People, events and everyday life in Kensington, Philadelphia. Profiles of neighbors, local traditions and the organizations that bring the community together.
Although there is no single way to define a culture, Philadelphia is home to thousands of individuals who express their identity in different ways where 16% of the population identifies as Latine.
Small Business
Crystal Ortiz, owner of candle-making shop Waxery, opened her business as a way to give back to her community and make a space for residents to have fun not too far from home.
Arts & Culture
Community storytelling and cultural preservation matter. Organizations like Taller Puertorriqueño are doing that work through arts, early childhood programs, oral histories, and cultural events.
Kids in Kensington
Klean Kensington is one of eight organizations citywide selected for the Department of Planning and Development’s “Philadelphia 2050: Planning Together” initiative.
Small Business
The Medicine Shoppe on Kensington Avenue remains one of the few remaining places in the community to offer quality hospice partnership and medical care.
Public Space
Neighbors filled the sidelines at Trenton and Auburn Playground for a summer league game between the Jewtown Ballers and the Peacemakers.
Arts & Culture
Neighbors came together at Taller for a night of music, food, and connection. Celebrating the cultural ties between Norris Square and Puerto Rico.
Arts & Culture
Sunday’s performance concludes BoriCorridor’s 2025 tour, which aims to connect the Puerto Rican diaspora everywhere through the arts.
Arts & Culture
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.
Community Life
Neighbors filled North Philadelphia with music, dance, and pride during the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sept. 28, 2025.
Small Business
At Martin's Deli, staff maintains the community feel established by family owners who came before.
Small Business
At Lee’s Dumplings and Stuff, chef Gally Lee offers fresh, original dishes rooted in his immigrant upbringing and commitment to accessibility.
Immigration
A new audit from the Citizens Police Oversight Commission finds Philadelphia police officers aren’t always keeping their body worn cameras on during vehicle stops. The commission calls the finding a “major concern”.
Small Business
Vizion Gallery on Kensington Avenue offers artists a place to practice, vend and find community.
Government & Policy
After an August 18 reopening, the library held a ribbon-cutting event to shed light on the building’s importance to the lives of the Port Richmond community.
Small Business
Lua Vietnamese Restaurant is a new addition to Kensington Avenue. Owner Jasmine Phan spent years delivering homemade meals before launching her first physical space.
Housing & Shelter
The ongoing story of one mother's agonizing journey with Pa.'s mental health care system
Community Life
Daisie Cardon'a performance 'Ashes and Iron' is part of the 2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival and portrays both the struggle and resilience of Kensington.
Small Business
Longtime Kensington resident Ligia Rodriguez runs San Expedito Botánica — a neighborhood shop offering spiritual healing, warm meals and community care.
Arts & Culture
Organizers and community members marched from Huntingdon Station to Prevention Point Thursday in memory of those who have died from overdose. The annual event is part of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Small Business
Born and raised in Kensington, Austin Wright launched Ava’s Farm — a local produce market and nonprofit that offers free meals and youth programs to residents.
Community Life
City crews say they’re taking care to preserve trees during road repairs, but advocates argue that the canopy is still under threat.
Public Space
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.
Community Life
A Spotlight PA investigation found Pennsylvania politicians and local officials broke promises to replace institutionalized care with community options — despite knowing the devastating consequences.
