Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Quarters of Change to perform at The Foundry

• Upcoming Phillies home game

• A deep dive into the life of Ethel Waters

• And more…

Quote of the Week

 "I didn't fail the test. I just found 100 ways to do it wrong."

—Benjamin Franklin

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which historic prison, known for its architectural significance, is located in Philadelphia?

A) Alcatraz

B) Sing Sing

C) Eastern State Penitentiary

D) San Quentin

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
The Philadelphia park where the "Love" sculpture is located is C) LOVE Park (JFK Plaza).

News

💼 Business

More Philadelphia-area Rite Aid stores added to chain's bankruptcy sale. (link)

Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of the Executive Residency by Best Western Philadelphia-Willow Grove, located at 250 Business Center Drive in Horsham. (link)

LuvOnFire Candle Company is selling the scents of love in Queen Village. (link)

🏒 Sports

Former New York Giants star Saquon Barkley has been tipped to prove he's the best running back in the NFL by his new Philadelphia Eagles teammate Parris Campbell. (link)

Ricky Council's supporters took to social media to urge the Philadelphia 76ers to offer up a standard deal. (link)

Jason Kelce and his former Eagles teammate Lane Johnson made a surprise appearance at Wrestlemania on Saturday at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. (link)

Alec Bohm had an RBI double in the 10th inning and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3. (link)

🏦 Finance

Alba Martinez, currently Director of Commerce in Philadelphia and the first Latina and high-ranking LGBTQ official in the city, exemplifies how diversity and inclusivity can drive effective leadership. (link)

Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson announced the 15 members of the latest iteration of the Philadelphia Tax Commission. (link)

Nimble Therapeutics recently announced the inauguration of its second research and development (R&D) facility in Philadelphia. Situated in B+Labs, a nucleus for scientific innovation within University City Philadelphia. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies
Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA
Monday April 15 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

🏒 Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday April 16 | 7:00 PM| (more info)

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies
Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday April 16 |6:40 PM | (more info)

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago White Sox
Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA
Friday April 19 |6:40 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 We Three
The Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Monday April 15 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶Owlchella 2024
The Liacouras Center Philadelphia, PA
Thursday April 18 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Quarters of Change
The Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Saturday April 20 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

💎 The International Gem & Jewelry Show (Jewelry Exhibit)
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia
April 19-21 | (more info)

🔒 Childrens Firearms Safety and Education
One Art Community Center, N 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19131,
Wednesday, April 17 · 6 - 8:30pm EDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban landscape of Philadelphia with advanced public transport systems.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Philadelphia Historical Events

1892: The Johnson Steel Streetcar Company strike leads to significant labor rights movements.

In 1892, the Johnson Steel Streetcar Company strike in Philadelphia sparked a significant labor rights movement that had a lasting impact on the city. The strike, which involved workers from the steel industry and transportation sectors, led to a pivotal moment in U.S. labor history. The strike was a part of a larger movement for fair wages, improved working conditions, and the right to unionize. This event brought attention to the struggles of workers and their fight for better treatment and representation in the workplace.

The Johnson Steel Streetcar Company strike also contributed to the expansion of Philadelphia's streetcar network, allowing middle-class families to move to new residential areas like West Philadelphia and lower North Philadelphia. This expansion led to the development of the region's first streetcar ""suburbs,"" shaping the city's urban landscape and transportation infrastructure. The strike and the subsequent labor rights movements highlighted the importance of fair labor practices and the role of workers in shaping the city's growth and development.

The impact of the 1892 strike extended beyond Philadelphia, influencing labor movements across the United States. The strike and the resulting labor rights movements paved the way for future labor reforms and advocacy for workers' rights. The events of 1892 marked a turning point in the fight for fair labor practices and set the stage for the development of labor unions and the ongoing struggle for workers' rights in Philadelphia and beyond.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Ethel Waters (1896–1977): Singer and Actress, First African American Woman to be Nominated for an Emmy Award

Ethel Waters: Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1896-1917)

Ethel Waters was born on October 31, 1896, in Chester, Pennsylvania. Growing up in Chester, she sang in the church choir and began to showcase her talent as a singer around the Philadelphia area. Her early life was marked by adversity, as she was born as a product of rape and faced a challenging upbringing. Despite these hardships, she discovered her passion for music and began her journey as a talented vocalist.

Rise to Prominence in the 1920s (1918-1929)

In the 1920s, Ethel Waters' career as a singer took off, and she became known for her unique style of ""blues"" music. She gained recognition for her soulful and emotive performances, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and stage presence. During this time, she completed the majority of her 259 recordings, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Broadway and Film Career (1930s-1940s)

Waters' talent and charisma led her to Broadway and the silver screen, where she showcased her acting abilities in addition to her singing talent. She appeared in various films and stage productions, earning acclaim for her performances and contributing to the representation of African American artists in the entertainment industry.

Television and Emmy Nomination (1950s-1960s)

Ethel Waters made history as the first African American woman to star in her own television show. Her groundbreaking role in the series ""Beulah"" earned her a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award, marking a significant milestone in her career and paving the way for future generations of African American performers.

Legacy and Later Years (1970s-1977)

In her later years, Waters became fervently religious and toured with evangelist Billy Graham on his numerous crusades. Her impact on the music and entertainment industry was enduring, and she continued to inspire audiences with her talent and resilience. Ethel Waters passed away on September 1, 1977, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer and pioneer in the world of music and entertainment.

Key Achievements of Ethel Waters:

• Pioneering career as a blues singer and actress, with over 259 recordings and numerous stage and film appearances.

• First African American woman to star in her own television show and to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.

• Enduring legacy as a trailblazer and pioneer in the music and entertainment industry.

Ethel Waters' story is one of resilience, talent, and groundbreaking achievements, leaving an indelible mark on the history of music and entertainment.

Connect With Me

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-Matthew Larsen

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