Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Philadelphia's Black Men's Wellness Day 2024 event

• Upcoming Philadelphia Phillies home games

• A deep dive into the life of Lou Barletta

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“I’m a survivor / I’m not gonna give up / I’m not gonna stop / I’m gonna work harder”

— Destiny’s Child

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!

The first Thanksgiving Day Parade in the U.S. was held in Philadelphia in 1920. Which department store originally sponsored it?

A) Macy's

B) Gimbel's

C) Wanamaker's

D) Sears

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The original purpose of Philadelphia's Fairmount Water Works was D) The city's primary water pumping station.

News

💼 Business

Media executive to lead a team of Philadelphia reporters and digital journalists. (link)

Iconic D.C. gay bar to open location in Philadelphia. (link)

🏒 Sports

Newly-Signed Safety Called Eagles' Top 'Bounce-Back' Candidate In 2024. (link)

Quinn leads Philadelphia Eagles’ squad to first Big 33 girls flag football championship. (link)

Eric Dixon will return to Villanova after going through NBA draft process. (link)

Philadelphia Eagles release cornerback James Bradberry. (link)

🏦 Finance

Campbell Soup to close facility, downsize another and invest $230M in newer sites. (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. Milwaukee Brewers
Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA
Monday June 3 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

⚾Philadelphia Phillies vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday June 4 | 6:40 PM | (more info)

⚾Philadelphia Phillies vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday June 5 | 4:05 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤Melanie Martinez: The Trilogy Tour
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Monday June 3 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎸Durry
The Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday June 5 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎻Philadelphia Orchestra
Verizon Hall- Kimmel Center Philadelphia, PA
Friday June 7 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶The Bryson Tiller Tour
Highmark Skyline Stage at the Mann Philadelphia, PA
Friday June 7 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🐶Dog Safety for Kids 3-5
Falls of Schuylkill Library 3501 Midvale Avenue Philadelphia,
Tuesday, June 4 · 10:30am - 11pm EDT | (more info)

🎨Kids Art Club class with Tiffany Katen
The Tacony LAB Community Arts Center 6918 Torresdale Avenue Philadelphia,
Saturday, June 8 · 11:30am - 1pm 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 “Philadelphia scape with a fusion of different historical eras.” 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

1964: Race riots in North Philadelphia.

The 1964 Philadelphia race riot, also known as the Columbia Avenue Riot, was a significant event that took place in the predominantly black neighborhoods of North Philadelphia from August 28 to August 30, 1964. The riot was sparked by escalating tensions between black residents and the police, fueled by well-publicized allegations of police brutality. The catalyst for the riot was a scuffle between police and a black couple, Rush and Odessa Bradford, at the intersection of 22nd Street and Columbia Avenue. This incident led to three days of rioting, with hundreds of North Philadelphians hurling bottles and bricks at police and looting stores.

The riot left a lasting mark on Philadelphia and was part of a larger wave of civil unrest that swept through cities like Harlem and other urban areas in the summer of 1964. The event was fueled by longstanding grievances of black Philadelphia citizens who had been victimized by police officers for an extended period. The riot also led to widespread rumors, including one about a pregnant African American woman being beaten to death by white police officers, which further fueled the unrest. Civil rights leaders, including Philadelphia NAACP President Cecil B. Moore, attempted to appeal to the crowd to disperse, but their efforts were rebuffed.

The 1964 Philadelphia race riot was a pivotal moment in the city's history, highlighting the deep-seated racial tensions and social injustices that plagued North Philadelphia at the time. The event served as a catalyst for increased activism and advocacy for civil rights and police reform in the city, leaving a lasting impact on the community and shaping the trajectory of race relations in Philadelphia.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Lou Barletta (1956–present): Politician and former Mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

Lou Barletta (1956–present): Politician and former Mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Lou Barletta, a prominent American businessman and politician, has made significant contributions to the city of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and the state of Pennsylvania as a whole. From his tenure as the Mayor of Hazleton to his role as a U.S. Congressman, Barletta has been a key figure in Pennsylvania's political landscape. Here is a comprehensive biography of Lou Barletta, highlighting his career, achievements, and impact on the community.

Lou Barletta's Early Life and Political Aspirations (1956-1999)

Lou Barletta was born on January 28, 1956, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to Angeline and Rocco Barletta. His early years were marked by a strong sense of community and a desire to make a positive impact on the city where he was raised. Barletta's political aspirations began to take shape as he witnessed the evolving landscape of Hazleton and the challenges it faced.

Rise to Political Prominence: Mayor of Hazleton (2000-2010)

In 1997, Lou Barletta was elected to the Hazleton City Council, marking the beginning of his political career. He served on the City Council from 1998 to 1999 before running for the position of Mayor of Hazleton. Barletta's mayoral tenure, which lasted from 2000 to 2010, was characterized by his unwavering commitment to addressing the city's issues and fostering its growth and development.

Impact on Hazleton's Demographic Shift

During Barletta's time as Mayor, the Hispanic population of Hazleton experienced a significant increase, climbing from 5 percent in 2000 to 30 percent in 2006. This demographic shift presented unique challenges and opportunities for the city, and Barletta's leadership during this period played a crucial role in shaping Hazleton's future.

Congressional Career and National Recognition (2011-2019)

Following his tenure as Mayor, Lou Barletta transitioned to the national stage, serving as the U.S. representative for Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district from 2011 to 2019. His role as a Congressman allowed him to advocate for the interests of Pennsylvania and address key issues at the federal level. Barletta's contributions to national politics earned him recognition as a significant political figure in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Political Ambitions and Continued Service to Pennsylvania

Barletta's dedication to public service extended beyond his role as a Congressman. He ran for the U.S. Senate, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to representing the people of Pennsylvania and contributing to the state's political landscape. Despite facing challenges, Barletta's determination and passion for public service remained unwavering.

Connection to Philadelphia and Statewide Impact

While Lou Barletta's political career was centered in Hazleton, his influence extended across the state of Pennsylvania, including the city of Philadelphia. His efforts to address issues such as immigration, healthcare reform, and economic development had a statewide impact, positioning him as a key figure in Pennsylvania's political discourse.

Key Achievements:

• Elected to Hazleton City Council in 1997 and served from 1998-1999.

• Served as Mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, from 2000 to 2010.

• Represented Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019.

• Advocated for issues such as immigration, healthcare reform, and economic development at the national level.

• Continued to play a significant role in Pennsylvania's political landscape, demonstrating a commitment to public service and community leadership.

Lou Barletta's career as a politician and former Mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, has been marked by a steadfast dedication to serving the community and addressing critical issues at both the local and national levels. His impact on Hazleton and Pennsylvania as a whole reflects his commitment to public service and his enduring influence on the state's political landscape.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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