#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Facade foliage
(Photo by @falseclimax)
Manayunk steps restored after hasty paint job sparked outrage
Philly’s 100 Steps near Manayunk have been through the ringer this week.
The wall alongside the steps, made from glistening Wissahickon stone, were completely painted over in a stark, monotone gray which angered neighbors. We put on our sleuthing hats to find out who was responsible. Continue reading…
An ‘unmistakably Philadelphia’ Fourth of July concert
The City of Philadelphia revealed the lineup for this summer’s “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July 4.
Headlining the festivities will be Christina Aguilera and home-grown stars Jill Scott and The Roots, along with a reunion of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” stars Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Philadelphia will officially recognize May 21 as “Ona Judge Day,” honoring the woman who escaped enslavement after fleeing President George Washington’s household in the city on that day in 1796. [WHYY]
• The President’s House site will receive a $25,000 grant for a mobile display and documentary on preservation efforts after being included on a list of 11 of the country’s most endangered historic places. [PhillyVoice]
• Philly soccer fans set up a fundraiser to support Rittenhouse’s Black Sheep Pub after a fire closed the popular pub just before World Cup festivities. [Billy Penn]
• “Abbott Elementary” creator Quinta Brunson will develop and star as Betty Boop in a feature film adaptation of the nearly century-old animated icon. [Variety]
• Need a hoe, nut wheel or corn shucker? Philly’s new farm tool library has community gardens covered. [WHYY]
• Philadelphia sports industry insiders hope summer festivities will translate into new opportunities. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker attends the graduation ceremonies for 121 graduates of Philadelphia Police Recruit Classes 418 and 419. (10 a.m.)
BILLY PENN GUIDES
🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours guide
🎭 Philly’s comedy scene
🌱 Spring in Philly guide
🎤 Philly Record Store Guide
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
😋 Dining in Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
ON THE CALENDAR
🗓️ For the **FULL LIST** of this week’s events calendar, visit BillyPenn.com!
SummerFest, live jazz and thrifting on the Delaware waterfront (all weekend) + the start of the Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival (opening weekend) + mural tours, MuseumFest and more.
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Wednesday, May 27: Youth Voices and Perspectives on the American Revolution – (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.)
Join this reception, exhibit tour and community conversation at the National Constitution Center about the significance of representation and America’s founding from a youth perspective. The special guest is Leon Smith, the National Teacher of the Year from Haverford High School. This event is free, but registration is required. Learn more and register online.
