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The Black Business Leadership Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BBLC), representing hundreds of business owners, advocates and experts, is calling for the City of Philadelphia to commit to a strategic investment in Black businesses, wealth and communities. Philadelphia will receive $1.4 billion from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). These funds must be used strategically to address…

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Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has announced the launch of “Philly Vax Sweepstakes,” a series of three citywide drawings designed to give Philadelphians extra motivation to get their vaccination against COVID-19 as the city fully reopens this summer. A total of 36 vaccinated Philadelphians will win cash prizes up to $50,000, totaling nearly $400,000 in giveaways….

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By Jim Brown It’s been a long year of instability: COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing requirements closed down The Dell Music Center last summer and silenced the music for fans in Philadelphia and the tri-state area.. Recently the City of Philadelphia held a press conference to officially announce the reopening of the well-loved concert venue,…

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ABOVE PHOTO: Kharisma McIlwaine   (Photo credit: Alloyius McIlwaine)  By Moni Jones Meet Kharisma McIlwaine, a third generation musician, whose heavenly voice ranges from first soprano to whistle register (think Mariah Carey). A woman whose voice embodies the angelic sounds of Minnie Riperton with a gentle version of the vocal prowess of Whitney Houston. That’s…

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An annual late winter tradition shifts gears and becomes a late spring outdoor event with the theme of ‘Habitat: Nature’s Masterpiece.’ By Amy V. Simmons Above photo: Jeff Leatham, floral designer and the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia’s artistic director, speaks about the inspiration for his exhibit, “ Habitat.” (Photo/Bill Z. Foster) For the first time…

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ABOVE PHOTO: Universal Audenried Charter School (Photo courtesy UC) Kenny Gamble’s statement on charter recommendation: “Recently we learned the School District’s Charter Schools Office (“CSO”) intends to recommend to the School Board that Universal Audenried’s school charter be renewed only on the condition that the school agrees to a “surrender clause,” which forces the school…

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Drexel University, in partnership with the NAIOP — Commercial Real Estate Development Association is hosting a summer youth program for current high school sophomores and juniors of color designed to introduce teens to careers in Commercial Real Estate(CRE), including architecture, development, investment, construction, brokerage and urban planning/design. The experiences are hosted by Drexel and sponsored…

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The City of Philadelphia has launched a new call for entries for the fourth round of Targeted Community Investment Grant (TCIG) applications, which awards microgrants to residents and grassroots organizations that offer needed prevention services and supports in communities most impacted by gun violence. The program is an integral part of the Philadelphia Roadmap to…

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As the deadline to pass a 2022 fiscal year budget grows closer, the call to use more of the city’s $1.4 billion American Rescue Plan allocation to make a real, long-term difference grows louder and louder. By Denise Clay-Murray Because this is a column on Philadelphia’s 2022 Fiscal Year budget, let’s start with a number:…

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In response to the lowest number of new cases since late September 2020 and positive rates below 3%, the City lifted virtually all Safer-at-Home restrictions, including density limits, maximum capacity limits, distancing rules, etc. on Wednesday, June 2. The indoor mask mandate and 11 p.m. last call for dining order will continue to be enforced…

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