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Me and Philly. We go way back.

The first time I heard the phrase “you can play till the street lights come on” was in Philly. My first time attempting to “double dutch” was in Philly. And to be clear, I never mastered it. Being able to ride my bike to the corner store, also known as the Getty, was a big deal at 8. Hanging out with my older cousins all night, learning that city slang use to be the best. City kids could do way more stuff so much younger. In Atlanta, we didn’t even have side walks let alone a corner store that was actually around the corner. I was the cousin from the deep south with the funny accent who talked real slow.

Three of my mom’s sisters moved from North Carolina to Philly. So Philly was definitely a central location for the fam. My mom and my Aunt Faye raised me and my cousin Allory as sisters. (we are less than a year apart) So any time I had a break off from school I was in Philly. I flew to Philly all the time. This is sappy but, when Allory and her mom use to pick me up from the airport or train station, me and Allory would charge at each other at top speed, hug, cry, scream, hand clap, and roll on the ground for at least 5 minutes. Definitely a modern version of the scenes of Celie and Nettie from the Color Purple. But it was a reflection of the bond we built over many summers of adventures in good ole Philadelphia.

So this post isn’t a “Welcome to Philly” touristy post. Because frankly I’ve never been a tourist of Philly. Our relationship goes back 20+ years. You may or may not learn something new about Philly after reading this. It’s more about what Philly represents to me and the love I have for the city.

I spent the Christmas holiday in Philly, as I have many times before but this was the first time spending time there after launching CSP. My older cousin Kellie suggested we go out in the streets and just create. Use the beauty of Philly as our canvas to shoot dope photos. No liberty bell photos, no typical touristy photos highlighting the first capital of the United States, just us in South, North, and West Philly letting juices flow. 

Fact: The City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program is the largest public art program in the United States. The program unites artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and individual lives.

Philly folk: Do you know where I am?

 

Philly reeks of soul. That good ole Rhythm and Blues and just all around good music. Frankie Beverly, Bilal, Floetry, Jill Scott, Pattie LaBelle and the Bluebelles, The Roots, The Stylistics, Tammi Terrell, Marian Anderson, Boyz II Men, and Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes just to name a FEW. Though Trane isn’t originally from Philly, I can’t help but think about John Coltrane when I look at this picture.

 

You may not rock with the Nation of Islam, but one thing I do know is they keep the people informed. Always pushing for a higher level of consciousness. Addressing each other as Kings and Queens. And ain’t nothing wrong with that in my book!

I couldn’t include this picture without paying respect to these young people who lost their lives this year to gun violence. Trayvon Martin. Kendrick Johnson. Johnathan Ferrell. Miriam Carey. Renisha McBride. Hadiya Pendleton.

Posted on Girard Ave.

Gentrification. It happens. Everywhere. And it’s here to stay. But when people have lived in a home or apartment for years, spending money in their community, investing in the neighborhood even as it crumbles around them, they should be among the first to benefit when things start to improve. There is absolutely nothing wrong with improving a neighborhood but we must come up with a better way to do this other than kicking people out of their homes. I’m not saying I have the answers. (Ha! Kanye) But I know what’s right and what’s wrong.

One thing about Philly, you will find many “mom and pop” places. I’m here for it! I would rather the money be in the hands of the people than the chained coroporations. Local businesses add jobs to the community and gives a sense of ownership and pride in ones neighborhood. iMunch Cafe’s vision is to create economic value by creating an exemplary institution of: Culinary, Cultural and Communications excellence while serving all of their clients. They are located at 1233 N 31st St. Philadelphia, PA 19121.

I’m either coming or going. I stay true to this CSP life!

 

 

I had the pleasure of hearing the lovely songstress Ganou perform at her “Catharis” EP release party at Art Sanctuary. Good people, good vibes and libations. Ganou is a vocalist and producer from Paris. Her music is refreshing, eclectic, and soothing. She describes her music as “ambient beats sprinkled with vocal harmonies and emotion.” You should definitely check her out!

What’s a night without rolling thru a 7-11. If not a 7-11, a WAWA for sure. Jolly Rancher chews are my favorite candy btw.

Day 2.

Birth of a Nation.

“We hold these truths to be self evident, that ALL men are created equal, that they are endowed by THEIR creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the PURSUIT of HAPPINESS. 

And for the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

-Declaration of Independence

Settling of the Seaboard.

Now this is a joke! The inscription on this statue reads, “I have great love and regard towards you and desire to win and gain your love and friendship by a kind, just and peaceable life and the people I send are the same mind and shall in all things behave themselves accordingly.”

-William Penn to the Indians.

 

When you’re stumped, laugh and know the answer or solution will come to you in due time.

Is it me or does this door remind you of the Watch the Throne cover art?

 Lean on the back of greatness that came before you. Be confident knowing that you too can be great!

 

I’m no celebrity and I don’t claim to be, but I strive to touch people in whatever way I can that leaves them wanting to be better and do better. These kids showed me sooooooooo much love! It was kind of amazing. The fact that I wanted to chop it up with them blew them away.  We asked them to pose as if they were posing for the gram. (Instagram that is)

Don’t count our youth out, we just have to find a way to speak a language they understand with words worth listening too.

Philly, I love you!

-Lo