FunTimes Magazine

07/06/2024

You don’t want to be told about The Power Woman Experience 2024!!! 💃💃💃

It promises to be an incredible opportunity to connect with 100+ trailblazers, change makers and ambitious women like you in the Delaware Valley and around the world.

What’s more? This experience comes with mind-blowing plenary and breakout sessions, quality connections, collaborations and food. Yes, a full continental lunch awaits you. ❤

So what else are you waiting for? Call your girlfriends and reserve your spot right away.

—
Mega thanks to FunTimes Magazine for being one of our Gold Sponsors!!! Check them out 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

If you’d like to be one of our sponsors too, please call 4845348956 for further details.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

07/04/2024

Strengthening the pillars of democracy🇺🇸
From voter education to election integrity, a robust electoral system upholds the ideals of freedom and democracy that are central to America's independence. By tackling voter apathy, supporting election workers, boosting turnout, and combating misinformation, we reinforce the foundations of our democratic republic.

Unfiltered with FunTimes coming soon!

Commissioner Omar Sabir
City Commissioner Lisa Deeley
City Commissioner Seth Bluestein
SEPTA - iseptaphilly.com
Philadelphia Inquirer
City of Philadelphia Government

07/03/2024

Philadelphia City Commissioner Chairman Omar Sabir shares his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and the innovative ways his office is working to increase voter turnout and ensure fair elections. This is a must-read for anyone passionate about making a difference in their community.

💡Stay tuned for insights on how you can contribute to our democracy and uphold the values that make our nation strong. Don’t miss this exclusive feature as we celebrate the spirit of independence and civic responsibility.

Coming soon!

City Commissioner Lisa Deeley
City Commissioner Seth Bluestein
Delaware Music Live
City of Philadelphia Government
Only In Pennsylvania
Juneteenth
PhillyVoice
Let's talk Philly
Philadelphia Inquirer

07/03/2024

Check out African Beauty Secret for Flawless Skin & Hair! - https://mailchi.mp/funtimesmagazine/httpswwwfuntimesmagazinecom-18984679

07/02/2024

🌍✨ Get ready for the FunTimes Roots & Glamour Contest!✨🌍

Unveil the beauty of tradition and creativity with FunTimes Magazine’s “Roots and Glamour Contest”! This is your chance to shine by showcasing your heritage in a unique and vibrant way.

Stay tuned for more details and get ready to share your story with the world!

07/02/2024

Who stole the show at the for you? Let's celebrate all the wins in the comments!

07/01/2024

Black Change Makers: Michael Tubbs 🌟

Meet Michael Tubbs, a pioneer in politics and social innovation. As the former mayor of Stockton, California, Tubbs implemented groundbreaking programs like the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration, providing basic income to residents. His ongoing advocacy for economic justice and social innovation continues to inspire and create meaningful change.

06/27/2024

Event Name - Ink & Sound Unleashed
Date - Thursday, July 11, 2024, 7:30 – 9:30 pm EDT
Location - 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Cost - $20
Website - https://worldcafelive.org/event/ink-and-sound-unleashed-with-host-lavonne-nichols/

Event Description - Join us for an unforgettable event featuring the exclusive performances of this night’s highlighted artists and authors.
Experience the power of storytelling as LaQuanda McCoullum’s and A.B. Bracewell’s narratives, two extraordinary authors burst with resilience and hope.

Feel the rhythm of the night as sensational musicians Noe Feliz and “The Authentic” take the stage, painting stories of triumph and transformation with their melodies. From heartwarming stories to soulful ballads, “Ink & Sound Unleashed” promises to ignite your passion, uplift your spirit, and inspire you. Take advantage of this extraordinary celebration of creativity, community, and connection.

06/26/2024

Meet

Akinyemi Bajulaiye is a Nigerian-American entrepreneur with a background in media, life sciences, real estate, and technology. He is the Founder of Pentridge Media, an AI-powered automation and digital solutions agency helping businesses thrive in the modern landscape. Additionally, Akinyemi is an active investor and trader in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and web3 sectors, using his expertise to drive innovation and educate his community.

📅 Date: June 29th, 2024
🕛 Time: 12 PM - 2 PM
📍 Location: Funtimes Magazine, 1226 N 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Highlights:

• Featuring Donavan West, Director of Mayor’s Business Roundtables
• Explore small business grants, co-working spaces, AI for small businesses, real estate programs and more

Registeration link

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-and-greet-commerce-and-economic-development-spotlight-tickets-920847970067

📧 [email protected]
📞 609-831-2247
📱

06/26/2024

Happy birthday to Bernard A. Harris Jr.! Born in 1956, this trailblazer became the first African American to perform a spacewalk in 1995!

06/26/2024

Throwback to our insightful interview with Jim Friedlich! His shift from commercial media to nonprofit journalism was transformative, inspired by the late H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest. Friedlich reflects on the impact of community-centered journalism and its sustainable future.

06/25/2024

Meet

Ama Addo is a Pennsylvania licensed, Philadelphia-based real estate associate at Perfect Place Real Estate Co. A Ghanaian-American Philly native with a background in international journalism, education, marketing and property management, Ama leverages her experience living in the United States and Ghana to assist a wide array of demographics and help clients achieve their real estate goals.

Ama combines her ambition, creative strategy, expertise and wit to campaign for her clients interests, and maintains a strong dedication to the client’s goals from start to finish, helping them to feel relaxed and informed during the buying or selling process. Her reliable nature can be evidenced in her quick responses to varying stakeholders, and her willingness to satisfy the needs of her clients.

📅 Date: June 29th, 2024
🕛 Time: 12 PM - 2 PM
📍 Location: Funtimes Magazine, 1226 N 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Highlights:

• Featuring Donavan West, Director of Mayor’s Business Roundtables
• Explore small business grants, co-working spaces, AI for small businesses, real estate programs and more

Registeration link

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-and-greet-commerce-and-economic-development-spotlight-tickets-920847970067

📧 [email protected]
📞 609-831-2247
📱

06/25/2024

BE IN THE BIZ: A Roadmap To The Entertainment Industry

Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, June 29th, 2024
- Time: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Location: Quorum, 3675 Market St, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Powered by: NAACP

Ticket Price: $60

For more information, scan the QR code in the flier above

06/24/2024

Meet & Greet with

Donovan West is a Director at the City of Philadelphia, where he leads the Mayor’s Business Roundtables and oversees economic, business, community, and workforce development initiatives. He has over 20 years of experience in designing and implementing inclusive and collaborative strategies to improve community development, economic inclusion, and corporate/institutional responsibility.

As a thought leader and a forward-thinking executive, Donovan leverages his skills and experiences in Economic & Community Development, DEI, leadership, and communication to create and manage participatory partnerships and workgroups that reflect the vision, mission, and target audience of the administration.

📅 Date: June 29th, 2024
🕛 Time: 12 PM - 2 PM
📍 Location: Funtimes Magazine, 1226 N 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Highlights:

• Featuring , Director of Mayor’s Business Roundtables
• Explore small business grants, co-working spaces, AI for small businesses, real estate programs and more

Registration link

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-and-greet-commerce-and-economic-development-spotlight-tickets-920847970067

📧 [email protected]
📞 609-831-2247
📱

06/24/2024

Join us for "Bloom: The Power Woman Experience 2024"! 🌸

Event Details:
- Date:August 17, 2024
- Pre-Experience Dinner: August 16, 2024
- Venue: Embassy Suites, 654 S College Ave, Newark, DE, 19713

How to Register:
- Link: bit.ly/pwe24

Contact Information:
- Phone: 484-543-8956
- Website: pwefoundation.org
- Instagram and facebook :

06/19/2024

Juneteenth Celebration: Digest Today's Special Edition! - https://mailchi.mp/funtimesmagazine/httpswwwfuntimesmagazinecom-18984675

06/19/2024

Did you know that over 100,000 individuals are living in the U.S. with Sickle Cell Disease?
This World Sickle Cell Day,we at FunTimes Magazine are raising awareness and advocating for those impacted by the disease.
Join us today,June 19th as we on Sickle Cell Disease and work towards a cure!

06/17/2024

Proud to highlight Tamika Mallory, a powerful force for social justice and co-founder of Until Freedom. Her unwavering commitment to addressing systemic and racial injustice, alongside her impactful leadership in the Women's March, serves as a beacon of inspiration in the fight for equality.

Tamika Mallory
Until Freedom
Women's March
NAACP
Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter Philly
ACLU

06/16/2024

Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible dads and father figures out there! Your unwavering love, support, and guidance shape our lives in the best ways. Today, we celebrate you and all the sacrifices you make to keep your families strong and happy. Thank you for being our heroes.

06/16/2024

For Immediate Release: June 14, 2024
Contact: [email protected]


Mayor Parker Signs $6.37 Billion FY25 One Philly Budget & Other Budget and Housing Bills into Law
The mayor's historic first budget makes $2 billion investment in Public Safety, Cleaning & Greening, Economic Opportunity, Housing & Education over five years



PHILADELPHIA — Today, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker made history by signing her first One Philly Budget into law at City Hall. The mayor signed her Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Operating and Capital budgets for the fiscal year starting Monday, July 1. The mayor also signed several key housing-related bills into law as well.

The budget bills the mayor signed into law today, in a bill ceremony where she was joined by Council President Kenyatta Johnson, other members of City Council, and Parker administration officials, include over $2.39 billion in new operating and capital investments, aligned with Mayor Parker's top priorities: Public Safety, Clean and Green, Economic Opportunity, Education, and Housing.

In March, Mayor Parker proposed her historic One Philly Budget calling for no new taxes, while proposing new targeted investments to make Philadelphia the Safest, Cleanest and Greenest Big City in America, with Economic Opportunity for All.

“I thank Council President Johnson and members of City Council for voting to approve my ‘One Philly’ Budget that delivers on my promise of a government that makes unprecedented investments in public safety, in making Philadelphia cleaner and greener, and providing economic opportunity for every Philadelphian,” Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said. “Residents will be able to see, touch, and feel the positive impacts of this budget in their neighborhoods, along their commercial corridors, and throughout Philadelphia.”

Among the highlights in the budget bills signed into law today by Mayor Parker:

Homestead Exemption increase. The City is completing its most recent citywide revaluation of properties. To protect homeowners from rising property tax bills, the Mayor and Council have increased the Homestead Exemption from $80,000 to $100,000. This will provide a savings of up to $280 on homeowners’ property taxes.

Low-income tax freeze. Paired with the homestead increase is a new relief program – a freeze in property tax increases for low-income homeowners.

Together, these two initiatives – in addition to existing programs – provide comprehensive protections for homeowners, preserving the family-wealth building opportunity of homeownership. The budget also includes $1 million in additional funding for outreach by the Revenue Department to ensure eligible homeowners access and benefit from these programs.

Public Safety ($636 million operating and capital over the Five-Year Plan (FYP) and Capital Program)

Kicked off by the Public Safety Plan ordered by Mayor Parker on Day One, key investments include:

Hiring 400 Police Officers; increasing the size and frequency of recruiting classes.

Expansion and addition of new training for community policing.

Reducing violent crime through more strategic deployment of personnel; technology upgrades to support investigations; increasing funding for anti-violence grants to nearly $28.8 million.

Combatting open-air drug markets.

$100 million investment to begin building a citywide wellness ecosystem, supporting long-term care, treatment, and housing.

Addressing crimes against property and quality-of-life offenses, such as illegal use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), car meetups, retail theft, and nuisance businesses.

Hiring additional victim advocates.

Revamped COMPSTAT process to use data in prevention and enforcement.

Clean & Green ($477 million operating and capital over the FYP and Capital Program)

Key investments include:

Launching new citywide Cleaning and Greening program, with the goal of cleaning every city block in Philadelphia over the summer.

Expanding PHL Taking Care of Business (PHL TCB) to residential areas/streets adjacent to targeted commercial corridors.

Piloting twice-weekly trash collection in areas with most challenging trash/litter conditions.

Addressing quality-of-life issues, like illegal dumping, abandoned cars and litter.

Economic Opportunity ($306 million operating and capital over the FYP and Capital Program)

Key investments include:

$10 million to support workforce development and employer partnerships that include commitments to employment, not just a revolving door of training programs. The funding will be used to train Philadelphians for careers in industries that are already thriving and those that are projected to grow, including the building trades, logistics, and life sciences and biotech.

Launched New PHL Open for Business: all-of-government effort to reduce the cost and complexity businesses face when navigating City government.

Building Infrastructure for Collaboration: Offering new models of collaboration through Business, Faith-Based, and Intergovernmental Mayoral Roundtables, focused on developing solutions to shared challenges.

Cultural Facilities: $1 million each for the Dell and the Mann to support capital needs.

Education ($293 million operating and capital over the FYP and Capital Program)

Key investments include:

Increase in millage share that goes to the School District from 55 to 56 percent. The ‘One Philly’ budget makes over $24 million in new investments in the District for FY25, and nearly $129 million over the Five-Year Plan.

Supporting K-12 Schools: Provides young people with extended-day, extended-year enrichment and career development opportunities; and addresses the urgent need for school facilities improvement.

Launching City College for Municipal Employment: A Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), City, and School District collaboration and first-of-its-kind pipeline to City jobs that will recruit people at the start of their careers, support those seeking to up-skill, and help expand access to opportunity.

An additional $5 million in operating support for CCP.

Housing ($100 million operating over the FYP)

Key investments include:

Housing Production and Preservation: Continuing investment in housing through programs like Turn the Key; Restore Repair Renew; and Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) - building towards the mayor’s goal of 30,000 units of housing built, repaired, or preserved.

Housing Production: Ensuring City-supported new housing is “affordable luxury” with high-quality fixtures and finishes; comprehensive review of Land Bank aimed at more quickly returning parcels to productive use; $14 million for rebuilding of University City Townhomes.

Housing Preservation: Making it easier for residents and landlords to access City-funded home improvement programs through a Single Home Improvement Application (SHIA); $5 million to Philadelphia Energy Authority for Built to Last home repair program; $750,000 for tangled title support at the Register of Wills.

Rental Assistance: $19 million to support rental assistance programs.

Access to Homeownership: Institutionalizing Philadelphia Home Appraisal Bias Task Force within City government to help implement its findings; supporting Philadelphia Human Relations Commission (PCHR) to focus educational and enforcement efforts on eliminating home appraisal discrimination.

“I said in March, ‘don’t just listen to what I say, watch what we do’. I hoped we would work together with diplomacy, diligence and purpose to implement a budget for the People of Philadelphia,” Mayor Parker said. “Today, we have shown the people we have done just that. This will be the standard operating procedure for my administration working with our partners in City Council, to serve all of Philadelphia. Now, it’s time to get to work and implement my One Philly budget.”

06/12/2024

I will be asking 5 questions about Black Music. The first person to put the correct answer in the chat will win one ticket to attend. Your username/ full name must match your identification card.

06/12/2024

🎉 Join Us on Facebook Live for a chance to win free tickets !🎉

📅 When: Wednesday
⏰ Time:7pm EST

We're giving away *5 TICKETS* to "Trans Afro Express: The Global Impact of African, Caribbean, and African American Music 2024" for attendees in the Philadelphia area! 🎟️

🗣️ **Host: Lavonne Nichols from Funtimes Magazine

📌 Event Details:
- Date: June 14th,2025
- Time: 6pm - 11pm
- Location: World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

Join us to celebrate Black Music Month with Afrobeats, Reggae, Jazz, and Soul. Don't miss your chance to win! ✨

🔗 For more info and tickets, visit [wurdradio.com/blackmusicmonth](http://wurdradio.com/blackmusicmonth)

06/12/2024

Hello FunTimers, check out these latest fashion styling tips for Black men! - https://mailchi.mp/funtimesmagazine/httpswwwfuntimesmagazinecom-18984672

06/08/2024

06/06/2024

Mayor Parker's $6.37 Billion One Philly Budget Receives Preliminary Approval in City Council

Mayor's historic first budget makes major investments in Public Safety, Cleaning & Greening, Economic Opportunity, Housing & Education​


PHILADELPHIA – Last evening, City Council gave preliminary approval to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) One Philly Budget – her first as mayor of Philadelphia.



City Council’s Committee of the Whole gave preliminary approval to the amended FY25 Operating Budget and FY25-30 Capital Budget and Program. The amended budget package includes over $2.39 billion in new operating and capital investments, aligned with Mayor Parker's top priority areas: Public Safety, Clean and Green, Economic Opportunity, Education, and Housing.



In March, Mayor Parker proposed her historic One Philly Budget calling for no new taxes, while proposing new targeted investments to make Philadelphia the Safest, Cleanest and Greenest Big City in America, with Economic Opportunity for All.



“I thank Council President Johnson and members of City Council for voting to advance my One Philly Budget that delivers on my promise of a government that makes unprecedented investments in public safety, in making Philadelphia cleaner and greener, and providing economic opportunity for every Philadelphian,” Mayor Parker said. “Residents will be able to see, touch, and feel the positive impacts of this budget in their neighborhoods, along their commercial corridors, and throughout Philadelphia.”



Among the highlights given preliminary approval today in this agreement between Mayor Parker and City Council:



Homestead Exemption increase. The City is completing its most recent citywide revaluation of properties. To protect homeowners from rising property tax bills, the Mayor and Council are increasing the Homestead Exemption from $80,000 to $100,000. This will provide a savings of up to $280 on homeowners’ property taxes.



Low-income tax freeze. Paired with the homestead increase is a new relief program – a freeze in property tax increases for low-income homeowners.



Together, these two targeted initiatives – in addition to existing programs – provide comprehensive protections for homeowners, preserving the family-wealth building opportunity of homeownership. The budget also includes $1 million in additional funding for outreach by the Revenue Department to ensure eligible homeowners access and benefit from these programs.



Public Safety ($636 million operating and capital over the Five-Year Plan (FYP) and Capital Program)



Kicked off by the Public Safety Plan ordered by Mayor Parker on Day One, key investments include:

Hiring 400 Police Officers; increasing the size and frequency of recruiting classes.
Expansion of and new training for community policing.
Reducing violent crime through more strategic deployment of personnel; technology upgrades to support investigations; increasing funding for anti-violence grants to nearly $28.8 million.
Combatting open-air drug markets.
$100 million investment to begin building a citywide wellness ecosystem, supporting long-term care, treatment, and housing.
Addressing crimes against property and quality-of-life offenses, such as illegal use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), car meetups, retail theft, and nuisance businesses.
Hiring additional victim advocates.
Revamped COMPSTAT process to use data in prevention and enforcement.


Clean & Green ($477 million operating and capital over the FYP and Capital Program)



Key investments include:

Launching new citywide Cleaning and Greening program, with the goal of cleaning every city block.
Expanding PHL Taking Care of Business (PHL TCB) to residential areas/streets adjacent to targeted commercial corridors.
Piloting twice-weekly trash collection in areas with most challenging trash/litter conditions.
Addressing quality-of-life issues, like illegal dumping, abandoned cars and litter.


Economic Opportunity ($306 million operating and capital over the FYP and Capital Program)



Key investments include:

$10 million to support workforce development and employer partnerships that include commitments to employment, not just a revolving door of training programs. The funding will be used to train Philadelphians for careers in industries that are already thriving and those that are projected to grow, including the building trades, logistics, and life sciences and biotech.
Launched new PHL Open for Business: all-of-government effort to reduce the cost and complexity businesses face when navigating City government
Building infrastructure for collaboration: Offering new models of collaboration through Business, Faith-Based, and Intergovernmental Mayoral Roundtables, focused on developing solutions to shared challenges.
Cultural facilities: $1,000,000 each for the Dell and the Mann to support capital needs.


Education ($293 million operating and capital over the FYP and Capital Program)



Key investments include:

Increase in millage share that goes to the School District from 55 to 56 percent. The One Philly budget makes over $24 million in new investments in the District for FY25, and nearly $129 million over the Five YearPlan.
Supporting K-12 schools: Provides young people with extended-day, extended-year enrichment and career development opportunities; and addresses the urgent need for school facilities improvement.
Launching City College for Municipal Employment: A Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), City, and School District collaboration and first-of-its-kind pipeline to City jobs that will recruit people at the start of their careers, support those seeking to up-skill, and help expand access to opportunity.
An additional $5 million in operating support for CCP.


Housing ($100 million operating over the FYP)



Key investments include:

Housing production and preservation: Continuing investment in housing through programs like Turn the Key; Restore Repair Renew; and Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) - building towards the Mayor’s goal of 30,000 units of housing built, repaired, or preserved.
Housing production: Ensuring City-supported new housing is “affordable luxury” with high-quality fixtures and finishes; comprehensive review of Land Bank aimed at more quickly returning parcels to productive use; $14 million for rebuilding of University City Townhomes.
Housing preservation: Making it easier for residents and landlords to access City-funded home improvement programs through a Single Home Improvement Application (SHIA); $5 million to Philadelphia Energy Authority for Built to Last home repair program; $750,000 for tangled title support at the Register of Wills.
Rental assistance: $19 million to support rental assistance programs.
Access to homeownership: Institutionalizing Philadelphia Home Appraisal Bias Task Force within City government to help implement its findings; supporting Philadelphia Human Relations Commission (PCHR) to focus educational and enforcement efforts on eliminating home appraisal discrimination.


“I said in March, ‘don’t just listen to what I say, watch what we do’. I hoped we would work together with diplomacy, diligence and purpose to implement a budget for the People of Philadelphia,” Mayor Parker said. “Today, we have shown the people we have done just that. This will be the standard operating procedure for my administration working with our partners in City Council, to serve all of Philadelphia.”





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