Back by popular demand, the Mann’s HBCU Festival presented by TD Bank returns to the Mann on May 17, 2025! Celebrate the vibrant culture and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at our FREE HBCU Festival! This community-focused event is open to all with registration, and will take place on the scenic grounds of the Mann Center. Perfect for families, students, and alumni alike.

What to Expect:

• Interactive College Fair: Meet representatives from national and regional HBCUs to explore opportunities and get inspired for your future.

• Career Fair: Connect with employers from a variety of industries, discover exciting career paths, and gain valuable insights for your professional growth.

• Live Performances: Enjoy dynamic showcases by HBCU choirs, marching bands, majorettes, cheer squads, and guest artists in our TD Pavilion.

• Master Classes & Panels: Participate in engaging workshops led by renowned choral and band directors and attend insightful panel discussions on college affairs and more.

Continue Reading

Award-winning author Janice Deal brings her new novel, The Blue Door, to West Philly. The novel grapples with the effects of trauma on identity. The protagonist, Flo, has to learn how to relate to her daughter, who has committed a horrific crime that upended both of their lives. Now Flo must find a new way of being in the world, a new spiritual equilibrium. In its “braided” narrative, the novel also incorporates a folktale, passed down through Flo’s family, that intersects with and deepens the real-life story.

“When you step through The Blue Door,” says novelist Julie E. Justicz, “Janice Deal invites you into a world both ordinary and extraordinary, where magic weaves through the fabric of daily life. At its heart is Flo, a wandering spirit and unconventional seeker, whose quest to unravel a shattering family tragedy leaves her estranged, misunderstood, yet fiercely resilient.… Deal masterfully blends the mundane with the mythical, creating a tale that lingers long after the final page.”

Sponsored by the Faithfull Book Club, this event is open to the public, with a reception afterward. Location: Religious of the Assumption Convent, 1001 S. 47th Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Tomatoes, Basil, Thyme, Cucumbers, Alyssum, Marigolds

Garden Court COMMUNITY GARDEN & TENNIS COURT

Spruce & 47th Street

Sunday – May 18, 1-4pm

Share your excess native plants for the plant swap. Take home some seedlings. Native plants, vegetables, and herbs will be available. Workday at the tennis courts. Remove trash and debris.

Join us at the Kingsessing Library for a fantastic opportunity to explore job openings from various employers. This in-person event is your chance to meet potential employers face-to-face and kickstart your career or find a better job. Don’t miss this chance to connect and learn about exciting job opportunities!

The fair begins at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 2:00 p.m. Jobseekers will be required to sign-in upon arrival. Advance registration is not required.

This Job Fair offers:

– A location central to Southwest Philly—easy to get to by SEPTA or car.

– Access to over 10 employers in one location

– Access to Career Support resources and services

– Access to public computers to apply for jobs online or print resumes

Hosted by the Free Library of Philadelphia Kingsessing Branch and PA CareerLink®

PA CareerLink® Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For program funding details in compliance with the Stevens Amendment, please visit philaworks.org/governance-policy/

Self Care for Trying Times: A Wellness Fair @ The Rotunda

Live, work, or play in West Philly? You’re invited!

These times of increased stress, danger, isolation, and over-stimulation require us to increase our access to and reconnect with the tools of self-care.

Join us on Wednesday, May 21st, to meet practitioners in mental health, movement, massage, nutrition, and overall well-being. Get a free consultation, take a pop-up class, and take home tangible tools for self-care.

Continue Reading

Women of Dignity, Inc presents Brothers and Sisters Keeper Day, an event dedicated to uplifting our community and reminding individuals that they are seen, valued, and supported.

In the face of rising costs and inflation, many families are struggling to meet even their most basic needs. As more individuals unexpectedly take on the role of head of household, providing for themselves and their children can become an overwhelming challenge. Through this event, we aim to offer not only tangible resources but also a strong message of solidarity and hope.

Brothers and Sisters Keeper Day will take place on May 24, 2025, at the Lucien Blackwell Community Center from 12 PM to 4 PM. We will offer an array of free services, including haircuts, financial literacy and real estate education, postpartum doula resources, sanitary products, a men’s health circle, spoken word performances, nourishing food, and impactful vendors — all at no cost to our community.

More details and free tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-of-dignity-inc-presents-brothers-sisters-keeper-day-tickets-1115455590699?aff=oddtdtcreator

Six Foot Blonde with Nervous Nikki and the Chill Pills and Sarah Gray at Milkboy Philly.

Sewing Summer Camp for Kids & Teens at Made Institute!

Looking for a creative and fun summer activity? Made Institute’s Sewing Summer Camp is the perfect place for young designers (ages 10-17) to learn sewing and fashion design skills in an exciting, hands-on environment!

📍 Location: Made Institute, 4719 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143

📅 Sessions:

• Kids Ages 10-13: June 16- June 27, 2025
• Teens Ages 13-17: July 21 – August 1, 2025
• Teens Ages 13-17: August 11 – August 22, 2025

🧵 What They’ll Learn: Sewing, illustration, inspiration boards, and a professional photoshoot at the end. Students create their own garments and accessories, work with other creative kids, and are taught by experienced designers.

Spots fill up fast—register now! Learn more at Made Institute’s website: https://made-institute.com/teen-camp.