percy street

this LED light exhibit is technically called “electric street,” and is the first part of the percy street project, an effort to create better community spaces in south philly (you can learn all the details here).

this little spot is definitely a hidden gem in philly and something you must check out - there is a famous cheesesteak place nearby but i obviously don’t know much about that :)

since this project is about building greater community bonds, i wanted to share a little note on something i’ve learned about community. earlier this week i attended On The Table, a city-wide discussion on civic unification.

it was a nice event, but i think the secret to building community is this: you have to do something.

communication is great and dialogue is necessary, but so is effort. if every person did just one thing, community bonds would be strengthened, arguably more so than if you just talked about what you would do if you won the lottery or if you had unlimited resources.. because both are unlikely to happen.

instead, something many of us can do is spend an hour helping out, or donate leftover change (among other things). that adds up; that makes a difference.

and as for me.. it’s one thing to take pretty pictures in front of a display and (maybe) help create conversation, but i hope you know that i am doing the work and doing the things i talk about. i don’t necessarily think it’s something to showcase - not looking for a photo op or bragging rights - but i am hopefully contributing in some way.

♥️