ACANA works with the Philadelphia Street Department

The Philadelphia Street Department Spring Clean-up campaign was a concerted success. The effort in Southwest Philadelphia and other parts of the city was coordinated citywide by the Philadelphia Street Department.  The Southwest Philadelphia effort was speared headed by the African Cultural Alliance of North America Inc (ACANA) CDC, in collaborations with several community organizations which included the Liberian Mandingo Association of Pennsylvania, and the Quardu-Gboni Association in the Americas. These organizations mobilized community members to show up for the beautification effort on Saturday, April 14, 2018.

Jubilant crowd takes a picture at the end of the clean-up event

 

The participants came together to cleanup Southwest communities and other parts of the City. The one-day event converged several community members together to beautify the community. Several streets benefited from the efforts along with the main business corridors. The Mount Mariah cemetery and alleyways

Contributors  primarily consisted of immigrants, mainly Africans and other migrant residents of Southwest Philadelphia Many of those participating in the effort felt the need to lend a helping hand in order to  facelift the community.

Many expressed that the  beautifications  of Southwest Philadelphia should not be a one day event and not the sole  responsibility of the Philadelphia Street Department, but should include residents business owners and other  properties owners and business.

The group included males, females, young people, and the elderly people all jubilant and eager during the cleaning process at the end the efforts commercial corridors and alleyways in Southwest appeared inviting to Tourists, shoppers and other visitors.

Southwest Philadelphia is emerging as the “African Town”, a concept that is gaining attraction. Residents hopeful  that as a  gateway to the City of Philadelphia, Southwest will take its rightful place as a respected community and inviting to  visitors and tourists coming through Philadelphia International Airport and Interstate I-195.  Therefore, keeping the streets and the environment clean will create a decent image for all Philadelphians.