We all have that one movie that we can watch anytime, anywhere, and it always refuses to get old. That one movie that we can enjoy on any given lazy Sunday and it will be time well spent. That one movie that screams grab a bag of buttery popcorn, throw on some comfy pajamas, and curl up under a warm blanket for the next two hours. For me, those movies are all of the Rocky movies, and I’m sure quite a few of us agree. 

Rocky is one of the very few movies that has earned the title as an American classic. Where I’m from, if you have not yet seen the movies, it is looked at as a disgrace and people begin to question if you have lived under a boulder for the past fifty years. However, if you are one of those that have not yet seen the movie, I would advise you to find a way to watch them immediately; it would be time well spent.

Rocky is the ultimate underdog story. In a brief description of  the overall premise of the movies, Rocky is a professional boxer that, despite his lack of talent compared to his competitors, he repeatedly outworks his opponents to come out on top. No matter how many times each movie is watched, the thrill of the story will always be unmatched. Such films are so iconic because, on top of being beyond entertaining, they speak a great message to life as a whole because sometimes people will be better than us, but we must never be outworked. 

Now, you are probably wondering, why is Rocky in my passion post about Philadelphia? Well, every Rocky movie was set in Philadelphia, so, naturally, every person with ties to the city feels as though they own the movie. There is an “I’ve been there” feeling every time a recognizable Philadelphia landmark makes an appearance in the movie. Rocky is so significant to the city that the seventy two steps before the Philadelphia Museum of Art has been renamed the “Rocky Steps” because rocky used these steps to train in the movies. 

However, the movie’s connection to Philadelphia goes beyond just the surface. The fight that resided in Rocky’s character must have transferred into the attitude of Philadelphia citizens. The city has the Rocky fight, the Rocky desire, the Rocky work ethic; a little piece of Rocky endures within everyone in the city. It often seems as though the movie was chosen to be set in Philadelphia because the ground of the movie is best characterized by the people of Philadelphia.

 

We often take the freedom we have for granted. Being able to roll ourselves out of bed every morning and deciding how to attack our day, or, better yet, cozying up through several blaring alarms is a privilege that not every country has the joy of experiencing. Yet, our selective perception limits us from understanding what life would be like without American freedom. Sometimes we need to step back and consider what we are really entitled to. So first, we ask, where did such prerogative liberation originate? Well, where else but Philadelphia. 

In this week’s blog, we will dive into the beginning of the habitual freedom we often overlook, which all began with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. After constant command from the British, American citizens had their fill. They did not believe the british had the right to have control over them, so America began the revolutionary war. The Declaration of Independence ended the revolutionary war as America defeated Britain to become our own, free country. At the time, the most significant people in America gathered in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) to sign arguably the most important document in US history. Some notable names penned on the document included John Handcock, Sam Adams, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others. Ever since that document was agreed upon by the british parliament, the United States has been free from any foreign rule.

Why was Philadelphia such a desirable location to sign the Declaration of Independence? First of all, the city was near the North-South Center of the Atlantic seaboard colonies, equalizing travel distance for all areas. Second, it was America’s largest transportation center, so travel there was most efficient. Other reasons consist of weather, people residing there, and resources. Looking back, Philadelphia was the obvious choice. 

Now, almost two hundred and fifty years later, the old, decrepit document resides in Washington, DC, but it will always belong to Philadelphia. Perhaps it has to do with proximity, or maybe it’s bias, but freedom seems to ring louder in Philadelphia. Everything in the city seems to imitate American liberty. The buildings reflect gorgeous sunlight, the people go about their day with smiles and radiating positivity, and everyone takes advantage of their rights as a free, American citizen. Philadelphia is the home of the Declaration of Independence — Philadelphia is the heart of our freedom.

 

 

 

It’s a gorgeous night in downtown Philadelphia. The city is buzzing and everyone has a wide smile on their face as they draw near a radiantly glowing Wells Fargo Center. The stadium is sold out, ticket resale prices are through the roof. Why? Three words: it’s Meek time.  

Meek Mill is to Philadelphia as ice cream is to apple pie; without one, the other is just not the same. Now, you are probably thinking “wow, Meek Mill must be fairly important to Philadelphia, but why?” Let me explain.

Meek Mill was born and raised in Philadelphia. Growing up in an impoverished family, he was forced to struggle through the many hardships that were brought on through the gang-ridden areas of Philly — his music was his only escape. In 2008, he released his fourth solo mixtape, which happened to be the one that caught the attention of big name producers such as Aphillyated Records and Grand Hustle Records. Ultimately, he soared as an artist from then on, becoming one of the most influential rappers in the game. Through all the fame and fortune, Meek has held very true to his Philadelphia roots. In his music, he constantly references his love for the city, which the citizens and fans echo right back.

Unfortunately, Meek Mill had some setbacks along the way due to his questionable decision making. In the same year Mill signed his first record label, he was later convicted of drug dealing and gun possession. His first arrest was followed by various debatable parole violations, leading to jail time, house arrest, and many angry fans. On April 24th, 2018, Meek Mill was released early, sparked by the ongoing fight against the validity of the rapper’s arrest. Through all the hardship, the controversy around the star’s conviction just brought him that much closer to the heart of Philadelphia. 

Because of Mill’s dedication and loyalty to the city, the city was loyal to him in return. The same day Meek Mill was released from jail, he was flown to a Philadelphia 76ers game to perform the ceremonial pregame bell ringing. Moreover, his music became the anthem to the Philadelphia Eagles during their historic Super Bowl run — the fans were happy once again. 

Today, Meek continues to make music that represents Philadelphia, and Philadelphia continues to be the city that represents him. Never has a rapper had such an impact on one location until Meek, but then again, never has there been a city quite like Philadelphia.

 

 

Many people often argue that, out of every city in the United States, Philadelphia possesses the richest history out of all of them — an argument that I feel inclined to support. Not to say competing cities such as Boston, New York City, D.C., and others are not just as crucial to our country’s extraordinary past, but the sheer abundance of significant landmarks and historic figures that were established in Philadelphia exceeds all. 

I could write endlessly about the ongoing history of the city, but instead, this weeks blog is going to be about an old, worn piece of metal that carries such high regards. An old, worn piece of metal that symbolizes unity and connection. An old, worn piece of metal that is the Liberty Bell. 

The bell was originally crafted in 1751 to commemorate the 50th year anniversary of the Pennsylvania Constitution, The Charter of Privileges. From then on, the shiny, brown copper was often tolled for special announcements and events within the city. The Liberty Bell gained nation-wide significance when it became a symbol of freedom, or “liberty,” during the abolitionist movement. During its lifespan, the Liberty Bell attended many historic events, rang in times of despair or joy, and, most importantly, gathered everyone to form as a more peaceful nation. The bell was finally set to rest when, in 1846, on George Washington’s birthday, Washington struck and cracked the bell as its familiar yet energizing vibrations flooded the city for one last time. 

The liberty bell now resides in the Liberty Bell Center, 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA — dormant. However, despite the almost two century long silence, the bell’s prestige and influence in Philadelphia rings louder than it ever had before. Engraved across the top, the phrase, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” characterizes the interconnectedness of everyone within the city — it represents the freedom and appreciation the city radiates. 

The beauty of the liberty bell is that, yes, it resides in Philadelphia, but the figure’s message travels beyond the city and covers area beyond the state lines. The Liberty Bell holds meaning throughout the entire nation. The meaning that we are all one free country where everyone has the right to their own decisions and everyone is treated with equal standards. 

If you are ever in Philadelphia, visit the Liberty Bell. Enjoy the elegant style and effective wording, but also think about the deeper meaning of the art. Think about all the bell has been though, what it has seen, what it stands for. Enjoy the bell not for how it was created, but what it has created.