Sandra Calhoun

Email: scalhoun@centennialparkside.org
Phone: 302.635.9610

Culturally diverse, internationally traveled, educated with an eclectic vibrant style, I am Philadelphia!

Born and Sustained

 I am the daughter of parents from two different states. My father is from Rochester, New York having served in the United States Army; WW I and II and retiring from the U.S. Government. My mother, from Bennettsville, South Carolina, became a Registered Nurse and Community Activist.

In 1951, my parents moved from South Philadelphia to West Philadelphia where they purchased two properties; one of which was the first home of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity House in Philadelphia from 1951-67.  1007 Belmont Avenue became the residence for several Kappa Alpha Psi young men while attending various colleges and universities.

My introduction to music was through my mother’s appreciation for classical music.  During my early childhood I learned to play the piano.  At 16, I acquired a paid job playing the piano and organ for Good Shephard Baptist Church. I expounded my musical horizons and interest as I studied the harp at West Chester University.  Additionally, I learned to play the viola under the tutelage of the Ebony Strings (Three African American Women) performing Classical Music in various concert halls throughout the world.  Music provided a means of serenity to my wellbeing, mind and soul.

I was formally educated at Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio. I obtained my B.A. in Human Service and Master’s in Social Work and Psychology. This provided me with the skills and resources to empower individuals to enhance the quality of their lives.

Still the arts continued to be the heartbeat within me. I have been highlighted in Philadelphia’s Print Media as “A Renaissance Woman, Innovative and Unique”.  In 1992-2011, I took on the task of creating an Art Gallery and Meeting House in Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties section, which exhibited and retailed the artwork of local, national and international artists.

Upon my return to West Philadelphia in 2016 to secure my parents properties, I was dismayed with the trash, litter and blight in my community.  In 2019 I founded and established ‘Mindful Zero Waste Public Domain’ a community cleaning initiative composed of 35 volunteers. As a way to expand my interest and education in the environment, I have started to study Environmental Science in Sustainability, Cannabis/Hemp and Industrial Hempcrete.  My community activism is parallel to all that I do.

The fruits of my labor are displayed in the neighborhood in which I grew up and presently reside.  I have worked to turn an empty lot destitute with environmental toxins into the ‘The Edward Bradley Community Oasis’, located at the corner of Belmont and Wyalusing Avenue in West Philadelphia.  It is an oasis honoring one of Philadelphia’s pride, complete with a canopy seating area for warm weather relaxation, a seesaw for the enjoyment of the neighborhood children, planters for flowers/fresh vegetables, a beautiful pollinated garden and a library book box for all to partake.

The Journey Remains in Motion!