See Little Amal make her way through Philadelphia
Little Amal — a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl and global symbol of human rights — spent two days in Philadelphia.
Little Amal made her first stop in Philadelphia at Columbus Park in South Philadelphia on Wednesday, where she was greeted by local elementary school students and surrounded by a crowd as she made her way to the Singing Fountain.
On Thursday morning, the sound of drums and children cheering in delight could be heard on N. 52nd St. in West Philadelphia. Through a tunnel of plant and trees leading to the center of the One Arts Community Center was Little Amal surrounded by Sankofa students, reaching out to touch her as they danced to the beat.
"Wherever you are in the world, you can always take a moment to breathe," said director Malaika Gilpin.
"We will never forget you...we will never forget that there are millions of children like you who had to leave their homes."
Surrounded by a drum line and a throng of followers, Little Amal slowly made her way down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway towards Love Park for her final stop in the city. The crowd clapped and danced as spectators held out their phones--even a Philadelphia Police officer hung out of his cruiser, DSLR in hand, documenting the scene. At long last she made it to the Love sign. The boisterous crowd quieted down as she rested her head on the sign, embracing it.
"Rest well, Amal," an onlooker said softly.