Today’s multicultural Philadelphia experience included a tour of some of the murals that are found throughout the city of Philadelphia. We got to learn about how people use art as a way to express their beliefs, gratitude, and emotion. We had the opportunity to walk around Philly to see murals that depicted the LGBTQIA + fight for rights, the homeless people of Philadelphia, and people’s historical progress toward equality. We saw a very diverse group of works, many offering a tribute to an issue that the artist saw as important. We also had a chance to visit the new statue of Octavius Catto at City Hall. It’s a historic first as the city’s first public monument to a person of color.
For lunch, we got to explore the Reading Terminal Market and its culture. We had an opportunity to talk with friendly locals and eat some delicious food. Part of our group got to continue their tradition of all pitching in a few dollars to buy a fish every time they visit the Market. Today’s catch was a jumbo red snapper.
“Start From Here,” a mural about immigration 
Our tour guide was one of 500 people who worked on this mural! “The Tree of Knowledge” A friend we met celebrating opening day! 
“Philly Chunk Pack” “Rhythm and Diversity,” by Shepard Fairey 
The group in front of “Finding Home.” a powerful mural about homelessness.
