People, events and everyday life in Kensington, Philadelphia. Profiles of neighbors, local traditions and the organizations that bring the community together.
A new public art installation “A Better World Is Possible," repurposes firearms and aims to foster resilience and healing for Kensington residents impacted by gun violence.
Public Space
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is charging 35-year-old Edgardo Rivera with felony drug possession with intent to deliver, among other crimes – including 11 counts of misdemeanor weapons offense.
Immigration
A judge sentenced former Philadelphia Police Officer Mark Dial on Thursday to no further prison time after he was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for his role in the 2023 killing of Eddie “Junito” Irizarry Jr.
Arts & Culture
Closing the distance between families and their favorite books, The Simple Library gives kids and adults a place to relax and read without traveling too far.
Housing & Shelter
The 2025 Norris Square Neighborhood Profile sought to capture information on the area’s population, quality of life, and economic status and spark dialogue among community leaders and residents.
Clean Streets
In Kensington, a neighborhood already grappling with public health challenges related to the decades-old open-air drug market and opioid crisis, residents say the AFSCME District Council 33 strike exposes longstanding problems including illegal dumping, homelessness and a lack of city support.
Arts & Culture
Kensington’s first Queer Circus brought neighbors together for a day of queer joy, performance, and self-expression to close out Pride month.
Arts & Culture
Puerto-Rico-born artist Paula Rivera Calderon creates the third Love Lot mural in dedication to Prevention Point, with the theme of reciprocation.
Health & Wellness
The budget – totaling about $13.4 billion across operating and capital expenses – invests in establishing a “wellness” system to address Kensington’s opioid crisis.
Immigration
PB&J’s Wednesday Leadership program incentivizes teens to build communication skills while cooking together.
Community Life
Cure Violence and Esperanza Health Center wrap up winter league with food, music, and a Peacemakers championship win.
Arts & Culture
Artists and neighbors unveil mural honoring Norris Square’s Caribbean roots.
Clean Streets
Community members lead a spring cleanup at Trenton and Auburn Playground, followed by a visit from Mayor Cherelle Parker in support of revitalization efforts.
Public Space
Rivera Recreation Center and Mann Older Adult Center celebrated their renovation and reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling the community-created mural “El Ritmo del Centro".
Kids in Kensington
The Building a Brighter Future through the Art of Construction program draws young people from across the city.
Clean Streets
An abandoned lot in East Kensington sparked a community-led movement to reclaim green space.
Public Space
The basketball league teaches men about teamwork while also helping them improve their game, coaches and players say.
Kids in Kensington
Los Bomberos de la Calle’s new center in North Philly serves as a cultural hub, where bomba and plena rhythms unite the community and teach the next generation.
Community Life
In early January, the Latin-American band Los Bomberos De La Calle, hosted a grand opening celebration for their new location,
Public Space
Kensington residents gather at McPherson Library for an early celebration to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Schools & Education
La eliminación de protecciones para las escuelas frente a las autoridades migratorias por parte de la administración de Trump ha generado temores entre educadores en toda la ciudad.
Community Life
Although no ICE arrests have occurred at Kensington schools, the Trump administration’s decision to revoke school protections from immigration enforcement has stoked fears among students and parents.
Community Life
Por más de 80 años, expertos en salud, académicos y líderes comunitarios han enfatizado la necesidad de mejorar el acceso a médicos y centros de salud para los boricuas en Filadelfia.
Housing & Shelter
For more than 80 years, health experts, scholars, and community advocates have emphasized the dire need for better access to physicians and health centers for Puerto Rican Philadelphians.
