Rasheed Ajamu
Philadelphia
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Articles by Rasheed Ajamu
PRA Chair weighs in on KBK’s future with the YWCA: 'I don’t think it’s going to happen'
Germantown neighbors (from left to right) Lorraine Givnish, Julie Carroll Stapleton, Ann Doley, Barbara Dowdall, Renee Cunningham, and Patricia Burk, at the PHDC headquarters at 1234 Market Street, 16th floor. (GIH | Rasheed Ajamu) Germantowners greeted the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA) during the second public portion of their board of directors meeting, which took place at 4 p.m. Wednesday on the dot.
‘Bigger Than Weddings’: Black Philadelphians discuss the significance of Proms
It’s prom season nationwide for high school students of all identities and communities. But, for Black folks, prom may mean a little more. Prom goes far beyond the “school dance” category and serves as a cultural phenomenon in the Black community — in Philly and beyond — and only evolves into something bigger as generations pass. Historically, prom derives from both patriarchal and racist origins, not making space for anything non-white or non-cisgender and straight.
This new learning circle taps into a grandmother’s social role to enact social change
The Grands and Elders Learning Circle is a recent grassroots initiative in Germantown that recognizes the vital role of grandmothers in shaping the future. The group’s main objective is establishing a network of elder circles throughout Philadelphia to support young people’s academic and life success. This group is a part of a bigger coalition called the Grandmother Collective (GC), which aims to highlight the importance of grandmothers as unique and valuable contributors to social change.
Hosting dinners that build bridges - The Chestnut Hill Local
The emergence of social media, digital spaces and forums has made it possible for people to discuss formerly taboo topics like race and politics more openly. Molly Davis, a resident of Germantown, isn’t drawn to those online spaces, feeling they can be unproductive and sometimes an “echo chamber.” So Davis eagerly joined in when she saw an opportunity for people of all backgrounds and identities to discuss their thoughts and experiences of the world – in person.
Legal help for RCOs is on the ballot - The Chestnut Hill Local
Posted 3/6/24 In next month's primary election, voters can also show support for registered community organizations. This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Print subscribers If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Germantown’s new Little Free(dom) Library debuts; spotlighting banned books by Black authors
To open the month, Visit Philadelphia announced its partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia and Little Free Library to honor Black History Month by uplifting Black authors through launching “Little Free(dom) Libraries” across the city. These take-and-give book banks are positioned to freely distribute more than 1,500 banned books by Black authors across the city at various locations, including Historic Germantown.
A Call to Fund the Future of Cinema Magic
A Call to Fund the Future of Cinema Magic Posted at 10:05h in Art in Action Sarah Mueller once worked at TLA Video on Locust Street, a video store that specialized in renting arthouse cinema films. With the combination of the store closing in 2011, Netflix’s DVD program which pushed video rental stores out of business, and Netflix and other companies launching streaming services in 2007-2010, Mueller had well-founded concerns about the future of the cinema.
Children rally in solidarity with Palestine for peace and ceasefire
In Mt. Airy, outside of Lovett Library, over 150 people, kids and grown-ups, gathered on Sunday morning. They were part of the “Children’s Rally in Solidarity with the Children of Palestine,” this was the second time they came together to show their support. The primary purpose of this gathering was to ask for peace. Kids and their supporters wrote letters to U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans.
People Powered Media Fest: A Super-Charged Weekend
People Powered Media Fest: A Super-Charged Weekend Posted at 10:05h in Art in Action On Friday, October 20th, PhillyCAM’s People Powered Media (PPM) Fest will commence its third annual celebration of community media creators. PhillyCAM members and the public will come together for engaging conversations, insightful learning opportunities, and enjoyable experiences.
LGBTQ+ History in Germantown
Germantown’s LGBTQ+ histories are often overlooked in discussions of its past, with more attention given to the country’s formation and racial justice. However, this Pride month, the Germantown Info Hub wants to share some lesser-known LGBTQ+ facts about the community and some of its history-makers.
Yolanda Wisher will teach kids about poems in new WHYY kids show episode
WHYY has launched Albie’s Elevator, a new locally-produced children’s program that will explore preschool topics while learning about the arts. The show’s main character and elevator operator, Albie, will seek assistance from artists, friends, and neighbors to solve problems. Later this week, Albie will go to the Joseph E. Coleman Library, where 2016-17 Philadelphia Poet Laurette Yolanda Wisher will help her learn how to express their feelings through poetry.
An Interview with Little Richard: I Am Everything Director Lisa Cortés
An Interview with Little Richard: I Am Everything Director Lisa Cortés Posted at 10:05h in Critical Conversations 0 Comments BY RASHEED ZAIRE AJAMU Little Richard was an exceptional musician who possessed a unique voice and personality. Despite facing internal obstacles due to his identity as a Black, queer, and religious individual, his impact on music was enormous.
A burst pipe and months-long displacement spotlight living conditions at local senior-living facility
Tenants say management takes a week or more to respond to reports of serious problems. The seniors’ identities at Maple Village have been kept anonymous by their request for their safety. What should have been a joyous holiday season for one Germantown senior citizen turned into a mission to save their belongings and find temporary shelter after a pipe burst at Maple Village Senior Apartments at 22 West Rittenhouse Street.
Quick Tips for guarding against predatory homebuying
In October, Philly Office Retail posted a series of photos on Facebook working with Jeantel Landscaping, removing “we buy houses,” “free construction estimates,” and other signs they deemed “blight” on Berkley Street. This led the Germantown Info Hub to think about how predatory home buying manifests in the neighborhood.
New community fridge has a mission to heal people hurt by war on drugs
Northwest Philadelphia got another community fridge a few weekends ago when D.O.P.E. Inc held its unveiling in Mt. Airy in front of the FarmerJawn Greenery. Developing Opportunities Providing Equity (D.O.P.E.) announced the fridge as a continued effort to reimagine restorative works through art wellness and healing. It is the first of a series of fridges they are working to establish throughout the city to support communities adversely impacted by the war on drugs.
Who is behind the mysterious orange trash signs around the neighborhood?
Jackson spotted the sign when she arrived home after running errands on Saturday, January 14. While she isn’t sure who commissioned the signs, she said she saw two people walking down School House Lane with signs before she got home. The post garnered 50 comments before it went private. But this wasn’t the end of the conversation, nor the signs.
Five ways to continue showing up for Black businesses
There is a shocking truth that almost 20% of small businesses fail by their first year mark, 30% by the second, 50% by the fifth year, and 70% by the 10th year. And for Black-owned businesses specifically, it’s even worse, with eight out of 10 failing within the first 18 months of operation. It’s also known that between late May and early June of 2020, Google searches for “Black-owned businesses near me” were massive.
Face to Face's birth certificate clinics strive to help residents live fuller lives and unlock opportunities
Face to Face has served meals to Germantown residents and families since 1984. The tradition has helped the organization develop its Hospitality, Mutuality, and Transformation model for serving people living in need. Today, the organization offers health, legal, and social services while continuing to serve meals.
Germantown Neighbors: Meet Chrissy Watts, the Hood healing tour guide
When you think of city tours, you probably think of a red double-decker bus full of people flashing their cameras through the streets of Center City or someone detailing the infrastructure of the homes in Old City to a group of visitors. But, could you imagine your tour guide taking you on the Market-Frankford Line or taking you into the Papi Store for a cheesesteak or hoagie? Well, Philly Experiences offers this and more.
These Black-owned businesses don't have a Germantown storefront, but they're rooted in the community
August is Black Business Month, and Germantown is anything but short of an abundance of Black businesses. Historically, For generations Germantown has always been where Black businesses can thrive in Philadelphia. And while there are various Black-owned storefronts residents can patronize throughout the year, there are also businesses that operate without storefronts, like those who work through vending events and websites.
New footage of the July 3 hit-and-run reveals police left the scene right before car struck woman
On July 3rd, around 12:13 a.m., a woman identified as Elizabeth Negron was struck and killed by a white SUV at Germantown Avenue & Coulter Street. This became the second hit-and-run in a matter of weeks at the intersection. But while news reports and statements from police claim that Negron was crossing the street when she was struck, surveillance footage from cameras nearby reveals officers may have been able to prevent her from getting hit.
G-Town Info Hub Hour 7.21.22
The Info Hub focuses on archival and preservation work. First, Rasheed speaks with Victor & Doriana from Ourchive, and then Maleka joins them to speak with Yolanda Wisher & Trapeta Mayson from ConsenSISphl.
Fun in the sun: A summer 2022 guide to family-friendly fun in Germantown
It’s officially summer, meaning the kiddos are out for the summer. Check out these events below for parents and caretakers looking for low-cost and free fun for the family this summer around the neighborhood. Sunday Fundays at Awbury Arboretum Every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., The Farm at Awbury (6336 Ardleigh Street) hosts a “Sunday Funday” for the whole family. While The Farm is regularly open to the public during the week, Sundays include extra activities.
A tale of no mail: Here’s why Germantown residents are protesting their local post office this Saturday
Tim Styer has lived in Germantown at the Wood Norton apartment complex at Wayne Ave & Johnson Street for six years. While his time in the neighborhood has been pleasant, his experiences with mail delivery have been quite the opposite. After waiting over a month for mail delivery, reaching out to the Post Office, and contacting Congressman Dwight Evans’ office, Styer took to a Germantown neighborhood Facebook group to organize residents who had similar experiences.
Sounds of joy: Sun Ra house now officially historic
The Philadelphia Historical Commission has added the home of the late jazz musician and composer Sun Ra to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The Historical Commission cast the unanimous vote last Friday, May 13th, just before noon during their monthly public Zoom meeting. Work on the nomination for The Sun Ra House, also The Arkestral Institute of Sun Ra, started in 2020 and finished in late 2021.
Locals give mixed reactions to the city’s plastic bag ban
In December 2019, the city passed a plastic bag ordinance prohibiting businesses from issuing single-use plastic bags at checkout. Due to the pandemic, city officials delayed implementation until July 2021. Since then, non-compliant businesses have only received warnings. Starting April 1, all non-compliant businesses will receive fines. Shoppers in Germantown have mixed reactions now that the law is entirely in effect.
The nation’s first menstrual hub reflects on a historic full year of service
Co-Founders Lynette Medley & Nya McGlone Germantown is a neighborhood of historical Black firsts, like and the first Black man to own a department store. But, history is still being made every day within community borders. Last Sunday, February 20, the nation’s first menstrual hub, The SPOT Period, celebrated one year of operation right here in Germantown. Co-founder, Lynette Medley, reflects on being a part of history.
The Smithsonian social justice museum curator, returns to neighborhood as Director of Community Engagement and Programs of Historic Germantown
Monica O. Montgomery. Photo courtesy of Monica O. Montgomery. What do Philadelphia and New York City have in common? According to one Brooklyn native, they are both a city of beautiful eclectic neighborhoods. And while each city has its own established cultures, they are similar because the communities within have their own “precedent” and “structure,” meaning that no two neighborhoods are the same. That made Monica O.
Odabu: A Space as Unique as it is Affirming
Across from the Waterview Rec Center, on McMahon Street, sits a hidden space that allows people to let their hair down and then get it cut. Odabu is a queer and trans-affirming space that offers barbering and a botanical product line. The space provides a one-of-a-kind experience to its patrons and sets up a space that lets people be vulnerable. It’s a space that allows queer people to exist outside of their safe-havens. The owner, Billy Green, previously housed their shop in a studio in Chinatown.
EMIR Healing Center gathers neighbors to celebrate and say the names of fallen loved ones.
Free books at registration. Performer sings. Chantay Love speaks. Pastor & Imam speak. Food Truck for attendees to get free food. Carmen Butler Dance Experience performs. For the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims, EMIR Healing Center held a remembrance for homicide, suicide, and COVID-19 victims at Vernon Park this past Saturday.
3 children, 3 schools, and a frustrated father
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the school district to switch to virtual learning in the middle of the 2020-21 school year. During time away from classrooms, parents, teachers, and students had intentions to better the conditions inside the schools, both surrounding COVID-19 safety, and the underlying issues schools had.. After almost a year away from the classroom, the School District of Philadelphia returned to in-person learning just a few weeks ago.
The PFC Scandal: How Whiteness Put an Entire City at Risk
So what could Philly possibly have seen in the inexperienced Andrei Doroshin that convinced them to partner with PFC instead of a reputable organization like the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium? I would argue that they merely saw whiteness. By Rasheed Ajamu Chaos erupted among social media in Philadelphia when the city announced it would no longer be partnering with Philly Fighting COVID (PFC) to distribute COVID-19 vaccines.
Lizzo’s Body Is Not A Political Battlefront
White women crying in “disappointment” about Lizzo is nothing short of their belief that fat Black women should always tend to their wounds coming to the surface. CW: diet talk By Rasheed Ajamu “Body Positivity” icon Lizzo recently decided to partake in a “JJ Smith’s 10-day smoothie detox” and gave her social media following a glimpse of what that looked like. In response, the internet gave her unwarranted hell.
Black People Deserve More Than An Apology For The MOVE Bombing
Philadelphia has officially apologized for the 1985 MOVE bombing, but without intentions to address demands from Black organizers in the midst of racial turmoil and a global pandemic, their apology rings hollow. By Rasheed Ajamu CW: state violence and Black death On Thursday, November 12, 2020, Philadelphia Councilmember Jaime Gauthier went to Twitter to share the news that her MOVE bombing resolution passed unanimously and thanked her peers for their decision.
Cut The Crap: Why I Believe Barbershop Culture Needs Social Reform
Opinion Though they are explicitly created for grooming and hair care, they serve as an implicit and unconscious center where Black people absorb a lot. Photo Credit: Getty Images If you’re interested in sharing your opinion on any cultural, political or personal topic, create an account here and check out our how-to post to learn more. ____ I agree to the terms and privacy policies. Welcome to the family! Check your inbox for your confirmation. Barbershops hold high significance in Black culture.
Yes, Lela Rochon Gained Weight, But Here’s Why I Believe It’s A Disrespectful Non-Issue - Blavity
Opinion Posting photos of her old body to justify her husband's infidelity or defend her is wrong. Photo Credit: Paul Archuleta/Getty Images This op-ed was submitted from a member of our enthusiastic community of readers. If you’re interested in sharing your opinion on any cultural, political or personal topic, create an account here and check out our how-to post to learn more.
Put Some Respect On Our Names: Why Rasheed Is Just As Easy To Pronounce As Siobhan
As I go into the start of the new school semester at a predominantly white institution, I dread what has become an epidemic for Black students — roll call. While roll call is a part of what should be the easiest day for a college student, it is not for Black students. Instead of receiving the syllabus and being able to leave, like other students, we have to engage in what seems like a never ending battle of the syllables.
Why People Should Stop Asking Me If I'm Going To Watch 'Love, Simon'
White Hollywood has found it's LGBTQ+ poster child movie in Love, Simon. It is a new movie that tells a story of a white high school kid who is trying to come out to his family and peers. And while that coming-of-age plot may be appealing to some, I am not interested in seeing it and I wish straight people would stop asking me if I am going to see it just because I'm queer.
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