Charles L. Blockson devoted his life to documenting the historical past of the Black Diaspora. A local of Norristown, Blockson is the visionary behind some of the prestigious collections of African American artifacts within the nation, exploring the worldwide Black expertise relationship from 1581 to the current.
This December, the Blockson Assortment is celebrating its fortieth anniversary. To higher perceive Blockson’s immense contributions to Philadelphia and past, Billy Penn spoke with Dr. Diane Turner, famous creator and curator, about Blockson’s legacy, the significance of preserving Black historical past, and the way forward for the gathering. Proceed studying…
When gamblers are inserting their bets this vacation season throughout Philadelphia casinos, they might not understand {that a} portion of gaming income is shared with nonprofits which then assist public curiosity initiatives.
In truth, their wagering helps guarantee Philadelphia youngsters like Tajee McLaughlin have a spot to go after college and on the weekends that’s secure and enjoyable. Proceed studying …

RECAP: What else occurred?
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• From tackling maternal morbidity amongst ladies of coloration to lastly banning texting whereas driving and shifting the state’s vitality economic system towards renewable sources, listed below are 5 massive tales from the Pa. Home of Representatives in 2024. [Capital-Star]
• President Biden reclassified the sentences of 37 federal inmates on dying row to life with out parole, together with that of Philadelphia drug kingpin Kaboni Savage, who was convicted of killing 12 folks. [NBC10]
• Freezing climate blankets Philadelphia, monitoring a wintry combine on Christmas Eve. [CBS3]
• Philadelphia 250 chief resigns, elevating questions on anniversary celebrations. [$$Inq]
• Residents of this Philadelphia block create neighborhood “magic” each December. [Spotlight PA]
• The crowdfunded, unbiased “Delco: The Film” is ready for a world premiere Jan. 17 on the Media Theatre, adopted by public screenings Jan. 18 and 19. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
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ON THE CALENDAR
🧶 Thursday, Dec. 26: Ugly Winter Sweater Craft
Bustleton Library hosts the primary in a sequence of enjoyable actions deliberate for winter break. Get your children out of the home and be a part of a craft on the library. (2 p.m.)
🎉 Thursday and Friday, Dec. 26-27: Kwanzaa Celebration for All Ages!
A two-day celebration at Parkway Central Library: From 12-3 p.m. every day, be a part of the annual Kwanzaa celebration that includes dance, music, and vacation historical past! Free with registration. Kids and teenagers beneath 18 will obtain a bagged lunch and items after this system.
🤣 Friday, Dec. 27: Largest Little Comedy Present
Head to Fishtown for this date-night occasion at Meyers Brewing Firm. $12 tickets. (7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. exhibits)
🎭 Friday & Saturday, Dec. 27-28: “Three Little Pigs”
Kids could make props and voice recordings that will probably be integrated into the play carried out by Curio Theatre Firm. $20 adults, $15 kids. Numerous instances.
🫶🏽 Sunday, Dec. 29: Celebrating Ujaama: Kwanzaa Quizzo and Night Bazaar
Impressed by the fourth precept of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa or cooperative economics, AAMP has curated a family-friendly market expertise that includes Black-owned distributors from throughout the area with items (or Zawadi, in Swahili) simply in time for the vacation season. At Franklin Sq. Park! (5 to eight p.m.)
🛍️ By means of December: Vacation Markets
Nonetheless in search of a last-minute reward for that difficult-to-buy-for individual in your vacation reward listing? Take a look at this itemizing of vacation markets, lots of that are nonetheless up and working.
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