Photo Essay: The Spirited Tapestry of the 2023 Spiral Q Peoplehood Parade
Words and photos by Guest Contributor Hanbit Kwon.
This year, the Spiral Q Peoplehood Parade took their celebration to new heights, involving more than 30 organizations to create a peaceful and uplifting space to give voice to the many of the same tense issues and causes seen at rallies. Taking place on Saturday, October 28th the parade moved through West Philly beginning at The Paul Robeson House and culminating in Clark Park.
Rooted in principles of accessibility, inclusion, and self-determination, Spiral Q has been a beacon of creativity and community collaboration since its inception in the early 90s.
Puppets of all sizes and shapes line the parade route. (Hanbit Kwon)
History: From Puppetry to Community Empowerment
Founded in 1996 by Matthew “Mattyboy” Hart, Spiral Q was originally a street performance puppet troupe. Its early work centered around HIV/AIDS activism and the queer community, especially with the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power (ACT UP).
Spiral Q’s culture is defined by its commitment to listening, learning, and creating together. The organization values community conversations and hands-on creation, recognizing the power of art to express what’s most important.
The Peoplehood Parade culminates in Clark Park. (Hanbit Kwon)
Peoplehood Parade: A Creative and Civic Celebration
The Peoplehood Parade is a unique celebration that unites Philadelphians from all walks of life. It’s both a platform for expressing creativity and civic concerns while also celebrating the city’s greatest strength–its diversity. Spiral Q provides the grounds for many different groups to collaborate, coordinate, and to communicate about various causes through art.
Jennifer Turnbull, co-director of Spiral Q, leads the way for the Peoplehood Parade’s 1.25 mile route from the historic Paul Robeson house to Clark Park. (Hanbit Kwon)
The Parade: A Unifying March through the Streets
The parade is a vibrant spectacle as people march, walk, or roll through the streets. Wheelchairs, bicycles, and strollers are welcome, but no motorized vehicles. This parade is a people-powered celebration.
A Peoplehood Pageant Emcee. The pageant includes a giant puppet play focused on land and its protection. (Hanbit Kwon)
Culmination in Clark Park: A Celebration of Art
The parade culminates in Clark Park with participatory art-making activities that honor the parade’s theme. It’s a time for the community to come together and create.
Represent in the Park: Sharing Stories and Causes
Spiral Q encourages participants to offer and lead participatory activities in the park. It’s an opportunity to share about who you are and what you do.
Witness the Work: A Spectacle of Solidarity
The parade route is filled with spectators showing solidarity, gathering along the way to witness the colorful procession. It’s a heartwarming display of unity.
These 30+ photos capture the essence of this year’s 23rd annual Peoplehood Parade and the rich history and culture behind it.
(Hanbit Kwon)Parade participants march and ride in West Philly. (Hanbit Kwon)Spiral Q attracts participants of all ages. (Hanbit Kwon)Dragons represent renewal and rebirth. (Hanbit Kwon)(Hanbit Kwon)(Hanbit Kwon)Flowers represent blossoming into fuller potential. (Hanbit Kwon)A drum line livens up the parade route. (Hanbit Kwon)No Arena in Chinatown Solidarity Group is one of the organizations protesting the proposed arena for the 76ers. (Hanbit Kwon)One of the large puppets made by patients at the Be Well Recovery Center for the Peoplehood Parade (Hanbit Kwon)(Hanbit Kwon)(Hanbit Kwon)Support for Puerto Rico. (Hanbit Kwon)Parade participants call for a ceasefire in Gaza. (Hanbit Kwon)Palestinian flags were proudly displayed. (Hanbit Kwon)The Philly Palestine Coalition (Hanbit Kwon)Anakbayan Philadelphia is a Filipino organization participating in support for Palestinians. (Hanbit Kwon)Basic rights such as food, housing and education were highlighted as human rights for all. (Hanbit Kwon)Organizers against the 76ers arena. (Hanbit Kwon)Supporters of Palestine marching into Clark Park. (Hanbit Kwon)(Hanbit Kwon)(Hanbit Kwon)(Hanbit Kwon)Collaboration is a central value of Spiral Q (Hanbit Kwon)Blossoms represent life, growth, and potential. (Hanbit Kwon)The Lenni Lenape land that Clark Park’s Dog Bowl sits upon was hollowed out by the water of Mill Creek then Mill Pond. Here, participants represent the water that once flowed here, carving out change. (Hanbit Kwon)A mock debate about the proposed 76ers Arena, in which many promises and proposals like the upcoming impact study for a proposed arena in Center City is questioned and debunked, comparing it to “a wolf in a sheepskin” tactic. (Hanbit Kwon)Water supports the soil and the earth we all rely upon. (Hanbit Kwon)Water is represented by flowing fast-moving fabric. (Hanbit Kwon)Spiral Q offers multiple entry points for participants, from planning and brainstorming to fundraising, building, painting, and even dancing. It’s a true community effort. (Hanbit Kwon)Green was a popular color choice, representing growth and life. (Hanbit Kwon)
