Post-Francis Philly: PCHR papal reflections

The landmark World Meeting of Families 2015, paired with the historic visit by Pope Francis to Philadelphia, transformed this city into a global village on a far larger scale than usual.

People of different languages, cultures and countries brimmed from street corners throughout Center City, culminating in the final Mass featuring tens of thousands on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway that Sunday, led by the charismatic pontiff.

These visitors from Angola were among the many in town for the World Meeting of Families and words from Pope Francis.

But beyond the pope, Team PCHR engaged with a cross-section of humanity, as ambassadors, aides and observers of one of the largest events the city – indeed, the nation – has seen.

Deputy Director Randy Duque caught a rare sighting of members of the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, from Fairmount’s Chapel of Divine Love, Nicknamed the “Pink Sisters,” this cloistered order mostly remains indoors in deep contemplation. The papal visit served as a cherry atop their 100th anniversary celebration.

PCHR members were among those mingling with the crowds, taking the temperature of residents and visitors alike. Some, such as Commissioner Sarah Ricks, blogged about it. Others, such as Deputy Director Randy Duque, were working as volunteers on behalf of the city, in the heart of it all. Others still, such as Commissioner Marshall E. Freeman took the opportunity to wade through the crowds and make connections.

For more evidence, watch this great clip of the commissioner in action, speaking with a group of nuns after Pope Francis addressed the world from Independence Mall. 

Philadelphia definitely was transformed by the moment, and PCHR intends to keep that renewed spirit of peaceful brotherhood and sisterhood going, in the weeks, months and years to come.

“It didn’t matter your faith or persuasion,” said Executive Director Rue Landau. “This was a great event for the city, bringing us together in front of the world. We got a chance to show who we really are and can be.”

#PopeInPhilly

You can’t help but be struck by the diversity among the tens of thousands of pilgrims flocking to Philadelphia for two historic events this week — the World Meeting of Families and the pending visit of Pope Francis (the first papal visit here since 1979).

Yet, in many ways, those winding through the streets of Center City and those still streaming into town reflect the residents of this city, where an estimated 1 in 10 were born outside of the United States and where the Catholic tradition runs deeply.

But you don’t have to be Catholic to enjoy the moment of humanity coming together on a mass scale, as is expected with the pope celebrates Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday.  Non-Catholics through atheists have been attracted to the universal message of peace and overtures of tolerance for all echoed during this week of activities. Rightfully so.

And PCHR doesn’t mind having such a distinguished cheerleader reiterating those shared values.

Joining forces globally, pulling for peace locally

The goals of the International Day of Peace certainly are laudable – a day without war or violence, replaced with kindness and meditation about how we can all better get along with each other, help each other be our absolute best selves. What’s not to love?

So on this Peace Day, as we embrace the tens of thousands descending on Philadelphia for the epic World Meeting of Families, we invite all of our neighbors to take a moment today to practice peace.

It could be as simple as holding your tongue when you’re annoyed or angry. It might be a kind act for a child or an elder. Or hugging someone (theoretically, with permission). There are a host of activities to check out across the city, and you can always visit Peace Day Philly if you need more ideas to get started.

Let’s showcase the best of ourselves today. With all of that practice under our belt, we could even extend those good vibes to the next day, and the one after that. Before you know it, we could reverse the negative trends in this city. Fewer bullets, more hugs. Who could argue with that?

The United Nations – the driving force of this initiative – certainly wouldn’t. That esteemed body named 2015’s theme, “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All.” That’s especially fitting for us here at PCHR.

Cultivating and maintaining peace is central to our mission, and we’d never get anywhere close to those goals without our partners. So here’s a shout out to the people whose volunteer and professional careers help us keep harmony flowing from every corner of the city.

Thanks to all of you for joining with us to do this work, long after the cameras and hashtags are gone. Let’s all try to keep those good vibes going.

Unity in the community: Chinatown edition

The 2015 Mid-Autumn Festival offered a grand time for Greater Philadelphia as an array of Asian-American cultural expressions flooded the streets of Chinatown with music, art, dance and an abundance of love. It is not only an opportunity to share and celebrate heritage, but also a chance for younger residents to rise and practice their organizational and leadership skills.

The 2015 Moon Festival on which the event is based comes on Sept. 27, but the local celebration came a little earlier, given the historic World Meeting of Families and the papal visit in Philadelphia.

PCHR Commissioner Wei Chen, who also serves as a youth organizer for Asian Americans United, was one of the lead organizers. He promised a great event, and he and his team members certainly delivered.

PCHR Commissioner Wei Chen and Deputy Director Pamela Gwaltney take a moment to celebrate during the 2015 Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown.

Celebrating Latino heritage and community: La Feria del Barrio 2015

At the 2015 Feria del Barrio yesterday, the colors were bright, activities numerous and streets full of joy as people came from across the city and region for the annual community outing, sponsored by Taller Puertorriqueño.

Fiesta! The 2015 Feria del Barrio. Photo courtesy of Taller Puertorriqueño.

As in years past, the vivid daylong array of artisans, dancers, musicians and other performers made this cultural showcase a smash for attendees of every age. Beyond entertainment, valuable workshops and resource exchanges also were in place.

North 5th Street saw scores of people gathered for the annual Feria del Barrio. Photo courtesy of Taller Puertorriqueño.

Sara Roblado, an area block captain, takes a moment to collect information from PCHR’s Nancy Rivera at the annual Feria del Barrio.

And in the mix of it all was PCHR, represented by veteran Nancy Rivera, a supervisor in the compliance division and alum of the community relations division. From neighbor disputes to Ban the Box details, she answered scores of questions for the dozens who visited the table. She even caught up with an extended member of the PCHR family, former employee Sonia Collazo.

A PCHR family reunion! Nancy Rivera connects with former PCHR employee Sonia Collazo at the Feria del Barrio.

It was a great September day for a street festival, and a wonderful way to usher in Hispanic Heritage Month 2015!

Glimpsing a diverse world via German eyes

As one of the oldest municipal civil rights agencies in the United States, PCHR often is a magnet for international visitors who also are in public service. Last Friday, a delegation from Germany joined a long list of scholars that have popped by the offices to get a better sense of how this agency works in balancing protection of the rights of all in such a diverse society.

The German visitors – whose positions range from university settings to halls of government – spent a couple of hours exchanging insights with PCHR staff and commissioners last Friday. It was a diverse assembly, indeed.

Turkish-born Muhterem Aras, one of the first elected officials in Germany of an immigrant background, is the first Muslim woman in the state parliament of Baden-Wurttemberg. Homaira Mansury, an Afghani immigrant, is a city council member in Wurzburg and an official in the German Social Democratic Party. Serkan Salman, born to Turkish parents, is a law enforcement official and dispute resolution expert from Berlin who also lectures on intercultural competency at the Berlin Academy of Public Administration. Sebastian Johna is a project manager and trainer at the renowned Goethe Institut, where educators and others from abroad study the German language, culture and heritage.

Having toured Washington, D.C., the visitors soaked up insights and experiences in Philadelphia before heading to New York.

“It’s always exhilarating to hear from people who are engaged in this same kind of work elsewhere, especially as they seek to learn from us and give us greater perspective on what is happening on the ground in their own countries, in ways that are far deeper than what we typically read or see in the news,” said PCHR Executive Director Rue Landau. “It was a great way to cap the week.”

Gaining a global perspective (back row, l-r) PCHR Commissioner Alfredo Calderon, Deputy Director Pamela Gwaltney, Homaira Mansury of Wurzburg, Germany, Deputy Director Randy Duque, Commissioners Rebecca T. Alpert, Wei Chen, Regina Austin and Marshall E. Freeman and Sebastian Johna of the Goethe Institut.
(front row, l-r) PCHR Executive Director Rue Landau, Muhterem Aras, German Green Party member of the Baden-Wurttemberg Parliament, and Serkan Salman, detective chief superintendent for the Office of Intercultural Issues, State Criminal Investigations Office in Berlin.

Reflections and honor: Thoughts on September 11

Like most in the nation, we at PCHR have taken a moment to reflect on the devastation that was unleashed 14 years ago, remembering the lives lost and impacted, in New York, New Jersey and right here, in Pennsylvania.

We reflect on the powerful testimony that came in the form of neighbors comforting and aiding strangers, demonstrating what “human relations” are all about. By the same token, we cannot forget or ignore the poisonous and lingering effects of fearing the “other” that arose, elements we battle still.

Fear, intolerance, hatred — these are not part of our credo.
Liberty, happiness, justice for all — these are words by which we live.

We work so that the spirit of one can never overtake that of the other, that which is truest to our identity. It’s what helps guide us here at PCHR each and every day.

In memory of those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for those values we hold dear, we salute you on this day.

Photo courtesy of History.com.