The tour concludes with the neighborhood parade at 11 a.m.: watch lion dances, enjoy confetti poppers, local shopping, and eat at local restaurants to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. Free.
Sunday February 22: Mausoleum Makeout Marathon Online Festival
An online screening of the accepted shorts, with a few secret film choices. The screenings start at 12 noon. While you watch, you can bid on the charity rafflewith funds supporting the South Phillies Community Fridge, Food Not Bombs and Punks with Lunch.
Sunday, February 22: Reassembly Workshop: Situational Publishing and Latin American Postal Art
In this lecture and workshop, librarian and arts organizer Sal Hamerman connects Can Can Press’ Reassembly “Situational Publishing” project with the broader history of mail art as a networked and intercultural practice that is simultaneously playful and political. Carrión served as an important point of contact with Latin American postal artists whose work playfully subverted and made visible the conditions of censorship and violence they faced, using the postal service to forge international solidarity. Free, at Ulises in Fishtown. (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM)
Sunday February 22: Poetry Open Mic + Book Fair
Promote literacy in our community with free books while hearing and sharing poetry. Food, drink, jewelry, skin car, art and clothing vendors on site. $10 admission. Free for children under 5. (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
Sunday February 22: Commemoration of a century of black history
A public program to commemorate the history, legacy, and preservation of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and its founder, Carter G. Woodson. Start a year long celebration. Performance. historian Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, historical readings, a light reception and community sharing. In person or via Zoom. Free upon registration. (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
#Slavery #Exhibition #Restored #Climbing #gym #union #battle #snow #Morning #Roundup