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Walk this way | Scene Through the Lens

Star spangled steps

July 8, 2024: Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and Dawn Staley (left) leave the stage behind Independence Hall during a Fourth of July “Celebration of Freedom” event.
July 8, 2024: Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and Dawn Staley (left) leave the stage behind Independence Hall during a Fourth of July “Celebration of Freedom” event.Read moreTom Gralish / Staff Photographer

When I saw Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s heels in the morning on the Fourth of July I knew my day of photographing Independence Day events in the city was off to a good start.

» READ MORE: Images of a Philly Fourth

I couldn’t believe how much better the photo got when the mayor announced the recipient of the first-ever “One Philly Award.” I did photograph them holding the crystal trophy, but have to admit I concentrated a lot harder, and worked the shoes photo a lot more.

Accepting the award, the three-time NCAA women’s basketball champion head coach and North Philadelphia native said, “I haven’t been to Philly in a long period of time. I come in and out... I’m always going to be proud of Philly no matter what because that’s where I’m from.”

Since 1998, a black-and-white photo has appeared every Monday in staff photographer Tom Gralish’s “Scene Through the Lens” photo column in The Inquirer’s local news section. Here are the most recent, in color: