Articles by Teresa Emerson

The African Cultural Art Forum, 221 S. 52nd Street in West Philadelphia, has been in business since 1969.  Second generation co-owner Khdir Abdur-Rahim, gave me a wonderful history of this family-owned business. They began international trade with seven African countries in 1975.  You’ll find beautiful authentic masks, artwork, clothing and much more.  Call 215.476.0680 for…

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ABOVE PHOTO:  Citizen diplomacy international of Philadelphia recently hosted a group of international leaders, entrepreneurs and policy makers from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Pakistan and Taiwan. Visitors toured science and technology centers and returned home with life-changing inspiration and a hunger for knowledge.   (Photos by Mauel Yepez)   Citizen Diplomacy International of Philadelphia arranged visits for 19…

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On Saturday, May 5th, Dignity Housing will host their “Cheers to Thirty Years” gala at the Regal Ballroom, 5411 Oxford Ave. This year’s gala will commemorate the organization’s 30 years of working to alleviate homelessness and poverty. As part of the event, the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will be honored with the organization’s “Champion…

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ABOVE PHOTO:  Rashon Nelson, left, and Donte Robinson, right, both 23, sit on their attorney’s sofa as they pose for a portrait following an interview with the Associated Press Wednesday April 18, 2018 in Philadelphia. Their arrests at a local Starbucks quickly became a viral video and galvanized people around the country who saw the…

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Temporary, overnight closures and detours expected Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams announced that the notice to proceed has been issued to A.P. Construction, Inc. for the Lincoln Drive Restoration Project.  Work for this project commenced on Monday, April 30, 2018 . The Lincoln Drive Restoration Project includes various improvements to Lincoln Drive between Ridge Avenue and…

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ABOVE PHOTO:  The mural “Watershed” by Paul Santoleri at the Roxborough Pocket Park.   Earth Day weekend had special significance in Roxborough this year  as the community welcomed the long-awaited Roxborough Pocket Park on Ridge Avenue between Krams and Leverington Avenues. The day of festivities, part of the Roxborough Development Corporation’s “Art is Life” event,…

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Harrisburg –  Horrific school shootings have prompted calls for banning assault weapons, posting armed guards in school buildings and other school safety upgrades. Two Philadelphia senators say we can do more.    Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) and Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) are introducing legislation (Senate Bill 1158) that would create the Pennsylvania Center for…

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ABOVE PHOTO:  Mark Segal (insert)   By Mark Segal The April 29 Inquirer article by Craig McCoy and Jeremy Roebuck regarding sheriff’s sale ads essentially questions the value of community, ethnic and other specialty news organizations that serve groups traditionally underserved by the mainstream press, including the Inquirer itself.  The dismissal of minority community news…

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ABOVE PHOTO:  Students having a ball at College Signing Day.  (Photo: Leona Dixon)   On Wednesday, former First Lady Michelle Obama brought a star-studded cast to Temple University’s Liacouras Center to honor Philadelphia’s college-bound high school seniors.   By Denise Clay As she sat in a chair at the Liacouras Center on Temple University’s main campus…

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ABOVE PHOTO:  Representatives from Preferred Meals, City Year, Philabundance and others who pitched in for the success of this worthwhile cause. (Photo courtesy: Philabundance/ Preferred Meals) Philabundance, City Year and Preferred Meals joined forces to distribute food to schoolchildren through a backpack program Food insecurity is one of the top issues facing humankind worldwide. According…

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