West Philadelphia: Libraries “Plant A Seed” That Brings Success And Literacy For West Philly Children
Out of the 339 schools within the Philadelphia School District, only eight have full-time paid certified librarians. Louis Lozzi, a Philadelphia native and teacher said that the lack of library funding in the school system has been an issue since he began his teaching career 15 years ago. “I’m used to being in schools without […]
Haddington and Cobbs Creek: Teaching the Philly Bop Dance at Community Libraries
On Saturday afternoons throughout the summer, the Cobbs Creek and Haddington branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia host Philly Bop dance classes. The bop is a style of dance that was popular in the 1950s and throughout the 1960s that was created by African Americans based upon 1920’s era Lindy Hop, Jitterbug and East […]
Haddington: Eyekonz Sports League Takes A Trip Out Of The City
A kickstand jammed its way into a windblown patch of grass at the top of a hill on Radnor High School’s campus. Black rotating tires on a three-wheeled stroller stopped spinning as a small baby was hoisted from the seat and cradled in the arms of Aminta Ghilyard. Ghilyard, the assistant coach with Eyekonz Sports […]
Haddington: Volunteer Wants Library to Serve as ‘Beacon in the Neighborhood’
Sheila Washington is a 62-year-old Overbrook resident who is passionate about the area. She has been the president of Friends of Haddington Library since 2008. Despite being retired, she loves volunteering in the Haddington library. “I know this library like the back of my hand,” said Washington. “This is my library and I’m very proud of […]
West Philadelphia: Five Caribbean Restaurants To Know
Cheesesteaks, hoagies and soft pretzels make the list when iconic Philadelphia food is the topic of conversation. However, these three foods are not the only stand-out dishes in the city. Caribbean food in particular blends a variety of spices that satisfy tastebuds. Here are five Caribbean restaurants in West Philadelphia that offer a flavorful meal […]
West Philly: The House of Umoja Still Inspires the Community to End Gang Violence
Queen Mother Falaka Fattah, mother of Congressman Chaka Fattah, runs the House of Umoja, an organization that urges the community to help end gang violence among young people locally and nationally. Created in 1968, the organization then used the Imani Pact of 1974 to get 80 gangs to pledge peace. More than 40 years later, the peace […]
Haddington: Urban Tree Connection Promotes Growth for Community
Skip Wiener knows it sometimes takes a little dirty work to make a difference, which is why he founded the West Philadelphia-based non-profit organization, Urban Tree Connection. The Urban Tree Connection’s purpose is to revitalize vacant lots and homes into green spaces, promoting community engagement in low-income areas within the Parkside and Haddington communities through […]
Haddington: Building Community Through Urban Farming
Dylan Baird, founder of Neighborhood Foods, began getting involved with urban farming, specifically the Urban Tree Connection, in 2009. This work, coupled with his own personal interests, led Baird to pursue this field and create his own business. “I was really interested in urban farming and the business model of urban farming and farmers markets […]
Sustainability: Keep Philadelphia Beautiful
A beautiful city is more than just pleasing to the eye. It also serves as a center of pride and loyalty for those who call that place home. Keep Philadelphia Beautiful has been active in the Philadelphia community for more than 20 years, working towards a cleaner city through litter prevention, recycle education and promotion […]
Haddington: WePAC Holds a Conversation on Philly Schools Budget Crisis
Members of the West Philadelphia Alliance for children (WePAC) recently hosted a discussion “Budget Battles: A Conversation on Philly Schools” at the Haddington Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. WePAC provides literary programs to young students. It’s funded by private dollars and offers all of its services at no cost to schools or to […]