The issue of free speech has, over the past year, become a highly charged one on college campuses across the country. Free speech — once seen as an uninflected, universal value — has been re-framed. Now, there is a feeling among some students and faculty that unfettered speech can create an environment that marginalizes certain groups and impedes learning. The result has been a series of confrontations on campuses from Connecticut to California.

On April 21, 2016, the Center for Cultural Media in the Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University will host a special event, The Smart Set Forum 2016: Free Speech on the College Campus, to explore this controversial issue. The Forum will feature talks by cultural critic Camille Paglia and noted legal scholar Laura Beth Nielsen, with respondents from the Drexel faculty to their respective positions. The event will also include a panel of Drexel students who will address the free speech issue, drawing on their own perspectives and experiences.
Possible topics to be discussed will include the Yale Halloween costume debacle, the reach of Title IX policies, the value or harm of trigger warnings and safe zones, and the difficulties attached to defining hate speech and harassment.  Continue Reading

A few community meetings will be held this week – in the Spruce Hill and Walnut Hill neighborhoods – where residents can learn more and ask questions about public safety, development projects, and other important issues.

Two meetings are scheduled at Spruce Hill Community Association’s office at 257 S. 45th St this week:

• SHCA Board Meeting will take place tonight (Tuesday, Apr. 12) at 7:30 p.m., and the guest speaker is Jess Hinchey, a volunteer coordinator at Refugee Corps.

• SHCA Zoning meeting is on Wednesday, Apr. 13, and has the following agenda:  Continue Reading

Jaden’s Voice, a non-profit organization supporting families and people impacted by autism in underserved communities, has recently opened an office in West Philadelphia.

In honor of National Autism Awareness Month, Councilman At-Large Derek Green and Founder/CEO of Jaden’s Voice, Terri Matthews, both long-term advocates in the autism community, will host a special Autism Awareness Community Open House on Saturday, Apr. 9, at Jaden’s Voice West Philly location at 5548 Chestnut St. The purpose of this event is to help build awareness about autism in the community and provide resources for families who are impacted by autism. This event will also serve as Councilman Green’s ongoing autism initiative as Chair of City Council’s Committee on Disabilities, and support Jaden’s Voice official grand opening of their West Philadelphia office, which will now offer programs and services directly to the community.  Continue Reading

Caribbean Cuisine Week, an annual event supporting young Caribbean athletes competing in the Penn Relays, will take place April 13-15, 2016 and kicks off on Tuesday, April 12, at Zavino UC (32nd and Chestnut). Visit Philly has listed it as one of the top 12 events in the city for this month.

Now in its 12th year, CCW partners with chefs throughout the city who prepare Caribbean and Latin-themed dishes at special prices. A portion of the proceeds goes to provide 3,000 hot meals, ground transportation, housing and medical services to over 700 economically-disadvantaged high school athletes from the Caribbean coming to the Penn Relays (last week of April).

The Penn Relays is the largest track and field event in the United States, drawing over 115,000 people to Philadelphia each spring. The 2016 Penn Relays will be held April 28-30 at Franklin Field.  Continue Reading

The city will hold its 9th annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday, Apr. 16 (rescheduled from Apr. 9 due to inclement weather forecast). More than 800 cleanup projects have been registered throughout the city, including dozens in West Philadelphia. Community involvement is essential and many projects are still seeking volunteers. Residents are also encouraged to step outside their buildings, pick up trash and remove debris or check out empty lots nearby for litter.

To find a registered cleanup project near you and to volunteer, go here or click on the map image below:

In addition to these projects, Philadelphia Free Library branches are also holding Spring Cleanups this Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. You can find your local branch here.  Continue Reading

Dreaming about a weekend at the Jersey Shore? Ready for a night on the town featuring a fancy dinner and tickets to the Opera? These are just a few of the exciting auction items featured at the 12th annual Saint Mary’s Nursery School (SMNS) annual fundraiser:

Spring For Our School Silent Auction & Cocktail Party

Saturday, April 23 6:00pm to 8:30pm

Harnwell College House Rooftop Lounge

3820 Locust Walk

Tickets $35 (adults only)

Special Attractions

Philly Homebrew beer tasting, breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop lounge, food catered by Chef’s Table, and music by SMNS parent DJ Duiji 13. Production will include special lighting and visual surprises from our sponsors RushOrderTees and SpreadSpirit. Kosher options will be available for guests observing Passover.  Continue Reading