Current News

PHILADELPHIA, March 18, 2021 – Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) announced the U.S. House of Representatives will accept limited member requests for Community Project Funding in appropriations bills for the upcoming fiscal year. 

To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media - March 23, 2021 - page 3  

 PHILADELPHIA, PA — March 17, 2021 — The student loan debt crisis in the United States continues to grow with recent statistics showing that borrowers collectively owe nearly $1.6 trillion in student loan debt. This includes roughly 1.8 million people in the Greater Philadelphia region who collectively owe approximately $60.2 billion. To help alleviate the stress associated with debt, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) now offers members access to a program to help them reduce student loans and improve their financial well-being. Philadelphia-based GradFin is now available at no cost to Independence consumer plan members and commercial group customers. 

To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media - March 19, 2021 - page 6 

HARRISBURG, March 17 - State Reps. Melissa Shusterman, Jennifer O’Mara, Donna Bullock, and Tina Davis will host a virtual news conference to discuss the gender wage gap and their legislation to help close it on Equal Pay Day, March 24.

The public may live stream the event at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 24 by visiting PAHouse.com.

To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media - March 16, 2021 - page 5 

 PHILADELPHIA, PA. The newly formed Society to Preserve Philadelphia African American Assets (SPPAAA) hasn't even had time to have their first meeting when met with the challenge of helping the John Coltrane House at 1511 N. 33rd St. A demolition permit has been authorized for as early as March 10th for the adjoining property at 1509 N. 33rd St, that had a fire in January. 

 To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media - March 9, 2021 - page 2

The Delaware River Watershed Fellowship is a 12 week, paid summer job opportunity designed to introduce young people from local communities to careers in conservation. Fellows are employed at one of 23 Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River environmental education centers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware that share a mission to collectively increase and enhance constituent access to and stewardship of the Delaware River watershed. 

 To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media - March 9, 2021 - page 8 

     Every neighborhood has residents who want to become more involved but aren’t sure how. Citizens Planning Institute (CPI) helps them take that next step.

Since 2010, CPI has trained more than 600 residents from more than 130 neighborhoods to take a more active role in issues facing their community. Now CPI is looking for the next 30 citizen planners.

 To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media - March 5, 2021 - page 4 

 CHESTER, PA – The city of Chester’s Health Board, in partnership with Keystone First, a Medicaid managed care organization that serves Medical Assistance recipients in southeastern Pennsylvania, the Foundation for Delaware County, and CATE will host several COVID-19 testing events for the community in the next coming weeks. 

  To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media - February 9, 2021 - page 15

By Stephanie C. Nash, LICSW President & CEO, Episcopal Center for Children
This is an unprecedented time in our world and, understandably, there are many questions and concerns due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The shut down of schools, business establishments, and restaurants combined with social distancing, and self-quarantine have resulted in major changes to how we navigate our daily lives. Families with children of all ages are impacted by these changes. Parents are creatively looking to adapt to new routines to support their children while seeking to establish responsibility, peace, and joy in the household. The balancing act can bring both rewards and challenges. Staying at home and following the directives from government officials is important. We all need to find safe and meaningful ways to support our children, one another and seek self-care. Here are some tips to help. Tips for family and self care while home:     Do frequent hand washing with soap and water. When not available use hand sanitizer.     Wash or clean incoming groceries before bringing them into your home.     Wipe down common household surfaces that are used frequently, such as the kitchen counters, dining table, doorknobs, refrigerator handles, bathroom counters, faucet handles, and other surfaces.     Create a calm tone in your home. Adults should strive to be self-aware. Anxiety may be high for adults in the home, but it is important to provide reassurance and calm to your children - they are watching and listening to how you respond to this crisis.     Check-in with your loved ones and talk with your children about their thoughts and feelings. For younger children, follow their lead. Be honest and use appropriate talk. Limit child viewing of daily news broadcasts. For older children, be honest and have age appropriate discussions. Validate their concerns while providing reassurance and understanding for their feelings.     Maintain routines as much as possible. Young children especially will need structure that replicates a school week. Make time for snacks and movement breaks.     Give daily, positive affirmations and encourage family members. This might be as simple as saying, “Wow, you are doing great at sharing the game with your sister” or “Thanks for being helpful by clearing off the table” or “You were so responsible with your online assignment.

To read more visit SCOOPUSA Media, Friday, April 3, 2020 - page 15

    March 11, 2020, Following consultations with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Council’s leadership team, City Council President Darrell L. Clarke announced a series of proactive steps intended to reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus, while still permitting Council to conduct its session and the public to participate in it.

    “These steps are being taken as precautions and upon the advice of our city’s public health professionals,” said Council President Clarke. “These measures are temporary. Depending upon the course that this pandemic takes, additional steps may be required in the future.”

Council President Clarke and Council’s leadership team announced the following steps, effective with tomorrow’s Council Meeting.

   1. To ensure that everyone can keep a medically advisable social distance from each other, Caucus will be held in Council chambers.

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, March 13, 2020, page 5

      Seeking the public’s ideas on curbing gun violence in communities across Northwest Philadelphia, state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila, hosted a public safety listening event on February 18, 2020 at The First Presbyterian Church.

       “From our neighbors and law enforcement, to local leaders and organizations, we must all be part of the conversation in putting an end to this crisis,” Kinsey said. “The first listening tour is just the beginning and was a great success. We must now take the concerns and ideas we heard to help create solutions.”

      Residents across Northwest Philadelphia gave their insight and experiences on their bouts with gun violence and how to combat it to a panel consisting of Philadelphia Police Capt. Nicholas Smith of the 14th District; Chantay Love, founder and program director, Every Murder Is Real; Rochelle Curbreath, manager of legislative affairs, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority; state police Lt. Robert Bailey; and Kinsey’s Northwest Philadelphia House colleagues Reps. Chris Rabb and Isabella Fitzgerald of the 200th and 203rd legislative districts, respectively.

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, March 13, 2020, page 6

March 11, 2020 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today announced a $25,000 state safety and security grant to Mahdieh Inc., a nonprofit Islamic educational center established in February 2000.

The center serves the Iranian American Muslim community of the Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware area and is founded and operated by its members. It serves as a resource for Muslim parents to raise their children and celebrate Muslim holidays. This grant will be used to bolster the organization’s efforts to reduce hate crimes and help those who are victims of hate. 

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, March 13, 2020, page 7

State Reps. Ben Sanchez, D-Montgomery, and Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., on Monday, March 10, 2020, co-hosted a news conference at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Kenyatta’s 181st Legislative District to urge the General Assembly to vote on legislation about reporting lost or stolen firearms.

“We’re standing in the epicenter of the gun violence epidemic. It’s right here in North Philly – my community – where countless lives have been taken by guns, particularly guns that have been lost or stolen only to resurface in the hands of dangerous people,” Kenyatta said. “Today, we’re demanding our state legislature to stop ignoring this critical piece of legislation and to stop putting special interests and petty partisanship over what truly matters – lives.”

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, March 13, 2020, page 7

    March 11, 2020 – State Rep. Chris Rabb announced today that Germantown Jewish Centre has received a $49,810 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to improve the safety and security of its facilities.

     “All people – people of all faiths, ethnicities, genders, races, sexual orientations and abilities – should be safe from violence wherever they gather,” Rabb said. “Our diversity is what makes our communities stronger and more interesting.
To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, March 13, 2020, page 7

The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, PNC Arts Alive “Jazz Cultural Voices” series will  present The Philadelphia Clef Club Community Big Band under direction of Louis Cioci & John Clark on Saturday, March 21, at 7:30.  Appearing with the Big Band will be saxophonist Audrey Welber, and vocalists Ella Gahnt, and Paula Johns.   The concert will take place at the Clef Club's Blue Note Hall, located on 738 S. Broad St.  Parking will be available. Tickets are $25 and can be ordered online at clefclubofjazz.org.  For further information call (215) 893-9912.

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, March 13, 2020, page 11

    Let it be known – the “boom bap” will be flowing HARD on Columbus Blvd. this month when legendary hip hop artists Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) and Talib Kweli hit THE AVE stage on Friday, March 20 at 8pm. THE AVE, 520 North Columbus Blvd. 

     This unprecedented live experience in Philly will feature separate sets by Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli as well as a Black Star reunion.  Yasiin Bey’s set list is sure to include tracks from his 1999 gold album Black on Both Sides in celebration of the 20th anniversary of his solo career.  But WAIT, there’s more!  

    Three more iconic hip hop artists, Slick Rick, M.O.P. and Pharaohe Monch, will also share the stage – giving literally no excuse for hip hop heads far and wide to be in the house on the 20th.

This all-star lineup is merely one manifestation of a larger plan behind THE AVE, which is to revitalize safe spaces for urban culture and highlight the best of the best in urban music by bringing in national acts and cultivating local talent.

Seeking to shed an unwelcome designation as the poorest large city in the country, a City Council special committee today unveiled a Poverty Action Plan anchored by innovations intended to lift 100,000 Philadelphians out of poverty over the next four years.

Council’s Special Committee on Poverty Reduction and Prevention, joined by Council President Darrell Clarke, Mayor Jim Kenney, and non-profit, business, academic and legislative leaders, delivered a detailed, 14-page Action Plan with strategies to lower Philadelphia’s high poverty rate of 24.5 percent – which includes 377,116 residents.

“One out of every four Philadelphians lives in poverty,” said Council President Clarke. “That is unacceptable. For the last year, our Special Committee has met with residents and stakeholders across the city, listening to their best ideas to create jobs and lift people out of poverty. The result is our Action Plan, a public- private partnership with actionable steps and a mission: Lift 100,000 Philadelphians out of poverty by 2024.”

The Special Committee is being led by Councilmember Maria Quiñones Sánchez (7th District), along with her co-chairs Sharmain Matlock-Turner of the Urban Affairs Coalition, Mel Wells of One Day At A Time Inc., Eva Gladstein with the city Managing Director’s Office, and Councilmember Allan Domb (At Large).

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, March 6, 2020, page 3

by Councilman Curtis Jones

    Being a citizen means different things to different people. Throughout my life there have been watershed moments that have allowed me to feel like Mr. Curtis Jones, Jr. (Citizen). 

The first moment was when I received a piece of mail with my name on the package. I was 4 years old and it was a Dr. Seuss book, Cat in the Hat. That piece of mail symbolized me as an individual in this world. Then there was the moment I received my driver’s license; which established my rights as a citizen to be identified as a driver, free to operate vehicles like other citizens. The greatest moment, may have been when I received my voter registration card which memorialized my right to vote and established that I counted to aspiring elected officials seeking my vote. 

    Today I come to realize that just as important as any of these moments that have molded me, is my responsibility to stand up and be counted in the U.S. Census. In the past, people have been reluctant to fill out the census because they felt “big government” would intrude upon their lives by having their information. News flash! With modern technology most of your personal information is already on the internet. 

Some of the 700 billion in programs that are determined by the US Census are: National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs (Philadelphia is at a 26% poverty rate); Federal Highway and Construction dollars ( most Philadelphia bridges are in poor or dangerous conditions); Section 8 Housing Vouchers (3 to 4 year waiting list);  Federal Pell Grant Programs, Medicare, Low Income Home and Energy Assistance;  CDBG Block Grant (affordable housing dollars have been reduced from $83M to $47M since the 1990’s); Foster Care-Title 4; and, Federal Transit Grants—just to name a few. 

    During the last Census, Philadelphia was severely under counted. Officials challenged the count and were credited with a fair count which equated to millions of dollars for Philadelphia. I am a citizen who pays taxes and therefore deserves my fair share coming back from the Federal Government in Washington D.C., ..... and so do you. 

Stand up and be counted. For more information, visit the website  2020Census.gov.

    This  year, Beech Companies will celebrate 30 Years of economic development, financial stability, philanthropic and grassroots investment in the North Central Philadelphia community. The organization will have a year-long celebration and highlight their efforts by hosting an invitation only dinner on Thursday, May 28, two annual events, Beech “Jazz on the Ave” in August and Beech “Avenue of Treats” in October.

According to research, gentrification and displacement of long-time residents is most intense in the nation’s biggest cities, including Philadelphia. In addition, according to Census 2010, North Central Philadelphia is primarily a low-income African American/Latino neighborhood. The Beech Companies continues to play a pivotal role to combat poverty and a lack of opportunities by leveraging more than $2 billion in the community, creating more than 2,000 affordable housing units and sustainable employment for more than 6,000 residents.

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, March 6, 2020, page 5

    State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today announced that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded more than $5.3 million in grants to Philadelphia-based schools and community organizations for school safety and community violence reduction initiatives.

The Commission’s School Safety and Security Committee awarded $60 million statewide, including $52.5 million in School Safety and Security Grants and $7.5 million in Community Violence Prevention/Reduction Grants.

    “Every Pennsylvania child deserves access to quality education. And it is our responsibility as a Commonwealth to provide every child with a safe, secure, and healthy learning environment,” Senator Tartaglione said. “This funding will help schools and communities in Philadelphia and across the state to bolster their security while implementing programs that reduce the threat of violence.”

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, March 6, 2020, page 6

Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing Tuesday, Feb. 25 to discuss voting and elections after recent historic changes were made to the state’s voting laws.

“Voting is one of the most cherished rights endowed to the people in this country,” Rabb said. “When we cast our ballot, we’re giving voice to our values by choosing the people we want to serve as our representatives in the spheres that govern many aspects of our lives and determine how our resources are spent. Understanding the recent changes to our voting laws, which will affect people across Pennsylvania for years to come, is vital to our democracy, which is why I was grateful for the opportunity to facilitate discussion on the topic at this Policy Committee hearing.”

Rabb was joined by fellow state legislators, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, March 6, 2020, page 6

    Arc Environmental, LLC. will facilitate the finalization of the District’s Asbestos Abate

February 26, 2020, The City announced today that it has selected an environmental consulting firm to support the finalization of the School District of Philadelphia’s Asbestos Abatement Program, in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia (District), Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), and 32BJ Service Employees International Union (32BJ SEIU). This third-party expert will foster facilitation between all parties and finalize the detailed process for the District’s Asbestos Abatement Program.

The Program will ensure that the District continues to be compliant with all federal, state, and local regulations and will provide best management practices for the District during all phases of asbestos abatement activities in schools.

    The selected consulting firm, Arc Environmental, LLC., is an accredited environmental firm specializing in industrial hygiene services with extensive facilitation experience. The City expects that Arc Environmental will begin its work in March 2020.

Arc Environmental was selected by a panel comprised of representatives from the City of Philadelphia, the District, PFT, and 32BJ SEIU. Ultimately, Arc Environmental was selected because of its nuanced experience dealing with asbestos abatement projects and its ability to build trust among a diverse set of stakeholders.

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, March 6, 2020, page 14

Harrisburg, PA — Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar announced that Pennsylvania voters have a new resource to count on as they prepare to go to the polls. The Department of State has launched 67 new webpages–one for each county – where voters can learn specifics about their county’s voting system and how to use it.

“We want to make sure all voters go to the polls feeling confident and equipped with the information they need to cast their ballots on their new voter-verifiable paper ballot voting systems,” Secretary Boockvar said. “These customized websites will help ensure that all voters understand how to use the new auditable voting systems in use in their counties and give all Pennsylvania voters a clear understanding of the voting tools and options available to them.”

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, February 28, 2020, page 6

    Harrisburg, PA — Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar unveiled the Pennsylvania Campus Voting Challenge, a statewide, nonpartisan voter turnout competition for colleges designed to increase civic engagement among students.

    “Our democracy’s future depends on cultivating informed and engaged citizens,” Secretary Boockvar said. “This challenge assists Pennsylvania colleges in their efforts to develop the next generation of civic leaders and encourages young Pennsylvanians to participate fully in our democracy.”

    Two and four-year colleges and universities that enroll in the challenge will compete in three award categories: highest voter turnout, most improved voter turnout and highest rate of voter registration for the November 2020 general election.

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, February 28, 2020, page 7

    Harrisburg, February 14, 2020 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, today announced the caucus’ comprehensive measures to reducing gun violence statewide.

     The first was the appointments of Reps. Edward C. Gainey, D-Allegheny, and Brian Kirkland, D-Delaware, as chairs of the caucus’ anti-gun violence subcommittee, who began their tenure immediately.

     “In the fight to eradicate gun violence in their own communities and across our commonwealth, Representatives Kirkland and Gainey have always been on the frontlines,” Kinsey said. “Both lawmakers serve with me on the PA Safe Caucus and both respectively lend a set of skills and perspectives on how we can move forward with ensuring all communities are safe.”

     Gainey, who is serving in his fourth term representing the 24th Legislative District, lost his sister to gun violence after she rejected a man’s advances. He also recently introduced legislation, H.B. 307, that would ban the possession, purchase, transfer and use or manufacture of assault weapons.

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, February 21, 2020, page 6

    Philadelphia salutes the life and mission of the late W.E.B. Dubois. He dedicated his life to educating the community. In his honor, we acknowledge the leaders in our community that make a difference in the lives of others through Arts, Culture, and Education. On January 30, 2020, Councilman Curtis Jones introduced the Bill to proclaim the last Tuesday of Black History Month as W.E.B. Dubois Day in Philadelphia. The Bill was unanimously adopted by the City Council of Philadelphia. I.C.A.R.E. Academy along with The 400 Coalition have been hosting the W.E.B. Dubois Day in Philadelphia since 2014. 

    This Year’s presentation will be held at the African American Museum in downtown Philly, on Monday, February 24, from 6-8:00 p.m. Doors will open at 5:00pm. At this event I.C.A.R.E will relaunch it’s I Care to Vote campaign which signed up over 400 first time voters last year. This year is also a big year for the Census Bureau. The 400 Leadership will launch it’s “Count Me In” Campaign to encourage people to sign up for the census. Promoting a proper education and being an upstanding citizen are just a few of the platforms that Dubois often wrote about. His study of the Negro here in Philadelphia is still used amost the greatest philosophers of today. 

To read more visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, February 21, 2020, page 8

    A Foreclosure is a legal process in which a mortgage lender or lien holder attempts to recover the balance of a loan or debt from someone who has stopped making payments by forcing the sale of the asset used as the collateral for the loan or on which a lien has been placed.

 A property can be foreclosed on if the property owner defaults on his or her mortgage payments or becomes delinquent in property taxes payments.

1) What if I miss a mortgage or tax bill payment?

DO NOT IGNORE LETTERS FROM YOUR LENDER(S) OR TAXING AUTHORITIES. Call or write your lender(s), or taxing authority from which you received notice that you are PAST Due.

When in touch with a lender: be prepared to provide your financial information and reasons for your missed payment(s). Talk to them about services and programs offered by the city, federal government or the lender to help you keep your real estate. Discuss options such as selling the property, re-financing, short sales, loan modifications, and second mortgage opportunities. If you have experienced a recent change in your financial situation - reduction of income or increase in living expenses – you may qualify for a temporary suspension of payments or other relief offered.

Don’t ignore notices from the city or past due notice taxes or municipal utilities. Call immediately (information of how to obtain help, will be on your notices and/or invoices) and seek a payment schedule.

To read more "Foreclosure" visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, February 21, 2020, page 16

    Losing a property can be devastating – especially if it is the family home. While not every situation is the same many have similarities and there are a variety of options available to property owners to try to forestall a property from going to Sheriff’s Sale.

    Owners get many warnings that they are in potential danger of losing a property starting with the self warning of missing a payment. Ignoring missed payments and communications from lenders or tax authorities isn’t helpful in this process. We’ve compiled helpful information, phone numbers and website url’s that should be useful to almost anyone facing the possibility of losing a property. Lenders, certified housing counselors and taxing authorities all offer opportunities to reverse the potential loss through payment plans, reduction of mortgage, advice and short sales. All may not be the decision of first choice but trying to save any equity accumulated while you’ve owned a property - or retain the ownership – is possible.

To read more "Save Your Property" visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, February 21, 2020, page 16

by Dr. Leslie Grace

    My name is Dr. Leslie Grace and I have more degrees than a thermometer. Those degrees did not equate to my bank account. There was too much  at the end of the month, and I was robbing Rakim to give to Jamal. I was looking for ways to make extra money and secure a future for my family. Through trial and error, I managed to “Mastermind the Hustle.” Hustle as in having the tenacity, courage, self -belief, and confidence to get what I want out of life.

You “can not Knock the Hustle” stated Jay-z.

    “Great Things May Come to Those who wait, but only the things left by those who Hustle,” stated Abraham Lincoln.

    However, it is imperative that we know what we want out of life. We must learn how to “Mastermind the Hustle.” We have to come together with others to help solve our problems with Brainstorming, Education, and Peer Accountability to help sharpen our personal and business skills. 

According to the Census Bureau, 46 million Americans are dealing with economic and social hardship of living below the poverty level and 16 million children included. 1 in 7 Americans are poor and the numbers are still climbing.

    Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.

Pictured: Children ages 8 through 13 participating in the Youth Financial Reality Fair (Kimberly 

Paynter/WHYY)

To read more "Mastermind the Hustle" visit SCOOP USA Media, Friday, February 14, 2020, page 8

    American Heritage Credit Union (American Heritage) is again partnering with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh to offer members up to $5,000 in grants through the First Front Door program. The program will officially be open on March 16, 2020. These grants are designed to help first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs associated with the purchase and financing of a home. For every $1 contributed, qualified homebuyers could receive up to $3 in First Front Door (FFD) grant assistance, up to a maximum of $5,000.

    American Heritage is now accepting mortgage pre-qualifications and applications for the annual First Front Door program. American Heritage also provides its members with the Home Connections program, in which eligible members can earn up to a 10% reward when they finance their new home through the Credit Union’s realtor, American Heritage Realty.

To read more "First Time Homeowners" visit SCOOPUSA Media.com, Friday, February 14, 2020 page 8

    On Thursday, October 10, 2019, City Council presented Dr. Walter Palmer with a Resolution for his more than 60 years of Service to the communities of the City of Philadelphia. 

Can you imagine devoting your life to the betterment of others, or even fighting for equality and, get this, never stopping.  This is what is and has been the life of Mr. Walter Palmer. He has actively participated in a lifetime of events and historical moments that have been dedicated to strengthening the African American community, fighting for our Freedoms and civil rights, educating youth and striving to ensure that all who choose to listen and learn, know our history. 

    Dr. Walter Palmer is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Cardio-Pulmonary Care. He was a Director of Cardio-Pulmonary Care at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia from 1957 – 1967.  He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Howard University and was a law clerk at Community Legal Services.  He received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Cheyney State University and was certified in history and social studies.

Read more in SCOOP USA Media, October 18, 2019, page 4

    On Saturday September 21, 2019, a small street in Philadelphia that is bordered by Girard Ave and Poplar between Broad and 13th streets known as Watts Street was renamed Richard “Sonny” Driver Drive.

This naming came about through an inquiry made by present Publisher / Owner of Scoop USA Newspaper Sherri Horsey-Darden to a member of 5th Council District / Council President Darrell Clarke staff “how do you go about renaming a street to honor Sonny Driver”.  As Horsey-Darden tells the story, she is humbled by the fact that Council President Clarke’s office took this inquiry ran with it and made the naming a reality. 

Who was Richard “Sonny” Driver and why was this honor bestowed upon him?

Richard “Sonny” Driver was the first African American booking agent and promoter in the City of Philadelphia and the founder of SCOOP USA, a weekly community newspaper highlighting the African American Community. Through Scoop USA Newspaper, Mr. Driver saw a way to showcase in print the vast number of minority entertainers performing in the Delaware Valley; he saw Philadelphia as the entertainment capital of the East Coast and for over 30 years he published entertainment news. 

    As the newspaper evolved, it has become a platform to help improve the state of African Americans in Philadelphia and vicinity. SCOOP’s circulation also includes Camden, NJ, Southern New Jersey, Chester, PA & Wilmington, DE. New owner & publisher Sherri Horsey-Darden envisions eventually expanding to other cities and areas providing positive platform for community news.

Read more, Scoop USA Media, September 27, 2019 page 3