Kensington: Local Gardens Cultivate Community, Help Revitalize Neighborhoods
It was in the 1970s when drug use and the violent state of the neighborhood spurred a unique change among a small group of Puerto Rican women in West Kensington. These women, called the Grupo Motivos, worked with an elementary school teacher and a professor to reclaim land and create a place for growth and […]
Fairhill: New Chapter For Library Means Bittersweet, Temporary Closure
Rebekah Ray and the staff at the Lillian Marrero Library have been dedicated to the future of the branch, long before the building recently closed for renovations. Now, they are left wondering how the community is going to fare for the next two years, without the essential resources they provide. The Lillian Marrero Library at Sixth […]
Fairhill: Puerto Rican School of Music Reflects the Beat of the Community
The Puerto Rican Institute of Music sits on North 5th Street, a road surrounded by Latino influence. Walking by on any afternoon you might even hear the beat of plena – traditional Puerto Rican music – filtering out the upstairs windows. With only a couple of classrooms, the Puerto Rican Institute of Music has about 10 […]
Logan: Entrepreneur Hopes Orchard and Market Plan Will Bear Fruit in Triangle
Helen Hutchins attempted to sow wildflowers on the site at which her house sank into the earth. Hutchins’ residence was one of nearly 1,000 homes formerly located in the Logan neighborhood in an area known as the Logan Triangle. A muddle of weeds and trash now extends across the forsaken 35-acre tract of land clutched […]
West Kensington and Fairhill: Five Places to Get a Shape Up Under the El
Kensington Avenue is a bustling promenade featuring all types of characters, businesses and commotion. West Kensington and Fairhill are two neighborhoods in Philadelphia that express an identifiable culture, which involves all who pass through. Here the barber shop and nail salon cultures thrive. With shops offering $5 haircuts and $2 shaves, getting shaped up is […]
Fairhill: Promoting Latino Culture and Resources Through Community Events
El Centro de Oro, the golden center, fosters Latino dance, music and culture in Fairhill, while also bringing light to an abundance of resources available in the community. This has been showcased since 1979 at the Feria Del Barrio celebration. The annual celebration is put on by Taller Puertorriqueño, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, HACE and Raices […]
Fairhill: Challenging Youth to DREAM
Brian Fuller, originally from Atlanta, joined with DREAM Philadelphia just last year. As the Programs Director, he has had the opportunity to immerse himself within the Northeast Philadelphia community. As a mentorship and youth organization, DREAM works to provide guidance to young children within the area. What is the mission of DREAM? We are a […]
Fairhill: Colorful Changes are on the Horizon for Front Street
Front Street will be receiving some changes in the near future. The Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises also known as HACE, is looking to make changes to better Front Street as well as the community. Maria Gonzalez, president of HACE has one goal in mind when executing the plans. “We support all the small […]
Feltonville: Meet a New Furry Friend
The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) has been serving the city of Philadelphia for since 1968. The PSPCA is a shelter, located at 350 East Erie Avenue, that feeds and cares for homeless or unwanted animals. They provide low cost veterinary care for companion animals, adoption for homeless animals and spray […]
Fairhill: Efrain Diaz Has a Plan to Take on Drug Addiction
Efrain Diaz had a bad addiction, a heroin addiction. “I lost my family. I lost my wife,” said the 58-year-old. Yet for the past 30 years, Diaz has been helping people overcome their addictions. This one-time addict is now the pastor of Alcance Victoria church. Pastor Diaz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He […]