Philly 2026 Archives - Philly Chit Chat

Oliver St. Clair Franklin, executive produced the PBS documentary **Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story** and Bill Marrazzo is *President and Chief Executive Officer of WHYY, Inc*

Philadelphia has always been more than the backdrop of American history. It’s the city where the story of America continues to evolve toward a more perfect union. A powerful new documentary, Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story, is about to debut on WHYY, a film that deeply resonates as Philadelphia prepares for America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Oliver St. Clair Franklin, executive produced the PBS documentary Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story and Annie Connolly executive producer and company director.of Ber House Media

Last week at the Philadelphia Film Society, WHYY premiered Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story, a powerful new documentary that explores the founding of the nation through voices often left out of traditional history books.

Patrick Oates,Leroy Nunery, Harold Epps, and Jay Cliffor

Before the screening, guests, supporters, and people connected with the film, including the UK television production company Bear House Media, gathered for a VIP cocktail reception inside the Philadelphia Film Society, creating an intimate atmosphere ahead of the premiere.

“Within the backdrop of our nation’s Semiquincentennial, this documentary explores the themes and stories that continue to define who we are today, while underscoring the central role Philadelphia played in that history,” said Executive Producer Oliver St. Clair Franklin. “At its core, this film is about people, those whose stories have too often gone untold and the city that brought them together.”

The film weaves together the stories of Indigenous people, enslaved Africans, immigrants, lawmakers, artists, and everyday Philadelphians who helped shape the country from the very beginning. What makes the documentary especially compelling is how deeply it connects the past to the Philadelphia we know today.

Dawn Frisby Byers, *senior director of content and engagement at PA Humanities* and Laurie Ziere, *Executive Director PA Humanities* · Experience: PA Humanities

Cherri Gregg, WHYY reporter greets Annie Connolly executive producer and company director.of Ber House Media as Betsy B Director of Programming & Engagement at WHYY Philadelphia looks on.

Following the screening, guests stayed for a thoughtful discussion with the filmmakers and WHYY’s Cherri Gregg.

Ronald Angelo Johnson, Ralph and Bessie Mae Lynn Chair of History at Baylor University. He is the author of Diplomacy in Black and White: John Adams, Toussaint Louverture, and Their Atlantic World Alliance. and Michael E. Tang, Director of PBS Plus (Public Broadcasting Service) leading television programming and strategy

Showtime for the preview, but you can catch

‘Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story,’ premiering May 28 on WHYY-12 before airing nationwide on PBS stations June 15, explores the city’s diverse communities, global influences and untold stories that helped shape the United States.

Philly 2026 Ring It On

Philadelphia is rolling out a new initiative to energize neighborhood business corridors as the nation’s 250th anniversary approaches. The focus is on activating these areas through events, beautification efforts, and community programming.

The campaign, Ring It On! One Philly, A United Celebration, will spotlight 20 corridors across the city, with the goal of attracting more visitors, supporting small businesses, and creating more vibrant, welcoming commercial districts. “Ring It On! celebrates and uplifts the neighborhoods that define Philadelphia,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker. “Our neighborhoods are the heart of this city.”

The effort, first announced in September, when they first taught us about the City’s ABC’s – activations, beatifications, and celebrations. The plan includes expanding neighborhood festivals, introducing new programming, and enhancing corridors with improvements like tree plantings, upgraded lighting, benches, banners, and bike racks.

Plans are in place, and the City is ready to officially kicked off the Philly 2026 initiatives.

Earlier this month in Point Breeze they held a press conference which coincided with the Point Breeze Market Festival, which brought the corridor to life with live entertainment, local food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly activities.

City officials say the program will extend to two corridors in each of Philadelphia’s 10 City Council districts, reaching neighborhoods from Chinatown and South 9th Street to Germantown, Kensington, and Northeast Philadelphia to celebrate America’s 250th .

According to City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, launching the initiative in Point Breeze underscores the importance of investing in neighborhood commercial districts.

“Investing in our commercial corridors and public spaces is critical to strengthening neighborhoods across Philadelphia,” Johnson said. “I’m energized to see how this effort will have a lasting impact well beyond 2026.”

Kathryn Ott Lovell, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation and president and CEO of Philadelphia250,

We are going to make sure that this celebration pours out into the neighborhoods. All of the neighborhoods. We are going to make sure to involve and engage all of these communities

Aramark’s Building Community helped clean up the Point Breeze park finishing off with this cool mural for Philly’s 250th and beyond.

The initiative also includes a yearlong calendar of events ranging from food truck festivals and cultural celebrations to music events, neighborhood fairs and block parties.

Philadelphia’s Block Party Bonanza is open to any block that secures a city block party permit. Once approved, organizers receive a link to apply through Philadelphia250. Selected blocks will be chosen to ensure representation across all 10 City Council districts, with participation determined on a first-come, first-served basis for events held between May 23 and October 3, 2026.

Here’s the link for the Block Party Bonanza application.

For all the information you need to enjoy the 250 celebrations head HERE

So many great initiatives and celebrations bringing people together, building pride, and showcasing the very best of our City. Stay tuned here, on IG’s PhillyChitChat and especially the City’s IG account.

Socially yours, HughE