Dr. Ala Stanford Pediatric surgeon and founder, Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium
1. Water Works
Serene, beautiful history—slaves were brought through and built this edifice. My dad swam here with friends in his youth. The sound of the water is soothing. I got married here, and everyone walking by became part of the wedding. 640 Waterworks Drive, visitphilly.com
2. Broad Street Subway
The subway offered me freedom and exposure to things outside my neighborhood. As a child, it was how I was able to see the city. And in the Mentally Gifted program in the Philadelphia Public School System, I was able to leave my neighborhood and spend time on a college campus. Multiple locations, septa.org
3. ZooBalloon
I’ve only been in the ZooBalloon at the Philadelphia Zoo once, but watching the amazement in the faces of my sons was priceless and the view was spectacular. 3400 W. Girard Ave., philadelphiazoo.org
4. Odunde Festival
The annual June festival is a day of fellowship, friends, tradition, arts and culture, and pride. 23rd and South streets, odundefestival.org
5. Philadelphia Eagles
It’s a place to escape the world and get some mommy-and-son time. For those four quarters, it feels like we are—the players, the fans—on one accord. There’s no color, no racial injustice. It’s a false utopia, but it feels great, most times. 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, philadelphiaeagles.com
Photography by: Seleen Saleh
