COMMUNITY NEWS – FREE PUBLICATION – PICK ONE UP!
H Y PE R LOC A L
D ON E DI F F E R E N T LY
FAIRMOUNT + NORTH CENTRAL + BREWERYTOWN + TEMPLE + STRAWBERRY MANSION FRANCISVILLE + POPLAR + LUDLOW + SPRING GARDEN
THIS
WEEK JUNE 8, 2016 VOL. 1 NO. 17
KNOW YOUR HISTORY Blue Horizon & George Benton, North Philadelphia boxing great. 6
DELL MUSIC CENTER The Dell Music Center’s Essence of Entertainment Concert Season kicks off next month. 5
COMMUNITY GARDEN DAYS A series of commuity garden days are coming to your local green spaces. 5
ACCU REGGIE 7-day weather forecast for the region.
K
areem, 13, introduces himself with a bright, toothy smile and firm, practiced handshake. He’s all smiles and youthful energy as he bounces from desk to desk, stopping once to help a younger student on a math problem. He radiates confidence and is charmingly excitable. Kareem doesn’t let on that, until recently, he struggled so much with his school work that it undermined his self-esteem. “He was terrified of learning,” Dr. Krisha Coppedge, 52, said. She is the executive director and founder of And Still I Rise (ASIR), a learning center in Strawberry Mansion. ASIR offers before and after school care and a summer camp. Kareem is one of her after school students. When he arrived it seemed like there were two Kareems, Coppedge said.
He was warm and friendly and happy during free time or arts and crafts. When it was time for homework, however, he withdrew into himself. “He would hide in the basement and hide in the dark or hide in the teacher’s lounge. He didn’t want people to see him cry,” she said. Once he became comfortable with Coppedge and her staff, Kareem revealed he couldn’t read or easily do elementary level math. It took three months of dedicated practice for Kareem to learn to read comfortably, but through the process his self-confidence multiplied. ASIR’s founder and volunteers have many hopes and goals for the kids Continued on Page 4.
3
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Events and happenings in our neighborhoods. 8
U HOT OFF THE
PRESS
nivest Bank and Trust Co. kicked off its expansion into the Philadelphia market on the 1st of June as they held a ribbon cutting ceremony to signify the opening of their new financial center at 1642 Fairmount Ave. The event was open for the public to come see the facility and speak to Univest representatives about what the financial center will offer. Reverend Dr. Herbert H. Lusk of Greater Exodus Baptist Church gave a dedication prayer for the new branch following a speech by Jeff Schweitzer, CEO of Univest Corporation. Schweitzer explained the branch’s goals and Univest’s approach to banking.“It’s exciting for us to be a part of something that’s growing. We’re try-
ing to help the community thrive. We truly can’t be successful unless the community is successful,” he explained. Schweitzer also proudly stated that Univest donated over a million and a half dollars to local non-profits and employees volunteered more than 7,600 hours of their own time in the past year. “It’s really part of our culture.” Univest acquired Valley Green Bank in January 2015 and through that acquisition, now control three branches in Philadelphia. The former Valley Green branches are located in Mount Airy, Chestnut Hill, and South Philadelphia. The new Fairmount location will be Univest’s first bank in Continued on Page 2.
The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – June 8, 2016
Page 2 Continued from Page 1. the city that they saw through the entirety of it’s development. Univest is also currently pursuing another possible location in University City. In addition to Schweitzer, other Univest executives attended the event to show their commitment to community-first banking. Louis Spinelli, president of consumer banking, greeted people as they entered. “We thought this was a great community for us to get involved in,” he explained. “Univest is a very community focused organization and we’re excited about bringing that focus into the Philadelphia market.” An important distinction to note about the new Univest location is that it is being labeled a “financial center” as opposed to being simply called a bank. Schweitzer explains that they call it a financial center because in addition to checking accounts and loans, the Fairmount location will also handle mortgages, insurance, and investments. Univest’s goal is to create a one-stop shop banking experience. These additional services will be handled by employees that Univest labels “personal bankers.” These personal bankers will perform the duties of multiple positions. Spinelli explains, “They are trained to handle any request that a customer might have. So we don’t have different positions like tellers and SSRs who serve different functions. They’re able to do anything that a customer needs. So when you walk in and you need information on a mortgage or you want to open an account or save for retirement, they’ll be able to help you.” The success of the financial center will ride on whether or not local customers will be willing to move their business to Univest from larger banks, but it is clear that Univest is committed to the area and fostering connections. “We want people to see us as a community partner,” Spinelli explained. “That’s how we do business.” •
Left to right: Mike Keim, President, Univest Bank and Trust Co.; Rev. Dr. Herbert H. Lusk; Mia Kirksey, Fairmount Financial Center manager; Louis Spinelli, Presdient, Consumer Banking, Univest Bank and Trust Co.; Jeff Schweitzer, President and CEO, Univest Corporation.
Rev. Dr. Herbert H. Lusk and Jeff Schweitzer.
The interior of the new Univest Financial Center in Fairmount. /Photos by Patrick Clark
No one understands small business like small business. We may be getting a bigger staff and more readers, but we’re still just like you. Work together with Spirit News to help grow your business and inform your neighbors. ads@spiritnews.org 215.423.6246
Page 3
The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – June 8, 2016 FORECAST FOR PENN’S GARDEN
accu reggie TWITTER: @ACCUREGGIE • FACEBOOK: ACCU-REGGIE
L
ast week brought us a nice smorgasbord of typical ealry summer weather. We hit 90 one day, we had thunderstorms crash through on Sunday and we got to experience beautiful 80 degree weather. This week will be much of the same; the weather will be typical for this time of year without much in the way of craziness. Saturday represents our best chance of rain as a warm front lifts over us and sets the boundary for multiple rounds of rain to travel over us. We also have a very slim chance of showers on Wednesday to start the week. Enjoy this week though — the stifling heat and humidity of Summer will stay away from us! Overall, I think you will enjoy
the weather this week — only temporary bouts of rain interrupt our 75 degree and sunny weather! We start the week on Wednesday with a cold front that ushers in cooler and less humid air. Temperatures will be in the 70s and a quick round of light showers may come around in the afternoon. No big deal though. Thursday will be sunny and warm with very comfortable temperatures in the 70s. An unbelievably nice day! Friday will continue the warm and sunny trend, but some clouds could sneak in late in the day. Temperatures will rise to nearly 80. Saturday is warmer and humid with showers and thunderstorms. It doesn’t look like an all-day rain but there
could easily be multiple rounds of showers and storms. Sunday starts cloudy and there could be an early-morning shower, otherwise expect sunshine in the afternoon. Overall, a fine day to be out and about! Temperatures will be warm and in the 80s. Monday and Tuesday are both very comfortable days with temperatures mostly in the 70s. I expect sunshine to dominate on Monday, with more clouds on Tuesday. We need to watch for afternoon thunderstorms on Tuesday as the humidity builds back into the region. The weather winner of the week is the Thursday; the weather loser is Saturday. •
Is there something going on a that’s a little funky in your neighborhood that you want us look into? Have something juicy you want to leak? Know of something fun or interesting going on that you think we should know about? We rely on sources like you for news that effects our neighborhoods. No tip is a bad tip. Drop us a line at news@spiritnews.org.
PAVED LOTS FOR RENT
1428 East Susquehanna Avenue Philadelphia, PENNSYLVANIA 19125 TELEPHONE: 215.423.6246 EDITORAL INQUIRIES: NEWS@SPIRITNEWS.ORG ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: ADS@SPIRITNEWS.ORG OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY–FRIDAY, 9AM–5PM
- 1720 N 2nd St REAR 10000sf for $700 per month - 918 N 8th St 5000st for $800 per month - 932 N 8th St 3000sf for $500 per month Ideal locations. Minutes from center city, I95 and I76 Great for fleets, storage and parking
MATTHEW ALBASI
MAX PULCINI
PUBLISHER
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
THOMAS HOWLEY
THOMAS weir
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ADVERTISING
Jack Grauer
joe palinsky
STAFF WRITER
STAFF WRITER
JACK GRAUER
MARK BRAKEMAN
STAFF WRITER
STAFF WRITER
DANIELLE NELSON
CINDY STANSBURY
CONTRIBUTOR
CONTRIBUTOR
Shane English
jordyn cordner
EDITORIAL INTERN
EDITORIAL INTERN
PATRICK CLARK
EDITORIAL INTERN
whitney johnson
Dan o’neal
EDITORIAL INTERN
Contact: karyn@wulfhartmanagementgroup.com 215.687.8391
thomas beck
EDITORIAL INTERN
MOVIE CRITIC
No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without permission. The Spirit of Penn’s Garden Newspaper will assume no obligation (other than cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public.
The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – June 8, 2016
Page 4 Continued from Page 1. but Coppedge has distilled the program’s theme into a mantra: “Transforming the way I think about my educational journey… I am smart and intelligent… I am an achiever.” Laying Down Foundations For Learning ASIR is a project of love and passion for Coppedge and her husband, James. The program is almost entirely funded by the couple and the staff is made up of a team of volunteers. The program is housed in the former home of the Church of Living God. Coppedge, a member of the congregation, said that the church outgrew its original home and left the building at 3131 W. Cumberland St. empty until Coppedge and her husband stepped in. When the two came to worship they saw problems in the neighborhood, but didn’t know what to do, she said. “We’d start at 6:30 [PM] and see kids roaming the streets. We’d leave at 10, 11 at night and the same kids would still be out there,” she said. Coppedge and her husband would go on to establish ASIR as a nonprofit in May 2013 following what Coppedge calls divine intervention. “It’s God’s company, not mine,” she said. Coppedge remembers riding back from visiting family Maryland with her husband and falling into a deep sleep. “I’m a light sleeper,” she said. “My husband said he just about pulled over because I was asleep so long.” When Coppedge awoke her next career move “came as a divine revelation — a calling that I can’t take credit for.” Before ASIR, Coppedge dreamed of being a college professor. After receiving her Doctorate of Management from Colorado Technical University in 2012, she was a candidate for an adjunct professorship Rutgers University. Ultimately the university chose a different individual for the job. “God had a plan for me. I tried to live my plan, but God kept shutting the doors. But He never shut them all. He always opened the right one at the right time,” Coppedge said. The Children Are The Future Standing in ASIR’s classroom, there are 19 success stories in the making; 19 kids learning to love themselves and the opportunities that education can offer. It can be as simple as a student knowing that they can multiply or divide in their heads, Coppedge said. In her experience, the children who study and play at ASIR are capable of much more than their schools expect from them. Ultimately, Coppedge aims to help her students raise their expectations of themselves. ASIR has clear goals from the kids: Coppedge is adamant that each student will know their multiplication tables and age-appropriate vocabulary. The after school program, which takes in students from surrounding neighborhood schools, gives kids the chance to play educational games on the computers or to do some arts and crafts, but its primary focus is to help kids do better in school and improve their confidence in their intelligence. As for this year’s summer camp, ASIR is investing in Rosetta Stone so that the kids can learn and practice Spanish. The summer program involves trips, too. “We usually skip the local museums unless something special is happening,” she said. “The schools are able to take them there and the kids just don’t get as excited to go.” Coppedge hopes to make field trips an important part of the summer program. Some are simple: Coppedge says that trips to Fairmount Park are easy and that the kids love to go. Some trips require a little more planning and parental involvement: Coppedge hopes to plan a beach day, but knows that she would need almost every child to have an individual chaperone. Trips to museums in Washington, D.C. or Baltimore are easier to plan, but can be more costly to organize. ASIR’s trips try to balance summer fun and education. Despite the lack of outside funding, Coppedge is committed to keeping ASIR accessible and affordable to the Strawberry Mansion community. Registration is $45 and secures students a place in in the summer camp plus a t-shirt. Tuition is $150 monthly and covers the cost of the program along with breakfast and lunch each day. Coppedge gives families until the last day of the month to pay the $150, allowing members of the generally poor community to pay in bits and pieces when they’re able.
ASIR's kids work with Dr. Coppedge and Connie Folly. Just look at that smile!/Photos by Patrick Clark “If I can do it, it can be done,” Folly said to an elementary school aged girl struggling to learn her multiplication tables. “I cry sometimes when I think about the kids,” she added. “Some of them couldn’t read.” Folly works with the youngest members of the ASIR family who start out coming to her for emotional support. Often, Folly said, the children aren’t able to open up about trouble at home or in their neighborhood to anyone. “I can see when they’re holding it in,” she said. Folly dedicates time each to making sure any child who wants to talk has the opportunity. “Everybody here mentors everybody else,” she said. After the children become more comfortable opening up, they start to emotionally support their peers and help make ASIR feel like a family. Coppedge and ASIR “transformed me into a beautiful person,” Folly said. Since ASIR started in 2013, Harold Byrd has been a volunteer at ASIR first and a student at Strayer University second. Byrd, currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in computer security and forensics, helps the kids at ASIR with their science homework and with their computer skills. He is also the in-house I.T. department. “He keeps the computers running,” Coppedge said. She added that, like all of her volunteers, Byrd does more than she could reasonably expect. “Mr. Byrd has really given his life to the program,” Coppedge said. She remembers snowy winter mornings when Byrd would trudge through snow to make sure that ASIR was open if one of kids needed a place to stay warm while their parents were at work. It’s important to Byrd to maintain relationships with the children at ASIR and nurture them. He said that he tries to fill in some of the emotional gaps in the kid’s lives. “I come back to see the smiles on the kids,” Byrd said. “If my grades have to suffer, so be it.” When asked about what ASIR needs, Byrd is warm but blunt: “More volunteers, more funding” and more care from outside the community. “We’re all learning together and growing,” he said. Susan Zingale-Baird volunteers at ASIR two days a week. Zingale-Baird (or Ms. ZB as the staff and children at ASIR call her) works for Undergraduate Program in Central European Studies (UPCES) helping students to study abroad. Zingale-Baird’s passions overlap at ASIR; she’s able to help children learn and grow while encouraging them to consider college even if the obstacles seem insurmountable.
She discovered ASIR through the Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development’s (PHENND) listserv and was inspired to volunteer her time by Coppedge’s passion and the organic development of ASIR. “She very much empowers the kids,” Zingale-Baird said of Coppedge. “She makes them feel good about who they are.” Zingale-Baird is proud of her work with ASIR, but she knows that the program could grow if more resources were available. “It’s a center that is still in transition,” Zingale-Baird said. “ [Coppedge] needs more volunteers.” Though Cesar Coney doesn’t work directly with the children at ASIR like the aforementioned educators, his work keeps the keeps the volunteers and students fed. He is responsible for preparing the food served to the children. Coney’s job is peculiar since ASIR cannot cook for the students. Instead, Coney heats prepared foods in ASIR’s small toaster oven. Coney has taken upon himself to ensure that the kids drink their milk. “I keep at them, remind them, tell them how much I love milk,” he said. “They may not want it all the time but it’s good for them so I pester them.” “I’m blessed to have a wonderful staff,” Coppedge said. Even though Coppedge asks her staff to arrive by 2 PM, she said they are usually at ASIR and ready to work by 10AM. ASIR succeeds because of the love and devotion of Coppedge and her staff. They work every day to help the children in Strawberry Mansion. “I see myself in every child here,” Coppedge said. “I know the pain of not being able to go home to mom or dad.” •
More Than Just a Supporting Cast ASIR wouldn’t be able to operate if not for the time and effort put in by Coppedge’s team of volunteers. Connie Folly, 60, volunteers at ASIR every day. She is also the grandmother of two of ASIR’s students and was introduced to the program by her sister.
From left to right, top row: Susan Zingale-Baird, Connie Folly, three of ASIR's students, Harold Byrd; bottom row: six ASIR students, Dr. Krisha Coppedge.
Page 5
The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – June 8, 2016
WRITTEN BY THOMAS BECK
Dell Music Center
THE DELL MUSIC CENTER’S ESSENCE OF ENTERTAINMENT CONCERT SEASON KICKS OFF NEXT MONTH
T
he Dell Music Center’s Essence of Entertainment Concert Season will commence on Thursday, July 7 with platinum-selling R&B singers Jaheim, Monica and Lyfe Jennings. Below are several other artists scheduled to play at the Dell Music Center over the summer: The Stylistics is a Philadelphia-based soul group from the 1970s who at one point recorded a dozen consecutive Top 10 Hits, including “You Make Me Feel Brand New” and “I’m Stone in Love with You.” They will be performing at the Dell Music Center on July 14. Mary Mary is a Grammy Award-winning gospel duo consisting of sisters Erica and Trecina Atkins-Campbell. Many have attributed the burgeoning popularity of urban contemporary gospel at the turn of the 21st century to the Atkins-Campbell sisters and have extolled their unique blending of various musical genres into one. They will be performing at the Dell Music Center on July 21. Morris Day and the Time is a musical group that formed in Minneapolis in the 1980s. They are known for songs such as “Jerk Out” and “Jungle Love.” Day and his childhood friend, the recently deceased Prince, starred in “Purple Rain” as well as its sequel, “Graffiti Bridge.” Morris Day and the Time will be performing at the Dell Music Center on August 25.
Below is the complete summer schedule (all events begin at 7PM):
The Dell Music Center./Patrick Clark
July 7: Jaheim, Monica, Lyfe Jennings July 14: Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Review, The Stylistics, The Chi-Lites, New Birth July 21: Mary Mary, Chrisette Michele July 28: Will Downing, Kenny Lattimore August 4: Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly August 11: Ledisi, Keith Sweat August 18: Johnny Gill, Jodeci, Avant August 25: Morris Day and the Time, Sheila E. Movie Nights: June 21: War Room July 12: Minions July 26: Inside Out August 16: Creed August 30: The Good Dinosaur The Dell Music Center (formerly known as the Robin Hood Dell East) is an outdoor entertainment venue located in Fairmount Park on 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive. It was constructed in 1929 as the summer home for the Philadelphia Orchestra. Managed by the City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the amphitheater is the fourth-largest performance center in the city. •
WRITTEN BY THOMAS BECK
garden days
N E I G H B O R H O O D G A R D E N S T R U S T T O H O S T C O M M U N I T Y G A R D E N D AY S O N J U N E 1 8 T H
O
n Saturday, June 18, Neighborhood Gardens Trust (NGT) will be hosting Community Gardens Day from 10AM - 1PM. The NGT will be operating in affiliation with the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program as well as Hidden City Philadelphia. There will be (depending upon the site in question) kids’ activities, tours, barbecues and garden work. Glenwood Green Acres (1801 Glenwood Avenue) This garden in North Philadelphia was founded in 1983 after an on-site whiskey barrel factory burned to the ground. The NGT preserved the property in 1997. There are currently more than 90 plots on site. There will be kids’ activities, a tour, a barbecue and garden work on the day of the event. Temple Community Garden (Diamond and Carlisle Streets) This group of students from Temple University sustain the Main Vegetable and Sonia Sanchez Flower Gardens. The group’s meetings often feature guest speakers who touch upon a wide array of topics and discuss various community programs. There will be a tour and garden work on the day of the event. Brewerytown Garden (27th and Master Streets) This garden was established in 2010 under the name Marathon Farm. In 2014, it was renamed Brewerytown Garden as a community-run non-profit organization. Last year it became part of the Fairmount Park System and one of the first organizations of its kind to take part in the Parks and Recreation’s Urban Garden Initiative. There will be a tour and garden work on the day of the event.
Brewerytown Garden (27th and Master Streets)/Photos by Patrick Clark
Spring Gardens Community Garden (18th and Wallace Streets) This garden was established in 1995 on what used to be a vacant lot. Laborers work solely on a volunteer basis. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has praised the organization’s efforts. The organization is funded entirely by donations. A steering committee currently manages the property. There will be a tour on the day of the event. North Street Garden (1525 North Street) This garden was founded in 1993. Three lots, one of which was preserved by the NGT in 1996, currently constitute the property. There are approximately 18 raised plots for flowers and vegetables. There will be garden work on the day of the event. •
Temple Community Garden (Diamond and Carlisle Streets)
Spring Gardens Community Garden (18th and Wallace Streets)
The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – June 8, 2016
Page 6
WRITTEN BY SPENCER HOMAN
KNOW YOUR HISTORY BLUE HORIZON & GEORGE BENTON, NORTH PHILADELPHIA BOXING GREAT
W
ith the passing of the "Greatest of All Time," the world has reminisced on some of boxing’s most memorable moments. Here in Philadelphia, one man became a local phenomenon by beating almost every opponent he ever faced. After his career as a boxer subsided, he trained the men who dared to take the title away from the great Muhammad Ali. Standing at 1314 N. Broad Street is a relic of Philadelphia boxing history, the Blue Horizon Boxing Arena. The building was originally built in 1865 as a “ritzy residential property” before being converted to a Moose Lodge in 1912. Jimmy Toppi Jr. began promoting fights at the venue called Toppi’s Auditorium. Renamed after the song “Beyond the Blue Horizon,” this local boxing ring entertained 1,300 fans per fight and Philadelphia’s finest boxers would become legendary to those attendees. One particular North Philly boxer competed at this site 14 times and never lost. George Benton had his first professional fight on July 18th, 1949 at Toppi Stadium. Benton’s second-to-last professional fight (last win of his career) came at Blue Horizon on March 25th, 1970. Benton enjoyed another victory there just 71 days earlier when he knocked his opponent out in the first round. For Benton’s final two fights at Blue Horizon, he earned $7,444, which is the equivalent to $45,903.58 in 2016. George Benton was born and raised in Philadelphia, living at several locations including: 19th, 29th, Harrison, Logan, and Walnut Streets (and others). George was born on May 15th, 1933. As one of eleven children in his family, he developed a good work ethic and close relationships with his family. His father always told him, “No matter what you do, don’t be a thief or a crook. Find a job and stick with it.” Benton's upbringing is what contributes to his comment in a 1992 Sports Illustrated interview, “Athletes today are spoiled.” Benton had his first amateur fight at the age of 13 and he became a professional fighter at the age of 16 in 1949 when he knocked out Chico Wade in the first round. 21
days later, Benton would defeat Whitman Dorsch in four rounds. His first two fights both took place at Toppi’s Stadium. Benton won his first seven fights as a pro, his seventh fight being a victory in Connecticut on his 17th birthday. After his first loss, he enjoyed 17 consecutive victories, the longest undefeated stretch of his career. George Benton had a professional record of 62-13-1 with 37 knockouts when he retired. He was never knocked down in his 21-year career, and he was only stopped in a fight twice, “once from a cut, once from exhaustion [at the end of his career].” He is considered the greatest middleweight fighter who never won a world title. In fact, he never even got the chance to fight for the world title, despite being ranked number one in his weight class. Benton defeated future-champion Joey Giardello in Philadelphia on August 6th, 1962. The winner of the fight was supposed to fight the current champion for the world title. Reigning Middleweight World Champ Dick Tiger instead fought the loser of the Benton-Giardello match, and Benton was unable to compete for the title. Lou Duva, Joey Giardello’s manager, told Sports Illustrated three decades later, “Yeah, I screwed George out of his shot. He didn’t even know about it until I told him many years later.” Benton never had the opportunity to fight for the title, but he did win the Pennsylvania State Middleweight Title in 1964. There are many reasons why George Benton never had the chance to fight for the title, mainly because his manager, Herman Diamond, refused to work with mafia bosses, which was very important for booking championship fights, regardless of how good the boxer was. And Benton was good. 49 percent of his fights resulted in knockout victories. Standing at 5’10”, George fought in the middleweight class with an orthodox stance. Benton was known as "The Mayor," "The Master," and "The Professor." Benton defeated three future champions: Joey Giardello, Freddie Little, and Jimmy Ellis. Still, Benton was given no shot at the title. In addition to mafia connections, boxers also had to look a certain way if they were going to get a chance to be
the best. “Nobody would fight him” because of how good he was and because he was black. In Benton’s 76 fights, he only had white opponents twice. Philadelphia legend Russell Peltz said George Benton “was one of the top ten fighters to come out of Philadelphia.” Benton was lucky enough to box professionally in four different decades. The “title changed hands 22 times during Benton’s 21-year career and he never got a shot.” His career, though already dwindling, was abruptly ended in 1970 when he was shot by a man that he did not know. But in typical “George Benton” fashion, he did not go down without a fight. A man known around North Philadelphia as "Chinaman" was trying to pickup one of the Benton sisters at a bar. One of the Benton brothers decided to rough him up for disrespecting his sister. Chinaman “vowed to kill a Benton as revenge.” Chinaman followed George Benton to work. The boxer's life was saved because he heard Chinaman when he pulled out his gun. George turned his body just before the trigger was pulled, and the bullet narrowly missed his spine by about two inches. With lead lodged in his body, George continued spinning around until he was face-to-face with his attempted-assassin. George grabbed Chinaman and slammed him against a nearby brick wall and “bludgeoned him with his head until [he] dropped the gun.” Benton’s friends took care of Chinaman “North Philly Continued on Page 7.
Benton vs. Jones/Photo courtesy Philly Boxing History
Page 7
The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – June 8, 2016
Benton vs. Rodriguez/Photo courtesy Philly Boxing History Continued from Page 6.
style” to avenge the boxer while he was in the hospital. Benton lost significant weight while hospitalized on-and-off for the next two years. Because the bullet was so close to the spine, it stayed inside of his body for the rest of his life. Benton’s career was over, his money was gone and his health was fragile. Benton never knew who Chinaman was, and d Benton had not even heard of the incident at the bar involving his sister until after he was , hospitalized. d Making ends meet, Benton worked tending bars around the neighborhood. One day, n Lou Duva (the manager who screwed him over) approached Benton with an offer. He wanted the retired boxer to teach his fighters how to defend themselves since Benton was r known as a “defensive ring wizard” who invented the shoulder roll. Today, comparisons s are made between George Benton and Floyd Mayweather in regard to their defensive ” abilities. Benton’s decision to become a trainer made him a millionaire. d Benton trained alongside Eddie Futch at Champs Gym at 33rd and Dauphin. Benton . “was in Joe Frazier’s corner for the Thrilla in Manila in 1975,” considered the greatest o boxing match in the history of the sport. Although Frazier lost to Muhammad Ali, Benton devised the strategy that Leon Spinks used to defeat Ali for the Heavyweight Champion" ship on February 15th, 1978. Benton also trained Evander Holyfield to his Heavyweight e Championship in 1990. His imposed his defensive strategies onto the greatest boxers of - all time and they were effective in beating Ali: the greatest boxer of all time. n In 1986, George Benton was inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame. Ben. ton received the “Trainer of the Year” award in 1989 and 1990. Benton was inducted as a n trainer into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001 and the World Boxing Hall of t Fame in 2007. y Of the 19 boxers that George Benton trained, 12 fighters won more than 25 titles in 10 n different weight classes, as well as winning 5 Olympic medals, and another three fighters s participated in title fights at least once in their career. Only 2 of the 19 boxers Benton d trained did not fight for a title or win an Olympic medal. Hisdistinguished career iml mortalized him in three Boxing Hall of Fames, and his “scientific approach” to boxing e continues to impact the sport today. George Benton died in the hospital due to complications with pneumonia on Septemy ber 19th, 2011 at the age of 78. His services were held at Christ-like Pleasant Green Faith Baptist Church on 25th Street. Leaving behind a wife and six sons, George Benton is buried in Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Bucks County. Although less memorable than Muhammad Ali, George Benton’s legacy is still strong to true boxing fans and Philadelphians should be prideful in his abilities as a fighter and a trainer. •
Blue Horizon (1314 N. Borad Street./Patrick Clark
ASIR IS HERE FOR YOU! PA R E N T S
Are you looking for a Safe and High Quality Summer Enrichment Program for your child this summer? If so, Register your child today between the ages of 5 - 13 for the ASIR Summer STEM Program Featuring a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Curriculum here at ASIR. THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS JUNE 18th BETWEEN 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM The "AND STILL I RISE" Youth Development Program is open Monday - Thursday from 10:00 a.m. Until 5:00 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch will be served daily. Transportation available upon request. Registration Fee is $45.00 T-Shirt included We are CCIS Providers! Equal Opportunity Employer
Please call 215-227-1983 or 267-312-1499 today
Benton vs. Giardello/Photo courtesy Philly Boxing History
to speak with Dr. Coppedge, Executive Director of ASIR to get more details Location: 3131 W. Cumberland Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19132 email: krishaj2@verizon.net • www.kmc-eec.org
The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – June 8, 2016
Page 8
COMMUNITY
calendar N E W S @ S P I R I T N E W S . O R G • 1 4 2 8 E . S U S Q U E H A N N A AV E • 2 1 5 . 4 2 3 . 6 2 4 6 Second Thursdays GBCDC MONTHLY MEETING The Greater Brewerytown CDC holds monthly public meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30. Meetings cover a variety of community news and initiatives, and features new guests each month. Meetings are held at the GBCDC office at 3000 Master Street.
Sunday, June 12 12-1 PM DRIVE FOR MEN’S HEALTH AT ANYTIME FITNESS The Drive for Men’s Health sends doctors on a cross-country trip to raise awareness of men’s health issues and to get men to see a doctor more regularly. Armed with survey results showing that men are much more likely to avoid seeing a doctor. At Anytime Fitness (1640 Fairmount Ave), there will be fitness demonstrations and a Q&A session, May 4 – July 15, 2016 plus personal stories from men who have taken control of HOPE GINSBURG: BREATHING ON LAND: BAY OF their well-being. FUNDY AND MISHA WYLLIE: OUT TO LUNCH Tyler School of Art (2001. N 13th Street) is pleased to an- Friday, June 17, 2 PM nounce the 2015/16 Distinguished Alumni Mentoring Pro- CELEBRATE PHILADELPHIA’S FIRST POET LAUREgram exhibition: Hope Ginsburg: Breathing on Land: Bay of ATE: SONIA SANCHEZ AT TEMPLE’S SULLIVAN Fundy and Misha Wyllie: Out to Lunch. This is the culminat- HALL (1330 W. POLETT WALK) ing exhibition of Tyler’s fourth annual Distinguished Alum- Temple University’s Beyond the Page program will screen ni Mentoring Program. These exhibitions are the result of the documentary BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez as well as a the work produced during a six-month mentorship between discussion of Sanchez’s poetry, fiction and life. Hope Ginsburg (BFA ‘96) and the exceptional recent Tyler For more info contact Nicole Restaino at 215-204-2828 graduate, Misha Wyllie (MFA ‘14). The exhibition will open on May 4, 2016 with a reception from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and will continue until Friday, July 15, 2015. For more info, http://tyler.temple.edu/temple-contemporary/ whats-happening# Wednesday, June 15 GAMBA U: SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP: BALANCING PEOPLE, PLANET AND PROFIT Did you know there’s a $4,000 tax credit available for sustainable businesses in Philadelphia? Hear from a local sustainability consultant who can help you measure your impact and explore the process of becoming a certified B-Corporation. From 6-7:30PM, $25 for non-GAMBA members.2712 W. Girard Avenue Saturday, June 18 ACELERO LEARNING HEAD START BLOCK PARTY Acelero Learning, a federally funded preschool program for low-income families, is hosting a block party on Saturday, June 18th from 11 - 3 at 1801 N. 23rd St. The purpose of this event is connect our current families to services in the community, to recruit new families to our program and to have fun! In addition to informational tables, we plan on having food, music and entertainment for the children and families. June 18 COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS DAY (SMFBC) @ CHURCH PARKING LOT From 11– 2 PM. The Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition presents their annual Health and Wellness Day. Join them for FITNESS, NUTRITION, WELLNESS & PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES. All are welcome. Call 215-235-7505 for more info. July 20, 6-7:30 PM SUMMER SOCIAL & NEW MEMBER MEET + GREET Enjoy the warmer and longer summer months while networking with friends and colleagues from the Greater Art Museum Business Alliance. It's our way of saying thanks for renewing and to share what promotions, events and seminars we have planned for the coming year. Meet at Jack's Firehouse, 2130 Fairmount Avenue. Free for members, $25 for non-members (non-members can apply their registration fee to member dues if they join on-site). Thursday, June 30 JUNE FCA MEETING (NEW LOCATION!) A reminder that the June 30 monthly FCA meeting will be held at the Eastern State site and not at the City School at 7:00 PM. Monday, August 1 FCA SUMMER SOCIAL The FCA Summer Social event will be on Monday August 1 at Jack’s Firehouse. There is no charge for members, but it will require an online signup because of space limitations. More details will be available soon. Saturday, June 11 12-3 PM JUNETEENTH AT THE CECIL B. MOORE LIBRARY On June 11, the Cecil B. Moore Library (2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue) will celebrate Junteenth, the day that commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States in general. Irma Garner-Hammond and the storytellers of Progeny’s Legacy Jama will explore the history and resurgence of Juneteeth celebrations.
Saturday, June 18, 12 PM FILM SCREENING & DISCUSSION: 500 YEARS LATER AT THE CECIL B. MOORE BRANCH (2320 CECIL B. MOORE AVENUE) The Cecil B. Moore Library will screen 500 Years Later, a film by Owen ‘Alik Shadah. The UNESCO “Breaking the Chains” award winning documentary focuses on the African Diaspora and the issues facing communities of African descent around the world. Following the screening, the library will host a discussion of the film. Saturday, July 16, 5:30-8:30 PM BASTILLE DAY AT EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY Join the Bearded Ladies cabaret for some historical fun and Monty Python inspired laughs. The free performance culminates in the storming of the Bastille. Following the show, visitors can take a twilight tour of the penitentiary ($10) or can visit one of nearby restaurants serving French food and drinks. For more info visit http://www.easternstate.org/bastille-day
AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC INC LOWEST PRICES! “We Do It All” POLICE, FIRE & SENIOR DISCOUNTS
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL FAST EMERGENCY SERVICE 100 AMP • Breakers Lighting • Outlets • Fuse Repair • Ceiling Fans Switches • Dryer Lines Doorbell Repairs
10% OFF WITH THIS AD
215-722-5993 State License #PA068325 City of Philadelphia Electrical License #17027 We will BEAT ALL ESTIMATES!