In a major blow to advocates for truthful history, an appeals court cleared the way for the Trump administration to replace signage about slavery at the President's House memorial site in Old City. They did it at night, knowing how little most Philadelphians wanted this change. We've been covering the issue at BSR since last winter, and I visited the site myself last weekend to see the changes there. Now I'm sharing my reflections on what this federal revamp reveals, beyond the erasure of our history.
In other news, Elijah Fischer visits an innovative Philly film club where emerging filmmakers can sigh up for an "open mic" to screen their works in progress and get supportive feedback from peers. And Pamela Forsythe heads to Woodmere, which celebrates America 250 with an exhibition that shows our city through the eyes of Philly artists since the late 18th century. She notes that "Woodmere’s take is more balanced than the sanitized version currently being promoted by the federal government."
And TONIGHT (Wed July 22) is HELP US HELP YOU, Philly's original arts PR class. It's happening on Zoom at 6:30pm ET, and everyone is welcome, including readers who want a backstage peek at our journalism. Tix are a suggested donation of $30, but no-one is turned away for lack of funds (see event page for details). And if you're involved with this year's Fringe Festival, you can get $10 off with the promo code FRINGE at checkout. RSVP here.
Kyle will be with you tomorrow for his penultimate Thursday newsletter (I'm getting my Kleenex ready). He will be departing BSR for his next phase after July 31, and we are busy finding his successor. And on Friday, we'll be with you again for a big update on the Fringe Coverage Friends Drive campaign.
Hope to see you tonight! Thanks for all your support, whether it's your clicks, your donations, or recommending BSR to your friends.
Alaina Johns
BSR editor-in-chief
