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THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
HISTORY ON PARADE
TURKEY TIME is almost here, so we’re recognizing some of the top trailblazers this holiday season, from those who first shaped our nation to the political influencers of today.
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WILL SMITH West Philly born and raised, Will Smith once pulled the plug on shooting a movie in Georgia because of a recent passage of a law he found to be regressive and restrictive to non-white voters. FRED ROGERS “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” was viewed by millions each day and often tackled difficult subjects, helping to break the color barrier when Francois Clemmons joined Rogers on set.
NELLIE BLY Even without her trip around the world, Bly would be remembered for her innovations, her charity work and her contributions to literature and journalism.
TAYLOR SWIFT The “Shake It Off” singer has been more vocal about politics in recent years, starting in 2018, when she donated to the March for Our Lives campaign to end gun violence. TINA FEY Sure, you know her from “SNL” and “30 Rock,” but Tina Fey is known for her charity work to end world hunger and has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and the LGBTQ community. PINK The Doylestown singer stuck up for the Norwegian women’s beach handball team when they were fined for wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms during a championship game.
HISTORY ON PARADE
Some famous Pennsylvania historymakers – then and now.
By City & State
WILLIAM PENN It should go without saying the namesake of our state gets a place in our parade. He founded the commonwealth and the principles installed in our Constitution. KEVIN HART A critic of cancel culture and advocate for free speech, Kevin Hart has said that people should stop assuming comics have bad intentions and take them for what they are – entertainers.
BOB SAGET This Abington High School graduate plays it coy when it comes to his political leanings, but never fails to keep his loyal fans in stitches when it comes to his raunchy taste in humor, political or otherwise. RICHARD GERE Philly native Richard Gere is an advocate for human rights in Tibet and has been an outspoken critic of China because of its oppression of the Tibetan people. Back at home, he’s endorsed Democrats for president and donated to their campaigns.
