by Constance Garcia-BarrioSouth Philly homegirl Marian Anderson (1897–1993) put on a concert at Washington D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial that called the world’s attention to black talent and domestic racism. That 1939 performance led some historians to call Anderson the mother of the civil rights movement.
More
by Alexandra W. JonesVisible from the sidewalk, 12 shiny black solar panels accessorize the roof of Marion Storey Biddle’s purple home in Mount Airy. She smiles at the sight—her own independent power source.
More
by Claire Marie PorterWhile former Philadelphia Union forward C.J. Sapong was recovering from a herniated disc and cervical nerve injuries sustained in a 2014 game, he began researching alternative forms of healing.
More
by Alexandra JonesIf things had gone the way she wanted, Carla J. Fisher probably wouldn’t have become an artist. Instead of working away in her bright, colorful studio on Cherry Street Pier, starting new pieces in between boxing up art destined for buyers in South Korea and exhibitions in Luxembourg, the 60-something woman might still be
MorePlayworks designed an online toolkit, Recess Labs, for educators to use to improve their classroom and playground climate. Here are a few Recess Labs tips for better play:1 Get adults in the gameOftentimes adults see recess as a time for them to check out. But research shows that adult participation can strengthen rapport with the
More
by Alexandra W. JonesWhen Facundo Lucci walks into the Reading Terminal Market, he smiles and waves at his fellow vendors. Like a few people there, he runs a deli. But unlike the others, he’s managing an entirely plant-based stall.He runs Luhv Vegan.
More
by Kim PostProgram Manager Alon Abramson calls his workplace “basically a startup.” In many respects it looks like a typical government office, but the youthful employees, generous space and handsome street view adds a certain vitality. The Philadelphia Energy Authority promotes clean energy in the city, helping city departments, businesses and homeowners through a variety of
More
by Claire Marie PorterOn half a city block of pavement in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, the kindergarteners of Richard Wright Elementary school play. One group hula-hoops, another plays kickball, while another waits in line to scooter-board from cone to cone. The playground is peaceful, there is nothing remarkable—which is perhaps what’s most remarkable.
More
by Claire Marie PorterAbove a desk in an airy second-floor studio in Roxborough hangs a yellowing square photograph of a small girl with a curly pixie cut working a child-sized blue sewing machine.“I’ve been sewing since I was a baby,” says Heidi Barr, smiling at the shot.
More
by Claire Marie PorterReborn with the help of blood, sweat and compost, a set of abandoned tennis courts in Germantown have been given a new lease on life.Owned by Germantown Friends School, the half-acre plot of land at 5407 Wissahickon Avenue containing the Old Tennis Court had sat unused since the 1980s.
More