City Cast Philly
Why Philly’s Chinatown is considered endangered
May 12, 2023
Hi neighbor. Hey Philly reader Christine H. was correct, the oldest botanical garden in the country is Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philly! Christine has a challenge for you: Which organization has preserved 52 community gardens in Philadelphia? If you answer right, you can submit the next trivia question 🤗
What's CITY Talking About?
🏙️ Philly’s Chinatown Classified as Endangered
Philadelphia’s Chinatown has been added to the list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2023. The neighborhood, which was founded by Chinese immigrants in the 1870s, is one of the oldest remaining active Chinatowns in the U.S. The National Trust for Historic Preservation noted that a “decades of gentrification and displacement” led Chinatown to lose 25% of its land. It also stated that the proposed 76ers arena project poses a major threat to the neighborhood. [NBC Philadelphia]
- Wei Chen of Asian Americans United shares how Chinatown activists are working to preserve this historic neighborhood 🎧
💧 Temple Researchers to Study PA Well Water
Across Pennsylvania, more than two million residents depend on unregulated private wells for their drinking water, meaning homeowners must treat the water themselves. In the first study of its kind, Temple University researchers will examine the link between microorganisms and bacteria-infested water and respiratory illnesses in children. The randomized trial will involve about 900 kids under the age of 5. [WHYY]
🏒 New Flyers Management Roles
The Flyers recently announced that former player Keith Jones will serve as the new president of hockey operations and former player Danny Brière will be the full-time general manager. Jones will oversee all aspects of the operations and business departments, while Brière will make decisions on signings, trades, draft picks, player development, and more. [Inquirer 🔒]
🗳️ Making Voting Accessible for Unhoused Folks
For many unhoused Philadelphians, voting is often virtually inaccessible. But some local organizations, like Broad Street Ministry and Bethesda Project, are helping unsheltered individuals through election education, access to proper identification to register, and providing transportation to polling places. [Philadelphia Gay News]
What To Do
😂 Comedy Show | Friday | 8 p.m.
The Miller Theater welcomes comedy duo Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg of the Girls Gotta Eat podcast for an interactive and uncensored show about sex, dating, and relationships. [$42-$50, Avenue of the Arts]
🌸 Mother May I | Saturday | 11 a.m.
Head to Ritual Shoppe with your mom for stick and poke tattoos, intuitive hairstyling by Manzanita Vintage, and aura photographs by Inner Light Aura. [$15-$65, Rittenhouse]
🚴🏿 Derby & Arts Fest | Saturday | 12 p.m.
Watch Kinetic Sculpture Derby participants pilot human-powered floats along a three-mile, urban obstacle course through East Kensington and Fishtown. Enjoy live music performances and shop from over 200 local vendors. [pay-as-you-go, Trenton Ave between Norris St and Frankford Ave]
🖤 Malcolm X | Saturday | 12 p.m.
Join Uncle Bobbie’s for a panel and discussion on the work and impact of civil rights leader Malcolm X. [free, Germantown]
💃 Drag Brunch | Sunday | 11 a.m.
Sip on a cosmo and channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw at Evil Genius Beer Company at this Dex & The City themed drag brunch. [$25-47, Fishtown]
🪴 Plant Bar | Sunday | 12 p.m.
Let your creativity blossom and bury your stress in the soil at Love City Brewery. Learn how to build and take care of your own succulent masterpiece. [$15-$85 per pot, Callowhill]
👑 Queens & Warriors | Sunday | 2 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day by uncovering the untold stories of warrior women and female archaeologists at the Penn Museum. [free, West Philly]
💗 Taylor Swift Pre-Game | Through Sunday | 2 p.m.
Whether you’re going to a Taylor Swift concert and want to set the mood, or you couldn’t snag tickets to a show, XFinity Live has you covered. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, a Swiftie DJ, bracelet trading, themed cocktails, and a costume contest. [$50, South Philly]
🩰 Ballet | Through Sunday | Various Times
Head to the Academy of Music for a lively and comedic ballet performance which tells the story of an evil doctor whose mission to transform a doll into the ideal woman creates tension between two lovers. [$25-$200, Avenue of the Arts]
🧶 Craft Bazaar | Through Sunday | 11 a.m.
Stop by Cherry Street Pier to shop from 60-plus craft vendors including Clay by Kendra, Forest Culture Design, and Osso Ceramics. [pay-as-you-go, Penn’s Landing]
🫁 Breathwork | Thursday, May 25 | 6:30 p.m.
Join an intimate group of fellow peace-seekers at Ritual Shoppe and learn how to use breathwork to calm and clear your headspace. [$33, Rittenhouse]
Where Is It?
Last week, I posted this photo of a gorgeous mosaic by artist Isaiah Zagar, and asked you to locate it. Hey Philly reader Gina L. was correct, it’s on 315 Christian Street.
Gina submitted this vibrant mural of a Black woman against a city skyline, complete with sunflowers, a hummingbird, and a treble clef. Where is this mural? If you’re correct, you can submit next week’s photo challenge!
Today on City Cast
Immigrant Bussing Resumes, $25 Concert Tickets, Mütter Museum Reexamines Exhibits
It’s the Friday news roundup! Host Trenae Nuri speaks with WHYY's Alan Yu and The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff Gammage about the most recent migrant bus arrivals, the Mütter Museum’s ethical conundrum, and a way to grab $25 concert tickets.
In honor of the Eras Tour, Visit Philly donated $13K to Rock to the Future, a Philly-based non-profit that provides student-driven music programs, in Taylor Swift’s name.
Have a great weekend, friend.
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