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 [continue reading…]
On the corners of many streets in neighborhoods throughout the city, there is trash and other debris strewn around. Events like the annual city-wide spring cleanup day were created to help keep streets clean and also [continue reading…]
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,” [continue reading…]
Talmadge Belo narrowed his eyes under the shadow of his baseball cap, his gaze zeroed in on something across the street. “That used to be the nicest house on the block,” said Belo, the vice [continue reading…]
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 [continue reading…]
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 [continue reading…]
The Brewerytown Community Garden brings fresh, inexpensive fruits and vegetables back into the community while also engaging residents with various events. “I love gardening, it kind of calms me down, it’s good for you,”said garden member Jeannie Brooks. [continue reading…]
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 [continue reading…]
When Faye Anderson first saw Leroy Neiman’s painting “Big Band” at the National Museum of American History, she was struck by the musicians featured. “It’s a fantasy jam session featuring 18 jazz giants,” Anderson said. [continue reading…]
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 [continue reading…]
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