“Build from Within Alliance” visits Africatown’s Commercial Corridor

On September 18, leaders and practitioners from the Build from Within Alliance (BfWA), a national network of community development organizations focused on local neighborhood entrepreneurship gathered in Philadelphia for a dedicated community experience in Africatown. As part of BfWA’s two-day convening, the tour showcased how neighborhood-based institutions like ACANA are building robust business districts that celebrate cultural heritage while driving long-term economic and community well-being. The guided tour along Woodland Avenue’s “Main Street” showcased key neighborhood landmarks, including the Africa Center & Mural, local staple Simply Good, African Small Pot, the historic Benn Theater site, and the Debre Genet Kidus Amannuel Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Executive Director Dr. Gaston also shared future plans for the upcoming Africatown Marketplace.