📚 Black History Month in Philadelphia

⚽ Philly To Host Six World Cup Games

FIFA released the schedule for the 2026 World Cup over the weekend. Lincoln Financial Field will host five Group Stage matches in June, plus a Round of 16 match on July 4. [NBC10]

🤨 Fabricated Favorable Headlines?

The Inquirer found 31 “phantom news headlines” from local outlets on Sheriff Rochelle Bilal’s campaign website. Those articles, posted to a page that claims to tout Bilal’s “record of accomplishment,” do not appear to actually exist — and have since been removed. [Inquirer 🔒]

🍺 First Black-Owned Brewery in PA Now Open

West Philly-born brothers Richard and Mengistu Koilor opened their inaugural brick-and-mortar location for Two Locals Brewing Company in University City last week. It’s the first Black-owned brewery in the commonwealth. [Eater Philadelphia]

💸 Shapiro’s Budget Address

Gov. Josh Shapiro will announce his state budget priorities today at 12:30 p.m. You can tune into the livestream at this link. [PA Governor’s Office]

Black history is American history, and is of year-round importance. But, we pay special attention to the significant achievements of Black Americans and people of African descent during February thanks to the advocacy of one pioneering Black historian.

History of Black History Month

Black History Month’s roots started in 1915 — half a century after slavery was abolished — when scholar Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. He urged other Black scholars and civic organizations to promote their community’s achievements, and out of that motivation the Association sponsored Negro History Week in the second week of February 1926.

By the late 1960s, Woodson’s concept was expanded into what we now recognize as Black History Month, officially recognized by President Gerald R. Ford during the 1976 bicentennial.

Why February

Woodson, considered the “father of Black history,” chose February to coincide with the birthdays of former slave and prominent abolitionist Frederick Douglass (believed to be Feb. 14) and President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12), who was influential in the emancipation of slaves. Woodson also chose this week out of tradition, as Black communities had already been honoring these two birthdays during the second week of the month.

The 8 Best Soups in Philly Right Now

Sure, there’s no snow on the ground and Punxsutawney Phil, the state’s official groundhog, has signaled an early spring. But it’s still sweater weather, so make room for some delicious soup! City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri chats with food contributor Dave Wez about his top soups around the city.