Amateur Sports: Roller Derby Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
When reminiscing about the storied sports history of Philadelphia, roller derby isn’t exactly one of the first things that comes to mind. Despite its turbulent swings in popularity, the sport’s history in Philadelphia dates back almost 70 years. Philadelphia’s first roller derby team was founded before both the Flyers and 76ers were playing in the […]
Education: Five Schools Impacted By Budget Cuts
As education budget cuts have spread throughout the state of Pennsylvania, building closures present a way for school districts to quickly lower their costs. In Philadelphia, a large wave of closings occurred in 2013. During this time, the School District of Philadelphia closed 23 schools to help shrink a looming financial deficit of more than […]
Allegheny West: Medical Care Made Accessible to Empower Community
Miriam Medical Clinic, a faith-based health care clinic founded in 2014, is reducing the societal barriers to access of medical care by empowering communities through physical and spiritual healing. Located in the heart of the Allegheny West neighborhood, the clinic provides a vast range of medical care, from physical examinations, pediatrics, podiatry and dental services, […]
Allegheny West: A School’s Hidden Treasure
Tucked away on West Clearfield Street in Allegheny West, the St. James School prospers within a national historic landmark that is arguably one of North Philadelphia’s greatest hidden treasures – the Church of St. James the Less. Constructed in 1846, the Church of St. James the Less once had a thriving congregation in what was then the […]
Allegheny West: Mentorship Program Aims To Empower Youth
Young adults gathered at Berean Baptist Church last month to take part in a mentorship program. What started out with singing “This Little Light of Mine” and general announcements turned into a night of group activities where members worked alongside mentors to create a scrapbook. Program members, ages 6-18, meet on the first and third Friday […]
Allegheny West: A Pastor’s Devotion to Youth Empowerment
Rev. Maria Lewis has devoted her life to the church and her community through youth empowerment, most recently as the pastor of youth and young adults at the Berean Baptist Church in Allegheny West. Her leadership and energy has been instrumental in the empowerment of the Berean congregation and the Allegheny West community. As a minister, […]
Strawberry Mansion/Allegheny West: Loaded with History Worth Visiting
Strawberry Mansion and Allegheny West have been marred by news reports of violence and drug problems for many years. What people may think are dangerous areas in North Philadelphia are unique subdivisions with their own rich history, from the Revolutionary War period to the modern era. These neighborhoods hold secrets to the past that enrich these […]
Nicetown-Tioga: Community Leader is a Resourceful Librarian
The Nicetown-Tioga Library dates back to 1961 and inhibits a space which was called Linton’s Restaurant. The current adult/teen librarian, Marsha Stender, is not just your average librarian. She also gives encouragement, confidence and hope by helping adults and teens find books, use computers and navigate their lives. How long have you been working at […]
Allegheny West: Foundation Provides Backbone for Community
The Allegheny West Foundation has a huge influence on the community today. From housing and commercial development plans to orchestrating youth programs, the organization has a hand in everything. The foundation has teamed up with many organizations throughout the community to work toward a common goal – revamping the neighborhood. It worked closely with the North 22nd Street […]
Tioga-Nicetown and Allegheny West: Five Things You Didn’t Know
Tioga-Nicetown and Allegheny West are rarely seen in the mainstream media. When they are, it usually involves poverty, drugs or violence. But these neighborhoods are lively areas with plenty of interesting people and things to do. Here are a few things you might not have known about these North Philadelphia communities. 1. South Philly has Pat’s […]