717 Day Celebration

717 day is a day of unity, love, harmony, and advocacy on July 17.  It is birthed out of tragedy with the hopes of leading to communal triumph.  In 2024, Harrisburg, PA experienced an increase in homicides, with 22 people killed, according to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. This marks the highest number of annual killings in at least 36 years.  As a response, community leaders such as clergy, educators, city employees, entrepreneurs, and others came together to have conversations with individuals and groups that have been involved and have great potential to be involved in violent activity.  There were several goals to be accomplished in these conversations.  First, we hoped to have conversations about what recent events and conditions have caused the tension and violence in our communities.  In those conversations we also hoped to form relationships that can foster healing, trust, and resilience amongst individuals and groups from different socioeconomic backgrounds and lifestyles.  Another goal of these conversations was to present positive alternatives to criminal lifestyles.  Several of the leaders that came together for 717 day reached out to legal professionals and local companies to inform and inspire people without legal employment to find a job or career that can lead to success for the individual and their families.  

We believe that everyone needs something that they can rally behind to create positive change.  We also believe that most people love their neighborhood and, in many cases, people take pride in their city.  Recognition of mutual love and affection caused us to consider what is an event that everyone can rally behind.  As time went by the vision of 717 day emerged.  Why not have a day that everyone in area code 717, whether one is in Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, or any other township, can prove how much they love their city by working together, helping one another, and celebrating local accomplishments and culture. 

This year, we will be coming together at the park at 7th and Radnor on July 17, 2026, to share vision, purpose, and love for the city. We desire to have vendors related to health, economic empowerment, workforce development, and so much more.