Global Philadelphia Celebrates World Heritage Week, Honoring Philadelphia’s Recognition as The First World Heritage City in The United States

Global Philadelphia will hold both in-person and virtual events and programs May 22-27 to honor Philadelphia’s seventh year as a World Heritage City, including a new community mural unveiling.  

PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 19, 2022) – Global Philadelphia Association is set to hold a week-long of creative, educational activities and events in honor of World Heritage Week, a city-wide celebration from May 22-27, recognizing Philadelphia’s seventh year as a World Heritage City, and the first in the United States. The 2022 program is centered around the idea of Sankofa, a cultural ideology originating in west Africa (Ghana), representing the practice of looking into the past for inspiration and taking what is of value into the future. 

“World Heritage Week highlights the diversity of our region and showcases Philadelphia’s dynamic international communities,” said Zabeth Teelucksingh, Executive Director of Global Philadelphia Association. “As the first city in the United States to be named a World Heritage City, the GPA team is dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of Philadelphia’s geographical, historical and cultural heritage, and is again thrilled to celebrate our city’s global distinction.”  

World Heritage Week Schedule of Events

Sunday, May 22: Woodmere Art Reception

Picturing Philadelphia's Heritages: Young Artists at Work

• Building on the program, “Educating Global Kids with Roots,” GPA worked in partnership with Woodmere and Philadelphia schools to create an art exhibit of elementary school students showcasing their personal heritage and the theme of Sankofa. 

• The reception will be held at Woodmere Art Museum from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. This will consist of a short program at 2:30 PM followed by a reception. RSVP here. 

Monday, May 23: Global Philadelphia Host Live Discussion

A Young Lead Discussion 

•  “Young Professional Discussion: Thinking Globally, Global People & Careers” will be a conversation hosted by GPA focused on why global awareness is important in the current job market and what it is like to work in an international career.

• This will be a live virtual event available for viewing and participation on the GPA website. (www.globalphiladelphia.org) and on GPA's Facebook. RSVP here.

• Time: 12 PM – 1 PM

Tuesday, May 24: Preview of the West Chester Exposition

Beyond the Liberty Bell: Philadelphia's Many Heritages

• West Chester University will host an exhibit featuring artifacts from local Philadelphia community organizations dedicated to UNESCO World Heritage. Through a partnership with GPA, the exhibit designers connected with dozens of community organizations and representations from six continents. 

• The exhibition, "Beyond the Liberty Bell: Philadelphia's Many Heritages" commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  

• The campus exhibit will host a preview ceremony on May 24th at 2 PM. 

Wednesday, May 25: Two Virtual Conversations

Philadelphia250

• A conversation with Philadelphia250 CEO Danielle Delio Kim about the connection between World Heritage Week and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

• This will be a live virtual event positioned on the GPA website (www.globalphiladelphia.org). 

• Time: 10 AM – 11 AM 

ACANA Bicentennial

• A live virtual event, hosted on Africa Day, for the bicentennial celebration of Liberia’s liberation, featuring Liberian historians and scholars from Lincoln University, Cheyney University, and Temple University. 

• This will be a live virtual event positioned on the GPA website (www.globalphiladelphia.org).

• Time: 5:30 PM - 8 PM

Thursday, May 26: Mural Unveiling 

SDG #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities Unveiling 

• GPA will host a mural unveiling at Kipp Elementary School that will reflect U.N Sustainable Development Goal #11 - making more cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

• This art project is being sponsored by TD Charitable Foundation, which has been committed to Philadelphia's low-income housing. 

• Artist: Nazeer Sabree

• Time: 5 PM- 6:30 PM

• RSVP here.

Friday May 27: National Historic Landmarks Highlight Video

• GPA will be showcasing video content from 2022 International Day of Monuments and Sites, celebrated on April 18th. 

• This video will showcase several of the 67 National Historic Landmarks in Philadelphia contributing to the international importance of our region, including Independence Hall. 

• The footage will be posted on the GPA website (www.globalphiladelphia.org). 

To learn more about Global Philadelphia’s involvement in World Heritage Week please visit, www.globalphiladelphia.org. 

About the Global Philadelphia Association:

The Global Philadelphia Association consists of more than 200 internationally involved organizations, businesses, and individuals in Greater Philadelphia. It was created to assist – and to encourage greater interaction among – the many organizations and people who are engaged in international activity in the Greater Philadelphia Region, to promote the development of an international consciousness within the area, and to enhance Philadelphia’s global profile. For more information, visit website: globalphiladelphia.org

Media Contact: 

Ally Wengel

Cashman & Associates

wengel@cashmanandassociates.com

(908) 914 -5052