Black History Month is a time each year we like to reflect on the achievements and central role of African Americans in history, providing the opportunity to highlight Black stories and voices. We are fortunate that our very own home of West Philadelphia is made up of an abundance of black history and successes from our neighbors.

Keeping History Alive

The New Africa Center/Muslim American Museum & Archive aims to highlight, educate, and preserve the early history of the African American Muslim experience, "which is an integral part of both the broader African American experience and American history as a whole," says Director Abdul-Rahim Muhammad. 

The Center offers educational programs, including summer camps and activities during school breaks, panel discussions, a meet-the-author series, and an annual Islamic festival and parade at Penn’s Landing. Every week, the they provide fresh produce and other goods to the community.

Mr. Muhammad, inspired by his father Malik Muhammad, the founder of the Lancaster Avenue Business Association, is dedicated to serving the West Philadelphia community. He states, “a dollar could never give me the same kind of reward that my passion to serve and help uplift our community gives me."

The long-term goal of the New Africa Center/Muslim American Museum & Archive is to expand and revitalize the 4200 block of Lancaster Avenue into a multi-purpose facility that will act as an anchor for future developments along the Avenue. Mr. Muhammad remarks, “I look in the mirror and see gray hair, but in my heart, soul, and spirit, I still feel young. I carry on the spirit of my ancestors.” He is excited about the bright future ahead, continuing efforts to enrich the community and spread knowledge.

Check out the New Africa Center website here.

Celebrate With Us!

We have a wealth of local Black-owned businesses in our neighborhood that we can celebrate and support all year round. This Black History Month, let's come together to honor their contributions to our community and show our support.

Click here to view a gallery of all the businesses we are highlighting this year!

Sharing Dreams for the Community

This year, for Martin Luther King Day, HopePHL brought together community members at 4017 Lancaster Avenue, which is just one block away from the site where Martin Luther King Jr. made a stop during his "Freedom Now" rally tour in August 1965. The afternoon was filled with opportunities for engagement, as participants shared resources, connected over refreshments, and expressed their hopes and dreams for the future of their community.

Lawrence Harrington, a community member and Head Captain of Black Men Run Philly, attended to connect with others and participate in the activities. The mission of Black Men Run is to promote a healthy lifestyle among African American men through recreational running. Their focus is not only on physical health but also on boosting confidence, relieving stress, and enhancing mental well-being.

Harrington expressed that making a positive impact and helping in any way possible is very important to him. He hopes the community can continue to unite as they work towards a bright and positive future.

Learn more about the Philly Chapter of Black Men Run here.

Take Flight at HopePHL!

Want to learn to about flight, technology, and piloting? Now you can through our Center of Digital Inclusion & Technology's partnership with the Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen! Join the 5 week piloting program now. There will be a 1-hour classroom lesson/instruction, and each student will have 10-20 minutes of hands-on Flight Simulator practice. Due to Limited Access, only 5 children will be chosen.

Tuesdays & Thursdays

March 4, 2025- March 27, 2025

4PM - 6PM

Contact DI@HopePHL.org with any questions.

Meet Our HopePHL Team: Sierra Austin

Meet Sierra Austin, who most recently presented to the City of Philadelphia's Public Health Department as part of their COVID Containment Program to discuss the connection between public health and early childhood education as well as share information about the BELL Project!

Job Title: Program Manager, Building Early Links for Learning (BELL) Project

Time at HopePHL (Formerly PEC & YSI): Two and a half years

Can you share more about your position? My role is to work with a team of early childhood education specialists educate and train parents and staff in housing programs about the important of early childhood education, as well as providing access to these education programs to over 15 emergency and transitional housing agency participants across the city.

What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is getting to work throughout the city and meet the individuals and families who participate in our program. I love the “front-line” work and have learned so much by simply listening to a person’s experience. 

Who is your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspiration are the residents/participants! They inspire me to push through challenges and adversity and stay hopeful.

Learn more about the BELL Project.

Catto-Parks Community Hero Awards

The Cato-Parks Community Hero Award was created to highlight individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community that "Live the Legacy" of Black History Heroes like Octavius Catto and Rosa Parks - who led by acts of service to make their communities better!

Last year, over 100 community members engaged in the nomination and voting process. Join us this year to honor our neighbors who dedicate their time to helping our community thrive.

Nominations open now! (End February 12th) Click here to nominate an individual, business, or organization.

Voting begins February 14th through the 21st by clicking here.

The winners will be announced on February 22nd on our social media pages!

Serita Lewis accepting her Individual Catto-Parks Community Hero Award in 2024.

We Want To Hear From You!

We are gathering insights from our community and would greatly appreciate your participation in the following Brand Reputation survey. Your feedback is essential to us as we strive to improve our services and strengthen our impact.

This should take about 10 minutes and all responses are confidential.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our mission!

Click here to take the survey.

Thank you so much for being a part of our community!