What happens when we show up? Good things. Real things. Philly things.
I’m not gonna lie—these past few weeks have been a whirlwind. From art fundraisers to candle pop-ups to people line dancing in Derby hats, I’ve been out in the city just soaking it all in. And one thing keeps hitting me: when you show up for your community, you’re doing something real. It might not feel like service in the traditional sense, but it absolutely is.
Every event I went to had one thing in common—people coming together with love and intention. You could feel it. And I mean really feel it. There’s something powerful about being in a room full of people who care, whether it’s about fashion, art, education, or just dancing and having a good time. Showing up for community events matters!
I think sometimes we underestimate how far presence can go. When you show up, you’re supporting someone’s dream. You’re witnessing their work. You’re helping build a vibe that keeps momentum going. I’ve seen artists light up when someone stops at their table. I’ve seen new designers beam after their first runway show. And I’ve seen whole blocks transformed because neighbors came out to clean and paint and celebrate.
But the biggest thing that stood out to me? Inclusivity. Every single space I stepped into felt welcoming. No judgment, no weird vibes—just people from all backgrounds being together, sharing space, supporting each other. That matters. That stays with you.
I didn’t always plan on getting involved. Sometimes I just went to hang out. But next thing you know, I’m on the dance floor, or getting a quote for a story, or connecting with someone who invites me to the next event. That’s how this works—it builds. It flows. You follow the good energy, and the good energy keeps coming.
So yeah, I show up. For the vibes. For the people. For the joy. And because I know it matters.
5 Events That Showed What Showing Up Can Do
CandleCon 2025
You could smell the love in the air—literally. These candles were the hook but the day was about presence, purpose, and partnership. CandleCon brought together Black-owned businesses in a way that felt both joyful and intentional. The vibe was warm and welcoming, with line dancing, mocktails, and a little sparkle everywhere. Meeka Johnson, the powerhouse behind it all, calls this “community commerce,” and I felt that. When you show up to something like this, you’re doing more than shopping. You’re building people up. You’re telling them, “You belong here. And so do I.”
ACHIEVEability Impact Day
This was hands-on community care. Folks were scrubbing, planting, building, painting. They were laughing while they worked. Young people side by side with elders, everyone sharing tools and conversation. It brought me back to my childhood, cleaning up our block with music blasting and neighbors outside. This was that same spirit—bringing beauty to the community, not for press, but because we live here. It was a full-body reminder that showing up is more than enough. It’s how we rebuild, together.
Mural Arts Wall Ball
Art and justice, dancing in the same room. Wall Ball reminded me why Philly’s murals matter—not just as decoration, but as a mirror of our lives. This fundraiser was about creating more of that public beauty, with a live painting happening in real time that made me stop in my tracks. I saw people from every walk of life sharing food, sharing space, and showing love. It felt like a future I want to live in—where creativity brings people together, and everyone’s invited. That’s what impact looks like when it moves through joy.
Baltiere Urban Culture: Y2K Fashion Show
More than fashion—it was love in motion. The crowd didn’t come to stunt, they came to see. These were everyday people cheering on local designers, some of them showing for the first time. You could feel the support radiating through the room. There was pride in every stitch, every walk, every photo snapped. This is what community support looks like: packed seats, standing-room-only, and people staying ’til the very last look. You don’t have to know fashion to know what that kind of energy does for someone just starting out. It says, “We see you. Keep going.”
Hattitude for Education
The hats were fabulous, but the cause was even better. This event was all about education—and I don’t just mean degrees. They were raising money for college students, yes, but they were also honoring teachers, preachers, and principals who do the work every day. And they were doing it in style, celebrating community leaders like royalty. What really hit me was seeing how excited people were to support each other—how the joy was just as loud as the giving. This event made one thing clear: we rise in elegance and service, together.
Kennedie’s Tips for Finding the Good Stuff
- Follow passionate people on Instagram & TikTok—they always post what’s next.
- Use Eventbrite to explore by location and category.
- Say hi! Compliment someone’s table, outfit, or art. You never know where a convo will lead.
- Show love when you show up. It fuels the whole scene.
Because when you show up, you help make the moment. And that’s the kind of impact that keeps moving.
📺🛍️ FOR THOSE PLAYING AT HOME: The Black Live Shop Network 🎁📱
All Black Everything Pop-Up: Shopping Black, Live and Direct
Every weekday at 9 PM, Meeka Johnson transforms Instagram into a vibrant marketplace through her All Black Everything Pop-Up (@allblackeverythingpopup). Dubbed the “Black Live Shop Network,” this initiative spotlights Black-owned brands in real-time, offering a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and stories.
Since its inception in 2021, over 300 Black-owned businesses have participated, turning each live session into a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Meeka’s approach goes beyond commerce; it’s about building connections, fostering inclusivity, and empowering Black entrepreneurs.
For those seeking to support Black-owned businesses and discover unique products, tuning into these live sessions offers an engaging and meaningful shopping experience.
Compiled and adapted from Kennedie Scurry’s coverage on TheKenloShow.com.
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