Photography, Video and Text by Soraya Hebron
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“Philadelphia Berning”
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As the second term of the United States’ first African American president, Barack Obama comes to a close, citizens of the nation are rallying for their favorite candidates for the 2016 presidential election. In the few weeks leading up to primary elections, candidates are hitting the streets of communities across the nation to engage with citizens and hopefully gain their support.
Last week, Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders, took to the streets of Philadelphia where he met with members of the community both intimately and large-scale. While Senator Sanders has been reported to be lagging in the polls, his passionate supporters prove that he if one of the most popular candidates among young voters and minorities from urban communities.
On April 6th, 2016 he sat down with members of the Tinley Temple United Methodist Church community to have discuss his plans for socioeconomic change in neighborhoods like South Philadelphia. He spoke on community economic development, recidivism, and even declared that as president, he will issue a formal apology for the enslavement of African Americans in the United States. For most, none of this comes as a surprise considering that Sanders has been an activist since his days in the Civil Rights Movement, marching on Washington alongside the likes of Martin Luther King, Jr. During the community conversation Sanders was met with constant applause.
Later that night, Sanders traveled north to Temple University where he was met by even more energetic supporters, amounting to crowd of over 1,000. Armed with signs, slogans, and Bernie apparel, the supporters spread the Bern like wildfire. Only time will tell if they continue to #FEELTHEBERN at the polls.
Photography, Video and Text by Soraya Hebron, Copyright 2016.
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About The Author: Soraya Hebron is a senior majoring in Urban Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2016. To read more articles by this Soraya Hebron, go here: https://tonywardstudio.com/blog/new-szn-a-portrait-of-tony-hicks/