After seeing the redesign plans for McPherson Square Park and Library, residents asked for more shade, and requested the library stay open during construction.
Backpack season is underway! We’ve got lots of places for you to scoop up new school supplies before classes start – plus a few opportunities to get wet and cool off on hot days.
McPherson Square Library, which has been closed since June 21st due to a broken air conditioning system, may reopen by next Tuesday in time for a meeting with the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild program.
Editor’s note: This essay was submitted by a student at Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School through a community partnership with Kensington Voice. The essay was developed from an autobiography assignment that Rebecca Mulligan assigned to students who speak English as a second language to improve their English proficiency.
I was happy when I moved to the United States in 2020. It was an important time for me because I went with my mom to live with my grandma and uncles. Coming to the United States changed me, and being with my family helped me become a better person. I was curious about the United States, which made me interested in moving here.
After moving, I had the chance to visit my home country, the Dominican Republic, in 2021. I was very happy because I thought I would have a lot of fun. But nothing came out as I thought. I cried a lot because I didn't have a good time.
During the trip, I had a great time with my dad. He made me very happy, and he always made me laugh a lot. My relationship with my dad is stronger than my relationship with my mom. My dad is a considerate person because he is always there for me when I need him most. When I feel sad, he listens, gives me advice, and makes me feel better.
I matured because of my experiences over the years, especially in 2022. I began to be a better person, and I learned to value my family more. I am a humble and more emotionally intelligent person now. I think a little more about things before responding to them.
In the future, I would like to become a model. I like fashion, traveling, and makeup. I would also like to become a professional makeup artist.
Jillian Bauer-Reese is an educator, journalist, and social worker. She leads Kensington Voice and teaches at Temple University, where she studies media harm reduction practices in stigmatized communities.
