Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, ensembleartsphilly.org
“April, dressed in all his trim, hath put a spirit of youth in everything.”
— William Shakespeare
With the fresh promise of spring, Shakespeare’s love “Sonnet 98,” in 1609 (see the quote above) has weathered the test of time, ushering in the youthful and hopeful month of April. It’s a beautiful bridge from spring to summer. From Easter egg hunts to a children’s book on autism awareness, explore these April events shining with “the spirit of youth.” And don’t forget: When event-going, consider taking precautions, especially when among groups and while indoors, with the risk of COVID-19 variants and other still-existing infectious health concerns.
Create An Arts & Culture Blueprint
Wednesday, April 9 & Saturday, April 26, 2025. Creative Philadelphia is taking it right to the community. The city government’s arts and culture office will kick off Cultural Planning Process’ 12 Arts & Culture Planning Sessions, a citywide effort to solicit input from the public about the future of arts and culture. The outreach includes residents, teens, young adults, independents, teaching artists, cultural leaders, organizations, and “anyone who wants to see their culture reflected in the city’s future.” Each meeting will feature discussions, artistic performances, and creative activations. Said Valerie Gay, Creative Philadelphia’s Chief Cultural Officer: “This is your chance to define what arts and culture should look like for generations to come and ensure that the city’s investments and policies reflect your vision.” The goal is to provide the public with an opportunity to influence how arts and culture contribute to safer, cleaner, greener communities that have equitable access to creative opportunities and funding. The initial sessions of 12 scheduled free events are at Zion Baptist Church of Philadelphia, 3600 N. Broad St., on April 9, from 6 p.m. EST. to 8:30 p.m. EST. RSVP here, and at Bridesburg Recreation Center, 4601 Richmond St., on April 26, from 2 p.m. EST to 4:30 p.m. EST. RSVP here or arts@phila.gov.
Webinar To Navigate the Issue of Human Trafficking
Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Check out this timely virtual training session for social workers, counselors, case workers, advocates, community volunteers, faith leaders, teachers, or anyone who is engaged actively with their communities. The webinar is called Shared Safety Lunch & Learn: Human Trafficking. Over lunch, get an insight into human trafficking and ways to help survivors in Philadelphia. Led by Prevention Education Specialist Molly Ferris, the webinar will provide a high-level introduction to trafficking and the common intersections seen in Philadelphia. Learn about trafficking-specific providers in the area, tips on how to effectively work with survivors, and about health systems’ resources for survivors of relational violence. The event will be hosted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Health and Human Services. Free, 1 p.m. EST to 2 p.m. EST. Register on ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5517423195334/WN_8qpd7UNxS56gCX5Au7j4IA or https://www.phila.gov/programs/shared-safety-philadelphia/
Cleous Young
Relationship Workshop On Matters Of The Heart
Thursday, April 10, 2025. Here’s a great way to observe National Public Health Week (April 7 – 13). Check out “Valentine’s Day and Beyond: Transformative Techniques for a Lifetime of Love and Healing.” Led by transformational life coach Cleous Young, the interactive community workshop is designed to help tackle emotional barriers, sharpen your emotional intelligence, and confront past adversities with resilience. The event is a follow-up to Young’s article about relationships in Philadelphia Today Journal published on Valentine’s Day in February. This ensuing discussion about relationships is described as a “reflective experience,” employing exercises, visual storytelling, and guided techniques to examine how childhood experiences shape you mentally and emotionally into adulthood. Coach Young brings compassion and the practical tools to navigate difficult emotions and life’s challenges like romantic heartbreak. Free but space is limited, 7 p.m. EST to 8:30 p.m. EST. UFC Learning Center, 5546 Pulaski Ave. Email: theresa@vintagegreeninc.com or eventbrite.com
Pop up For Relief-aide Efforts
Thursday, April 10, 2025. Put “AfroAsia Bar: A Gamming,” a solidarity pop-up event of socializing, art, and political education, and fundraising for humanitarian aid work, on your calendar. The term ‘gamming’ is derived from a meeting between whalers at sea and also refers to a school of whales. The event features original cocktails. Proceeds benefit war-torn Haiti and Gaza human relief organizations. Event host Gamming Collective is a group of educator activists for Palestine seeking to build Black-Asian solidarity through art and political events in Philadelphia. Suggested entry fee $15-20 (pay what you can); 6 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST. Ulises,1525 North American St. (Studio 104). Email: Ulisesbooks@gmail.com, 210-275-8422. eventbrite.com
Hop On This Event
Saturday, April 12, 2025. Put all of your eggs in one basket at the City Life Philly Easter Egg Hunt in South Philadelphia. Kids up to age 12 can satisfy their sweet tooth, get their faces painted, and take photos with the Easter Bunny. The morning hops off with a Easter egg hunt for kids up to age 5, followed by five other age sessions, ending with the 10- to 12-year-olds. Organized by City Life Philly, a contemporary Christian church in South Philly. (If you miss this one, you can catch a second event in Connell Park, 6401 Elmwood Ave. in Southwest Philly on Saturday. April 19. All of the details are the same.) Free, but pre-register; 10:30 a.m. EST to 1 p.m. EST. Franklin D. Park (‘The Lakes’), 2000 Pattison Ave. eventbrite.com
Is This Scholarship For You?
Through Sunday, April 13, 2025. Future and current scholars may be eligible for the Concilio College Scholarship. Get ahead of the class, and apply for this scholarship, worth up to $2,000. Concilio, based at 141 E. Hunting Park Ave., provides critical services for foster care, youth development, housing, children’s immunization outreach, and after-school programming to more than 9,000 individuals, mostly in the Latino community in Philadelphia. The scholarship program is designed to support Philadelphia students who are pursuing their education – high school and college students, and those in a trades program. The application deadline is April 13th. 215-627-3100 (Ext. 284) or https://elconcilio.net/scholarship/ or www.elconcilio.net
Autism Through A Child’s Eyes
Monday, April 14, 2025. April is Autism Awareness Month, and there is one book in particular that can help children and adults better understand autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive, restricted, and inflexible behavior, and challenges with social interaction. Carra Dixon, author of Maleah Makes a Friend: Is He Shy?, will recite from her enlightening children’s book. It’s the first in a book series about a little girl discovering the world of autism. This insightful debut book looks at the differences and similarities of those with autism and teaches valuable lessons about friendship. Free, 1 p.m. EST. Wyoming Library, 231 East Wyoming Ave. (Wyoming Ave. & “B” St.) 215-685-9158 or https://libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/authorevents/?id=149712
