In 2017, Philadelphians turned out by the thousands at the airport. Let’s keep uniting for a better future for all.
 

Helen Gym for Mayor

Philly has never backed down from hate.

Today is the 6th anniversary of one of the most powerful displays of a united Philadelphia when thousands of people turned out at the airport to support immigrant communities targeted by Donald Trump’s unjust ban on refugees and asylum seekers.

Today is the 6th anniversary of one of the most powerful displays of a united Philly, and I'm proud to have stood with this city against bigotry and hate.
 

It started the night before with a simple tweet and Facebook post. It was Lunar New Year and I was cooking a traditional family dinner when I got a call from the Mayor’s Office asking me to gather people at the airport because a number of refugees were being denied entry due to a sudden Trump executive order no one had vetted or understood.

I wasn’t sure what I could do but I had to try. I posted on Facebook and Twitter to come to the airport on a Saturday evening – and Philadelphia responded in multitudes.

The call to action started with a tweet that read "URGENT CALL TO ACTION: Families being detained at PHL Airport. Gather at 7pm to demand their release, share widely." And we stayed through the night to support those families.

Hundreds of Philadelphians showed up. You started carpools, packed the subways, and within two hours, 600 people were at Terminal A chanting “Let them in.” And because you came, a Congressman came, a Governor came, and a Senator came too. Those families were allowed in by court order a few hours later.

And the next day, more than 7,000 people returned to the Philadelphia International Airport and made it the site of one of the strongest displays of democracy and unity the nation had seen. 

Philadelphians will always stand against hate and bigotry. This past week, the Philadelphia NAACP and Black leaders led the protest against Ron DeSantis’ shameful appearance at the Union League. 

Today, amid challenging times, I’ll be remembering Philadelphia at our best. Unified. Inclusive. Multiracial. And for a better city for all. 

Onward,

Helen Gym

John — Thanks for taking a moment to read this message. We’re reaching our first monthly deadline of 2023 and we could really use a boost in our grassroots fundraising. Can you pitch in a few dollars today? Thanks. — HG

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Helen Gym is a Philly mom, a school teacher, a community organizer, and former City Councilmember. She has been fighting for Philly families and communities for decades — winning more resources for our schools, safer communities, and a more affordable Philadelphia. Our efforts are supported by everyday people like you who give what they can, whenever they can, because they want to see a safer, more prosperous, equitable Philadelphia that works for all of us. If you’d like to donate to Helen and help elect her as Philadelphia’s next Mayor, click here:

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