Real Talk on the Ave:  A Barbershop Talk Between the Community and Community Leaders About Next Steps for Reclaiming our Streets

A community barber shop talk will be hosted by Donnell Drinks, Executive Director of GROWN, and Black Voter Matter’s Pennsylvania Director, Kallel Edwards.  This discussion will focus on reducing violence in our community and improving accountability on all sides.  During our conversation, we’ll explore how we can hold our elected officials accountable for creating policies that increase resources that support our youth, reduce violence, and empower and strengthen our communities.   Also, there will be a heightened focus on community accountability that will uplift and empower our youth.

We have brought together a cohort of diverse civic organizations to share information about voting rights, dates, and other important information.  Step right up to one of our kiosks to check your voting registration kiosks to check your status or register to vote on the spot.  Paper registration and mail-in-ballot applications will also be available.  Fun civic engagement games will capture the attention for all. 

All of Philadelphia’s mayoral candidates have been invited to attend the festival to get the opportunity to engage community members.

• National Organization for  Women
• Black Voters Matter
• Cheltenham Area Branch NAACP
• Community Hero Action Group
• Community Hero Impact Alliance
• League of Women Voters
• Philadelphia NAACP

Philadelphia Commissioner Omar Sabir and Black Voter Matters PA State Director Kaleel Edwards, who will join us for a non-partisan short talk regarding on eof the most powerful ways to actively participate in our community to ensure that our community’s interests are presented. 

The farmers market hosted by the Black Church Food Security Network and Soul II Sanctuary will not only provide an opportunity to support Black farmers from the eastern US, but it will also provide valuable information and tips on seeds and cultivation. Additionally, the giveaway of seeds from the seedbank will encourage attendees to start their own gardens and the role they can play in their local food production. This event promotes food security and sustainability while also highlighting the contributions of Black farmers to the community. It is a great way to connect with others who share an interest in healthy and sustainable food systems, and to learn from experts in the field.

We are thrilled to announce that our festival will feature a variety of fun activities and entertainment for all attendees including:

• Stilt walkers: watch in awe as our talented performers navigate the festival grounds on stilts, showcasing their incredible balance and agility.
• Henna painters: add a touch of artistry to your festival experience with beautiful henna designs created by our skilled artists.
• DJ: dance the day away to the hottest beats and latest tunes spun by our talented DJ.
• Stilt Walker will defying the heights and mesmerizing all attendees.
• Free food and water ice: enjoy a delicious variety of free food and refreshing water ice to keep you energized and cool throughout the day.

We believe that festivals are about bringing people together and celebrating the diversity and creativity of our community. With so many activities and entertainment options, we hope to create an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

The Hero Health Clinic will be providing valuable services like blood pressure and glucose checks from trusted names, as well as information and resources from various organizations like PCOM, Giant Pharmacy, Salus Eye Institute, and others. These services can help individuals take better care of their health and prevent or manage health problems.

Regular blood pressure and glucose checks can help individuals monitor their risk for conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and take steps to manage these conditions if necessary. Getting booster shots can also help protect against infectious diseases, while information and resources from organizations like Salus Eye Institute can help individuals take better care of their vision and eye health.

Overall, it’s important for healthcare providers and organizations to work together to provide comprehensive and accessible healthcare services, and it’s great to see Hero Health Clinic doing just that.

We are excited to announce that our festival features e a variety of live entertainment, showcasing some of Philadelphia’s most talented performers. Our lineup includes:

• Key Arts Productions: a multi-media production company that combines thought-provoking commentary with stunning graphics to tell captivating stories. Their performances are sure to inspire and engage audiences of all ages.
• Temple University dance teams: featuring some of the city’s most talented young dancers, the Temple University dance teams will bring energy and excitement to the stage with their dynamic and captivating performances.
• African drummers: experience the rhythmic beats and soulful melodies of traditional African drumming, brought to life by a talented group of local musicians.
• Singers: from soulful ballads to upbeat pop hits, our lineup of singers will showcase a diverse range of musical styles and talents.
• Spoken word artists: witness the power of the spoken word as our talented performers share their stories, thoughts, and emotions through poetry and prose.

With such a diverse and talented lineup, our festival promises to be a celebration of art, culture, and community.

Hello everyone, I’m Safiyya Shabazz, the host of “Her Health Matters”. Today, I’m excited to be here at this four-day conference and to introduce a special series of videos that will be aired on Monday, entitled “My Sister’s Stories.”

During this series, I will be talking to female attendees about their health journeys. I believe that sharing our personal stories can be a powerful way to inspire and support each other. We all have unique experiences with our health, and by sharing these stories, we can learn from each other, find comfort in knowing we’re not alone, and even discover new resources and approaches that we may not have considered before.

So, if you’re attending this conference and have a story to share, be sure to visit the taping area.  I would love to hear from you. Let’s come together to support and uplift each other on our journeys toward better health.

Thank you.

The federal government will soon end a “continuous enrollment” policy that has kept states from kicking people off Medicaid for three years and stop sending extra monthly payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.   The department estimates that roughly 618,000 people will lose their Medicaid coverage because they no longer qualify for the program. It is keeping a separate list of 598,000 Medicaid recipients who haven’t resubmitted their annual paperwork over the past three years and are considered to be at higher risk of losing benefits due to logistical issues, even if they still qualify.

(Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to individuals seeking healthcare coverage, including Medicaid. They may be able to provide guidance and support to individuals who have questions or concerns about Medicaid re-enrollment.

We are excited to announce that Jen Freedom will be joining us to provide basic yoga instruction and a guided lesson for all those interested. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, this is a great opportunity to stretch, relax, and rejuvenate your body and mind.

We will have yoga mats but feel free to bring your own and wear comfortable clothing.  Jen will guide you through a gentle yoga practice designed to promote flexibility, strength, and balance, while also providing stress relief and relaxation.

Yoga is a wonderful way to connect with your body and find peace in a busy world. We invite you to join us for this special session and discover the many benefits of this ancient practice.

MORE ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR OF THE DAY

Grab your water bottle and your tennis shoes for Xtreme Hip Hop sessions.  15-minute sessions will be provided throughout the day to give attendees a chance to try something new and get a quick workout in and gain a memorably, fun experience.