Fairmount: NBR’s Boss Breaks Norms in the Community, as a Woman, and as a Businesswoman
On a day- to-day basis, Shalimar Thomas, North Broad Renaissance’s executive director, schedules meetings with city commissioners, organizes community events and keeps her growing team on track. Thomas’ rigor is fueled by one thing – revitalizing North Broad Street. NBR, which was founded in 2015, adopted a five-year plan with certain goals her team needs […]
Nonprofits: Providing Education For People During And After Incarceration
While Abdul Lateef was incarcerated, he spent most of his time reading. At first, spy novels were his favorite. Then, he moved on to heavier material, like biographies of civil rights leaders and accounts of historical revolutions. “If I didn’t have access to literature, then the culture that permeates the prison environment could have easily […]
Brewerytown: Residents Adapting Alongside New Developments, Businesses
Brewerytown is an attractive neighborhood to people looking for the cool, new hot spot to live. Its accessibility by public transportation and its proximity to Center City and Fairmount Park have made it an enticing area for developers and new residents. It’s no question that Brewerytown has seen changes in recent years. New apartment buildings […]
North Philadelphia: To Rebuild Trust, Heal Trauma in Black Communities, Mental Health Professionals Take a Culturally Relevant Approach
Tyrone Goldsmith used to sit at his grandmother’s window, his backpack ready, and wait for his father. He was 6 years old and had just moved from South Philadelphia to West Oak Lane with his mom. As time went by, Goldsmith (above) realized his dad wasn’t coming. But he had other male figures in his […]
Brewerytown: The Yoga Studio Opens Arms to Everyone
Emile Sorger, owner and founder of The Yoga and Movement Sanctuary at 26th Street and Girard Avenue, moved to Brewerytown in 2012. After witnessing the booming growth of his old neighborhood in Fishtown, he found similar circumstances in his new “up-and-coming” neighborhood. As a freelance yoga instructor, Sorger noticed the influence of his teachings in the city, […]
Strawberry Mansion: At Everquest Studios, Hip-Hop is Both Art and Outlet
For Gary “Goliath Curtesy” Moody, hip-hop is about pain and healing. Moody has experienced his fair share of pain. When he was 16, his dad died of cancer. Moody found hip-hop as a way to express himself and his experiences, and reach others dealing with their own pain. He was 19 when he went to […]
Poplar: Ukrainians Still Return to Area to Attend Historic Cathedral
In 1907, Bishop Sotor Stephen Ortynsky, the first bishop of the Ukrainian Catholics, purchased the old Cathedral Church. More than 100 years later, Ukrainian Catholics flock to a new cathedral on the same land Ortynsky bought. “Ukrainians have a strong identity not only to their faith, but also to their ethnicity,” director of communications John […]
Brewerytown: Local Business Owner Embraces Changing Landscape
Max Ochester, owner of Brewerytown Beats at 27th Street and Girard Avenue, moved to Brewerytown in 2010, a few years before it became the “up-and-coming” neighborhood that it is now. In late 2014, Ochester’s developer friends bought a property in Brewerytown and asked if he would like to open a small business in the location. He […]
Nicetown: Community Involvement is Key to Accomplishing Zero Waste and Litter
Philadelphia isn’t disparagingly called Filthadelphia for no reason: Cans, bottles, bags, take-out boxes and other types of trash are ubiquitous on the streets of Philly. But following on Mayor Jim Kenny’s executive order in 2016 creating the Zero Waste and Litter Cabinet, the city is beginning to discover some ways Philadelphia might eventually kick that […]
North Philadelphia: Indego Bike-Sharing Establishing Presence In Low-Income Areas
Indego bike share was established in Philadelphia three years ago with a specific goal of doing something other cities’ bike-sharing services have failed to do: establish a presence in lower-income neighborhoods. At its launch, Indego set up 70 stations across Philadelphia including 20 in low-income neighborhoods. “Philadelphia has probably done more than any other city […]