Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• WWE announced a five-day Fan Experience in Philadelphia

• Upcoming Philadelphia Wings game

• A deep dive into the life of Marian Anderson

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

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!

What is the name of the famous steps in Philadelphia that Rocky Balboa runs up in the movie "Rocky"?

A) Franklin Institute Steps

B) Liberty Bell Steps

C) Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps

D) City Hall Steps

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
The famous American writer and poet who lived in Philadelphia is B) Edgar Allan Poe.

News

💼 Business

Tac-Pal project site trades for $20M; PECO acquires 7 acres in Montco. (link)

WWE announced a five-day Fan Experience in Philadelphia ahead of WrestleMania weekend​. (link)

Painted Bride developer puts property up for sale to 'keep all options open'.(link)

How the Donald Trump shoe drop ended up being orchestrated by a coin-flipping Philly sneakerhead. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Phillies were more aggressive than it may have appeared this winter.(link)

Harper talks contract, first base, Merrifield, Hoskins and more.(link)

Whit Merrifield is motivated to help bring a World Series to Philadelphia.(link)

Eagles sign former 3rd-round RB, 5th-round OT. (link)

🏦 Finance

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon believes inflation 'will be stickier than people think'. (link)

Marita Crawford, one of labor leader Johnny Doc’s closest allies, sentenced to 15 days in prison in embezzlement case. (link)

PNC Bank closes 2 more branches near Philadelphia as expansion focuses on new markets. (link)

3 former Local 98 employees sentenced after pleading guilty to stealing union assets. (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 Wings vs. Calgary Roughnecks
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, March 2 | 1:00 PM (More info)

🏀 Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
Friday, March 1 | 7:00 PM (More info)

🏀 St. Joseph's Hawks Men’s Basketball vs. Fordham Rams Men's Basketball
Michael J. Hagan Arena, Philadelphia
Saturday, March 02 | 9:30 AM (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Hurray for the Riff Raff
The Foundry, Philadelphia, PA
Friday, March 01 | 8:00 PM (More info)

🎤 Madi Diaz
World Cafe Live-Philadelphia
Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 8:00 PM (More info)

🎷Twin Temple
Union Transfer, Philadelphia
Tuesday , Feb 27 | 8:00 PM | (More info)

Family

⛸ Harlem Globetrotters 2024 World Tour Presented by Jersey Mike's Subs
The Liacouras Center
Thu , Feb 29 | 7:00 PM (More info)

🎭 Groucho: A Life in Revue at Walnut Street Theatre
Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street
Tuesday, Feb. 19th | (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 “Philadelphia streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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

1799: The Pennsylvania Abolition Society founds the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas

In 1799, a significant event in the history of both Philadelphia and the African American community occurred: the founding of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. Established by the Pennsylvania Abolition Society, this church became the first African American Episcopal Church in the United States. Its creation was a direct response to racial discrimination in religious spaces and a significant step towards providing African Americans with a dedicated place of worship and community.

The church was founded by Absalom Jones, an African American abolitionist and clergyman, who became its first rector. Jones had previously been a lay preacher at St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church, but due to racial segregation policies, he led a group of African Americans to establish their own church. The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas was more than just a place of worship; it was a symbol of empowerment and independence for the African American community in Philadelphia.

The establishment of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in 1799 was a landmark moment in the history of Philadelphia. It represented a significant step in the fight against racial segregation and discrimination. The church played a vital role in the spiritual and social lives of its members, also becoming a center for education and abolitionist activity. Today, the church's legacy continues, representing a pivotal moment in the journey towards racial equality and social justice.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Marian Anderson (1897–1993)

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1897-1919)

Marian Anderson was born on February 27, 1897, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a modest but musically inclined family, she displayed her singing talent from a young age. Anderson sang in the choir of the Union Baptist Church, where her remarkable voice was first recognized. Despite facing financial difficulties, her community supported her musical education through fundraising efforts.

Rise to Prominence (1920-1938)

Anderson's career began to gain traction in the 1920s and 1930s. She performed in various American venues and eventually traveled to Europe, where she studied and performed extensively. Her European tours were highly successful, earning her critical acclaim and significantly boosting her reputation as an outstanding opera singer.

Historic Lincoln Memorial Concert (1939)

In 1939, after being denied the opportunity to perform at Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution due to racial discrimination, Anderson performed an iconic open-air concert at the Lincoln Memorial. This event, attended by thousands and broadcast nationwide, became a significant moment in the civil rights movement.

Continued Success and Breakthroughs (1940-1955)

Anderson's career continued to flourish in the 1940s and 1950s. She became the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1955. Her performances across the United States and Europe garnered immense respect and admiration.

Civil Rights Advocacy (Throughout Career)

Throughout her career, Anderson was an advocate for civil rights, using her fame to break barriers and fight against racial segregation and prejudice in the arts. Her career choices and public appearances often held symbolic significance in the struggle for racial equality in America.

Later Years and Retirement (1955-1993)

After a distinguished career, Anderson retired from singing in 1965. She spent her later years engaging in community work and inspiring young musicians. Marian Anderson passed away on April 8, 1993, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer in music and civil rights.

Marian Anderson's Key Achievements:

• Pioneering African American opera singer with an internationally acclaimed career.

• First African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.

• Performed a historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial, becoming a symbol of the civil rights movement.

• Received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Marian Anderson's journey from a church choir in Philadelphia to the world's most prestigious opera stages is a testament to her extraordinary talent and resilience. Her groundbreaking achievements in the face of racial barriers not only paved the way for future African American artists but also contributed significantly to the civil rights movement. Anderson remains an enduring symbol of grace, dignity, and exceptional artistry in the face of adversity.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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