West Philly is home to many activists and activist groups and even hosts the Philadelphia chapter of the International Action Center which is celebrating 20th anniversary. All these years the IAC has been at the center of the fight for people’s rights and against injustice and now invites friends and neighbors to mark “20 years of solidarity and struggle” with them and to plan for the future.

The celebration will be held on Sunday, Jan. 6 at Calvary Church (48th and Baltimore) from 5 – 8 p.m. and will include food, music, raffle, cultural performances, and lively discussion featuring the following guests and performers: Spoken Word Artist Julia Lopez; Author and Poet Susie Abulhawa; Singer Kevin Price; Poet Tracy Gibson; Special remarks from Sara Flounders, National Coordinator of the IAC and Teresa Gutierrez from the May 1 Immigrant Rights Coalition.

Admission fee is $10 – $25. To reserve tickets call 215-724-1618 or email: phillyiac@gmail.com.
 

International House Philadelphia kicks off the nationally touring film series, ‘L.A. Rebellion: Creating a New Black Cinema’ this Saturday. The series comprises 12 programs of feature and short films that will be shown at IHP’s Ibrahim Theater (3701 Chestnut St) from Jan. 5-26.

The term “L.A. Rebellion” refers to a group of African and African-American student artists at the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television who from the late 1960s to the late 1980s  created a unique cinematic landscape, as part of an ‘Ethno-Communications’ initiative. Over the course of two decades students arrived, mentored one another, and passed the torch to the next group.

It is a carefully curated film exhibition that “offers a true window on the legacies of Black communities.”

The film showing at IHP is co-sponsored by Scribe Video Center. For information on film listings and screening schedules, visit: www.ihousephilly.org/events.

Garden Court Community Association hosts its Winter Stroll & Holiday House Tour on Saturday, Dec. 29, from 5-8 p.m. and invites you to come out and spread holiday cheer in the neighborhood.

The stroll begins at 4603 Cedar Avenue and continues to other festive homes in the community. There will be music, theater and fun and light refreshments will be served. The event will take place in rain or snow.

Cost is $10 with advanced registration; $15 at the door. Children under 12 are free. RSVP to Mary-Knight Young at maryknightyoung@gmail.com or 215-779-3692.

As words of sympathy and support continue to pour in for Elena’s Soul Lounge, which was seriously damaged by fire on Monday, we are passing along information on the first fundraiser for this popular Baltimore Avenue spot. The fundraiser Jam Session/Concert to raise money for Elena’s Soul Lounge will be held this Friday, Dec. 28 at Major Events Banquet Hall, 5075 Lancaster Ave, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. The fundraiser is hosted by IM3Media that helped organize Hidden Soul Wednesdays at Elena’s. More information is available here (Facebook page).

Here’s a list of Christmas services at assorted local churches. If you know of other Christmas services please email us at: editor@westphillylocal.com or post them in the comments.

Calvary Methodist Church, 48th & Baltimore

Christmas Eve: Candlelight Service of lessons and carols – 7 p.m.

Church of the Holy Apostles & Mediator, 51st & Spruce

Christmas Eve: Christmas Sacred music prelude – 6:30 p.m.; Festival of Christmas Eucharist – 7 p.m.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 3916 Locust Walk

Christmas Eve: The Feast of the Nativity – 7:30 p.m.
Christmas Day: 6:20 p.m.

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 38th St. between Chestnut and Market

Christmas Eve: Festival Eucharist – 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Holy Eucharist – 10 a.m.

A special holiday edition of popular Go West! Craft Fest is coming to the Rotunda (40th & Walnut) this Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity for unique holiday gift shopping, with over 40 local artists and artisans taking part in the event. See the full vendor list here. Thanks to VIX Emporium for organizing this annual event once again!