Philadelphia has elected Cherelle Parker, our first female mayor. She is also a black woman. I voted for her, and I’m excited to see what she can do. It’s a really good thing.
Donald Trump famously said in a presidential debate: “Bad things happen in Philadelphia, bad things.” While every city, suburb, and small town has its share of bad things happening, don't believe the bad things happening exceptionalism of Philly.
Watching the evening news, especially on the local FOX affiliate, makes the fearful think we are living in a post-apocalyptic war zone. What is actually happening here is that we have a thriving community, a world class foodie scene, the most walkable city in America, ethnic and immigrant diversity, Gritty, a fixed Route 95 overpass, MVP Joel Embiid, Mr. Giunta our 96 year old neighbor who stands at his front stoop ready to tell you about the history of the neighborhood and how beautiful you and your family are, MVP Bryce Harper, the legacy of Ben Franklin, soon to be MVP Jalen Hurts, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall for goodness sake, Rocky, roast pork sandwiches, and now a black female mayor elect.
It has been noted that black women saved Democrats and the country in the last election. They saved Joe Biden, and powered turnout in critical places like Detroit, Atlanta, Milwaukee and Philadelphia to name just a few.
Philly does have problems, too. Violence, poverty, drugs. You can find those across America. But we have way more going for us.
Lonely Planet just named us one of the top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2024.
Back to Cherelle Parker. She grew up in Philly. Her website states:
Cherelle was born to a single teenage mom and raised by her grandparents James and Dorothy Parker. Cherelle achieved her dreams because of the unconditional love of her family, the support of her community, and a belief in the power of education.
Cherelle went to Philadelphia public schools her whole life, then was the first person in her family to go to college, earning her bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University where she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and earned her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Her top priorities are making the city more clean and green. She lists better funding of schools, helping working Philadelphians, protecting victims of sexual assault, better policing and community safety, more economic opportunity, raising the local minimum wage to at least $17, and increasing civic pride among her goals.
Walking around this city feels good. There’s a sense of post-pandemic possibility. It’s invigorating, historical, real, and endlessly engaging. We have our share of quirky, only-in-Philly gems. With 80% of the city registered Democratic, local brunch spots can serve sandwiches like cheesesteaks, and this one to the right:
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I wish Cherelle Parker all the success in the world. I’m proud of my city, and its homegrown talent.
I walk around the streets with pride and without a sense of fear. I also do that to stay healthy. Did you know that walking after dinner seriously lowers your blood glucose levels, and can be as effective as one medicine for diabetes?
Join me for a further walk around town if you’d like, I posted this candid Walk After Dinner in Philadelphia a couple months ago.
The city of brotherly love has its first sisterly mayor elect, and that’s yet another good thing happening in Philadelphia. A good thing.
It’s always sunny here in Philadelphia.