I've been spending a lot of time in North Philly over the last few months, and have gotten to know and understand it a little better. North Philly is many things, but boring it is not.

Many areas are devastated and desperately poor. It has been like this for decades and it's unlikely to change anytime soon. Here entire generations grow up and remain poor. This is a community that defines terms like urban grit and blight.

To the casual eye this is an urban wasteland: dangerous, dirty, and desperate. But look closer and you can also see resourcefulness, ingenuity, hope, and beauty. Just look at the murals, and you will see that this community is also generous, strong, and proud.

North Philly has a lot more to offer than meets the eye.

- another note from my phone