La función del domingo concluye la gira 2025 de BoriCorridor, cuyo objetivo es conectar a la diáspora puertorriqueña de todo el mundo a través de las artes.
Neighbors gather at Fairhill Square Park as they watch the Puerto Rican Day Parade in North Philadelphia on September 28, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)
It’s the first whole week of October, and the spooky season is here. Coming up this week, costumes are welcome at the annual Harrowgate Fall fest, we found two book launch events for the bookworms out there, and many other events are underway. Check it out below.
Also, check out our Facebook and Instagram profiles to find anything that doesn’t make it in the newsletter this week.
Recent News
Legacy of composer Tite Curet Alonso comes to life at North Philly one-night-only show
On Oct. 5, Teatro Esperanza will host the tour finale of BoriCorridor, a national organization dedicated to Puerto Rican artists. The show is an all Spanish-language performance titled “Tite Curet Alonso: Lírica y Poesía,” telling the story of renowned Afro-Puerto Rican composer, Catalino “Tite” Curet Alonso.
If you’ve visited the colonial-era Plaza de Armas in Viejo San Juan, or Old San Juan, in Puerto Rico you’ve likely snapped a picture with a smiling bronze statue seated at the bench. That statue honors Alonso, who wrote songs such as “Las Caras Lindas” made famous by Ismael Rivera and “Periodico de Ayer,” sung by Hector Lavoe.
Read more here, or click here to read it in Spanish.
Are you exempt from the new SNAP work requirements? Here’s how to find out.
SNAP or “food stamps” – are changing, and an estimated 144,000 people statewide could lose their benefits according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
As of September 1st, people receiving SNAP benefits are required to work, volunteer, or be in an employment training program a minimum of 20 hours a week in order to continue receiving assistance. If they don’t comply and aren’t exempt, their benefits will terminate December 1st.
Photos of Kensington: Puerto Rican Day Parade brings salsa, pride, and neighbors together
On September 28, community members came together in North Philadelphia for the Puerto Rican Day Parade, celebrating culture, pride, and music in the neighborhood. The afternoon featured live salsa, Bad Bunny tracks echoing through the streets, and neighbors dancing with flags in hand.
The parade uplifted Puerto Rican heritage while highlighting the connections between North Philly and the island, bringing neighbors together in celebration.
The Small Business Storytelling Project is a collaborative initiative produced by Kensington Voice in partnership with the New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) and funded by LISC Philadelphia. The project aims to highlight and support local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kensington through original reporting and photography.
Last week, we published a story about Martin’s Deli, a neighborhood staple that offers sandwiches and a little community support. Check out this story and our other Small Business Spotlights here.
News Tips
Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Want to write an op-ed? Hit up that same email with your ideas!
Free Activities & Events
Oct. 7
“Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls” book launch hosted by H&H Books at 2230 Frankford Ave. from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Authors Rowana Miller and Nova Ren Suma will discuss Miller’s new young adult novel, “Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls,” which is about a scholarship student who receives an anonymous letter that leads her down a mysterious path. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Oct. 9
“The Love Machine [reprise]” art exhibition hosted by Leeway Foundation at NextFab (1800 North American Street) from 6 to 8 p.m. “The Love Machine [reprise]” exhibit, created by Jasmine Lynea, is a visual sequel to her short film, “The Love Machine.” It follows the themes of Black memory, joy, love, and wonder. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Oct. 10
Harvest festival hosted by Congreso de Latinos Unidos at 2800 N. American St. from 12 to 3 p.m. There will be food, games and more.
Environmental educators mixer hosted by Norris Square Neighborhood Project at Las Parcelas (2248 Palenthorp St.) from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be environmental education workshops, a family meal and more. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Oct. 11
Port Richmond flea market at 2901 Cedar St. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be vintage clothing and furniture vendors, handmade crafts for sale and more. Vendors can reserve a spot here.
Harrowgate Fall festival hosted by the Harrowgate Civic Association at Harrowgate Park (3455 Kensington Ave.) from 12 to 3 p.m. There will be pumpkin decorating, a haunted egg hunt and more. Costumes are welcome.
Oct. 12
“Kirki Qhani” book launch hosted by INCA PRESS at Ulises (1525 N. American St.) from 2 to 4 p.m. “Kirki Qhani: Container of Andean Poetics,” written by Elvira Espejo Ayca, is a collection of songs and poems that center around Andean traditions and calls to action. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Weekly Events
Mondays and Fridays
Mothers Helping Mothers Women of Power Group supported by Mural Arts and NKCDCmeets at the CORE at Esperanza Health Center (3222 H Street)) from 12:30-2:30 p.m. to heal from trauma related to gun violence and overdose. Email Brenda Mosley at byfaithenternal@gmail.com to learn more.
Wednesdays
Free writing group hosted by new board game cafe BUBS at 102 W. Berks St. from 6 to 8 p.m. The writing group is for individuals who require a space to write without distractions. Attendees set a goal, focus for 45 minutes, and then engage in peer-to-peer conversation about their writing.
Thursdays
Teen mentorship program hosted by Timoteo Sports at The CORE (3222 H St.) from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The program is for teens ages 12 to 18 and provides participants with goal setting, character development and confidence building. Food will be provided. Visit this link to register your teen and learn more.
Monthly Community Meetings
East Kensington Neighbors Association meets every third Monday in person at the Philadelphia Brewing Co. (2440 Frankford Ave.) at 7 p.m. Contact info@ekna.org for more information.
Friends of McPherson meets every first Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave. Contact chalmerst@freelibrary.org for more information.
Harrowgate Civic Association meets every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St. Contact harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com for more information.
Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St.
Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) meets every third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com. *There are no monthly PRNA meetings in January, November or December
Somerset Neighbors For Better Living meets every first Monday of the month (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday) online via Zoom. Contact phillysnbl@gmail.com.
South Port Richmond Civic Association meets every second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring at 2733 E. Clearfield Street. Click here for more information.
The Office of Human Resources is hiring for skilled trades jobs like plumbers and electricians. Visit this link to apply and learn more. The applications are open from now until October 12.
Khysir Carter is a multimedia journalist, writer, and editor from Kensington who covers community stories, builds local partnerships, and engages youth in finding their creative voice through writing and multimedia.
