Here, in Marconi Plaza, stands a monument to Christopher Columbus. This towering marble statue has been a fixture in Philadelphia since 1876, when it was originally erected for the Centennial Exposition. For decades, this statue served as a rallying point for Italian-Americans in the city. It was a symbol of their shared heritage and their pride in their new home. Today, the monument is a source of controversy. Some see it as a reminder of the brutal colonialism of the past, while others view it as a testament to the resilience of Italian immigrants. In 2020, the statue was boxed up by the city, who were concerned about its safety. This was a controversial move, but in 2022, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled that the box must be removed. So here it stands, a testament to the complexities of history and the ongoing debate about how we remember the past.
Zion Baptist Church
Founded in 1882 Zion Baptist Church stands proudly in Philadelphia. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. This wasn’t