Germantown Info Hub

06/05/2026

A raise does not always mean more stability. At a recent dinner we hosted, community members talked about the benefits cliff, disability support, SNAP, caregiving, taxes, and the safety nets families need when earning more can still leave them with less.

Germantown neighbors discuss how higher pay can trigger lost benefits, higher costs, and new financial strain.

06/04/2026

Two years ago, GIH spoke to Shakira King, as one of many Black Philadelphians who shared sentiments with us about the cultural significance of prom in Black communities.

As prom season comes to a close, revisit this year's old story, still finding relevance today. Read it here: https://bit.ly/3FkYR3S

06/04/2026

Open Office Hours are up this month! GIH offers 1:1 time where folks can meet with us, learn more about our work, and connect with us about things happening around the neighborhood and story ideas.

Our next in-person session at the Vernon Park (5800 Germantown Avenue). It is Mon., June 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. There is no registration required for this. Just show up.

Have questions? Email [email protected]!

06/04/2026

Germantown has a new place to pause, breathe, and build its wellness practice.

The Studio (), a Black-owned wellness lounge and apothecary from Nasir Bland, also known as Ace of Ace Holistics (), is now open at 319 W. Chelten Ave.

Inside, visitors can find herbal blends, body butters, oils, guided meditation, yoga, and a calm space designed for community members who need somewhere to reset.

“It’s for the community to have a space to be still,” Ace said.

Full story coming next week on our website. Stay tuned!

🎥: Deesarine Ballayan (), regular contributor

06/03/2026

“Soft Life,” now on view at City Arts Salon, brings together work by Keshida Layone and Oronde Kairi to explore Black joy, vulnerability, rest, and creative freedom.

City Arts Salon’s “Soft Life” exhibition explores Black joy, rest, vulnerability, and more with work by Keshida Layone and Oronde Kairi.

06/02/2026

Where is this sign hanging high in Germantown? 👀 Drop your answers for this week's .

06/01/2026

Parks on Tap returns to NW Philly this summer with five-day pop-ups at Fernhill Park, McMichael Park, Historic Rittenhouse Town, Gorgas Park, and Cliveden Park. The traveling beer garden has food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, seating, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Proceeds support improvements and programming at the parks where each stop takes place.

Parks on Tap visits five NW Philly parks this summer: Fernhill Park, McMichael Park, Historic Rittenhouse Town, Gorgas Park, and Cliveden Park.

05/29/2026

Not only has Rev. Dr. James Henry Buck made his mark as the Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, but also as the co-founder of the locally esteemed Southern Flames BBQ (), serving Northwest Philly since its opening in 2020.

Formed alongside his wife, Jennifer Wilson Buck, the eatery has not only grown notability from its recipes that derive from Rev. Dr. Buck’s grandmother and Mississippi upbringing but has also carried out a mission of training and employing returning citizens.

“The African-American church has a lot to say and contribute when it comes to recreating this idea of economic equity within our communities,” Buck says.

Operating in the Market at the Fareway in Chestnut Hill, Southern Flames has provided job opportunities to around 40 returning citizens since its opening, as well as at-risk youth and disabled veterans — people “whose backs are against the margins of society,” Rev. Dr. Buck says.

Now, expansion is approaching, as a second location will open this fall in Mt. Airy at 6655 Germantown Avenue. This will operate as a sit-down restaurant with an expanded menu, which presents even more opportunities for employee retention and expansion.

“Expansion is necessary,” he says. “Being able to keep those persons gainfully employed — that’s where we need the expansion. That’s where we need to try to raise those grants and funds.”

Read more by clicking the link in our bio.

🎥: Pryce Jamison, Equitable Cities Fellow

05/28/2026

After leaving an abusive relationship, Tyra Wright-Johnson made a promise to help others facing domestic violence.

That promise became The Women's Solo Project, Inc, a nonprofit that supports women and young people through counseling, workshops, financial literacy, career development, and education around healthy relationships.

Tyra Wright-Johnson’s Women’s Solo Project supports survivors of domestic violence through counseling, workshops, and youth education.

05/25/2026

Local filmmaker Eboni Zamani’s “A Song for Nia” explores grief, humor, family conflict, and Black Philadelphian life in the aftermath of gun violence.

The six-episode dramedy recently wrapped its local screening tour and is now heading to the national film festival circuit, starting with the Charlotte Black Film Festival on June 6.

Local filmmaker Eboni Zamani’s “A Song for Nia” explores grief, humor, and Black Philadelphian life after gun violence.