He thanked his teachers, from Samuel B. Huey Elementary all the way to Temple University, for steering him toward acting. He also expressed gratitude for Parker. Domingo credited the city for his style and work ethic.
“It starts here in Philly and we take it out into the world,” he said. “Let’s keep on creating the world that we want to see. It starts here in Philadelphia.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker embraces actor and playwright Colman Domingo after announcing him as the recipient of the Philadelphia Freedom and One Philly Award for The American Voice. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
Fard, who now co-hosts the podcast “Million Dollaz Worth Of Game” with his cousin Peeples, said they started their endeavor to give back to the community.
“We do it for the people that look like us — to show them that life is bigger than the 10-block radius you grew up in,” Fard said.
Fard, who lost his son to gun violence, and Peeples, who spent 20 years in prison, have frequently visited the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center to talk to troubled youth.
“The youth, they’re the owners of tomorrow,” Peeples said. “So we got to hold them tight and we can’t give up on them.”
Hilferty called Philadelphia “one of the greatest experiments in history.”
“From the very beginning, this city brought together people from different countries, races, cultures and faiths, all carrying different traditions, languages and dreams,” Hilferty said. “Somehow, somehow through these differences, they built something bigger than themselves.”
Daniel Hilferty, CEO of Comcast Spectator, accepts the Philadelphia Freedom Award for City Champion during a ceremony at the National Constitution Center. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
Parker promises statues of prominent historical figures
During the ceremony, Parker promised to erect statues of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, lawyer Sadie T. M. Alexander and community activist Blanche Nixon, three women in Philadelphia “who embodied the spirit of liberty and service.”
“In a city with more than 1,000 works of public art, our public memory should tell the whole story,” Parker said. “It is time for these women to stand in bronze.”
Saturday’s event, part of the Wawa Welcome America programming, featured musical performances from gospel singer Yolanda Adams, vocalist Paula Holloway and the Leviticus Ensemble.
Blistering temperatures forced the city to move the event from its original location outdoors at Independence Mall to inside of the National Constitution Center.
“While the excessive heat brought today’s celebration indoors from Independence Mall to the National Constitution Center, it did not diminish its significance,” said Vince Stango, interim president and CEO of the National Constitution Center. “If anything, it has revealed something important about the city of Philadelphia. Throughout this remarkable week, marking America’s 250th anniversary, institutions, partners, public servants and neighbors have come together with creativity, generosity and resolve to ensure these celebrations continue.”
