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Guest Editorial from Santi Long

If you’re from the Frankford area of Philadelphia, you know how much of a 360 the neighborhood has done. The stable, family oriented, supportive, pleasant , strong, one of a kind neighborhood has been drained of its substance. Frankford originals can vouch for the many avenue activities year round, the best cheer leading team for a neighborhood high school, anticipation for football season confident in the Pioneers and Chargers, Post 224 Day and even Annual Frankford Day!

 

Unfortunately the positives the neighborhood upheld so respectfully seems overpowered by the negatives nowadays. The evident change in dynamic; many killings, parks not being safe, the avenue now filled with street fights, new faces, and togetherness that has turned into gossip, only emulates how outsiders visualize the neighborhood.

Believe it or not the neighborhood is still filled with many talents, young entrepreneurs and recognizable aspects but without the help of the community, Frankford will forever be “just another hood” in Philadelphia. One way to begin prevention is the unanimous mindset to put forth change. We may not get back the fruit man who would drive around yelling “straaaaawberries” through a blow horn or the Salvation Army reopened but a minor change can be a major step into a new direction.

The Frankford CDC (Community Development Corporation) is a non-profit corporation who is trying to raise money for finishing renovation on their building located on Paul Street. Not only are they guaranteeing a cleaner enhanced looking environment but a next door center for community activities, a fresh feel building for operation and community improvement.

Despite reaching out for contributions the company is reported to have “tremendous progression” and has made very important connections with established company’s and individuals who have the power to boost the neighborhood one step at a time.

If you want to take part in improving Frankford, CLICK THE LINK BELOW AND CONTRIBUTE! Update posts will be visible to monitor the money being made as well! Anything is a step closer to where we as community should be. Help the cause, don’t just wait to watch!  Let’s build Frankford back to new.

https://www.crowdrise.com/frankford-community-development-annual-capital-campaign/fundraiser/bobsmiley

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9th Annual Community Clean Up at Gambrel Recreation Center

On the calm, cool morning of April 16th, The Frankford Chargers and Gambrel recreation center played a role in the 9th annual community park clean up. The outcome was fantastic! Equipment was supplied and every participant was a volunteer ready to work. What a great way to give back!

The event was sponsored by community officials and the equipment supplied was given to the recreation center to keep for years to come.

Beginning at 9:00 am lasting until 1:00 pm productivity was displayed at its finest. Trash was collected from all sections of the park, benches and poles were painted, and weeds and grass was cut.

This was the first year that mister Gambrel himself has not been present to oversee the job but his spirit was felt all around.

Last year’s citywide stats displayed in total, there were 723 participant sites, which coincided with 14,460 volunteers. 836,100 pounds of trash was collected, and 107,580 pounds of material was recycled. The status of this year’s turnout has not yet been announced however, the neighborhoods are hoping that progress was made!

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About the author:santi long

I am Santi Salihah, 20 years of age, and I plan to make myself one of the greatest writers of my time. I believe that my point of view can reach a broad audience and is fully capable of creating a platform for discussion, or even just the gateway for one to ponder on a topic. I am ready to take on every opportunity reachable, while touching souls along the way. Slighting myself reaching for the stars just isn’t an option. I believe there is no limit to progression. I have a voice worth hearing, along with my determined attitude. There’s nothing that can stop me from being the absolute best writer i can be. This is only the beginning.