Some of the best – and probably the most intimate – theatre in the city gets underway in Malcolm X. Park (51st and Pine) next week when Theatre in the X opens the world premiere of Running Numbers.

Running Numbers is a drama about a high school senior “whose dreams and desperation of going to college and overcoming his environment lead him to fast cash and dangerous situations.” The work is inspired by  “Financial Aid”, an incredible spoken work piece by Carvens Lissaint.

Cheyenne Barboza wrote Running Numbers and Christina May directs. The cast includes Abdul Sesay, Jarrett McCreary, Khadijah Davis, Iman Aaliyah, Aurica Hurst, Angelica Jackson-Thomas, Carlo Campbell, Walter DeShields, Niya Colbert, Brandon A. Drummond and Dwayne Alistair Thomas.  Continue Reading

Councilwoman Helen Gym will host a community gathering “to protect healthcare and education” tonight at Malcolm X. Park (52nd and Pine) from 6-8 p.m.

The gathering is one of three she will host over the next few weeks as part of “Resistance Summer.” The gathering comes as the U.S. Senate decides whether to go ahead with a debate on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.

Feel free to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on for the event.

Gym will also be in Vernon Park in Northwest Philly on Aug. 7 and Columbus Square in South Philly on Aug. 9.

Printing out inspiration for our sign-making table tonight (thanks @StreetsDept!). See you at 6pm in Malcolm X Park. #ResistanceSummer pic.twitter.com/8XQk1L1Rhi

— Helen Gym (@HelenGymAtLarge) July 25, 2017

Here’s some great news for Malcolm X Park and neighborhood residents. The Philadelphia Water Department is working on bringing green improvements to the park, which will include specially designed tree systems that will help manage local stormwater while adding new green features to the park’s square located at 52nd and Pine.

Residents are invited to learn more about this initiative at tonight’s community meeting organized by the Water Department and the Friends of Malcolm X Park. The meeting will be held at the park, beginning at 6 p.m. weather permitting, but will move to Lois’ Learning Tree (430 S. 52nd St.) in the event of rain.

The planned improvements are a part of the city’s Green City, Clean Waters program, which uses landscaped green tools to improve neighborhoods and protect local waterways from stormwater pollution.

Recently we told you about the return of Live Jazz Fridays, a great summer tradition in Cedar Park. In this post, we’re happy to report that the annual West Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Series held at Malcolm X Park (52nd an Pine) has also resumed.

The series, hosted by Friends of Malcolm X Memorial Park (Facebook page) and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, is held every other Thursday (weather permitting) through Sept. 14, beginning at 7 p.m. Here’s the line up for the rest of the summer:

June 8 – Drummer Webb Thomas (see video below)
June 22 – The KDQ & Vocalist Susann Burgess
July 6 – The Barbara Walker Story
July 20 – The Budesa Bros
Aug. 3 – Vocalist Shirley Lites
Aug. 17 – Drummer Carlos Railey Group
Aug. 31 – Angel Baby
Sept. 14 – Pianist Alfie Politt  Continue Reading

It wasn’t a very good start to the “Love Your Park” week on Saturday, May 13, with some of the events, like the annual Spruce Hill May Fair, being rained out. This week, there will be more chances to celebrate and help clean up your neighborhood park as the “Love Your Park” week, sponsored by Philadelphia Parks & Rec and local community groups, continues. On Friday and Saturday, festivities will be held at at least three West Philly parks – Clark Park, Cedar Park and Malcolm X Park. A couple of park cleanups have also been scheduled, and volunteers are needed. Here are more details:

Cedar Park (49th and Baltimore)

Picnic in Cedar Park: Friday, May 19, 6-8 p.m.

Residents are invited to bring their own picnic or pick up a dinner at one of the neighborhood’s great businesses and enjoy a beautiful spring evening with their friends and neighbors.

Service Workday: Saturday, May 20, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The service workday in Cedar Park has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 20 due to rain. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Help is needed planting annuals and perennials, pruning, weeding, and doing general clean up. Tools and gloves will be provided. RSVP here.  Continue Reading

“Love Your Park” Fall Service Day 2016 at Malcolm X Park. (Photo by Albert Yee)

An historic turnout was reported at this year’s “Love Your Park” Fall Service Day.

This past weekend the highest number of volunteers registered for “LOVE Your Park” to date, according to Philadelphia Parks & Rec, the event organizers. 2,129 volunteers showed up at 90 parks throughout the city to plant trees, rake leaves, pick up trash and prepare these green spaces for winter.

This year, West Philly’s Malcolm X Park was chosen as a signature”Love Your Park” site. Mayor Jim Kenney and other city officials were at the park supporting the volunteers.