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Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Rita's launches Nerds Italian ice flavor

• Upcoming Philadelphia Union home game

• A deep dive into the life of Henry Box Brown

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Don’t count the days. Make the days count.”

—Muhammad Ali

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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 Philadelphia-born musician is known as the “Father of Modern Jazz Guitar”?

A) Miles Davis

B) John Coltrane

C) Charlie Parker

D) Eddie Lang

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: Philadelphia's famous Wanamaker's department store was the first in the U.S. to fully embrace B) Christmas Window Displays in 1911.

News

💼 Business

One neighborhood in Philadelphia is losing its Wawa after 45 years and it's not being replaced with a new store. (link)

Rita's launches Nerds Italian ice flavor and topping for summer season. (link)

🏒 Sports

The 76ers pulled out all the stops to lure Paul George to the City of Brotherly Love including a recruitment video featuring Saquon Barkley among others. (link)

Former Flyers Forward Tony Voce Passes Away. (link)

🏦 Finance

First Commonwealth Bank shutters its Philadelphia metro branches. (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 Union vs. New England Revolution
Subaru Park Chester, PA
Wednesday July 17 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Hot Freaks
The Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday July 16 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 2024 Viviz World Tour [V.hind : Love and Tears] in Philadelphia
Temple Performing Arts Center 1837 N Broad Street Philadelphia,
Wednesday July 17 | 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Kid’s Art Class
Cherry Street Pier, North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia,
Monday, July 15 | 10am - 1pm EDT | (more info)

🍪 Under the Sea! Cookie Decorating Class (Kids 8+)
Chapterhouse Cafe & Gallery 620 South 9th Street Philadelphia,
Wednesday, July 17 · 6 - 8pm 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 “A city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over Philadelphia.” 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

1918: The Spanish Flu hits Philadelphia particularly hard.

In 1918, the Spanish Flu pandemic hit Philadelphia particularly hard, causing widespread devastation and loss. The city's first encounter with the flu occurred on September 19, 1918, when sailors returning from Europe brought the virus to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The city was in the midst of raising $259 million for wartime efforts and saw the Liberty Loan Parade as an opportunity to raise funds. However, the parade became a catalyst for mass infection, leading to one of the largest outbreaks of the Spanish Flu in the city's history. Within days, influenza had become so widespread that Philadelphia was in the grip of misery and suffering.

Philadelphia's response to the Spanish Flu pandemic serves as a clear example of the wrong way to handle a public health crisis. The city prematurely ended its quarantine from the Spanish Flu in order to throw a parade, aiming to boost morale for the war effort. However, this decision led to a large spike in flu cases, overwhelming the city's hospitals and resulting in approximately 4,500 deaths from the flu or its complications. The impact of the Spanish Flu was felt deeply in Philadelphia, with an estimated 12,000 deaths in just one month, making the city a tragic epicenter of the pandemic.

The Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1919 had a profound and devastating impact on Philadelphia, leading to a high death toll and widespread suffering. The city's experience with the flu serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of effective public health measures and the consequences of premature relaxation of restrictions during a pandemic. The Liberty Loan Parade, intended to raise funds for the war effort, inadvertently became a major contributor to the rapid spread of the virus, resulting in a tragic chapter in Philadelphia's history.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Henry Box Brown (1816–1897): Virginia slave who escaped to freedom.

Henry Box Brown was a remarkable figure in American history, known for his daring escape from slavery and his subsequent advocacy for abolition. His life story is one of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of freedom. From his early years in Virginia to his escape to Philadelphia and beyond, Henry Box Brown's legacy continues to inspire and educate people around the world.

Early Life and Enslavement (1816-1830s)

Henry Box Brown was born into slavery in 1816 on a plantation called Hermitage in Louisa County, Virginia. His early years were spent in the oppressive conditions of slavery, where he endured the hardships and injustices that were all too common for enslaved individuals in the antebellum South. At the age of 15, he was sent to work in a Richmond tobacco factory, where he experienced the harsh realities of forced labor and separation from his family.

Marriage and Family (1836-1848)

Around 1836, Henry Box Brown married a woman named Nancy, who was enslaved to a different master. Despite the challenges of slavery, Henry and Nancy built a life together and had children. However, their family was torn apart in 1848 when his wife and children were sold away to North Carolina. This devastating event fueled Henry's determination to seek freedom and reunite with his loved ones.

Escape to Freedom (1849)

In 1849, Henry Box Brown made the courageous decision to escape from slavery. With the help of abolitionists and a daring plan, he arranged to have himself shipped in a wooden crate from Richmond to Philadelphia. This audacious escape, which involved being transported for 27 hours in a cramped and perilous journey, captured the attention of the nation and became a symbol of the resilience and ingenuity of enslaved individuals seeking freedom.

Advocacy and Abolition (1850s-1897)

After arriving in Philadelphia, Henry Box Brown became a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement. He shared his story of escape and used his experiences to advocate for the abolition of slavery. Brown's compelling narrative and powerful speeches resonated with audiences, shedding light on the inhumanity of slavery and the urgent need for its eradication. His advocacy work extended beyond the abolitionist movement, as he continued to speak out against injustice and oppression throughout his life.

Connection to Philadelphia

Philadelphia played a pivotal role in Henry Box Brown's journey to freedom. It was in Philadelphia that he found refuge and support from abolitionists who helped him transition to a life of freedom. The city became a symbol of hope and liberation for Brown, and he remained deeply connected to Philadelphia throughout his advocacy work.

Legacy and Impact

Henry Box Brown's legacy is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. His escape from slavery and subsequent advocacy for abolition left an indelible mark on American history. His story continues to be celebrated as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for triumph over adversity and the pursuit of justice and freedom.

Key Achievements of Henry Box Brown:

• Daring escape from slavery by arranging to have himself mailed in a wooden crate to abolitionists in Philadelphia.

• Prominent advocacy for the abolition of slavery and the promotion of freedom and justice.

• Inspiring countless individuals with his story of resilience and courage in the face of oppression.

Henry Box Brown's life and legacy serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring human quest for freedom and equality. His impact on the abolitionist movement and the broader struggle for civil rights continues to resonate with people around the world.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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