Strawberry Mansion: Preschools Are Important, But Underfunded
Amanda Bowman always imagined herself as a mother. When the time came for her to have children, she was presented with two surprises. The first: she would have to raise them as a single parent. The second: she was having twins. Despite the challenges that faced her, she knew she was going to send them […]
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 […]
Sharswood: Vaux High School Reopens Under New Management
Vaux Reopens Kelvin Jeremiah was shocked when he spoke to children from the Sharswood Blumberg towers that many of them didn’t know the “Rocky steps” were in Philadelphia. Many of them had never been to the Philadelphia Museum of Art or seen the Liberty Bell. “They didn’t know the rich history,” said Jeremiah, who is […]
East Kensington: Community Center Helps Adults Strengthen Literacy Skills
In a small classroom on the second floor of Community Center at Visitation, which refers to itself as “A Beacon of Hope in Kensington,” a group of eager students sit ready for the day’s lesson. These aren’t just regular school students, however. They are adults from the United States and countries beyond set on improving […]
Immigration: Five Ways To Support Immigrant Communities
Given America’s current political climate regarding immigration, many immigrant communities may feel at risk or even targeted. In a so-called sanctuary city like Philadelphia, immigrants can become active and engaged in community organizing to educate themselves and others about their rights in America. Here are five active organizations that offer educational programs and events for immigrant communities. Asian Arts Initiative […]
Art: Three Female Muslim Artists Using Work to Express Identity
These three Muslim women are using art in order to express personal and collective identity, and explore issues of location, displacement and personal connection to social contexts in the city. You can find their art featured in galleries, on buildings and throughout the city. Yasmin Nezhad Born and raised in Iran, Yasmin Nezhad has lived […]
Technology: Sarah Robbins Helps STEAM Scholars Program Move Forward
Sarah Robbins is the Roxborough High School STE(A)M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Scholars Program Coordinator with District 1199C’s Training and Upgrading Fund. The union, representing health care and hospital workers in Philadelphia, looks to bring more science and technology programming into local schools. Her role allows her to work with students and stimulate […]
Kingsessing: Seniors Find Creative Outlet At Open Mic
Poems about New York and chapters from a romance novel echoed through the Kingsessing Library’s sunlit basement. On Sept. 28, the library hosted an open mic poetry night for older adults— the first of many, Rachel Hayes hopes. “I think it’s important for the community,” Kingsessing Library Supervisor Hayes said. “Anything positive, anything that builds […]
Spruce Hill: Uhuru’s Flea Market Coordinator Inspires Young Africans To Make Change
Tiffany Murphy, a native of West Philadelphia, fell in love with community organization and civic engagement during her childhood. Years later, she is now the coordinator for the Uhuru Flea Market and the upcoming One Africa, One Nation Uhuru Book Fair Market that institutionalizes and develops programs to defend the human and civil rights of people […]
West Passyunk: Saint Monica’s Cares For Community At All Stages of Life
Saint Monica’s Catholic Church, located on the corner of 17th and Ritner streets in South Philadelphia, has been serving the Catholic community for decades with weekly mass and confessions, as well as community programs that provide aid to parishioners for the entirety of their lives in the neighborhood. The parish has many organizations for community […]