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Black-led nonprofits challenge funders: ‘Get to know us’
Black-led nonprofits in Philadelphia still face barriers in connecting with regional funders, according to a new report that issues a call to action.
- Titled “Reflecting Forward,” the study’s findings were compiled from interviews with 16 leaders who represent a larger group that formed in 2020: the Black Nonprofit Chief Executives of Philadelphia.
It offers three main recommendations for funders, Lisa Bryant reports for Billy Penn, like avoiding pitch competitions and thinking in multi-year terms.
Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll returns with $1 deals and fun
The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll returns tomorrow, with thousands expected to hit up the West Philly corridor filled with a diverse collection of local shops.
- It’s the first in-person festival in two years, and proprietors are beyond excited — not just for the business it might bring, but for a chance to connect with the community.
Along with the $1 (and $3, and $5) deals, there’ll be live music and face-painting. BP intern Emily White has tips for what to seek out when you go.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- The recent report on the city’s handling of MOVE remains revealed the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office lacks important policies and is woefully understaffed — a slow-building crisis as shootings and opioids mean unexplained deaths are on the rise. [Inquirer$]
- A viral Twitter thread about a Philly Airbnb filled with hidden cameras ignited concerns about privacy for home-sharing guests. The company is investigating, per a spokesperson. [@foxytaughtyou/Inquirer$]
- Philadelphia moved up in the rankings on a list of the 30 best ecosystems for startups and got a shout-out for its “vibrant” life sciences community. [Technical.ly]
- Local radio sportscasters Bill Clement and Al Morganti were named to the Hockey Hall of Fame yesterday. [KYW/@HockeyHallFame]
- The Baltimore Banner launched yesterday with a spicy take, saying Philly cheesesteaks are generally “inedible,” citing Whiz, lack of toasting, and…too much lettuce?? Note to B’more: Customers choose their own cheese; the bread should NOT be toasted to achieve full melt/merge with the insides; and lettuce does not belong on the sandwich in the first place. [Baltimore Banner/@phillydesign]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting at the Community College of Philadelphia.
- Philadelphia is about to announce a fifth round of anti-violence grants to community groups, but it turns out several earlier grantees still haven’t been paid. Of 41 awardees so far, only 12 have most of the money in hand. [WHYY]
- The city announced plans to install 100 security cameras near 19 schools where students have been affected by gun violence. The move comes a month after district middle schools started to screen students for weapons. [Chalkbeat/6ABC]
- Trauma surgeon Jessica Beard discusses “Stronger Every Day,” the new podcast that highlights the journey of a Philadelphia shooting survivor. [WITF]
- In solidarity with the big March for Our Lives rally in DC, about 200 people demonstrated Saturday in West Philly to press for gun restrictions. [CBS3]
- A bipartisan group of senators reached a deal on new federal gun regulations, with 11 Republicans — including Pa.’s Toomey — tentatively agreeing to sign on. [Texas Tribune/Hill/Tribune-Review]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 24: Shooting victims recorded last week so far, vs. 78 the week prior. [PPD Google Drive]
- 1,025: Shooting victims this year, up 7% from last year [PCGVR]
- 228: Year-to-date homicides, down 8% from last year; up 58% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney joins Connor Barwin and Rebuild officials at a groundbreaking for the new Vare Rec Center in Point Breeze (1:30 p.m. — stay tuned for Jordan Levy’s report on the project’s history). Evening brings the mayor to the Parkway Central Library for a Women’s Law Project reception honoring retiring exec director Carol Tracy.
ON THE CALENDAR
? BP Quizzo is in Chestnut Hill this month! Join us at the top of cobblestoned Germantown Avenue as we take over Tavern on the Hill for a night of Philly trivia with happy hour specials and prizes. Tickets are free with RSVP. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21)
?️? Tonight! Join Billy Penn reporter Michaela Winberg, host of “March On,” for happy hour at Cockatoo in the Gayborhood, with a drag performance by VinChelle followed by a discussion of modern Pride. Free with RSVP. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15)
? The Philadelphia Thing’s Trade School festival this week, and this time around they’re exchanging art and artists with Detroit, the Motor City. Opening night showings include interactive theater and short film screenings, and you get unlimited access to all performances through a $100 festival pass. (Times vary, Thursday to Sunday, June 16-25)
?? Commemorate history with the Pennsylvania Juneteenth Initiative as they throw what they’re calling the largest Juneteenth parade and celebration in the nation, filling West Philly’s Malcolm X Park, with dance performances, DJs, and family-friendly crafts. (12 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 19).
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