Manayunk morning (Instagram by @denisewalksphilly)

SEPTA officials honor past heroes for Black History Month

Before the mid-1940s, Black workers for SEPTA were excluded from streetcar operator positions. Emmanulla Myrthil, the Chief Culture and Social Impact Officer for SEPTA, said that changed in 1944, when eight employees were promoted. This month, the transit agency honored these trailblazers for their contributions. Continue reading…

SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth Lawrence remarked “These men persevered—determined to create a better life for themselves and their families—and became trolley operator trainees.” (Photo courtesy of SEPTA)

The low-income renter program is winding down— but should it?

When Mayor Cherelle Parker unveils her budget proposal next month, affordable housing advocates hope to see more funding for the city’s expiring shallow rent initiative. Since 2020, the pilot program has offered rental assistance to deeply cost-burdened residents who might otherwise have faced some form of housing insecurity, including eviction or homelessness. 

It’s been a success, but it’s possible that it won’t make the budget cut. Why? Continue reading…

Orinoka Civic House on Ruth Street is an apartment building that receives shallow rent subsidy. (Kensington CDC)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Philly schools will continue to allow transgender athletes to participate in sports that match their gender identity, breaking with PIAA, which changed their policy to comply with President Trump’s order. [Inquirer$] 

• SEPTA is planning to roll out bulletproof armored-glass compartments on eight buses this spring to protect drivers — a likely first for any public transportation agency in the U.S. [Axios] 

• Philly’s Black Visioning Group set out its agenda for 2025. [Billy Penn]

• In 2005, Philadelphia became the first major city in America to make an African American history course a graduation requirement. That landmark class could now be on shakier ground. [Chalkbeat]

• Pa. lawmakers expressed disappointment with Penn’s move to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs at a meeting with the school administration. [TheDP.com] 

• For the third straight year, Parks & Rec is offering $1,000 bonuses to recruit lifeguards across Philly public pools. The deadlines are April 15 (and May 15 for eligibility for $500). [PhillyVoice] 

• The Green Bay Packers submitted a proposal to the NFL’s competition committee to ban the “tush push” — a play predominantly used by our Philadelphia Eagles. [The Athletic] 

• The Hittin’ Season crew weighs in on the move of Trea Turner in to — and Kyle Schwarber out of — the Phils’ leadoff hitter spot. [Billy Penn] 

Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)

We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
 

By the numbers in Philadelphia

  • 15: Shooting victims recorded from Feb. 16 through Feb. 22, including 4 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 15 shooting victims were recorded, including 6 fatalities. Visit the Philadelphia Shooting Victims Dashboard for more information. [data.phila.gov] 
  • 31: Year-to-date homicides, down 28% vs. last year’s pace; down 44% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]

MAYOR WATCH

The mayor has no public events scheduled for Wednesday.

ON THE CALENDAR

😋 East Passyunk Restaurant Week runs through March 7
🧨 Lunar New Year events and activities
🫶🏾 Black History Month events

🤔 Thursday, Feb. 27: Democracy in the Making
Public Trust presents this participatory event on the relationship between arts and democracy. It includes a keynote, movement exercises, panel discussion, and breakout groups with community and civic leaders from Philly and NYC. Featured speakers include Tom Finkelpearl, Ira Harkavy, Maori Holmes, Dr. Matt Kenyatta, Mia Kang, Gina Renzi, Andrew Zitcer, and others. (5 to 7 p.m.) 

🎭 Thursday, Feb. 27: “This Is America” Variety Show 
A Philly based sketch team featuring a diverse cast of four talented writers and performers presents “a drunkard’s walk through American politics, pop culture and daily life. It doesn’t so much explore modern society as stumbles through it.” $20 tickets; BYOB. At Sawubona Creativity Project in East Passyunk. (7 p.m.) 

🦕 Friday, Feb. 28: Dinos After Dark 
Enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission, a festive, family-friendly atmosphere and the Dino Drafts Beer Garden in Dinosaur Hall of the Academy of Natural Sciences. (5 to 8 p.m.) 

📖 Friday, Feb. 28: Escape Artist Mixtape: Vol. 5, Homeworld:Otherworlds, podcast + zine launch
Join mythmedia Studios and Painted Bride Art Center, in partnership with Ulises, for the launch of this zine and new podcast series with Mixtape Founder and host Li Sumpter. The night will include an artist talk with special guests, refreshments, and music by Zakat. Free with RSVP. (6 to 8 p.m.) 

🍺 Saturday, March 1: Philly Beer Fest: Winter
Try the best beer in town — all under the same roof at the 23rd Street Armory! $39 to $55 tickets. (12 to 9 p.m.) 

🎞️ Saturday, March 1: PAAFF Presents: Storyteller Spotlight featuring Roshan Sethi
Join this the inaugural Storyteller Spotlight talk and a special advance screening of “A Nice Indian Boy,” featuring Karan Soni and Tony-winner Jonathan Groff. $65 tickets. (1 to 5 p.m.)

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