Love – Page 2 – Broke in Philly

For 18 years she lived in Chester’s housing projects. Now she’s returned to inspire

February 25, 2018

For Marrea Walker-Smith, the words still sting. “You aren’t going to be anything because you come from the housing project.” Decades ago, a 10th grade history teacher at Chester High School said those words to her in conversation. As soon as Walker-Smith’s mother, Dolores Walker, found out, she headed to the school and told the teacher she thought his comment was inappropriate and flat-out untrue. (Read more.)

A filmmaker made a movie about 4 North Philly kids’ lives. Five years later, she checked back in

January 4, 2018

Half a decade ago, filmmaker Amanda Danzinger gave video cameras to four teens at the after-school program where she volunteered. Their home movies became part of a feature-length documentary she cut about their lives. “The Backyard Philly Project” follows Montae, Tasia, Brianna and David who lived in public housing project Penn Town at 6th and Green streets in North Philadelphia. (Read more.)