Gun violence: ‘It’s the same song every night we sing. And yet no one seems to hear a thing.’
Editor’s Note: This poem was submitted by a member of Youth United for Change (YUC), a nonprofit youth organizing
Neighborhood Voices
First-person essays, poetry and photo stories by Kensington residents. Community members share their lives in their own words.
McPherson Square is the last lifeline of my hurting neighborhood. It's time it gets more funding.
McPherson Square Park is widely known as “Needle Park.” Many people don’t know that the old building sitting on
Budget-friendly steps to becoming a sustainable business in Kensington
Sustainability is currently a buzzword. Many have the intention to do good for our environment but are deterred by the
‘Because I love Kensington, I demand better from the City government.’
One Saturday, my 11-month-old and I walked up to the 3 bus stop at Kensington Avenue and Clearfield Street. The
‘Being disabled doesn’t change the fact that your necessities are just as important as the next person.’
Editor’s Note: Darryl Thomas has lived in Norris Square for 15 years. He’s a regular contributor to our
Philly’s new district boundary at K&A is mind-boggling; now we're forced to start all over again
With each 10-year census, Philadelphia City Council adjusts their districts to stay mostly equal in size. Normally, it’s just
Youth United for Change member describes the community-wide impact of addressing trash in Kensington
Hi! My name is Matthew Taveras. I am a member of an organization known as Youth United for Change (YUC)
A Kensington resident’s walk to school: ‘There is a visible disparity of where the City chooses to spend its money'
Hi, my name is Matthew Taveras. I am a member of Youth United for Change (YUC), a nonprofit youth organizing
‘Lots of Lots of Love’: Kensington artists, organizations, and residents restore love to the neighborhood
In September, neighbors from the 2000 block of East Madison Street and local organizations held the first of five “Lots
Unhoused resident finds support at Kensington safe haven: ‘I came out here to be in a coffin, and she brushed the dust off, dried my tears, and help
*Editor’s note: Matt’s last name was withheld for privacy reasons. Content warning: This essay mentions substance-use disorder and
‘Kensington: A Village of Soldiers’ highlights community resilience
Brenda Mosley is a Kensington resident, block captain, NKCDC community connector, and the founder and executive director of the organization
Day of the Dead: ‘We celebrate that special day to honor deceased family members and friends'
Editor’s note: This essay was translated from Spanish to English. In my Mexican culture, we’re always celebrating every
"We were just opening our doors when everyone was told to shut down.'
Wanda Darden Co-owner at Studio Six Two, an events venue at 2424 Coral St. Suite CT4 Interviewed in June 2021
Streetwear for Survivors: ‘Art is our most universal language, and I see clothing as a language in its own right’
Art is our most universal language, and I see clothing as a language in its own right. It’s a
‘Together, we can accomplish many things, even in the pandemic.’
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, with new variants becoming another issue, it has taken its toll with the hundred of
‘The problems we see in schools ... are bigger than our classrooms and even bigger than the school district’
People inside and outside the School District of Philadelphia have a lot to say about the school district and its
‘We get taught to survive in a city of severe separation’
Quadir Lewis is 18 years old and is from North Philadelphia. He will be attending Penn State Abington this fall.
‘Doing a campaign on trash allows us to build connections and secure victories in the community’
Hello readers, my name is Antoinette Ellis. I am a citywide chapter member of Youth United for Change (YUC), a
Kensington resident’s poem on the nine rules of living
Drew Watson is 35 years old. Raised in Kensington, he grew up with his four brothers and father. Watson had
‘I don't blame Mastbaum. I blame the School District of Philadelphia.’
My name is Brett Smith, and I am a Jules E. Mastbaum High School alum from the class of 2011.
‘An accomplishment I can say that I’m really proud of is that I graduated.’
My name is Lawrence Malik Bolds, and I am a 2011 Jules E. Mastbaum High School graduate. I have been
‘I found a sense of peace in accepting that these schools weren’t the best. That same acceptance was the spark I needed to push me to where I am t
I was born on June 5, 1992 in Philadelphia and raised by my mother in a single-family household. I am
‘If I hadn’t been so strong willed, I don’t know if I’d make it so far.’
Many call me Seli but my birth certificate says Selina Santiago. I recently transitioned from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Phoenix, Arizona