On a chilly night in February, a group of young people gathered on the steps of City Hall, armed with hand-painted artwork, prepared speeches, chants and community speakers; the Philly Thrive interns had organized a press conference to support housing justice in Grays Ferry. They were calling on City Council to support affordable housing legislation and hold a public meeting to discuss increased development and displacement.
Though just a handful of people showed up to listen, the direct action still made a significant impact. Impressed by the teens’ initiative, City Council president Kenyatta Johnson contacted a Philly Thrive organizer that evening, expressing interest in meeting to discuss the campaign’s demands. “It reached the person it was meant for,” 16-year-old Nyla Bilaal says.
Bilaal was among 10 Philly high schoolers who last spring completed an internship organized by Philly Thrive, a multiracial, cross-class environmental justice organization based in Grays Ferry. Named in honor of the late Carol Hemingway — a fierce community organizer who championed youth leadership — the program aims to empower teens to build on their existing talents while encouraging them to explore new roles, rather than simply inundating them with information.
“They’re full people with these great ideas and viewpoints, and a lot of them have experienced these things already firsthand,” says Arika Gold-Bustos, Philly Thrive’s leadership development coordinator. Gold-Bustos adds, “We ask, what is it that you want to do? What is it that you want to say? And how does that align with your creativity?”
In the first half of the year, the interns built close relationships with one another and explored their connections to various issues through workshops on environmental and racial justice, conflict resolution, knowing your rights and crafting personal narratives. In the second semester, they immersed themselves in Philly Thrive’s two campaigns: one advocating for justice in the redevelopment of the 1,300-acre former PES oil refinery site, and another focusing on securing safe, affordable housing amid rising displacement and gentrification.
Throughout the program, Bilaal noticed her problem-solving skills improving. Listening to her fellow interns’ perspectives gave her better insight into their viewpoints and helped her find ways to combine ideas more effectively. “I tied that to my real life as well. It’s not just useful for me, it’s useful for other people. It prevents conflict,” says Bilaal.
Both she and fellow intern Aster Chau found an empowering environment at Philly Thrive. “I felt so comfortable, there wasn’t the shame of not knowing stuff that is often associated with school,” Chau shared. “At Philly Thrive, it was more like, ‘Oh, you don’t know this? I’d love to teach you about it.’” Bilaal adds. “I feel like I’m walking into a family gathering, like I’m meant to be there, like I have a purpose and my voice is heard.”
The internship program is just one of the many ways Philly Thrive engages young people in the fight for environmental justice. Other initiatives include a summer camp, weekly events and Alternatives to Gun Violence, a program focused on building emotional and social skills. The organization also reserves two of its board positions each term for young people. This year’s internship program is currently underway with new participants and a self-directed youth circle led by former interns is on the horizon.
Chau completed the program with a renewed call to solidarity. Now a junior and the president of Academy at Palumbo’s environmental club, their mission this year is to collaborate with organizations across the city. “You can never organize alone, especially as a youth organizer,” Chau says. “The struggle of trying to do it yourself is quite literally impossible. It was really nice to find my people.”
