People, events and everyday life in Kensington, Philadelphia. Profiles of neighbors, local traditions and the organizations that bring the community together.
Every Wednesday, more than 60 women come through for dinner, showers, disease prevention supplies and a few hours of community.
Community Life
After third-generation co-owner John Czerw died in June 2025, his family and longtime customers are still finding ways to hold on at the Port Richmond smokehouse he ran for nearly 50 years.
Community Life
At Zembo Temple of Skate and Design on Frankford Avenue, Dravk is building a Philadelphia skate scene that welcomes everyone.
Community Life
Frenchy Williams, who joined the organization as a student years ago, is now leading “Seguimos Aquí,” a youth storytelling trip developed with Taller Puertorriqueño.
Guides & Resources
From zoning fights to block cleanups, here's where to show up and have a say.
Community Life
Customers at Greater Goods get 20 points twice a month and choose their own groceries. The only requirement to register is a photo ID.
Solutions Spotlight
A 46-year-old workforce program offers people starting over after prison or homelessness a paycheck, a routine, and a shot at what comes next.
Community Life
Most commercial print shops run on toner. Fireball Printing runs on inkjet, and its customers say they can feel the difference.
Community Life
A creative reuse center on North American Street near Berks Street, the store sells donated art and building materials at a discount.
Community Life
The event was hosted by Esperanza Health Center, New Kensington Community Development Corporation, and Heights Philadelphia.
Community Life
East Kensington transformed into a glowing outdoor gallery as moving projections lit up building facades along Frankford Avenue and Hagert Street. Around 30 artists participated in the free festival, which organizers hope to make annual.
Community Life
The annual festival brought together vendors, live music and neighbors, doubling as a kickoff for local America 250 celebrations.
Community Life
The fridge will expand free food access and build a shared neighborhood resource shaped by resident input.
Community Life
Since 2015, the nonprofit has employed 175 women, its founder says, pairing work experience with mentorship and faith-based support.
Community Life
The Kensington Tigers, representing four Kensington area high schools, opened the season with 13 straight wins while building a new team culture and boosting school morale.
Small Business
Tables of tamales, family recipes and new twists filled The Lighthouse as residents and visitors came together for a fourth year of tradition and community.
Public Space
The walking tour introduced preteens to the history in their own neighborhood — from abolition-era organizing to the messages still painted on today’s walls.
Community Life
Black Americans account for 40% of people living with HIV but are far less likely to be prescribed preventive medication.
Arts & Culture
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.
Government & Policy
Faith leaders and community members braved the cold outside Philadelphia’s ICE office to reflect, pray and call for justice amid heightened immigration enforcement.
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
The proposal would have a particularly large impact on middle schools, with more than a dozen elementary schools turning into K-8 schools.
Community Life
A year in photographs from the neighborhood, made close and over time.
Community Life
Counties battle uncertainty over funding rules while advocates and families push for an increased say in opioid settlement spending decisions.
