For ALL People: Our Journey toward equity and inclusion

by Danielle DiLeo Kim, PHILADELPHIA250 Executive Director

By 2026, PHILADELPHIA250’s North Star goal is to be a model for what an equitable and culturally competent citywide milestone commemoration of our histories should include. As our organization moves from internal learning to broader community-building strategies following the draining impact of the pandemics of COVID-19 and racism, this is the best time for PHILADELPHIA250 to deepen its commitment to ensuring that people bring and see their whole selves now, in 2026, and beyond.

PHILADELPHIA250 has the immense responsibility of coordinating and delivering — with partners — a people-powered, citywide, and #values-based 250th commemoration in Philadelphia. Guided by our By the People, for all People approach to leverage the 2026 anniversary, we decided to develop a strategic plan to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and racial justice across the organization and in our commemorative projects.

When asked about the significance and intended value of developing this framework, Sharrieff Ali, board member and PHILADELPHIA250’s DEIA Committee Chair shared,

“Our goal is to ensure that during the 250th declaration commemoration in Philadelphia is once again seen as our nation’s premiere metropolis full of its variety of colorful people and expressions. We are learning and growing through our community listening sessions throughout the region as we continue to develop our DEIA framework. I am proud of what we have achieved at PHILADELPHIA250, as we see all of Philadelphia excited as we build toward the celebration in 2026.”

The Process So Far

To achieve these goals, we did a comprehensive search for DEIA practitioners and leaders to develop this work, which led us to Dennis Maurice Dumpson, a South Philly native and Founder and Principal Consultant of #InvestBLK, a racial equity strategic planning and community engagement firm based in the Philadelphia region. Dennis and his community leaders at #InvestBLK were charged with helping to inform PHILADELPHIA250’s creation of diverse, equitable, inclusive, accessible, and sustainable programming that will become a part of Philadelphia’s legacy by developing an inclusive strategy that celebrates our city’s diversity.

“We know the work of anti-racism, cultural sensitivity, deconstructing bias, and shifting the ways we convene — despite conflict and difference — is an urgent imperative that needs a direct, high touch, adaptive approach,” shared Dumpson when asked about the methodology for this process. Dennis customized a plan for specifically engaging diverse audiences — particularly those that have been historically marginalized or excluded — by developing community relationships through authentic interactions, an informed plan of action, and defining measurable goals that will increase PHILADELPHIA250’s impact, influence, and legacy.

The #InvestBLK team engaged in community-centered listening sessions to understand the current perceptions about American history, Americana, Philadelphia, and PHILADELPHIA250. Before beginning the project, they consulted the history of Philadelphia, looking for indicators of areas of collective success and inequities that informed how they approached the community listening sessions.

Because there are limited resources to connect in-person with various community members, during the pandemic, the team conducted confidential, intimate interviews with community members via phone calls, video interviews, and online surveys with various Philadelphia residents, business owners, and PHILADELPHIA250 staff, board members, and consultants.

Early Learnings

With varying community density, engagement was prioritized based on race, ethnicity, culture, and neighborhoods, meeting with 63 people and conducting outreach to more than 200 groups, organizations, and individuals. Communities that were engaged as part of the process included: LGBTQIA+, religious institutions, Black / African American, Indigenous, Hispanic, Asian / AAPI, Caucasian, Immigrant and neighborhood authorities.

While the extent of the outreach is not representative of the broad diversity and perspectives held in Philadelphia, Dennis was able to gain valuable insight to inform our programs and operations. We recognize that listening and learning should continue throughout the planning and implementation phases of the DEIA strategy and through to 2026.

In support of the continued learning, Nicole Allen, Vice-Chair of PHILADELPHIA250’s Board of Trustees, shared why this work is so important,

“As a Black woman in Philadelphia and Vice-Chair of PHILADELPHIA250’s Board of Directors, I recognize a profound opportunity and need for greater visibility of historically marginalized and excluded people and communities. 2026 presents the opportunity to welcome and highlight the histories and contributions of all of the diverse cultures that have advanced the country and Philadelphia, specifically. I am most inspired and excited by the layers of inclusivity we will continue to develop in this commemoration. I don’t just want to see all of Philadelphia show up -I want all of our city to be engaged and know that we all belong here.”

There was a wealth of insight gained from the listening sessions. Tammy Walking Stick Riley, a member of Philadelphia’s Indigenous community, shared, “Pennsylvania has some of the worst laws for Native people. We are just now trying to build some representation with the city. And it’s sad because my people are… totally left out of the conversation.” Also, Darius McLean, Director of the Arcila-Adams Trans Resource Center and Empowerment Programs at William Way Community Center, “I love Philly. As a member of the trans community, it is sometimes hard to know where the safe places are to go… but there’s so much opportunity to build community, and I appreciate that.”

What’s Ahead

This process took eight months and was guided by a sincere, intentional desire to learn more about how the people of Philadelphia will show up in 2026. We are in the process of reviewing the recommendations of Dennis’ report and will begin to integrate into our programs and operations.

“By the People, For ALL People” is more than just our tagline. It’s our focused approach. And to live up to it we must commit to addressing the hard stuff. Our goal is to engage the rich breadth and diversity of our people, create and share their goals, needs, and priorities, and welcome all perspectives in 2026. What we are learning from our listening sessions adds to the complexity of what will be authored in 2026. Our DEIA work challenges how we see our city, country, and the world — that’s why we are doing this.