Tenant advocates call for establishing “Just Cause” eviction rules in Philadelphia, highlighting widespread evictions, limited legal support for tenants, and examples of landlords using aggressive tactics. The Philadelphia Tenants Union presses City Council to expand pro‑bono legal services and require landlords to provide valid reasons for eviction. Officials signal willingness to discuss the proposal, while housing advocates emphasize the need for awareness and improved tenant protections.

Faculty and students at the Community College of Philadelphia protested a proposed contract that would raise healthcare costs and increase faculty workload, arguing it would undermine teaching quality and financial stability for staff. The American Federation of Teachers Local 2026 sought higher wages, improved benefits, and more equitable employment practices while highlighting food insecurity among students. CCP’s administration defended its proposals as prioritizing student affordability and success. Student groups and adjunct faculty joined in support of the union, emphasizing interconnected challenges across the state higher education system.

A Philadelphia-based nonprofit, Shoot Basketballs Not People, uses basketball mentorship to reduce youth violence and teach life skills. Founded by Garry Mills after losing friends to gun violence, the program has expanded to Akron and earned recognition for its impact. It hosts clinics, tournaments, and celebrity events while partnering with other organizations to support both boys and girls. Future plans include building a dedicated facility to enhance athletic and entrepreneurial development.

A group of local fathers and community members known as the Frederick Douglass 100 Men of Color visited Frederick Douglass Mastery Charter School to read Dr. Seuss books in celebration of Read Across America Week. The initiative, formed through the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, aims to strengthen student development by providing positive male role models, particularly men of color. Participants also engaged older students in career discussions, offering guidance and encouragement. The event emphasized community involvement, representation, and the value of literacy while highlighting contributions from local volunteers and organizations.

Funds raised by the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale’s annual holiday concert were donated to HELP USA to support the adaptive reuse of the historic Spring Garden School No. 1 building into affordable housing for seniors and formerly homeless veterans. HELP USA, in partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, is converting the long-vacant school into 37 residential units and creating a Tribute Wall to honor the neighborhood’s history. The project is funded through tax credits, grants, loans and organizational contributions, with construction scheduled for completion in September 2017.

Temple University hosted its 14th annual Underground Railroad and Black History Conference, featuring presentations on figures such as Octavius Catto and Emilie Davis, along with discussions on African-American history, Civil War-era experiences, and transnational Black communities. Speakers highlighted historical documents, digital archiving projects, and connections between past and contemporary social justice movements, including parallels to Black Lives Matter.

A new exhibit at Cerulean Arts Gallery titled Twist of Nature showcases mixed-media paintings by Caroline Furr and wooden sculptures by Linda Brenner. Furr’s works depict transient moments in nature with dark tones, while Brenner’s sculptures reuse discarded Christmas trees to explore structure and order. The artists’ complementary styles led the gallery owners to feature them together. The exhibit runs through February 25.

A tribute event at the Church of the Advocate honored Fidel Castro with speeches, poetry, and music as leftist groups defended his legacy against U.S. media portrayals. Speakers praised Castro’s contributions to global solidarity, support for African and African-American communities, and educational initiatives such as Cuba’s medical scholarship program. Participants urged continued activism against oppression and emphasized Castro’s influence on revolutionary movements worldwide.

More than 1,000 members of the Temple University community endorsed a letter urging President Richard Englert to commit to sanctuary campus protections for undocumented and DACA-status students. Faculty and student organizations emphasized the need for financial aid access, protection from deportation actions, and maintaining a supportive learning environment amid heightened fears following the 2016 election. Comparisons were made to policies at the University of Pennsylvania and Swarthmore College, while concerns were raised about potential loss of state funding. Advocates stressed the urgency of renewing DACA statuses and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting undocumented students regardless of administrative decisions.

Residents in Philadelphia’s Sharswood neighborhood criticize the Philadelphia Housing Authority for failing to hire local workers during construction of newly built townhomes, despite prior commitments. Community members report short-term terminations, reliance on out-of-area contractors, and the use of a contractual loophole allowing contributions to a scholarship fund instead of hiring. Concerns also include displacement through eminent domain, incomplete project funding, and vandalism of seized properties. Local job seekers say they were denied opportunities while the agency maintains work remains but is not hiring further.