Kids get crafty at Camp Gingko, West Park Cultural Center in recent years.
Photo courtesy of West Park Cultural Center
May is the gateway of summer bursting with bold energy and activity. Seize the day with these invigorating low-cost or free entertainment offerings, which focus on a mighty mix of women’s history, art, politics, baseball, and beer festivals.
Women’s History And Community Unite Through Art
Friday, May 17, 2024. Art collector and educator Tierra Rich will host an “Art Talk” at Culture Currency Studios’ State of the Art Showcase. Rich will share her perspective about the artwork on display, providing context and appreciation for the artist’s creations. The art showcase honors the empowering accomplishments and stories of women in history. The artwork reflects the enduring impact of women. Free, 6 p.m. EST to 10 p.m. EST. Culture Currency Studios, 3460 J St. eventbrite.com.
Art, Music, Poetry Food, And Games At ‘Spring Fling’
Friday, May 17, 2024. The African American Museum in Philadelphia will host a spring party. They call it: A Night at AAMP: Spring Fling. Enjoy a slam poetry performance by Philadelphia’s Youth Poet Laureate Kai Davis, music from DJ Lil’dave, Quizzo led by Quizmaster Morganite, games throughout the museum, food by Eatible Delights Catering, and drinks. For the occasion, the museum will extend its hours; so check out its featured exhibition, “Imprint: Dox Thrash, Black Life and American Culture.” It explores the life and legacy of Dox Thrash, a Philadelphia Renaissance Man – an artist, printmaker, Buffalo Soldier, a performer on the Black Vaudeville circuit, and an art student. $35 until May 15th; $40 at the door, 5 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST. African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St. 215-574-0380 or aampmuseum.com/calendar.
Mayor On A (budget) Tour Of Duty
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 to Wednesday, May 22, 2024. It’s baseball season but not all of the pitches are on the diamond. There’s another game in town. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker released her budget address to the City Council in March. She is now following it up with an ongoing community circuit to get public input. Called One Philly Budget Town Hall Tour, city officials, led by Parker, will make community visits to pitch and discuss the proposed $6.29 billion budget: $250 is allotted for trash pickup and repaving and $36 million each for housing projects and initiatives to prevent illegal dumping and other sources of blight. It does not include tax hikes, which should be a crowd-pleaser. The budget addresses the new mayor’s goal to make a “Safer, Cleaner, Greener Philadelphia.” The meetings are a chance “ to get involved with local government, connect with dozens of City, state, and federal agencies and service providers, and learn about free resources and services provided.” The results may be incorporated into a revised balanced budget before going back to the City Council for approval. Upcoming town hall meetings will be Wednesday, May 15, from 6 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST, at General A. George McCall Elementary and Middle School, 325 S. 7th St.; Tuesday, May 21, from 6 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST, at Christian Stronghold Baptist Church, 4701 Lancaster Ave., and Wednesday, May 22, from 6 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST, at Lincoln High School, 3201 Ryan Ave.; Wednesday, May 29, from 6 p.m. EST to 8 p.m. EST, at Deliverance Evangelistic Church, 2001 W Lehigh Ave. Not required, but share your ideas, listen to the mayor’s budget address, and sign up for town halls in advance. phila.gov.
1924 photo: Kansas City Monarchs and Hilldale Athletic Club, the first game of the first “Colored World Series.” Photo from the Parkway Central Library Collection
Blackball
Jackie Robinson crossed the color barrier in 1947 changing sports and history. Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues before he made his major-league debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers; it was the first step onto the illusive field of equality. In the shadows of the segregated big leagues, the Negro Leagues was the sole professional showcase for African-American talent and a place where only the ball was white, as Robert Peterson’s 1992 baseball history book title suggests. Learn about some of the star players like trailblazer Robinson, and the unheralded teams, through photos in books and newspaper articles that chronicle the historical highlights of the Negro Leagues at the Parkway Central Library. They emerged during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era when former Black soldiers formed their baseball leagues in the eastern part of the United States. Organized Black baseball endured for a century until the Negro Leagues folded in the 1960s. Ironically, their gradual demise was due to the steady exodus of Black players to the major leagues. In addition to Highlights from the Negro Leagues display, the library also has a large catalog of books and materials on the Negro Leagues. Free; hours of individual departments and collections vary. Visit the website for details. Display cases in the Social Sciences and History Department (Rm. 201), Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St. 215-686-5322 or freelibrary.org.
Made on American Street Festival is on tap.
Photo by Stephen Lyford Photography
Bottoms Up At The Made On American Street Festival!
Saturday, May 18, 2024. Craft beer, handmade crafts. live music and scrumptious fare fit for a foodie. All sorts of Instagrammable moments abound at the Made on American Street Festival hosted by Wissahickon Brewing Company, PunchBuggy Brewing Company, and Home Brewed Events. Check out the city’s flourishing craft beer and cider scene, and the artisanal craft marketplace of authentic vendors representing the lively spirit of Olde Kensington. $50 in advance, 2 p.m. EST to 6 p.m. EST, 1445 N. American St. (between Master Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue). patch.com or eventbrite.com.
