Hunting Park: Black Diamond Dance Troupe Prepares Girls For Healthy Futures Through Dance and Mentoring
Hip-Hop music played loudly at the Hunting Park Recreation Center, where a group of young girls smiled with joy as they began preparation for their next performance. The Black Diamond Dance Troupe was founded two years ago by Camisha Moyer, Shana Bowman and Kishna Jeantine, who serve as the dance coaches for the troupe. The […]
Girard Estate: Stephen Girard Park Offers A Sense Of Community to South Philly Neighborhood
Stephen Girard Park, located at 21st and Shunk streets, nestled in the neighborhood of Girard Estate, serves to connect a community in an area that is steeped in history. Ann Christinzio, the park’s historian and a resident of Girard Estate for 10 years, described how Stephen Girard shaped America into what it is today. “Stephen Girard […]
Somerton: Lt. Joe Sroka Keeps Watch Over Engine 58 Crew
Fighting fires isn’t for everyone and it wasn’t something Lt. Joe Sroka imagined himself doing. As his career approaches three full decades on the job, Sroka has spent the past 20 years as an officer in the Philadelphia Fire Department. His hard work and leadership earned the respect of his crew at Engine 58 in Somerton. “One […]
Overbrook: College Students Aiming to Improve Community
Saint Joseph’s University students are pairing up with organizations throughout the Overbrook community in order to build stronger relationships with fellow residents. “As with any university, there is some tension between students and the community,” Eric Spector, director of Global Community Day and senior at Saint Joseph’s, said. “We hope that having positive experiences will […]
Hunting Park: Community Groups Are ‘United’ for Park Restoration
For years, Hunting Park United has worked hard to restore Hunting Park and the surrounding community to its former glory. Before the park became a breeding ground for drugs and crime, it was a centerpiece in North Philadelphia for sports, music and family outings. Leroy Fisher, a resident of Hunting Park, first began his heavy […]
Hunting Park: Community Urges Youth Engagement
Despite the many positive changes happening in Hunting Park, community outreach proves to be a recurring issue in the neighborhood. Despite the many different organizations created to better the area, not everyone is aware of them. Melissa Theron, a 15-year resident of Hunting Park, noticed the steady shift in her community over time. “We love […]
Walnut Hill: Community Protects Playground and the Kids
A playground is a sacred place for a community. It is there that parents and caregivers trust that their children will be safe from harm as they enjoy all of the fun amenities it has to offer. But when a playground becomes a location for drugs and violence, the community must step in to reclaim […]