Philly Plain Dealer

When people choose to partake in the Walk Around Philadelphia, JJ Tiziou wants people to experience “the usual unusual things, and expect the unexpected things”.

Walk Around Philadelphia is an organization Tiziou created to give people an opportunity to look at the city through an unconventional lens, while also strengthening their sense of community and connection. 

By choosing to take this walk, you choose to learn about and experience Philadelphia in a way like never before. Philadelphia’s history is more than just the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross’s house, and Constitution Center. Its history is derived from the people who live there; something that we can only encounter if we take the time to listen to each other. “Everyone brings their knowledge, expertise, and lived history [to every walk],” says Tiziou. 

While this isn’t a guided tour, Tiziou takes his companions along the border of Philadelphia. Participants go to the places where there is beauty in the abandoned; stories to be found within the broken gates and graffitied walls. There are anecdotes to be found there, hidden in abandoned churches or the rubble of bulldozed homes.

“Walking is a contemplative practice. We’re moving our bodies at the pace that they were meant to move at, rather than being sedentary, which is often what’s happening with our screens,” says Tiziou, when discussing the importance of our connections between our bodies and the world around us.

Tiziou tells us the feeling of taking these walks, with both new and recurring members, is indescribable. New communities and friendships are created through his enthusiasm. 

You can join these Philadelphia walks, which are happening from February 1-24. We will provide information on signing up below. 

Donors and patrons are also welcome at this time, for Tiziou wants to keep the walks more available and accessible. 

Link to register for the walks: https://www.jjtiziou.net/happy-new-year-here-come-the-winter-walks/