A participant in the gathering at Malcolm X. Park that resulted in several dozen police officers clearing the park out Saturday night told CBS3 that the event was peaceful and that cops overreacted.

Joseph Clifton says in a video posted on CBS3’s website (see below) that people gathered for a video shoot and cookout. He said the city had issued a permit for 300 people.

Clifton said as many as 30 police officers initially responded to ask organizers to turn music down. Soon after, more police arrived and cleared the park. Cell phone video that Clifton shot shows police lined up shoulder to shoulder with batons drawn, walking through the park. Several blocks around the park were closed and a police helicopter circled the park for about an hour.  Continue Reading

Police broke up a large crowd that gathered in Malcolm X Park on Saturday night, according to reports. As many as 200 people gathered in the park at around 8 p.m. on Saturday and became increasingly aggressive, throwing objects at officers, 6ABC reports.

The crowd was dispersed after extra police help was brought in. A police helicopter was also seen in the area.

Some arrests were made, but it’s not clear yet how many people were arrested. No injuries were reported.

The local theater company Theatre in the X will stage the world premiere of The Beast of Nubia on Sunday, Aug. 4 at 5 p.m. in the center of Malcolm X. Park (51st and Pine). Performances will follow on the next two Sundays, Aug. 11 and 18, also at 5 p.m.

Here’s how they describe The Beast of Nubia, which was written by Jonathan Bethea:

“In the deserts of ancient Nubia there is a magical kingdom guarded by a monstrous beast. When a merchant wrongs the beast his eldest daughter agrees to sacrifice herself in his place. What follows is a grand adventure filled with romance and excitement, as two very different people learn to cope with one another.”  Continue Reading

Photo from Theatre in the X website.

One of our favorite things about summer in West Philly is performances by Theatre in the X, the company that stages free Afrocentric plays at Malcolm X. Park. This summer they will present the world premiere of “The Beast of Nubia” on Aug. 4, 11 and 18. (look for a more detailed preview later this month). Check out the trailer below. For now, we wanted to let people know about their fundraiser and volunteer sign-up.

Theatre in the X has a GoFundMe campaign here to keep the summer performances going well into the future. They are also seeking volunteers for everything from ushers to wardrobe assistants to set builders. Go here to fill out the volunteer form.  Continue Reading

Friday Night Jazz in Cedar Park will continue until August 2nd, and here’s another West Philly park that has been hosting free live jazz performances this summer. The Jazz Heritage Series is held every other Thursday at 7 p.m. at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine). The series is hosted by Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Friends of Malcolm X Park. The next performance is this Thursday (July 4) by vocalist Shirley Lites.

Here’s a full schedule of performances through September 12:  Continue Reading

Happy Juneteenth! The celebration of America’s “other Independence Day” kicks off around the city today (if you need background on the holiday that marks the end of slavery see the video below from The Root). The epicenter of the city’s Juneteenth celebration will be in West Philly this Saturday, June 22, with a parade down 52nd Street and and a festival in Malcom X. Park complete with vendors, food and lots of music.

The day kicks off with an “Honor Our Ancestors” breakfast. The parade begins at noon at 52nd and Jefferson and proceeds south on 52nd Street, which will be renamed “Muhammad Ali Way” during a ceremony in Malcolm X. Park (3 – 4 p.m.). The Juneteenth Musicfest will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the park. The featured performer is Kindred The Family Soul. Their performance is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Continue Reading