Haddington and Cobbs Creek: Teaching the Philly Bop Dance at Community Libraries
On Saturday afternoons throughout the summer, the Cobbs Creek and Haddington branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia host Philly Bop dance classes. The bop is a style of dance that was popular in the 1950s and throughout the 1960s that was created by African Americans based upon 1920’s era Lindy Hop, Jitterbug and East […]
Belmont: Bringing Authentic Jamaican Food to the Heart of West Philly
From a rural area in Manchester Parish, Jamaica to the bustling hustle of Lancaster Avenue in West Philadelphia, the Williams family is well known for making authentic and savory Jamaican cuisine. “We were the family back in Jamaica that would host all of the big block parties and cookouts for all of the neighbors,” said […]
Powelton Village: Cooking and Learning at Drexel University’s Dornsife Center
On the first night of June, residents from Powelton Village and Mantua attended a cooking class at Drexel University’s Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, at Dornsife’s Community Wellness Hub. The cooking instruction was led by Alyssa Kalter, an educator for EAT.RIGHT.NOW., the official nutrition education program of the School District of Philadelphia. The program is funded by the […]
Mantua: Neighborhood Bike Works Provides Mobility and Independence
Neighborhood Bike Works’ Summer Camp has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 1996, now providing both kids and adults practical mechanical skills, development opportunities and the empowerment and ownership of a bicycle. The nonprofit bike education program, located at 3939 Lancaster Ave., is in a unique location in that it sits at the intersection of several distinct neighborhoods […]
Powelton Village: Five Churches Supporting the Community
The Powelton Village section of West Philadelphia is known for housing a unique blend of students, artists and activists but it is also home to a rich tapestry of religious organizations. One three-block stretch of Baring Street in the heart of the neighborhood, for example, is lined with four churches and a religious student center. […]