Kensington: Jim Hardy Gives Back To Community Through Education and Soccer
Jim Hardy has been a social studies and world language teacher at Kensington Health Sciences Academy for almost 10 years. Hardy is a pillar in the community and one of the notable advocates for social change in Kensington. Hardy co-founded the Teachers Action Group, an organization that aims to give educators a voice during the policy-making […]
Kensington: Program Seeks To Empower Businesses In American Street Corridor
The American Street Empowerment Zone is all about facilitating job creation and economic development for Kensington – two things that aren’t easy and require diligence and patience. “It takes time. Economic development doesn’t happen overnight,” said Aiisha Herring, director of economic development zones for the city Commerce Department. “Some people moving to these places think it […]
Kensington: After-School Program Allows For A Comeback In The Arts
After the school day was over at John Moffet Elementary, eager students sat attentively in an auditorium holding a tabla (“hand drum”) in one arm while rhythmically tapping with the other. With the help of Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, Moffet has been able to maintain an after-school program that focuses on enriching students through art […]
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 […]
South Kensington: Catholic Worker House Continues Founder’s Mission Of Serving Those In Need
The intersection of Lawrence and Jefferson streets may seem like a regular corner, but between noon and 1 p.m. a line will form in front of a nondescript apartment window. Members of the community will patiently wait outside The Sister Peter Claver Catholic Worker House for the free, hot lunch it provides Monday through Thursday […]
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 […]
Kensington: Community Center Works to Serve Neighborhood’s Needs
The Community Center at Visitation (CCV) is one of many outreach facilities dedicated to improving the quality of life in Kensington. Led by Sister Betty Scanlon, a Sister of Mercy and director of CCV, the center tries to fill the gaps in services needed by local residents. “We learn so much from the community. This facility is […]
Kensington: Next On Tap At Saint Benjamin Brewery? Full-Service Kitchen
Five years ago, Tim Patton and Christina Burris would have never thought they’d be running their own brewery. Now, they’re not only making Saint Benjamin beer at a re-purposed warehouse in Kensington, they are set to add a tap room and kitchen in May. Using funds from the American Street Empowerment Zone business grant program, their tap […]
Kensington: At Food Workshop, Greensgrow Teaches the Art of Preserving Seasonal Flavors
As cookbook author and full-time teacher, Marisa McClellan has undoubtedly mastered the art of preserving. Currently, McClellan runs her own blog, Food In Jars, and co-hosts the food podcast Local Mouthful. Her three cookbooks focus on preserving, canning and providing healthy alternatives to sweetening. Greens grow Farms, a nonprofit in Kensington focused on making urban farming […]
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 […]