Kingsessing: AFRICOM Serves As Center Of African Immigrant Community
Eric Edi arrived in the United States in 1999 from his native Ivory Coast during a turbulent time in many West African countries. Conflicts in countries such as Liberia, Sudan and Eritrea left many refugees seeking shelter in the United States. Edi was attending Temple University on a Fulbright scholarship when he found out about […]
Spruce Hill: Musician Gets Personal At West Philly Porchfest
Spenser Colmbs has a bachelor’s degree in advertising and a certificate in neuroscience from Temple University. He has a friendly, honest demeanor that helps make his day job as an insurance agent a little bit easier. Colmbs is also an active musician, performing solo as well as in two Philadelphia-based bands, Three Man Cannon and […]
Kingsessing: West Philly Waste Opens 2017 Season
It was a mild Wednesday night at Kingsessing Park in West Philadelphia when a group of friends and nearby residents gathered to play a game of softball, thus beginning their weekly summer tradition. Ten years ago, a group of punk rock die-hards bonded over the passion that they shared outside of music: baseball. The group […]
Squirrel Hill: Paradise In Progress Contributes To The Urban Farming Movement
Peggy Nowak has a house in West Philadelphia that sits next to the lot her old home used to be situated on. Since being torn down, Nowak reclaimed that land to create her idea of a lavish garden filled with everything from milkweed to fig trees. The garden is called Paradise in Progress and is one of […]
Powelton Village: Arts Community Leader Passes The Torch After 20 Years Of Service
After 20 years with the Community Education Center in West Philadelphia, Theresa Shockley is ready to hand over the reins as Executive Director. Prior to Shockley’s time at CEC, she was a student at the Ohio State University Dance Department. After college, Shockley became a founding member of the Urban Bush Women dance company, touring around the country […]
Clark Park: Eating Healthy and Affordable with Livengood Family Farm
Eating healthy, wholesome and local is no longer a privilege but a possibility for everyone in West Philadelphia, thanks to Livengood Family Farms. Entering its 15th year of selling Lancaster, Pennsylvania-grown produce and vegetables, Livengood Family Farms has become one of Clark Park Farmers Market’s biggest vendors. Dwain Livengood and his family are at the center […]
Powelton Village: EAT Café Hosts First Witness To Hunger Event
In response to the country’s new federal administration, the leaders behind West Philadelphia’s Witness to Hunger introduced their first gallery exhibition and open community forum to highlight poverty in the community. First established in 2008, Witness to Hunger fights against hunger and poverty through both photography and discussion. Panelists at the first gallery exhibition included Angela-Nike Sutton, […]
Spruce Hill: The Fuze Connects Community Members Through the Power of Words
On a recent Friday night, big, lantern-shaped yellow lights hung from the ceiling of Studio 34 and cast a warm shadow on intricate paper birds that dangled a few inches below. A variety of comfy couches, love seats and homey wooden chairs were scattered throughout the space, all facing a small stage area where a single mic stood. […]
Spruce Hill: Renovations Underway For Homeless Veteran Shelter
Many organizations in Philadelphia serve a very specific niche. With more than 22 years of service, the Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House hopes to give homeless veterans a chance to start over and become productive members of society. The PVCH offered program 365 days per year. All programs are designed specifically for veterans, including addiction and […]
Mill Creek: Farm Provides for Community in More Ways Than You May Know
Alkebu-Lan Marcus, a 23-year-old assistant farm manager at Mill Creek Farm, got his start by growing food in his own backyard. He is interested in being able to control his own resources and becoming more sustainable. Living within the Mill Creek community, he finds pleasure in giving back to his neighbors through working at the farm […]