Category: News

Starr Garden Rec Center & Playground in Philadelphia’s Society Hill neighborhood has a reputation as a welcoming space for LGTBQIA+ Philadelphians thanks to events programming, and well-trained staff. Starr Garden Recreation Leader Chloe Harris talks about what it takes to make community spaces feel inclusive.

Philadelphia has been in the spotlight as the nation commemorates the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with many events scheduled throughout the city. But social justice groups have also been holding events at those sites to call attention to the ugly truths behind some of the nation’s foundational stories.

Many Philadelphians don’t realize that one of the city’s largest and most dynamic public spaces is tucked along the waterfront at the bottom of South Philly.

Navy Yard Executive Vice President Kate McNamara joins us to talk about the Navy Yard’s urban development progress, how to get more Philadelphians to use the Navy Yard in everyday life, and what the next chapter looks like in transforming historic sites into modern hubs.

Philadelphia is welcoming people from across the globe for the World Cup, but many communities across our city have been building a soccer culture long before the global spotlight arrived. Around the Block reporter P.O.C. stopped by a youth soccer practice session in Finnigan Playground in Southwest Philly to find out more.

After years of fighting to shut down an oil refinery in Southwest Philly that residents said was a threat to public health, a group of organizers want to make sure the next business to move into the neighborhood doesn’t pose similar problems around the block. Reporter Nikki Schaffer brings us this story.

A New Jersey-based political activist with ties to Philadelphia is back in the United States after being detained by the Israeli military. He’d been part of the largest flotilla of civilian ships to date that is trying to challenge the Israeli naval blockade that prevents humanitarian aid from being delivered to residents of Gaza. Block by Block, reporter Dounya Ramadan traveled to New York on May 24th with other Philadelphians to welcome him home, and brings us this story.

More than 15% of Philadelphia residents were born outside the United States, and many come from countries where English is not the primary language. As Block by Block reporter Ahmed Hassouna reports, that poses challenges for students who are learning English as a second language.

Amadee Braxton A group of young students are learning about environmental justice and advocacy. Block by block, reporter Anaiah Davis brings us this story about a South Philly teacher who helped her second graders take their message to City Hall. Anaiah Davis Angela Chan teaches second grade at Fanny Jackson Copeland Public School in South […]

At a time when food costs are rising and many people feel disconnected from their neighbors and from nature, one group in Germantown is bringing small groups of people together to share tips on growing your own food. My co-host Amati Braxton explains that participants also get their hands dirty helping out in one another’s gardens.

Amadee Braxton There are hundreds of coffee shops in Philadelphia, and while many are part of big chains like Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts, there are dozens of smaller independent cafes that stand out by offering more personal and local experiences. Block by block, reporters Abby Cruz and Ahmed Hassouna stopped by Time and Peace Cafe […]