Happy Juneteenth! Today’s holiday celebrates the day in 1865, a few years after the Emancipation Proclamation, when the Union army arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the end of slavery in the westernmost Confederate state.
Need a roundup of the local news impacting Kensington? Kensington Voice publishes weekly news updates to increase community information. There’s a monthly roundup in our print newspaper, too.
Here’s this week’s roundup below.
FREE ACTIVITIES: To browse upcoming programs at Kensington, McPherson Square, and Lillian Marrero libraries, visit freelibrary.org/calendar.
JUNETEENTH EVENT: Story Lane and Westmoreland Crew are hosting a Juneteenth Freedom Day Block Party this Monday, June 19, 2-7 p.m., at 739-59 E. Westmoreland St. There will be a food truck, music, and games.
PLAYPARKS KICKOFF: Parks and Rec and community partners will have a PlayParks Summer Kickoff Event at Harrowgate Park this Monday, June 19, 3-7 p.m. They will have water activities, ice cream, and more.
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: Friends of Harrowgate Park is hosting a free Juneteenth Family Movie Night featuring “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” this Monday, June 19 at 7 p.m. There will be free refreshments, but bring your own chair or blanket. For more information, email friendsofharrowgatepark@gmail.com.
SUMMER MEALS KICKOFF: On Tuesday, June 20, Parks and Rec’s Play Parks will have a free summer meals kickoff celebration at McPherson Square Library. The event starts at 11 a.m., and meals will be served at noon. Find a list of free summer meal sites for children and youth at phila.gov/food/.
SEPTA BUS FEEDBACK: Bus riders have a final opportunity to give feedback on the second draft of SEPTA’s Bus Revolution proposal this Tuesday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. You must register for the Virtual Transit Talk on Zoom.
FREE DIAPERS: The Greater Philadelphia Diaper Bank’s monthly distribution day is this Wednesday, June 21, at 11 a.m. at 3525 I St., facing Venango Street.
IGLESIAS GARDEN: Iglesias Garden announced its upcoming community and gardening events. Gardeners can participate in “Weeding Wednesdays” at 5 p.m. in June and July. They will also have summer solstice events, including a celebration this Saturday, June 24 at 2 p.m.
ZUMBA: Sign up for Zumba classes at Esperanza Health Center’s community building, The CORE, at 3222 H St. The classes are every Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. until July 20. To sign-up, call Anna Cole at 215-302-3150, ext. 297.
PRIDE EVENT: Congreso is hosting its Pride Celebration and Resource Fair this Friday, June 23, 1-3 p.m, at 216 W. Somerset St. There will be entertainment, giveaways, and refreshments in the courtyard.
GROUP WORKOUT: Kensington Corridor Trust’s free community workout is this Saturday, June 24, 10-11 a.m. The workout will take place at 3400 J St., Unit G12. For more information, call Jasmin at 267-401-0254.
PRIDE EVENT: Local restaurant Martha is organizing a Kensington Pride 2023 Block Party this Sunday, June 25, starting at 2 p.m. There will be a queer vendor market, live performances, street food, and more. The event will take place on Martha Street between Hagert and York streets.
CAREER FAIR: The Lighthouse is hosting a career fair to fill positions within The Lighthouse Family School on Wednesday, June 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Applicants should bring their resumes and any certifications. The career fair will be at 141 W. Somerset St.
KV LAB: Miss Awilda’s Media Learning Lab is a safe, supportive space where people of all ages can access free computers, internet, creative software, and learning support. The lab is located inside Kensington Voice’s office space at 3237 Amber St., 3rd floor. It is open Monday through Friday from 10:30-2:30 p.m. Get a free membership by filling out this registration form. Questions? Email daisie@kensingtonvoice.com.
KV YOUTH PROGRAM: The Youth Voices Program is a free program for youth grades 6-12 at Kensington Voice’s office space. The program director provides activities based on creative writing, poetry, visual storytelling, and more. The afterschool program is Monday to Thursday, 3:30-6 p.m. Summer hours will be announced soon. To register, fill out this form. Questions? Email khy@kensingtonvoice.com.
VOTER REGISTRATION: You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at the Voter Registration Office at 520 N Columbus Blvd., 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19123. You can also call the office at 215-686-1590 to request voter registration applications by mail.
Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Editors: Siani Colón Designer: Zari Tarazona
