Taking an aggressive, non-violent approach, combating vio- lence: an inside look at the Circle of Hope’s Shalom House


By Nicole Contosta Staff Reporter


T


he term pacifism has lost its strength to the public- at-large over the last few


decades.


Or at least that’s how Dr. David Michaux, a recent graduate of Eastern University’s Seminary School, who works at Project H.O.M.E., views society’s re- sponse to the peace movement. Michaux, a member of the Circle of Hope Church, met this reporter at the Shalom House, 401 S 51st Street, Friday, July 5th


.


Quoting the words of essayist Jean Sharp, Michaux believes the opposite to be true. “Non-violent resistance takes on its own form


“An estimated 4,700 people have been killed by US drone attacks. The majority of those killed were civil- ians.”


of armed conflict,” Michaux re- layed of the essayist who began his work during the 1970’s in Burma. That’s when Sharp wrote essays about combatting conflict with non-violence. Over the past 30 years, Sharp’s “essays have been translated into a number of different languages and applied to other conflicts such as those occurring in Egypt, Turkey and Serbia,” Michaux explained. Finding new ways to promote pacifism is how the Shalom House first formed. The year was 2007. Pastors from the Circle


Shalom House member David Michaux acting as a non violent peacekeeper. Photo: courtesy of the Shalom House


of Hope Church traveled to Co- lumbia. There, “they discovered tremendous violence and unrest,” Michaux explained. After asking members of the Columbian clergy what Circle of Hope could do to


UNIVERSITY CITY


help, they were told, “Go home and try to combat violence there.” The Circle of Hope Church, in purchasing the six-bedroom, three-story house, directly across the street from Malcolm X Park, did just that. “It has three levels,” said Mi- chaux of the Shalom House’s mission. First, “there’s the house itself, which promotes living with others and keeping peace. There’s promoting peace in the country,” Michaux continued. “Then there’s promoting peace internationally.” For those familiar with the


Circle of Hope Church, which has roots in the Inner Baptist Movement, the fact that it would purchase a home dedicated


continued on page 4 Review


Business booms at West Philly’s local mini commercial corridor: 44th Street


By Nicole Contosta Staff Reporter


I


n spite of the country’s economic downturn, Philadelphia’s major commercial corridors have re-


emerged as hip destination spots. For West Philly residents, one has to look no farther than Baltimore Avenue for confirmation of this fact. The once empty sidewalks of Baltimore Avenue literally burst with foot traffic. Surrounding non-profits, media outlets and public officials regularly tout the fact that Baltimore Avenue has made West Philly a more appeal- ing neighborhood in which to reside. And yet, smaller or mini commercial corridors have also added to West Philly’s desir- ability. Take 44th


Street for example.


Spruce Streets, the eateries that line 44th


Tucked between Locust and Street have something


for everyone. There’s the mouth- watering Tex-Mex fare offered at Honest Tom’s Taco Shop. Unique desserts made from fresh, natural ingredients served


Looking South on popular 44th St. Photo: C. Christian


at the Lil’ Pop Shop. Sushi plat- ters reign supreme at Tampopo.


Craft beer and pub food satiates the palate at Local 44.


Regardless of season or time of continued on page 2


brought to you by Garden Court Community Association along with DanophonicDan—noted local DJ— will be a family friendly affair featuring music, some of the best local food trucks, a moon bounce, face painting, artisans, community resource groups, special guests: Engine 68 of the Philadelphia Fire Department (2:30Pm arrival) and a generous dance floor.


The music will kick off with a live set from HighKick, a West Philly based Indie Rock band whose musical influences range from classical to techno. Next on the mic will be ParkJam’s co- presenter DanophonicDan—also West Philly based—a soulful funk technician who will keep you out of your seats with a musical line up that will not disappoint. The park grounds surrounding the dance floors will host a variety of


continued on page 4 July 10, 2013


Dining Days


Garden Court Community As- sociation sponsors ParkJam this Sat- urday


M Saturday, July 13th


ark your calendars for ParkJam, a free commu- nity event taking place on from 2 to 7pm


in Malcolm X Park. The event


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