This year in Philadelphia, residents consistently came together, stood together, and supported one another across our neighborhoods.

Here are 17 of our favorite moments from 2017!

In January, Philadelphians gathered in Philadelphia International Airport to stand together in support of immigrants and refugees.

In February, crews temporarily removed the LOVE statue for restoration before its return to the renovated LOVE Park.

In March, Mayor Kenney visited South Philadelphia High School’s “clothing closet” where students can exchange or obtain clothes; it’s one of Philly’s community schools funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.

Also in March, the Mayor visited PHLpreK provider Casa del Carmen; PHLpreK is an initiative funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.

In April, Mayor Kenney participated in story time at Smith Memorial Playground.

Later in April, Mayor Kenney visited Elwyn Seeds, another PHLpreK provider, and made time for some Playdough art.

In May, the Mayor visited Tustin Playground in the city’s Overbrook neighborhood; learn more about the City’s Rebuild initiative revitalizing parks, rec centers, and libraries made possible by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.

In June, students at Stanton Elementary showed Mayor Kenney their community garden after receiving a grant from Recyclebank.

Also in June, the City unveiled a redesigned LGBTQ pride flag featuring black and brown stripes to represent LGBTQ people of color. Learn more about LGBTQ rights and protections in Philadelphia in the City’s action guide.

On July 4th, thirteen immigrant children became U.S. citizens during a ceremony as part of Independence Day celebrations.

In August, Philadelphia Police Department officers and neighborhood residents came together citywide as part of National Night Out, an annual event focusing on building police and community relations.

In September, students, like at Pennell Elementary, returned to school after summer break.

Also in September, the City unveiled its statue of local civil rights hero Octavius V. Catto. Mayor Kenney wrote about Catto and his legacy.

In October, Mayor Kenney watched youth spar in the ring after the ribbon cutting of a new boxing gym at Shepard Recreation Center.

In November, the second annual Philadelphia International Unity Cup had its championship at Lincoln Financial Field; this year, Liberia took the title.

Also in November, Mayor Kenney visited local company La Colombe’s coffee roasting facility; the visit was part of the Philly Delivers campaign promoting Philadelphia as a destination for business focusing on talent, livability, and logistics.

In December, Mayor Kenney visited PHLpreK provider Amazing Kidz, one of many providers that experienced progress after becoming part of the program. Learn more about PHLpreK’s progress citywide in the PHLpreK by the Numbers report from the Mayor’s Office of Education.