Philadelphia City Councilmember, At-Large. Majority Whip. A dedicated public servant from Northwest Philadelphia. Committed to building a brighter future.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly is the largest city in the country without a WNBA team... we need to make it happen soon!
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There really are not words to adequately express how devastating this is. Two of our neighbors - one a pediatrician at CHOP, the other a man standing at a street corner in Kensington - lost their lives yesterday due to dangerous driving.
The cyclist struck and killed while riding near Rittenhouse Square last night has been identified by family as Barbara Friedes, a doctor at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. on.nbc10.com/YUUQD6v
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Philly is a city with great bones and truly walkable streets- but we need to make policies that protect pedestrians, cyclists and drivers so every Philadelphian can take advantage.
Philly voted Most Walkable City to Visit by USA Today 10Best two years in a row! #VisitPhilly #DiscoverPHL #USA10Best
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What people may not realize is these scholarships aren’t going to be paid for by Roc Nation, they would be paid for by taxpayers. Roc Nation is not donating $300M, they’re leading an advocacy effort fighting for Harrisburg to pass legislation that will create these scholarships.
Jay-Z's Roc Nation will spearhead an educational campaign in Philadelphia that helps students K-12 from low-income households secure about $300 million in scholarships to attend the city's private schools. Events will be held by Roc Nation to bring awareness to Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS)—Senate Bill 757—legislation helping to increase education opportunities for underprivileged youth in lowest-performing public schools.
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Automated speed enforcement reduces speeding and saves lives. We know this. I’m looking forward to working with my @phlcouncil colleagues to identify the roadways that need this life saving technology the most in Philadelphia.
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If true, this is unacceptable. @PhillyPolice cannot attend a terrorist attack on the Capitol and then return to police our streets. When distrust between police & civilians is at an all-time-high, this further cements the fear for people who look like me. 6abc.com/detective-under-inv…
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Glad to hear that @sixers player @KELLYOUBREJR has been released from the hospital. While shocking, this incident is a reminder that traffic violence can happen to anyone. We must get serious about this issue to protect all Philadelphians. inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-k…
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As the youngest member of @PHLCouncil, I was proud to bring the youngest guest to today’s session. Thank you for all the kind wishes to my family - #IQThomas is ready to bring government to you!
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I advocated for a full Vision Zero allocation in the FY25 budget. Enforcement is alone isn't enough - we must fund and implement preventative measures like protected bike lanes, daylighted intersections, and curb extensions. We know what works- let's do it.
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This is an absolutely tragic story we hear all too often in Philadelphia. I am praying for Dawn's family and friends. We must do more to prevent tragedies like this from happening and hold the drivers who commit these crimes accountable.
#BREAKING: A 14-year-old girl was struck and killed by a car while crossing a street with her mother in West Philly Thursday night. on.nbc10.com/O7EkE2U
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āœ… member of @PHLCouncil āœ… basketball coach āœ… husband āœ… dad and now… āœ… #GirlDad Welcome to Philly, Alorianna Thomas
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Philly's roadways feel more dangerous than ever. I'm committed to engaging partners in Harrisburg to get these crucial bills passed to 1) expand automated speed enforcement 2) enable parking protected bike lanes and 3) establish a statewide hit-and-run tracking system
Check out this op-ed written by BCGP and @Fam4SafeStreets about life-saving legislation that we are calling upon the PA State Legislature to pass now! inquirer.com/opinion/comment… #visionzerophl @PhillyOTIS @PhilaStreets @PeopleforParker @SenTonyWilliams @RepMJDaley @RepNeilson
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Today @phlcouncil took two significant actions related to Vision Zero and traffic safety. āœ… I introduced a resolution authorizing Legislative Oversight committee to have hearings on progress towards Vision Zero goals and plan for the future.
We are also so thankful to @CMThomasPHL @NicORourkePHL and @RuePhilaCouncil who will be introducing a resolution today asking for a hearing on Vision Zero and how our Philadelphia can better tackle the mission of reaching 0 traffic fatalities. #LetsGoCouncil
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#DrivingEquality passes! Thank you to every person who brought us to this moment. Philadelphia will lead the nation by removing police from certain traffic stops.
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I find @quintabrunson’s #AbbottElementary funny but the commentary on #PHLed is too real. Our students & teachers deserve so much better and we have to seriously invest in them. While @AbbottElemABC is on break, my team is prepping for a #PHLBudget that invests in education.
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We know that since the pandemic, dangerous driving has come reached all time highs. Over the weekend, the city mourned the 115 pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers who have passed away this year on our roads. Last week I introduced a resolution to hold hearings on this issue.
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Today we hosted Father Judge’s HISTORY making baseball team! Last weekend they won the PIAA 6A State Championships. They are the first team in the history of this great city to do so.
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I turned 38 this month and have been stopped by police more times than I can count. I fit the description. Together, especially with communities most affected, we need to be serious about public safety.
"As a city, we need to look to our past to best understand the next steps. And Philadelphia doesn’t have a good history with stop-and-frisk," writes Isaiah Thomas, a Philadelphia Councilmember At-Large. trib.al/YbxaAkb
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While getting my Masters, I remember the feeling of wanting to change the world while also taking care of myself. That’s what @TUGSA_6290 wants. I’m calling on @TempleUniv to negotiate in good faith and provide adequate support to these current learners and future leaders.
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Since the pandemic, unsafe driving behavior has gotten completely out of control. This trend long precedes the implementation of Driving Equality, a nationally recognized model for police and traffic safety reform. inquirer.com/news/traffic-in…
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Honored to be elected and sworn in to a second term in @PHLCouncil! I’m grateful to you, Philadelphia.
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Hate has no place in our city. See myself and other elected officials speak out against Moms for Liberty now until 10:30 at 12th and Market.
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Every Philadelphian deserves a safe commute to work, trip to school, or walk to the corner store. I’m excited to announce the launch of my office’s Safe Streets Philly campaign. We want to hear from you: where do you want to see these speed cameras? āž”ļø phlcouncil.com/SafeStreets
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It has come to our attention, through leaked @PhillyPolice memos and communications through RCOs, that police are STILL supporting stop&frisk and traffic stops. @HelenGymAtLarge, @KendraPHL, @CouncilmemberJG and I are furious. Our statement:
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Starting August 1st, NW Philly residents won’t be stopped-and-frisked for low-level offenses. My #DrivingEquality Bill uses the same idea - let’s keep the traffic stops that promote public safety and end the ones that promote discrimination. phillytrib.com/news/local_ne…
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Future Councilmember Thomas:
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Congrats to #NFC Defensive Player of the Month: @Eagles’ @Haason7Reddick! We honored Haason at our #PhillyIsHome rally to welcome him back to Philly and ever since, he’s been unstoppable #FlyEaglesFly
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Uptown represent! Congratulations @phillymayor on being the Philadelphia’s 100th mayor and first woman to hold the post! I’m excited to work with your administration to get Philadelphians the services they need and deserve. Let’s get to work!
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Big step forward for safer streets in Philadelphia! I’m looking forward to identifying which 5 locations in the city would be best served by the new automated speed cameras with my @PHLCouncil colleagues.
Earlier today, @SenMartyFlynn joined @GovernorShapiro and lawmakers in Harrisburg for the signing of House Bill 1284. The legislation updates and expands automated traffic enforcement in Pennsylvania. Learn more at legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/bil…
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Today I introduced a resolution to hold a Streets Committee hearing on the rise in traffic deaths since the pandemic and what @PHLCouncil can do about it. Ordinary citizens know all too well that it is far too dangerous to walk and bike in the city. inquirer.com/politics/philad…
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I’m honored to be named as a Most Influential Philadelphian by @phillymag I’m proud to fight for all Philadelphians! šŸ”— phillymag.com/influential-ph…
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You don’t get a bonus for following the law and doing your job.
After months of calls to ā€œdefund the policeā€ Philly Police union proposed a new contract with 5% ā€œaccountability payā€ bonus for using body cameras, and 5% ā€œresidency payā€ for officers living in the city they serve.
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I sent a letter to @SecretaryPete about infrastructure investments: We need to prioritize the streets that need the most work. In Philly and in cities across America. #BuildBackBetter dollars should start with the High Injury Network.
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We do this every year. To tackle this issue, we need direct federal investment in our school infrastructure and, locally, a school building authority to coordinate, manage, and implement much needed renovations to our schools. whyy.org/articles/philadelph…
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Today, with the #Blackdoctorscovid19consortium, I received my first dose of Moderna. I know there is hesitancy to #VaxUpPhilly. Let me tell you how I got here: (Thread 1/6)
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Philly will get 5 matches in the group stage and 1 round-of-16 match of the @FIFAcom #WorldCup in 2026, which is also the city's 250th birthday! The Bank will also be hosting the @MLB All-Star weekend that summer. It's going to be a great year for Philly šŸ™ŒšŸæ #WeAre2026
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Yesterday was special! Congrats @kahleahcopper šŸ„‡
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Police apologized twice in one week for: 1) using the NRA’s youth program as part of gun safety programs 2) requesting RCOs collect affidavits saying we don’t need stop&frisk They can’t keep apologizing after problems, we’ve got to make some changes. billypenn.com/2021/04/17/phi…
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My intern, @Dj__Torney, just shared this upsetting story with me. After a weekend of too much gun violence, more guns is not the answer. We need more solutions before we have more problems! #EnoughIsEnough
This happened yesterday on 2nd ST in Old City Philly WHERE I WORK!! My friend Liz, the blonde in front of the man with the gun, was standing up for the young black man who only had A BIKE LOCK!!! We need answers!! @FOX29philly @6abc @NBCPhiladelphia
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Every worker who believes they need a union, deserves a union. Every union deserves a partner who negotiates in good faith. Every workplace deserves equity, justice, fairness, and respect. and go birds
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Happy birthday to my wife, partner and best friend - here’s to another great year!
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Every Philadelphian is now eligible to #VaxUpPhilly! Whether you prefer to plan your appointment or use a walk-up site, @PHLPublicHealth and @philly311 can help you with the process. Learn more: bit.ly/3uXOE2w
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Today, I stood with @muralarts to unveil the Hank Gathers mural to honor his legacy. I’m humbled to see how the Philly basketball community honors our own.
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The William Way Community Center here in Philadelphia has provided crucial services to the LGBTQ+ community for decades. The House Appropriations Committee's vote to strike their funding, among other LGBTQ+ community organizations, is blatantly bigoted and flat-out wrong.
Right now, House Republicans are trying to strip funding I secured for Philadelphia's William Way LGBT Community Center — just because they provide social services for our LGBT community. This is outrageous and disgusting bigotry.
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In public comment today, Council President’s team allowed Team Thomas staffer @benwilc0x to read testimony submitted by Dr. Cole Friedes, husband of Barbara Friedes, and Laura Fredericks, mother of Emily Fredericks, who could not be with in Council today.
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I’ll be on @MSNBC with @AliVelshi at 8:45 this morning to discuss #DrivingEquality By removing police from minor traffic stops, Philly will show the rest of America how we can curb racial discrimination without curbing public safety. Tune in and share your questions!
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First of all, I apologize from government for those who felt out-of-the-loop this weekend. Everyone deserves clear, transparent communication. But also, as you can see from the video, our water is safe to drink and use. Please remain calm and share the positive update.
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Showing my youngest son, Isaac, the #PHLBudget process
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In Philly, we passed #DrivingEquality to end the traffic stops that promote discrimination and kept the ones that promote public safety. Cities across the country are following our lead. TY @PHLCouncil @PhillyMayor @PhillyPolice @PhillyDefenders and all who made this possible!
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Today in @PHLCouncil, I introduced a resolution honoring October as Black Male Educators month. @CenterBlackEd is convening Black male educators with the goal of #PHLed recruitment, development, and retention. We need this and so much more.
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The past 24 hours were particularly violent for Philadelphia. Good weather and students off from #PHLed give us an upsetting preview of what this summer could look like. We have time to act. But we all need to be a part of the solution. (🧵/4)
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I want to live and work in a city where more families & businesses #ChoosePhilly We need a modern tax structure that tells people that Philly is open and welcome to new ideas. Read more in my @PHLBizJournal piece:
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We’ve received a lot of support for #DrivingEquality but also heard a lot of confusion. I’ve read your #MeanTweets and wanted to use this opportunity to correct the record. Hope you laugh and learn!
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We still have work to do as a city, state and country to better support working parents. But until then, I love being able to share these important moments with my sons and see my colleagues do the same!
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Glad to see this type of investment in our city šŸ™ŒšŸæ Philly is a city of many firsts and I’m excited the country’s first World of Flight store will be in Rittenhouse! #ChoosePhilly
Nike has chosen Philadelphia as the home of its first U.S. Michael Jordan-branded store. on.nbc10.com/fZFZuM3
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Open streets were one of the few good things to come out of the pandemic. I’m glad to see our partners at @ccdphila spearheading this project, that will no doubt be good for people and businesses alike.
Coming soon, @ccdphila with support from @RittenhouseRow, will bring ā€˜Open Streets’ to West Walnut every Sunday from September 8 through September 29. Pedestrians are invited to stroll, shop and socialize on nearly seven blocks of car-free space. Visit: centercityphila.org/openstre…
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Glad to see the @Nike @Jordan World of Flight store on Walnut Street was fully approved by the Historical Commission. The decision to put the country's first store in Philly is a vote of confidence in the city by Nike! inquirer.com/business/retail…
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Many thanks to @USATODAY and a big congratulations to @muralarts— Philly is the #1 city in the country for street art, which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone! Our over 4000 murals represent our diverse industries, culture, and communities 10best.com/awards/travel/bes…
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āœ… Council President @CouncilmemberKJ introduced a crucial bill to ban parking & stopping in bike lanes city wide. I’m grateful for his leadership on this initiative. I was proud to Cosponsor this legislation and look forward to its passage.
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Philly is experienceing extreme cold and is currently in a Code Blue. If you see someone outside who needs support this cold, holiday weekend - @PHLCityHomeless is here to help our most vulnerable neighbors. Save the below contact and if you see someone in need, give a call.
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Dangerous and irresponsible speeding near schools puts our kids at risk. Investments like this, paired with @PhilaStreets school zone speed cushion program, show that when all levels of government collaborate, we can make our streets safe for Philadelphians of all ages!
As a fan of both Abbott Elementary and infrastructure, pleased that we're improving road safety around half a dozen schools in Philly - installing raised crosswalks, traffic signals, and more that will keep students safe. inquirer.com/transportation/…
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One year ago today, @PHLCouncil passed #DrivingEquality. We reclassified 8 minor vehicular violations so they are no longer enforced with a traffic stop. We’re curbing racial discrimination without negatively impacting public safety. Philly is leading. phillyvoice.com/philly-polic…
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Honored to be named on @phillymag’s best of 2023 list. Promoting progressive and realistic policies is what I have done and will continue to do. Thank you to everyone who has supported me these past four years! Check out some other amazing Philadelphians: phillymag.com/best-of-philly…
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Let me be clear, #DrivingEquality reclassifies eight minor motor vehicle code violations. That's it. This would not make Philly less safe, it would make us more equitable.
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Celebrating 6 years with my amazing, caring, intelligent, patient, beautiful (I could go on) wife!
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Great news! I am glad the resources of the @FreeLibrary will be available at its flagship library as well as in every @phlcouncil district on Saturdays.
It’s been three years since Philadelphians could spend a Saturday at Parkway Central Library. That’s changing next week. trib.al/oaj5yyA
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I’ll be on @FOX29philly talking about HB 1284 and the path forward for safe streets in Philly at 5PM and 6PM! Tune in to see what @PHLCouncil has planned šŸ“ø fox29.com
Big step forward for safer streets in Philadelphia! I’m looking forward to identifying which 5 locations in the city would be best served by the new automated speed cameras with my @PHLCouncil colleagues.
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Congrats to @PaHouseDems new Black Caucus’ leadership! @RepDonnaBullock, @NapoleonFor154, @RepDarisha, and @RepIzzy’s modern and empathetic vision for Black families will be transformational - excited to collaborate from @PHLCouncil
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We will hold a @PHLCouncil hearing around the rise of fake tags - a dangerous trend we're seeing in cities across the country. This issue is concerning. We need to coordinate with all levels of government and see what's working in other cities. inquirer.com/news/city-counc…
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Today, on my 38th birthday, I’m asking for a bit of kindness and empathy. I’ve seen the division in our city and country and ask that we all approach our interactions with more openness and understanding. Thank you for the well wishes, have a great day as well!
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#TeamThomas was proud, today and everyday, to stand in support of workers and organized #labor. Weekends, benefits, workplace protection and more are things we enjoy because people organized, fought and won! #LaborDay #LaborDayWeekend
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Happy 2nd birthday to my [not really a baby anymore] baby boy, Isaac! Between @PHLCouncil and basketball and #PHLed, I wear a lot of hats. Being a dad to my boys is my favorite hat.
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We need to put ourselves in a position to put every dollar we can into our comprehensive neighborhood public schools.
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I’ve long said that Philadelphia is a city of the working poor. My former colleague Allan Domb has the right idea when he first proposed lowering the BIRT. While on Council I partnered with him to lower the BIRT tax to make it easier to own and operate businesses in Philadelphia.
Allan Domb: If we really want to lift tens, even hundreds, of thousands of people out of poverty permanently, the only way to do it is by creating better-paying jobs in Philadelphia. phillymag.com/news/2023/11/1…
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There’s a new way to request traffic calming for your street! Use the link below or contact my office and we’ll do it for you. phlcouncil.com/isaiahthomas
Meet the new updated traffic calming request program for Philadelphia! Now live and fully operational. Installing traffic calming measures has been proven effective in reducing speeding and reducing the impact of potential crashes. Submit a request here: ow.ly/j8Pq50QwRVq
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Our city's libraries will finally be open on Saturdays! ā¬‡ļøā¬‡ļøLearn more below ā¬‡ļøā¬‡ļø inquirer.com/news/free-libra…
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Standing in solidarity with @PMA_Union and demanding a #FairContractNow! When we #IlluminateTheArts, we have to respect the worker behind the masterpiece.
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Yesterday we announced a $100,000 investment to the Philly basketball community for summer youth programming! And leaders like @IBX, @sixers, & @ChamberPHL are supporting these amazing programs too! Proud to host so many dedicated coaches, mentors, & friends.
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#FreshmenFour, we were sworn into @PHLCouncil a year ago TODAY! Our freshmen year was going to be WAY different than this but your friendship and support has helped me keep pushing. It’s a new year but we’re the same crew šŸ’ŖšŸæ #WCW #BlackWomenLead
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A group of black doctors will be conducting FREE Emergency #COVID19 testing tomorrow at @EnonTab on Cheltenham Ave. for those who: 1) Have been exposed to someone who tested positive in the last 14 days; or 2) Are displaying COVID-19 symptoms Tomorrow, Monday 4/20 10am-4pm
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Yesterday I toured the West Philly Freedom School with @CenterBlackEd. My background, my values, my education is Freedom Schools. Thank you for the reminder of my roots. We need Freedom Schools in every neighborhood.
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Congrats to @Eagles linebacker and @Temple_FB alum, @Haason7Reddick! Sports brings people together and provides opportunities for young people #PhillyIsHome
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When we create a meaningful and positive experience for young people, we’ll never know how many lives we saved or improved. (@FOX29philly @KeeleyFox29)
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Putting in the work before some #Thanksgiving rest This guy and his brother are two of the many people I’m thankful for.
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My heart is heavy for my family at Imhotep. This act of senseless gun violence is close to home for me and so many in the Afro-centric #PHLed space.
A 17-year-old Imhotep Institute Charter High School student is dead and at least four other people were injured in a shooting in Philadelphia's Ogontz neighborhood Monday afternoon. cbsnews.com/philadelphia/new…
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Happy Anniversary to my wife and best friend, love you Klissa!
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This Friday, we’re hosting a #PhillyIsHome rally for former @Temple_FB and current @Eagles: @Haason7Reddick Sports brings people together and creates opportunities for young people - Haason embodies that AND is a Philly success story. Join us in celebration Friday at noon!
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Speed enforcement cameras are known to change driver behavior. I’m looking forward to working with my @PHLCouncil and state colleagues, OTIS, and @PhillyMayor to determine the best locations for this life saving technology.
Philly's traffic death rate outpaces other big U.S. cities. Advocates say more speed cameras are part of the solution. via @awmoselle bit.ly/41Pl5Su
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