Philadelphia, PA
- Four months ago, religious leaders in the City held an interfaith prayer service at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul for Mayor Parker’s historic win in the 2023 Election to become the 100th Mayor of Philadelphia.
Mayor Parker needs our prayers and support. 2024 marks the anniversary of two significant milestones in crime and violence. One is remarkable, and the other, well, not so good.
It’s been 50 years since Philadelphia’s gangs signed a pact to stop the violence in 1974, when Philadelphia homicides jumped 170% between 1968 and 1970. David Fattah and the House of Umoja brokered a peace deal between 30 gangs on the streets of Philadelphia that year, bringing the homicide rate down dramatically.
This spring also marks the 180th anniversary of the Nativist Riots in Kensington and Southwark in Philadelphia. The riots were a result of rising anti-Catholic feelings at the expanding numbers of Irish Catholic immigrants. The government would bring in over 1,000 militia — they confronted the nativist mobs and killed or wounded hundreds of rioters.
One of Charelle Parker’s first acts as mayor of Philadelphia was declaring a Public Safety Emergency due to the crime levels. However, protecting Philadelphia's citizens may take more than a declaration.
The recent $7.5 Million grant to address the Philadelphia Opioid crisis, with a reported 2 million dollars are allocated for home improvements and $1.5 million for resources for eviction, may not be enough, with an 11% rise in 2022 and over 1,400 deaths in 2022.
Although violent crime was significantly down in 2023, non-violent crime was not. Retail theft was up 28%, and reports of stolen vehicles were up 72%, all leading to the need for Ms. Parker’s emergency declaration.
And what about Philadelphia’s economy, now hoping for potential return to the office policies for businesses in a city that hopes to improve on its 27.6% economic growth in 2023 amid some experts predicting a 25% growth in 2024?
Reasons for optimism do exist for the future of Philly, however. Just look at our sports teams.
The Eagles aren’t just big in Philly anymore. Now, they seem to be international. The Eagles are the 19th NFL Team to enter the NFL Global Market Program, acquiring rights in Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. In 2023, the Eagles hosted a watch party in Accu, Ghana.
Last week, the news broke that Lincoln Financial Field will play host to 6 FIFA World Cup Games, with an approximate revenue of around $500 million and $262 Million in spending going directly to benefit the City of Philadelphia.
Division 1 wrestling championships will come to the Wells Fargo Center in 2025. Wrestlemania 40 will be here in 2024. In 2026, Philadelphia will welcome the much anticipated MLB All-Star Game.
Oh, and what happened to that House of Umoja Peace deal? It not only dropped Philadelphia homicides by 450 in 1974 but had a lasting effect for years afterward.
Michael Thomas Leibrandt is a historical writer who lives and works in Abington Township, PA.
