People, events and everyday life in Kensington, Philadelphia. Profiles of neighbors, local traditions and the organizations that bring the community together.
The print shop started with a copy machine in a living room almost 20 years ago.
Community Life
A creative reuse center on North American Street near Berks Street, the store sells donated art and building materials at a discount.
Community Life
The event was hosted by Esperanza Health Center, New Kensington Community Development Corporation, and Heights Philadelphia.
Community Life
East Kensington transformed into a glowing outdoor gallery as moving projections lit up building facades along Frankford Avenue and Hagert Street. Around 30 artists participated in the free festival, which organizers hope to make annual.
Community Life
The annual festival brought together vendors, live music and neighbors, doubling as a kickoff for local America 250 celebrations.
Community Life
The fridge will expand free food access and build a shared neighborhood resource shaped by resident input.
Community Life
Since 2015, the nonprofit has employed 175 women, its founder says, pairing work experience with mentorship and faith-based support.
Community Life
The Kensington Tigers, representing four Kensington area high schools, opened the season with 13 straight wins while building a new team culture and boosting school morale.
Small Business
Tables of tamales, family recipes and new twists filled The Lighthouse as residents and visitors came together for a fourth year of tradition and community.
Public Space
The walking tour introduced preteens to the history in their own neighborhood — from abolition-era organizing to the messages still painted on today’s walls.
Community Life
Black Americans account for 40% of people living with HIV but are far less likely to be prescribed preventive medication.
Arts & Culture
Philadelphia school communities are pushing back against the district’s plan to close 20 schools. At Conwell Middle School, community leaders urged the district not to take resources away from the neighborhood.
Government & Policy
Faith leaders and community members braved the cold outside Philadelphia’s ICE office to reflect, pray and call for justice amid heightened immigration enforcement.
A key member of the Philadelphia City Council has already expressed opposition to parts of the district’s plan to close, relocate, and co-locate several schools.
Arts & Culture
The proposal would have a particularly large impact on middle schools, with more than a dozen elementary schools turning into K-8 schools.
A year in photographs from the neighborhood, made close and over time.
Community Life
Counties battle uncertainty over funding rules while advocates and families push for an increased say in opioid settlement spending decisions.
Housing & Shelter
Applications are open to eligible older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities.
Small Business
Applications are open through Dec. 31 on the Merchants Fund website. Priority will go to small, locally owned retailers operating in low-income neighborhoods.
Housing & Shelter
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, whose 7th District covers Kensington, said the vast majority of her constituents earn less than 60% AMI.
Arts & Culture
Neighbors gathered along North 5th Street for the 41st annual Feria del Barrio, celebrating Latinx culture through music, dance, and art.
Small Business
What began as a small salvage business in 2016 has grown into a community cornerstone. George Mathes’ Thunderbird LLC now unites Kensington through vintage treasures and local events.
Arts & Culture
Voters turned out with the hopes of retaining Pennsylvania's Supreme Court Justices, and some were inspired by New York’s history-making mayoral election.
Kids in Kensington
Fab Youth Philly’s Play Captains program empowers Kensington teens by paying them to lead educational play for younger children and helping them build job skills for the future, despite challenges like neighborhood safety.
