Happy Juneteenth! The celebration of America’s “other Independence Day” kicks off around the city today (if you need background on the holiday that marks the end of slavery see the video below from The Root). The epicenter of the city’s Juneteenth celebration will be in West Philly this Saturday, June 22, with a parade down 52nd Street and and a festival in Malcom X. Park complete with vendors, food and lots of music.

The day kicks off with an “Honor Our Ancestors” breakfast. The parade begins at noon at 52nd and Jefferson and proceeds south on 52nd Street, which will be renamed “Muhammad Ali Way” during a ceremony in Malcolm X. Park (3 – 4 p.m.). The Juneteenth Musicfest will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the park. The featured performer is Kindred The Family Soul. Their performance is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of Curio Theatre.

West Philly’s Curio Theatre Company has received a lot of scholarship applications for their 2019 Summer Camp Program, which will be held in two two-week sessions next month (July 1-12 and July 15-26).

“Interest and enrollment for Curio Theatre Company’s 2019 Summer Camp has far surpassed our expectations,” reads an email newsletter sent out by Curio. “More kids than ever have asked for scholarship assistance to attend Summer Camp 2019.”  Continue Reading

Dear West Philly Local editors,

Last week, in a City Council member’s office, I was told they got more calls from West Philadelphia about funding libraries than from any other part of the city! Probably because of you running my library story earlier this year – thank you!

Here’s another announcement:

Join Free Library ‘Friends’ and Staff, before City Council’s Budget Vote Thursday, June 13th. We will gather INSIDE of City Hall on the 4th floor, at 9:30 AM. Please bring your ID to get into the building. All are welcome!
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Click to enlarge.

Applications for the 2019-2020 Gary Bronson Memorial Scholarship are now available. Now through June 15, 2019, the Cedar Park Neighbors Scholarship Committee is accepting applications from young adults living in the neighborhood who are pursuing higher education.

Both new and returning applicants are welcome to apply for this year’s scholarship, as long you live within the boundaries of the Cedar Park neighborhood (see map).

All information about eligibility and applications are available here: http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/scholarship/.  Continue Reading

       Photo from bicyclecoalition.org

The annual Ride of Silence to raise awareness of cycling safety and honor those killed in bicycle accidents will take place Wednesday, May 15 beginning at 6:45 p.m. at the base of the Philadelphia Art Museum steps.

The 8-mile ride will proceed down Benjamin Franklin Parkway, around City Hall and across the Walnut Street Bridge into West Philly before returning to the Art Museum. It should last about an hour.

Five cyclists have been killed in the Delaware Valley over the past year, according to the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.  Continue Reading

Philadelphia public libraries will hold an array of special events throughout February in honor of Black History Month. This Saturday, Feb. 2., Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library (52nd and Sansom), in collaboration with the African American Museum, is hosting a Cultural Institution Resource and Information Fair.

The public is invited to learn more about local African-American historical and cultural institutions and get informed about their programs, activities and volunteer opportunities. Representatives from the following organizations will be on hand to provide information and answer questions:  Continue Reading