Fishtown is more than just bars...

My time in Fishtown has officially come to an end. When I first was assigned to cover Fishtown, all I knew about the neighborhood was the bars. I’m not originally from here but I assume that everyone in Philadelphia is pretty much the same. The many of days and hours spent in Fishtown, I forgot I was still in Philadelphia.

Fishtown reminds of a community in a small town like the one I’m from. The neighborhood is so tight-knit. I really enjoyed covering the community and its people. The people of Fishtown showed me a great deal of kindness and hospitality. The most recent story I covered was about the relationship between the community and the police.

I was trying to get person-on-street interviews during one late afternoon. I had no such luck. I decided to set-up the camera on the corner of an intersection and wait for someone to approach me. As luck would have it, one resident rode up to me on his bike. His name was Paul. He asked me what I was doing and I told him about the story I was writing about Fishtown.

He quickly began telling me about his issues with the police. I asked him if he wanted to be on camera. He declined. So, I asked him if he knew anyone who would like to be interviewed for my story. He sprung into action and said he would find me some people. Paul stopped everyone who passed him. He even tried to stop cars driving by.

I was very grateful of coming in contact with Paul. He really showed me how the community is open and willing to help. On a few separate occasions, residents have offered my partner and I something to drink during interviews. I’m really glad I got a chance to really get to know the people and neighborhood. I, now understand Fishtown is more than just bars and clubs.

Tiffany Wilson and Danielle Wilmer, Group 9, Fishtown.