Philly’s Motivation: A Source of Pride and Resilience in Philadelphia

By Kim Russell

“I had a chance and a choice to take my anger out on the community or go take my anger out on other people, but I decided to wake up every day and post motivational videos.” 

Philly’s Motivation was conceived in 2017 when Dana Williams was 19. After the tragic death of his father and brother, Williams took to social media with a plea to his community. “Put down the guns and pick up the books [to bring awareness to] gun violence and believing in God,” Wiliams posted on his Instagram. 

In many ways, Williams exemplifies his own message, showing that success is attainable through the pursuit of education, making sensible choices, and the cultivation of individual gifts and talents. His personal and professional journeys were marked by a series of losses and significant grief, but he was determined to be a source of pride for his grandmother and enrolled in college.

Days before her passing, Williams’ grandmother witnessed his graduation and a historical moment: Dana Williams became the first African American to graduate from Lackawanna College with a degree in Video Production, Communication, and Arts in 2020. 

This was, after all, a pivotal year. Amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic and tragic family events, Williams emerged from the shadows of his neighborhood in South Philadelphia, more inspired and resilient than ever. Williams utilized his hardships as tools for success and grew a thriving social media platform known as Philly’s Motivation, posting 60-second videos that make people smile, whether through “a prayer or inspiring someone through grief, suicidal thoughts, or depression,” said Williams. 

His messages were like little love notes to the community, spreading hope and optimism in challenging times.

In Philadelphia, each method for motivation is equally important, but Williams’ route is centered on God: “By any preferred name, God is Love. It seems we’re very depressed at this time, and what makes [my platform] different is my expression to God,” said Williams. It’s often a sensitive topic, as messages rooted in faith rarely break into social media algorithms. But Williams moved forward with the creative vision for his platform, stood firm in his beliefs, and reaped the reward of staying true to himself. 

His efforts now extend beyond the digital domain; he has become an influential public speaker and investor in Helping Hands of the Homeless, which organizes community givebacks each month. Williams’ favorite aspect of his work is building partnerships with local schools: he organizes local tours to collaborate with and support other motivational figures. 

In the coming months, his latest collaboration with local artist Corey Flocka is sure to generate excitement among Philadelphia’s youth. Williams’ passion for local initiatives consistently embodies the spirit of giving back, made evident by the positive feedback from his supporters. 

When asked about his reason for following Philly’s Motivation, Soof Wright, a local music producer and songwriter, shared that he loves to see inspirational things on Instagram: “I enjoy the messages when they come across my feed because it keeps me focused.” Local make-up and special effects artist Nicole Boyd believes that the page is a blessing. During a difficult period with her son, she received a Philly’s Motivation post, and “it had me in tears, but I had to hear another and another, and I shared it with my son,” said Boyd.

When Dana Williams initiated his page, he chose hope over hopelessness; in his words: “This ain’t that, and that ain’t this.” As Philly’s Motivation, Williams inspires many through his own trials and tribulations, proving that a kind word or gesture can free a person from a mental prison and an inspirational story can release one from societal limitations.