Holding Down the Fort: This cannon at Fort Mifflin along the Delaware Bay this past Labor Day weekend in Southwest Philly is a top attraction. About 200 defended the fort during the American Revolution. They were charged with staving off and delaying the advancing British, so that Gen. George Washington and his tired Continental Army could move into winter quarters at Valley Forge, Pa., where about 700 patriots of African descent would serve. At Fort Mifflin, an integrated force of 400, which included units of Black patriots, held off the more powerful British Navy before giving up the fort. The conflict and Americans’ resistance at Fort Mifflin changed the course of the war. Photo By Randy Giancaterino.
Wow. That was quick. Summer is nearly out the door. But September, brimming with endless events, will save the day. From block parties to wine tastings, it is time to savor summer until the last sip. Cheers!
State Rep. McClinton Leads Program About Democracy
Thursday, September 10, 2026. To mark the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence, the Southeast Delegation will feature “A More Perfect Union: From Independence to Inclusion, 250 Years of American Democracy. It will be an engaging community program hosted by Pennsylvania State Rep. McClinton, leading a panel that includes Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Delaware House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown, and New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie. The conversation will focus on American democracy, public service, and influential leaders who will help shape the future of the United States. The event will also align with the International Day of Democracy observance on September 15, encouraging the public to reflect on the state of global democracy.
Free; 10 p.m. EST to 11:30 p.m. EST. Mother Bethel AME Church, 419 South 6th St. 215-748-6712 or https://bit.ly/m/repmcclinton?r=qr or https://globalphiladelphia.org/events/america-250-speakers-panel-discussion
An Event With Soul
Saturday, September 12, 2026. There is unity in community. Check out the 12th Annual Soul School Festival, a neighborhood fall block party hosted by Pennsylvania State Rep. Jordan Harris. Connect with South Philly neighbors and enjoy a day of games, live entertainment, fitness activities, and community resources like free health screenings.
Free, noon to 8 p.m. EST. Chew Playground, 1800 Block of Washington Ave. 215-952-3378 or https://www.pahouse.com/Harris/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=144437
Connect With Black Creativity, Spoken Word & Art
Saturday, September 12, 2026. Poetry Blerds and Jams (PB&J) has the whole package of fun. Enjoy a day of Comic Con-style entertainment celebrating Black imagination and “blerd culture” (Black Nerd) through comics, spoken-word poetry, sci-fi, and Black speculative art. The event will feature panel discussions, workshops, an “Artist Alley” marketplace with gaming, vendors, Black musicians, illustrators, writers, and artists – all capped off with a spoken-word poetry performance.
Organized by PB&J: Poetry, Blerds & Jams by LindoYes, the event in Germantown puts creatives all in one space to tell important Black stories. “This comic con honors that legacy by creating a space where people can see themselves in the stories, art, and worlds being uplifted,” said community poet Lindo Yes.
Starts at $75 per ticket; noon to 7 p.m. EST. The Braid Mill, 441 High St. Email: info@poetryblerdsandjams.com, https://poetryblerdsandjams.com/ or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-blerds-jams-tickets-1982077221325
Read also: Gumball Machine Poetry and a Philly Soul: LindoYes’s Sweet Treats for the Mind
Marion Williams was known for her vocal range.
Tribute To Celebrate Gospel Pioneer
Saturday, September 12 to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Her star may have faded over the years. That is why Robin Williams, Sr., decided it was time for his unheralded mother, Marion, to get her due. Marion, who died in 1994, is credited as a pioneering voice in gospel. Her powerful falsettos and vast range inspired early rock and roll through Little Richard’s signature “Whooops!” and Aretha Franklin, who covered her songs. In a tribute of music and film starring Chabrelle Williams, Marion’s son brings her from the shadows, into the spotlight again.
Born To Sing The Gospel: The Story of Marion Williams is a multimedia stage production of live music, performances, and rare archival film footage highlighting the life and legacy of the MacArthur Fellowship “genius” grant recipient and Kennedy Center honoree. She started out as a member of Clara Ward’s famous gospel group, leading to her solo career in 1965.
The Born to Sing The Gospel production looks at family, faith, perseverance, and the healing power of music through Marion’s voice. As CEO of Ronaj Movie Productions, Robin Williams, Sr., produced The Legendary Marion Williams documentary featured at Cannes through Pavilion Afrique. (It is streaming on various platforms.) He is the Music Director for Poetik Blues: A Sistah’s Story and bandleader of two R&B/Soul groups, Poetik Sol and RKW2 Project. The Born To Sing The Gospel production was written and directed by Karen Moore.
$25 per person, with a pay-what-you-can option. Performances: Saturday: 2:45 p.m. EST, Sunday: 8 p.m. EST. Asian Arts Initiative Black Box Theater, 1219 Vine St. 215-413-1318 or phillyfringe.org/events/born-to-sing-the-gospel/ or Philadelphia Fringe Festival
Celebrate Latin-American Literature At Book Fair
Saturday, September 12, 2026. Check out the 8th Edition of the Latin American Book Fair hosted by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and Mexican Cultural Center. Meet authors; celebrate Latin-American culture and literature. Explore a powerful program of literary showcases, cultural performances, and community engagement. The event will offer more than 30 authors, organizations, as well as community readers, storytelling, book releases, music, dancing, and food. The traditions of Columba will be featured. Organizers also are seeking volunteers.
Free but pre-register, 11 a.m. EST to 5 p.m. EST. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Commonwealth Plaza), 300 S. Broad St. Email: philaferiadellibro@gmail.com, 215-680-3856, or https://www.latinbookfair.com/ or https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/tickets-and-events/free-events/latin-american-book-fair
El Centro de Oro Feria de Barrio community festival. Photo courtesy of Taller Puertorriqueno.
Latino Artisans & Crafters To Shine At Fiesta
Sunday, September 13, 2026. Dive into the best of Puerto Rican and Latinx culture at the Annual Feria De Barrio. Hosted by Taller Puertorriqueño, celebrate Latino heritage with live music, dance art, food, local vendors, crafts, community resource offerings, and fun family activities. Headliner Chuwi will bring the island sound of plena, indie, and Caribbean vibes. Joining Chuwi will be Tino Serrano y Orquesta Salsa Dura, accompanied by Angel Rios, Segunda Quimbamba, Son Colombia Las Américas, Los Pueblitos, Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble, and Bachata Tropical. The fiesta will take over the streets of the historic Centro de Oro, North Philly’s Latino business and arts hub.
Free entry; noon to 5 p.m. EST. 2600 block of N. 5th St. 215-426-3311 or https://feriadelbarrio.org/
Mexican Traditions, Mariachi & More At Festival
Sunday, September 13, 2026. What better way to spend a fall Sunday than at the Mexican Independence Day Festival? Soak up the wealth of culture featuring regional Mexican dances, live Mariachi music, local artisans, authentic food and family activities. It will feature an “El Grito” ceremony, which will include bell ringing, a tribute to the War of Independence, a speech, and the Mexican National Anthem to mark Mexico’s independence from Spain in the 1800s. The Consul of Mexico in Philadelphia will be part of the program.
Free entry, 2 p.m. EST to 7 p.m. EST. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 S. Columbus Blvd. Email: info@mexicanculturalcenter.org, 267-204-3307 or https://mexicanculturalcenter.org/mexican-independence-day-festival-2026/
Healing Over Tea
Saturday, September 12, 2026. Sign up for Tea, Truth & Teal: An Afternoon of Awareness, Reflection & Community in observance of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which universally is associated with the color of teal. Hosted by Byrd Cancer Foundation and , get rejuvenated by an empowering experience of storytelling, health education, support, and reflection for women impacted by ovarian cancer. The afternoon of community will include an invigorating tea ritual by Taylor Nickens, founder of Rise & Ritual, a Black-owned wellness brand. Timelle Duckett of Sis Is Teal will discuss self-advocacy and identifying ovarian cancer symptoms. The gathering is designed for those honoring a loved one, for those supporting an ovarian cancer patient, or anyone interested in learning about better health.
Free, but pre-register before September 11th; 1 p.m. EST to 3:30 p.m. EST. The Pink Gym, 4112 Lancaster Ave.https://www.eventbrite.com
Wine & Spirits Fest Channels Bourbon Street
Saturday, September 12, 2026. There is still time to savor summer.
The 4th Annual Philly Black Wine & Spirits Fest will help you do just that. Enjoy premium local and national wines and spirits, food, music, art, and community. Presented by Sonia “Sunny” Blount, founder of Kabila Events, the theme is “From Bourbon Street to Broad Street,” inspired by New Orleans, where celebrations like Mardi Gras rule. To mark the spirit of the occasion, wear purple, green and gold with a touch of black or cream. The meaning of Kabila is “tribe” in Swahili, reflecting the festival’s mission of bringing people together. Like Grenache, a versatile grape celebrated during International Grenache Day each September, the festival helps celebrate Black culture. Enjoy unlimited tasting of wine and spirits, live DJs and performances, art experiences, interactive photo installations, great food, and a marketplace of local businesses.
Starting at $44.52 per person; two sessions: 1 p.m. EST and 3 p.m. EST. Girard College, 2101 S College Ave. https://www.phillyblackwinefest.com/
Prayer Session To Inspire Hope & Acts Of Kindness
Through Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Be part of A World in Crisis: What is God Asking of Us: Global Prayer Watch – empowering sessions stretching over a week to unite individuals in prayer during a time of crisis in the United States. A “Prayer Warrior” will lead you in prayer on Facebook throughout the week leading up to the September 15th closing of Prayer Watch. The finale will feature an episode of The Christ-Centered Single Podcast on YouTube @Coachbulindawright with Coach Bulinda Wright & Dr. V, highlighting the Prayer Warriors. (The Christ-Centered Single Podcast also can be heard on Podbean, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, TuneIn, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast, Podchaser, Samsung, Spotify, Amazon Alexa, and Audible.)
The prayer group will address pressing issues gripping the country, impacting those facing homelessness, violence, mental illness, addiction, poverty and family relationships. The female-focused sessions are designed to spur action, encouraging acts of kindness such as buying a meal for a homeless person, or groceries for someone who is struggling, or visiting an elderly shut-in, or helping a stray animal.
Free; daily individual personal prayers: 9 a.m. EST, noon, and 7 p.m. EST. September 15: Coach B.’s podcast, 7 p.m. EST. Email: admin@keeplookingupwithbwrightjones.com
What Just Happened? Events Around Town
A Helping Hand To Spark Growth of Entrepreneurs
On August 28, Philadelphia City Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (left) presented a check to Tanya T. Morris, founder and president of Mom Your Business, to support Mom Your Business’s work serving entrepreneurs at Braid Mill, 441 High St. The workshop celebrated Black Business Month, Black Philanthropy Month, and Black Giving Day, which advocates for economic empowerment. The event brought technology, entrepreneurship, guidance, and public investment to assist local businesses. Participants completed a free business assessment, followed by coaching from business leaders. A system called Source Code was introduced to the Philadelphia community at the event. The model provides entrepreneurs with customized advice to advance their business ventures. Mom Your Business is one of the nation’s first organizations selected as a “Founding Provider Partner for Source Code.” The citywide Mom Your Business, founded in West Philly, supports Black and Brown female entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, networking and strategic partnerships: https://momyourbusiness.com/the-black-august-summit
