Juneteenth: A day to reflect on freedom

Monica Herndon, Philadelphia Inquirer

Juneteenth is the celebration of June 19th, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were finally freed, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Watch the video here.

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Juneteenth in Philly: 10+ Things to Watch, Listen & Explore. Virtual fests, free film screenings, a podcast and more — plus historic sites to explore at any time...
UWISHUNU Philadelphia.

Celebrations of Black culture and history in Philadelphia and around the country honor the day — June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed — that enslaved Africans in Texas learned slavery had legally been abolished in America. In 2020, virtual programming, enlightening conversations, film screenings and cooking demonstrations celebrate the end of slavery in America in Philly, with these events taking on even greater significance amid sweeping protests and a global civil rights movement to confront systemic racism following the death of George Floyd.

Learn more about Juneteenth celebrations and events in Greater Philadelphia in 2020, here.

Juneteenth: Join Philly Counts team & Local Leaders

Join the Philly Counts team and local leaders in recognition of Juneteenth to talk about the significance of 2020 Census to the Black community.

Friday, June 19, 2020
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET

In partnership with The Urban League of Philadelphia, African American Chamber of Commerce, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church and The Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement join us on Friday June 19th 2020 from 7pm – 8:30pm for an in-depth conversation with some of Philadelphia’s most thought provoking and connected influencers to discuss “Why the 2020 Census is so Important for the African American Community” & celebrate the history and resilience of African Americans across the world.

Now, more than ever, we need to mobilize to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to #MakeBlackCount, so our communities get the funding we need to recover from COVID-19 and to support our most vulnerable neighbors for the next decade. Ensuring that every Philadelphian is counted in the 2020 Census is an effort we can all contribute to that will create lasting change in our communities.

Register here.

Support South Kensington Restaurant and Bars!

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 crisis has hit the restaurant industry especially hard. If you’re in the mood for ordering take out food or cocktails, please consider supporting one of the many excellent establishments in and around our neighborhood!

See the full list here. Email info@southkensingtoncommunity.org with updates.

Reopening guidance

Philadelphians are working hard to turn back COVID-19, and they are succeeding. Because of physical-distancing actions and the stay-at-home order, as of mid-May 2020, daily COVID-19 case counts had fallen to about half those of mid-April and were still declining. However, COVID-19 will not be eradicated from the region for many months at least, and if Philadelphians simply resume their previous activities now, the epidemic will resurge. At the same time, the physical distancing actions and stay-at-home instructions have caused significant business and job losses. Soon, Philadelphia residents and workers will restart economic and physical activities, but they must do so safely—that is, in a way that prevents the virus from spreading from person to person. Everyone must take precautions consistently to protect not only themselves, but also their family members, friends, colleagues, and everyone else.

The precautions will vary by the activity and setting, click here for general Safety Checklist.

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Resuming Outdoor Dining in Philadelphia

Restaurants that have patio areas on their properties or already have sidewalk café licenses will be able to offer outdoor seating starting Friday, June 12, as long as they follow COVID-19 safety precautions and have current, valid restaurant licenses.
New outdoor dining registration forms will be available online by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 12 and the City will begin review of sidewalk café applications on Monday, June 15.
Businesses without existing permits, and those who wish to expand their existing outdoor dining footprint, are encouraged to apply for our new outdoor dining options. Registration and approval is required for new or expanded outdoor dining prior to opening.

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Keeping Philadelphians safe while dining outside
Regardless of which outdoor dining option businesses choose, they will have to follow existing social distancing and public safety measures, as outlined in guidance by the Department of Public Health for restaurants and the specific guidance for outdoor dining.
More details here.

Kensington Library News

Updates and upcoming events from the Kensington Library

First, the latest news (which is still basically the same) from the Free Library administration regarding the status of the library system:
"Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, all Free Library locations will remain closed to the public until safety concerns have subsided. As Philadelphia moves to the yellow phase of reopening, many programs are proceeding virtually, and we are preparing to increase select Library services.
Learn more: http://ow.ly/kEdM50A1PAU"

Click here for a rundown of some activities that Kensington Library staff and volunteers have been up to while waiting for word on when we can return to the branch and start to prepare for reopening to the public. All are virtual.

La Esquina Garden

FENNEL will be ready in a few weeks! fresh from
La Esquina Community Garden,
at Jefferson Street between 4th & 5th Street.

Reserve YOUR fennel now!
Sending a request to this Email laesquinagarden@gmail.com.

Supplies are limited!

Recipes soon to be posted on FB:
"La Esquina Community Garden"

SKCP NAC office hours

OUR MESSAGE to the COMMUNITY

Dear neighbors,

To say that this has been a challenging week on many fronts feels like an understatement. We continue to mourn George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, Nina Pop, Tony McDade, and too many other Black lives lost to violent racism and police brutality. We also renew our commitment to supporting residents and small businesses harmed in the fallout from this past week's unrest and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Please reach out to us if we can be of any assistance.

Like many of you, we were deeply disturbed by the group of bigoted vigilantes that menaced the neighboring community of Fishtown on Monday night. We are appalled at the failure of the 26th Police District to act in the public's interest and disperse this mob in a timely manner. We condemn their inaction and condoning of this dangerous behavior. The 26th District encompasses many diverse communities, including our own, and we deserve much better. We commit to working with residents and neighboring communities towards accountability and healing.

Lastly, we know that many of us, including SKCP as an organization, are just beginning to engage with this long-term, challenging, and absolutely critical conversation. Working to create a more just and equitable future will require learning, sharing information, and taking action. We hope these resources can help:

• In a public statement, Urban League proposes four areas of focus for police reform

• Anti-Racism for Kids: An Age-by-Age Guide to Fighting Hate

• How Redlining Segregated Philadelphia

• Advancing Racial Equity Resources

• What is Systemic Racism?

Stay safe, and take care of each other,

-SKCP 

PHILLY BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY THE RIOTING ARE ELIGIBLE...

Philadelphia Community Corps emphatically supports the peaceful #BlackLivesMatter protests. It goes without saying that we wouldn't do what we do if we didn't believe Black Lives Matter. Most of the job trainees in our deconstruction workforce development program are black citizens returning from incarceration, or otherwise at-risk. We listen to their stories. We believe them. We know how bad the need for reform is, and we've made it our organization's mission to help our trainees find rewarding employment, so that they'll be able to live safe and happy lives.

Unfortunately, some opportunists with ulterior motives took advantage of the recent protests to riot and loot local businesses. Philadelphia Community Corps wants to also make sure we support the small businesses affected by any rioting, so we're giving any business that need building materials to repair their stores a $200 eCoupon to our building material reuse center, Philly Reclaim.

At Philly Reclaim, these businesses can find doors, windows, tile, paint, lumber, bricks, furniture, art, hardware, tools, plumbing fixtures, lights, etc. Whatever they need to rebuild.

And anyone who has been to Philly Reclaim knows that with our prices $200 can get you quite a lot here!

ONLY BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY THE RIOTING ARE ELIGIBLE

This is effectively an honor system. If you tell us your business was affected by the rioting we'll believe you and be happy to help you find what you need!

Philly Reclaim always provides affordable materials, and recently gave away over $22,000 in building materials through an eCoupon to help people get the materials they needed to work on home improvements projects while stuck at home on Coronavirus lockdown, but this eCoupon is strictly for victims of any rioting.

The reward expires on July 05, 2020. No cash value. Not transferable. In-store only.
May be canceled at any time.

PHILLY RECLAIM
5200 Unruh Avenue, Section J, Philadelphia, PA, 19135

Safety & Care Instructions for Reusable Cloth Face Masks

Sew Face Masks Philadelphia.
Be prepared for the summer!!

Though there are no universal instructions for reusable cloth face masks, we have compiled information from various references about their intended use and proper wear & care.

Click here for details.

2020 Real Estate Tax due date policy

To offer relief to Philadelphia homeowners during the COVID-19 coronavirus emergency, the City of Philadelphia has moved the 2020 Real Estate Tax due date to June 15, 2020.

Similarly, the Department has extended the deadline to apply for an installment payment plan for 2020 Real Estate Tax. All senior citizens over the age of 65, and eligible low income homeowners can apply for this installment plan by June 15, 2020.

For more information about applying for a Real Estate Tax installment plan, please visit:

http://www.phila.gov/real-estate-relief

SURVEYS!!

The Voter Experience Survey is designed to identify issues voters encounter when voting in-person or via mail-in ballot. Specific issues covered by the survey include: voting wait time, electioneering inside polling places, voter registration, voter ID for first-time voters, voting machines, voter assistance, language access, poll worker performance and confidence in the election process.

COMPLETE THE JUNE 2, 2020 VOTER SURVEY

COMPLETE LA ENCUESTA DE VOTANTES DEL 2 DE JUNIO DE 2020

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Take our survey to share what resources you'd need to reopen safely.

As City of Philadelphia Government plans for a phased reopening, we want to hear from business owners. Business owners in Philadelphia and the surrounding region are encouraged to fill out a new survey about the resources they may need to reopen safely.
The survey is available in:

• English.

• Mandarin.

• Spanish.

Message from the Friends of Benson Park

Today Benson Park along other parks in the city were unlocked with the city's move into the yellow phase of re-opening. That being said, The FOBP want to waste no time in getting our neighbors, park go-ers, community members, etc together for a meeting next Thursday, June 11th in the park at 7PM.

First thing on the agenda that we are looking to discuss are the officer roles for this year's park season. We are looking to fill the following roles:

• President/Park Chair - point of contact with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation/Fairmount Park Conservancy, events etc and the FOBP/community

• Secretary - take meeting notes and send to community members, council woman's office and PPR

• Treasurer - manage funds of the park acquired through grants, donations and fees made from concession etc. Communicate funds totals monthly with SKCP

Please come to the meeting planning to vote, volunteer or give input on this process next week! Would love to give some of our current members a break or opportunity to try a new role so please consider taking a bigger role in this group if you can!

**Looking forward to seeing everyone and as a reminder and requirement from PPR social distance practices will be followed.

Call for SKCP Board Members

+ The SKCP board is looking to grow!
+ Are you interested in getting more involved in the neighborhood?
+ Have ideas for how SKCP can better meet the current and long-term needs of our community?


Fill out our Board Interest Form.

Submitting the form does not commit you to anything, it just lets us know who is interested in learning more. We have a particular need for financial, accounting, or business management skills, but welcome a broad range of experiences and expertise. Neighbors of all backgrounds are encouraged to reach out.

Water Bill Assistance & LIHEAP Grants

Can't Pay Your Water Bill? Shutoffs On Hold During Pandemic Response
We are extending assistance efforts for customers behind on water bills: if you can't pay your bill due to economic impacts from COVID-19,you will not face shutoff through July 10, 2020.

The Water Department hotline is open for emergencies, but call wait times may be longer due to safety measures that impact staffing: (215) 685-6300
Customers may also contact @PhillyH2O or @PhilaRevenue on social media. Email waterinfo@phila.gov for water issues,
or WRBHelpDesk@phila.gov for bill issues. 
Additional updates will be provided here: PWD COVID-19 Site 

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LIHEAP RECOVERY CRISIS PROGRAM NOW OPEN
Low-income customers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and have a past-due bill may be eligible for up to $800 through LIHEAP’s (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) Recovery Crisis Program.

Visit pgworks.com/crisis for details.

The LIHEAP Recovery Crisis Program is open to renters and homeowners through August 31, 2020, or until funds run out, and do not have to be repaid.

APPLY ONLINE

Customers can also print and mail application to: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

1348 W. Sedgley Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19132-2498
Download an Application – English / Spanish

FREE FOOD PICKUP @ Al Aqsa parking lot

If you would like to volunteer to help distribute or deliver food
on an upcoming Saturday, please email info@southkensingtoncommunity.org

SKCP Statement on events happening the weekend of May 29-31, 2020

Need Health Insurance?

If you are not working because you are on leave, on layoff, or have lost your job, you should look at the following options for health care for yourself and your family. You should secure coverage within 60 DAYS of when you lose coverage through your employer, or you will lose the opportunity to get affordable benefits through the "Marketplace" until the end of the year.

You can get help making this complicated decision!
Call the Pennsylvania Health Access Network at 877-570-3642 for counseling.

Click here for more details.

Apply for the Playstreets Program June 5th Deadline!!

Parks & Rec has extended the application deadline for our summer Playstreets program to Friday, June 5.
The Playstreets program closes designated streets to traffic so that kids have a safe place to play when school is out. A key feature of the program is the nutritious meals and snacks provided to children.
If you already have an application to submit, please mail it to:

Summer Food Program
Attn: Wydeeia Williams
2101 W. Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121

If you want to host a Playstreet but do not have a hard copy application, please email Wydeeia.Williams@phila.gov to request one.

Visit our Playstreets webpage to learn more about hosting requirements and program activities.

SKCP staff connects you to resources

SKCP staff are specially trained to connect folks with resources related to housing, health insurance, utilities, food assistance, and other increasingly critical support, and will continue to be responsive to:

• email info@southkensingtoncommunity.org

• phone calls (215-427-3463), please be sure to leave a detailed message with your name and phone number, so we can provide you with as much service as possible in these trying times.