Solmaira Valerio

Dec 4, 2024 | kensingtonvoice.com | Sammy Caiola |Jill Bauer-Reese |Emily Rizzo |Solmaira Valerio

Content warning: This story includes descriptions of sexual abuse and assault, including sexual violence against women and minors. Two women who were sexually abused as children by former Philadelphia police officer Patrick Heron are suing the Philadelphia Police Department, alleging it knew about Heron’s misconduct for more than a decade but failed to intervene.

Aug 25, 2024 | billypenn.com | Solmaira Valerio

Thousands of cyclists took advantage of a gorgeous Saturday afternoon to get in a ride, celebrate body positivity and support street safety at the 15th annual Philly Naked Bike Ride. Starting at Glendinning Rock Garden at 5 p.m., the cyclists rolled through Center City wearing little more than body paint and glitter, catching the attention of spectators and spreading their message of body positivity before finishing up at Drexel Park.

Jul 30, 2024 | kensingtonvoice.com | Solmaira Valerio |Sammy Caiola |Jill Bauer-Reese |Emily Rizzo

Under the warmth of Saturday's sun, the El train rumbled by the KCT Community Garden as community members gathered for a special event celebrating the arrival of Roberto Lugo’s first Kensington sculpture installation. The “Garden Party” was not an ordinary event; it was a vibrant display of art, culture, and community spirit, marking the unveiling of one of the major sculptures from the “We Here” project at the Kensington Corridor Trust (KCT) property at Kensington Avenue and Madison Street.

Sep 24, 2023 | billypenn.com | Solmaira Valerio

Rain couldn’t dampen the proud spirit and colorful exuberance of Philadelphia’s annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. Despite showers connected to Tropical Storm Ophelia, the event brought participants and spectators to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and performances went on as planned, filling the area in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum with rhythm and music.

Aug 26, 2023 | billypenn.com | Solmaira Valerio

The Saturday afternoon sun was as bright as the grins on participants’ faces as the Philly Naked Bike Ride returned for its 15th year. Cyclists rolled through Center City wearing little more than body paint and glitter, catching the attention of spectators and spreading their message of body positivity.