Over the past couple of years, our journey with PHonk!Philly at FDR Park has been a mix of joy, beauty, and challenge. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our supportive community, both near and far (We Are Justice Outside!), who have backed PHonk!Philly wholeheartedly, providing financial, personal, and professional support. Through PHonk!Philly's dedication to fostering collective joy and liberation, we've witnessed the emergence of new community bands, festivals, and individuals proudly showcasing their cultural heritage throughout the greater Philadelphia area.

PHonk! Philly firmly believes that we've remained true to our Unifying Principles, and now, we are eager to delve deeper into understanding and uplifting the unique community heritages found in Philadelphia neighborhoods. We're thrilled to embark on this research journey and collaborate with the Hawthorne Cultural Center and its neighborhood. Drawing from our expertise in large-scale community engagement, cultural preservation, creative arts, storytelling, and community enrichment, we aim to affirm the rich community heritage of the Hawthorne neighborhood.

Our project, "A Parade in a Day," focuses on preserving and sharing the rich history, community traditions, music, and pageantry of parade culture in New Orleans and Brazil. It provides me with a platform to impart my personal journey of researching, studying, and engaging in Black parade culture to the Hawthorne neighborhood. Through this initiative, we aim to understand how a community's heritage significantly contributes to its well-being and fosters a sense of neighborhood pride.