Ed Rendell: Let’s all help make sure America’s 250th birthday reflects Philadelphia’s rich diversity

Nearly 250 years ago, Philadelphia was at the center of a global change, and the beating heart of a brave and humbling experiment: the birth of America and one of the world’s first representative democracies.

Now, 248 years later, we stand on the precipice of a grand anniversary of that experiment, with American democracy in the crosshairs at the same time we’re gearing up for the semiquincentennial in 2026. And as it was 250 years ago, America’s survival, growth, and continued prosperity are up to us — the people.

As the former mayor of America’s birthplace and governor of our pioneering commonwealth, I am proud to lend my support to the People’s Commemoration for the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, led by Philadelphia250.

Created to celebrate the city we love as the birthplace of America, the fundamental importance of democracy, and the value of local engagement, the People’s Commemoration is of the people, by the people, and for all people.

As a city of neighborhoods, there are so many stories to tell. So many people who have wisdom and insights to share. So many treasures and hidden gems within our neighborhoods that people don’t know about or haven’t seen.

We want every Philadelphian — and that means you — in every corner of the city to be able to participate through activities that go beyond the traditional historic district, that highlight the diverse people and places of Philadelphia.

To help make sure of that, we’ve created an advisory committee composed of civic and community leaders representing neighborhoods across the city, who will spotlight what makes each area distinctive and ensure a broad range of voices are heard.

The year 2026 will be filled with big and exciting and wonderful events. And this special occasion also must celebrate the stories, the icons, and the multilayered histories that make Philadelphia — and America — so remarkable.

We want to welcome everyone — those of us lucky enough to live here and those who will come and visit — to all the destinations within our destination. But we cannot do it alone.

Just as Philadelphia was the center of the celebration for the bicentennial and the bicentennial of the Constitution, so it is with the 250th. And we look to the city, the commonwealth, and Washington to step up and help us ensure a year of success for 2026.

Philadelphia’s history is American history. It is not all worthy of celebration. These 250 years were fraught from the beginning with contradiction and injustice — toward Black and brown people, toward Native Americans, toward women and the LGBTQ community — and those transgressions have lingering consequences that still resonate today. That reality must be recognized.

So, while there is much to celebrate, there is still much more work to do, challenges and inequities to overcome. The only way to make that happen is to participate and to make your mark on this once-in-a-generation opportunity for our city and country, to make changes that will ensure the nation will be a more perfect union, and that our democracy will survive and flourish.

Ed Rendell served as the 96th mayor of Philadelphia (1992-2000) and the 45th governor of Pennsylvania (2003-2011).

Here are just a few ways to add your voice to the semiquincentennial celebration. For more information, visit the Philadelphia250 website: www.philadelphia250.us

What do you love about your block or neighborhood? Share how you show up for your neighborhood, and how your community should be showcased. Create a video, audio note, or love letter for 2026 that will be posted across our channels and inspire others.

Lend your voice to advise and spread the word about the awesome opportunities of the 250th anniversary coming to the people and neighborhoods of Philadelphia. The council is a reflection of Philadelphia’s diversity, creativity, and passion, committed to empowering the city’s current and future changemakers to listen, learn, and lead within the community advisory network.

Turn your organization’s passions into lasting legacies by making a 250th Legacy Pledge. A Legacy Pledge is a measurable goal that addresses an important need in Philadelphia, furthers your organization’s passions and strategic goals, and can be accomplished by July 4, 2026 — when your impact is celebrated.

Become a part of our volunteer corps. Spread the word about citywide happenings, volunteer at our community outreach events. Multilingual applicants are welcome as we seek to represent the diversity of the city.

Join Philadelphia250’s virtual office hours to answer your questions related to how individuals and organizations can get involved. Our monthly online meetups feature Q&A sessions to help you figure out the best way to plug into the celebrations across the city.