The West Philly-based Black theatre company, Theatre in the X, is returning to Malcolm X Park with its summer production of Fraternity, a thought-provoking drama by acclaimed playwright Jeff Stetson.

With performances running August 21 – 24, Fraternity brings together a dynamic cast featuring titans of Philadelphia stage and screen, including Brian Anthony Wilson, and rising young talent. The show examines urgent questions about power, legacy, and what it means to be a Black man in America.

“At a time when divisions seem sharper than ever, Fraternity challenges us to confront the tensions within our own communities — and to imagine what real unity might require,” said director and Theatre in the X leader Eric Carter. “Theatre in the X is proud to bring this urgent, thought-provoking work to life in the heart of West Philly, where Black stories deserve to be seen, heard, and wrestled with in public space.”
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47th Street near Pine on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

UPDATE (8/14/25): A portion of 47th Street has been converted to a one-way street and vehicles now travel north only between Chestnut St. and Baltimore Ave. The one-way portion of the street has one lane of traffic with parking lanes on both sides and a southbound bike lane on the left side, separated by the parking lane. Work will continue in the next several days to convert the remaining portion of the street between Baltimore Ave. and Kingsessing Ave.

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There are some exciting updates regarding the “Clark Park Plan,” which provides an outline for park development and investments. Approved by the city in 2023, the plan includes improvements such as new multi-age playgrounds, a multi-height basketball hoop, a permanent bathroom, an outdoor workout area, new walkways, and more.

On Saturday, Aug. 16 from 2-3 p.m., the Friends of Clark Park will be hosting a celebration where community members can learn more about upcoming improvements at the park and kick off the playground design process. There will be multiple speakers, including Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, State Rep. Rick Krajewski, Mayor Cherelle Parker (or a representative), a representative from Parks and Recreation, and Friends of Clark Park president Ben Sirolly.

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The Kingsessing Pool, which was closed for renovation for more than two years, has just reopened to the public. The public outdoor pool, located at 49th and Kingsessing, is open for free swim from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends. Family/adult swim is on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The pool renovation project is part of the extensive renovation of the Kingsessing Rec Center, conducted by Rebuild Philadelphia, the city-run program that invests millions of dollars in improving community spaces and facilities. The Kingsessing Library has also been recently renovated as part of this project.

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Made West, the West Philly hub of Made Institute, is relaunching under a new name and offering updated classes and curriculum in a revamped space at 4719 Pine Street.

Community members are invited on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 6 – 9 p.m., to celebrate the relaunch of West Workshop. There will be live music, drinks and sewing class giveaways. This is a great opportunity to network with West Workshop’s community of local creatives, teachers, students, artists and designers.

West Workshop is the sister studio of Made Institute, Philadelphia’s independent fashion design school with over a decade of experience. It creates accessible and inclusive sewing classes and workshops. With a deep appreciation for West Philly, the director, Thomas Rowe of Chrysalis Clothing, has been creating garments for local West Philly craft shows and fairs selling upcycled clothing and connecting with the local community since 2022.

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On Sunday, Aug. 3, the Black Bottom community will host a day of remembrance, celebration, and neighborhood activation to mark the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic 1965 visit to the neighborhood. Themed “Honoring Rev. Dr. King’s Legacy in the Black Bottom—60 Years Later,” the event will center on community engagement, cultural storytelling, and the preservation of neighborhood history.

Planned in partnership with community leaders, institutions, area businesses, and grassroots organizations, this commemorative event will take place at 40th and Haverford and surrounding areas in the Black Bottom. A rich lineup of programming between 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. will include live performances, spoken word, storytelling, wellness services, free classes, food trucks, and a historical guide along Dr. King’s 1965 route through the neighborhood.

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