Community Life
Prevention Point hosts free HIV testing event to highlight racial disparities in care
Black Americans account for 40% of people living with HIV but are far less likely to be prescribed preventive medication.
Archive
All stories from Kensington Voice.
Community Life
Arts & Culture
‘It feels like we are grieving’: Philadelphia school communities fight school closure plan
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.
Kids in Kensington
‘Life or death issue’: Kensington schools seek higher graduation rates by embedding student support
Over 25% of West Kensington residents don’t have a high school diploma. Embedded advisers and support could help students overcome poverty and other systemic barriers, experts say.
Weekly News
What's happening in Kensington: Week of Feb. 2, 2026
Free HIV/AIDS testing event, business tax prep workshop and more.
Accountability
Philly school closure plan would move Kensington students to lower-performing schools
Concerns grow that Philadelphia’s school closure plan disadvantages some already vulnerable neighborhoods.
Government & Policy
West Kensington Ministry leads immigrant justice vigil outside Philly ICE office
Faith leaders and community members braved the cold outside Philadelphia’s ICE office to reflect, pray and call for justice amid heightened immigration enforcement.
Accountability
“Conwell should not be on that list:” Lozada, parents resist district’s plans to close two Kensington middle schools
Despite declining enrollment, parents and City Council member Quetcy Lozada describe Conwell and Stetson as community anchors and resource hubs.
Weekly News
What's happening in Kensington: Week of Jan. 26, 2026
‘Right to the City’ board game play session, hat knitting workshop and more.
Conwell grad Councilmember Isaiah Thomas opposes middle school's closure
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
Philadelphia school district wants to close Conwell Middle School, expand Elkin Elementary
The proposal would have a particularly large impact on middle schools, with more than a dozen elementary schools turning into K-8 schools.
Weekly News
What's happening in Kensington: Week of Jan. 19, 2026
MLK Day cleanup, Lost Time comedy show and more.
Weekly News
What's happening in Kensington: Week of Jan. 12, 2026
Family Fort Night, MLK Day of Service event and job search assistance.
Weekly News
What's happening in Kensington: Week of Jan. 6, 2026
This week: Nearly 100 photos from 2025, our community survey extended through Jan. 12 (with a chance to win $200), and the Power January fundraiser at 33% of goal. Plus free yoga, chess club, Zumba, and more events.
Community Life
Looking back at 2025: A year in photos from Kensington
A year in photographs from the neighborhood, made close and over time.
New nonprofit promises paid, yearslong mentors for kids in Kensington and North Philly
Friends of the Children offers families a commitment that the program will be there in a child’s life from kindergarten through high school graduation — “12+ no matter what,” they say.
Weekly News
Kensington news: Pop-up art event, preschool story time and more.
Happy holidays, neighbors. This is our last newsletter of the year. Thank you for your continued support! If you have
Community Life
Opioid settlement spending faces growing scrutiny as Pennsylvania awaits millions more
Counties battle uncertainty over funding rules while advocates and families push for an increased say in opioid settlement spending decisions.
Newsroom Announcements
A last-minute gift that funds local news for Kensington
You get a tax break. They get a keepsake. Kensington gets reporters.
Housing & Shelter
Some Kensington residents may qualify for up to $1,000 in tax, rent rebates
Applications are open to eligible older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities.
Weekly News
Kensington news: Breakfast with Santa, ‘Deck the Walls’ art show and more
Hey there, neighbors. Coming up this week, Santa is picture-ready for free photos at Scanlon Rec Center, local artists are
Small Business
Philly launches $600K emergency grants to aid small grocers hit by SNAP shutdown
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
Against Mayor Parker’s wishes, Council advances version of her housing plan
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, whose 7th District covers Kensington, said the vast majority of her constituents earn less than 60% AMI.
Newsroom Announcements
Power January: Help Kensington Voice start 2026 at full strength
Without $20,000 by December 31, our reporting slows down.
Weekly News
Kensington news: Christmas ornament making workshops, winter festivals and more
Hey there, neighbors. Temperatures are chilly this week, but there’s a lot of hot cocoa to go around and