Happy Black History Month, neighbors.

Here’s our roundup of this week's events.

Recent News 

Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia battle historical inequalities in health services

For more than 80 years, health experts, scholars, and community advocates have emphasized the dire need for better access to physicians and health centers for Puerto Rican Philadelphians. However, issues with timely doctor visits, preventative health, health insurance, and the lack of doctors in the community in North Philly remain. 

Read more here.

NKCDC opens new community engagement center on Kensington Avenue

The Kensington Engagement Center, which opened in mid-January, will host exhibitions, community meetings, workshops, and other events. Beginning in February, it will also serve as a hub for NKCDC’s satellite services, including community health initiatives, housing counseling, legal assistance, and utility support.

Read more here.

News Tips

Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com. 

Free Activities & Events 

Feb. 5

• Miniature Paint Day hosted by Hive 76 at 7 p.m. Free event with airbrushes, paintbrushes, and a high-resolution 3D printer provided. Sign up here.

Feb. 6

• Eagles Super Bowl party hosted by Impact Services at McPherson Square Library from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be pizza, snacks and football-related activities.
• Information session hosted by The Community First Fund at 6 p.m. Go here to register for this week’s session and future ones.

Feb. 7

• Year of the Snake art exhibit hosted by Journey to the West at Vizion Gallery (3312 Kensington Ave.) from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be art, vendors, a live DJ and more.

Feb. 8

• Valentine's Day party at Sunday Love Project (3206 Kensington Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is part of Sunday Love Project’s February events for kids every Saturday of the month.
• Record clearing and expungement clinic at Lighthouse Community Center (141 W. Somerset St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic is hosted by the State Representative of the 197th legislative district, Danilo Burgos.

Weekly Events

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

• Free Afterschool Program hosted by CADEkids at Mother of Mercy House (720 E Allegheny Ave.) from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The program is for youth ages eight to 14, and includes games, snacks and other activities. Go here to register and learn more.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

• Adult pickup soccer hosted by Kensington Soccer Club (KSC) and Street Soccer USA - Philly at Hartranft School(720 W Cumberland St.) from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The games are free and all skill levels are welcome.

Wednesdays

• Free Yoga Classes hosted by Yoga 4 Philly at The CORE (3222 H St.) at 5:30 p.m. Free childcare will be provided.

Monthly Community Meetings

• Friends of McPherson meets every first Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave. Contact chalmerst@freelibrary.org for more information.
• Harrowgate Civic Association meets every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St. Contact harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com for more information. 
• Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St. 
• Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) meets every third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com. *There are no monthly PRNA meetings in January, November or December
• Somerset Neighbors For Better Living meets every first Monday of the month (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday) online via Zoom. Contact phillysnbl@gmail.com.
• South Port Richmond Civic Association meets every second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring at 2733 E. Clearfield Street. Click here for more information. 

Jobs

• Cantina La Martina is hiring for Front of House Staff. To apply, send a resume to cantina@cantinalamartinaphilly.com. 
• Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is hiring for multiple positions, including Semillas Futuro Instructor and Development Manager. To learn more about the organization, visit NSNP’s website.

Services

• Energy Coordinating Agency is offering to lead energy efficiency workshops for community organizations to help residents save money on utility bills this winter. The ECA will provide an instructor and free weatherization kits for every workshop attendee. To schedule a workshop, call Tracey Mathis at 215-939-0275 or email traceym@ecasys.org. 
• Esperanza Health Center offers free pregnancy testing at its Kensington(861 E. Allegheny Ave.) and Hunting Park(4417 N. 6 St.) clinics Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome and no insurance is needed.
• Olney Community Collab is offering free trash cans. To receive a trash can, stop by their office (5458 N. 5th St.) between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and sign up.

Support our work

Help us do what we do by donating or volunteering today. 

*Editor’s Note: J.C. Zerbe, who owns Vizion Gallery, is also an employee of Kensington Voice.

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