Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Kirk Franklin performance

• Booker Earns Spot on Eagles' Roster Against All Odds

• A deep dive into the life of Will Smith

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare.”

—Juma Ikangaa

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 general strike in U.S. history took place in 1835 in Philadelphia. What industry's workers led this strike?

A) Textile

B) Railroad

C) Coal Mining

D) Shipbuilding

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Philadelphia-born actor famous for his role as “The Tramp” in the silent film era is A) Charlie Chaplin.

News

💼Business

Eliance Health Solutions allows employers to partner with Penn Medicine for their health plan coverage. (link)

Amazon warehouse part of $198M Philadelphia-area portfolio acquisition. (link)

🏒Sports

How Booker beat the odds and earned a spot on Eagles' roster. (link)

Taijuan Walker gets shelled as Philadelphia Phillies held to 3 hits in loss to Astros. (link)

🏦Finance

Fulton Bank announces layoffs in wake of Republic First acquisition. (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

🏈 Lehigh Mountain Hawks Football vs. Wagner Seahawks Football
Goodman Stadium Bethlehem, PA
Saturday, September 7 | 12:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Kirk Franklin
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Friday, September 6 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎶 Emo Night Brooklyn (21+ event)
The Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Friday, September 6 | 11:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness Event for Kids ages 8-13
4700 Wissahickon Avenue Philadelphia,
Saturday, September 7 · 10 - 11am EDT | (more info)

🎨 Kid’s Saturday Art Class
Cherry Street Pier, North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
Saturday, September 7 · 11am - 12:30pm 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 “Philadelphia with a central park featuring exotic, genetically engineered plants.” 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

1960: Wilt Chamberlain scores 100 points in a single NBA game for the Philadelphia Warriors.

In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain achieved an extraordinary feat by scoring 100 points in a single NBA game for the Philadelphia Warriors. This historic achievement took place on March 2, 1962, during a game against the New York Knicks at the Hershey Sports Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Chamberlain's remarkable performance led the Philadelphia Warriors to a 169-147 victory over the Knicks, solidifying his place in basketball history. The game saw Chamberlain set the NBA single-game scoring record, a record that still stands as one of the greatest in the sport's history.

Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game remains a legendary moment in NBA history, showcasing his exceptional talent and dominance on the basketball court. Chamberlain's stat line for the game was nothing short of extraordinary, as he finished with 100 points on 36-of-63 shooting from the field (57.1 percent) and 28-of-32 shooting from the free-throw line. This incredible performance solidified Chamberlain's status as one of the most iconic figures in basketball, and his legacy continues to inspire basketball players and fans alike.

The 100-point game by Wilt Chamberlain is a significant milestone not only for the Philadelphia Warriors but also for the NBA as a whole. Chamberlain's record-breaking achievement has left an indelible mark on the history of the sport, and it remains a source of pride for the city of Philadelphia and basketball enthusiasts worldwide.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Will Smith (1968–present): Actor, producer, and rapper known for his impact on popular culture and entertainment, particularly through his work in television and film.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1968–1985)

Willard Carroll Smith Jr. was born on September 25, 1968, in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raised in a middle-class family, Smith was known for his charismatic personality and sharp intellect from a young age. He attended Overbrook High School, where his charm earned him the nickname ""Prince."" Growing up in the culturally rich environment of Philadelphia, Smith developed a passion for music, particularly hip-hop. By the age of 12, he began rapping, and his talent quickly became apparent. His early love for music laid the groundwork for his entry into the entertainment industry.

Rise to Fame as The Fresh Prince (1986–1990)

In 1986, Will Smith teamed up with his childhood friend Jeffrey Townes, better known as DJ Jazzy Jeff, to form the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. The duo achieved rapid success with their lighthearted, humorous approach to rap, releasing hits like "Parents Just Don't Understand" and "Summertime." Their music resonated with a wide audience, and in 1988, they won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance. Smith's success as a rapper opened the door to television, and in 1990, he was cast as the lead in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," a sitcom loosely based on his life. The show became a cultural phenomenon, running for six seasons and establishing Smith as a household name.

Connection to Philadelphia and Impact on the City (1990–2000)

Although Will Smith's career took him to Hollywood, his connection to Philadelphia remained strong. "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" opened with the iconic line, "In West Philadelphia, born and raised," which introduced audiences worldwide to Smith's roots. Throughout his career, Smith frequently referenced his Philadelphia upbringing, often returning to the city to support local causes and initiatives. His success as both a musician and actor brought pride to the city, and he became one of Philadelphia's most celebrated figures. Smith’s rise from a West Philadelphia neighborhood to global stardom served as an inspiration to many young people in the city.

Transition to Blockbuster Films and Global Stardom (1996–2010)

After the success of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," Will Smith transitioned to a career in film, where he quickly became one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. His roles in blockbuster hits such as "Independence Day" (1996), "Men in Black" (1997), and "Bad Boys" (1995) solidified his status as a leading man. Smith's versatility as an actor, combined with his natural charisma, allowed him to excel in a variety of genres, from action and science fiction to drama and comedy. His performances in films like "Ali" (2001), for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006), showcased his depth as an actor, further cementing his place in Hollywood.

Later Career and Continued Influence (2011–Present)

Will Smith’s influence in the entertainment industry continued to grow throughout the 2010s. He remained a sought-after actor, starring in films such as "Suicide Squad" (2016) and "Aladdin" (2019). Beyond acting, Smith expanded his role in the industry by becoming a successful producer, working on a variety of film and television projects through his production company, Overbrook Entertainment. He also embraced social media, where his engaging content reached millions of followers, allowing him to connect with a new generation of fans. Smith’s continued success and ability to reinvent himself have kept him at the forefront of popular culture for decades.

Legacy and Recognition (Present)

Will Smith's legacy as an actor, musician, and producer is characterized by his ability to break barriers and set new standards in the entertainment industry. He has received numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, Academy Award nominations, and a Golden Globe. Smith’s influence extends beyond entertainment; he is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and poverty alleviation, both in Philadelphia and globally. His journey from West Philadelphia to worldwide fame continues to inspire, making him one of the most influential figures in modern entertainment.

Key Achievements:

• Starred in the hit television show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," which became a cultural phenomenon.

• Transitioned to film, becoming one of Hollywood's most bankable stars with hits like "Independence Day" and "Men in Black."

• Continues to influence the entertainment industry as an actor, producer, and social media personality.

Will Smith’s journey from West Philadelphia to global superstardom reflects his extraordinary talent and determination. His connection to Philadelphia remains a central part of his identity, influencing his work and philanthropy. Smith's legacy as a versatile actor, musician, and producer continues to inspire, ensuring his place as one of the most influential figures in modern entertainment.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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