The Great Migration: A City Transformed (1916-1930), a series of audio and video works that celebrate the historic journeys of African Americans to the North, are taking place this fall at libraries, rec centers and schools throughout the the city, including in West Philadelphia. The works range from profiles of local figures and institutions to experimental short films. Each screening offers a mix of local history and great film.

The films, produced by multi-media artists Julie Dash, Kevin Jerome Everson, and Tina Morton, look at the stories of Black migrants and the institutions that shaped their journey and settlement.

The screenings are presented by West Philly-based Scribe Video Center and community partners and will also feature works from Scribe’s Precious Places Community History Project, a citywide initiative to document the public spaces and landmarks that define our communities. These include short documentaries about the Belmont Plateau, the John Coltrane House, St. Paul’s Baptist Church, the Christian Street YMCA, and more.  Continue Reading

Community members are invited to attend the big annual meeting of the Spruce Hill Community Association on Nov. 15 at the Penn Alexander School (43rd and Locust).

Penn Alexander’s new principal, Michael Farrell, will address the meeting, which will be held in the school’s cafeteria. Farrel took over from founding principal Sheila Sydnor this fall. Read more about him here.

SHCA board members will also present the association’s activities over the year during the meeting and hold elections for a new board. Eric Santoro, SHCA’s current president, is running unopposed for a second one-year term. Election will also be held for four other officer positions and 10 board posts. Biographical information for those running will be available at the meeting.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served beginning at 7 p.m., and the meeting will start at 7:30 p.m.

Membership in SHCA is open to everyone. Dues are $20 per year.

On Tuesday, Nov. 1, Milk and Honey Market (45th and Baltimore) will host a meet and greet for Baltimore Avenue business owners and neighbors. This is an opportunity to meet owners of some of the recently opened Baltimore Avenue businesses, including Eight Limbs Academy, Greensgrow West, The Nesting House, Hair Vyce, and more. There will be some food, fun and opportunities for networking. The event will be held from 5 – 7 p.m.

The event is organized by Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA).

Giant puppets will again bring joy and civic awareness to the neighborhood as Peoplehood Parade returns on Saturday, Oct. 29, thanks to West Philly-based Spiral Q Puppet Theater. Everyone is welcome to join in this annual event celebrating diversity, communities’ creativity and unity. This year’s theme is about collective power and be(com)ing GIANT together.

The parade will kick off at the Paul Robeson House (50th and Walnut) at 1 p.m. (line-up starts at Noon) and will end at Clark Park at 45th and Chester (see map below). The parade will be followed by a participatory group art-making activity in Clark Park at around 2 p.m.  Continue Reading

Halloween is almost here, so if you’re looking for something fun to do check out our assorted list of events below. We also included Day of the Dead events in the neighborhood. Also, a reminder that the Spruce Hill Halloween Tot Parade will take place on Monday, Oct. 31, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Philly Thriller dancers usually perform after the parade – near 44th and Osage and in Clark Park – so if you want to catch their performance follow them on Facebook for more information and updates.  Continue Reading

Every year, the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) and residents organize a Halloween Parade and Party when our little neighbors can showcase their cute/scary/funny costumes. This year is no exception. The parade will be held on Monday, Oct. 31, beginning at 4:30 p.m. (gathering starts after 4 p.m. at 45th and Baltimore).

The parade will proceed to the 4200 block of Osage Ave. (Little Osage) where the annual Halloween Party will be held until 7 p.m. Neighbors and local businesses will be treating the tots to cider and baked goods.

The parade has taken place over the past eighteen years and has grown each year.

For more information, visit the SHCA website. Also, check this Facebook event page for latest information.