WHAT’S GOOD: TERRANCE WILEY

american grammar is a design-forward cafe, feminist bookstore, mixed-retail and multi-use creative space in Kensington. The shop is co-owned by terrance wiley and Terri Elizabeth, two veteran educators. After moving back to Philadelphia for teaching positions, the pair wanted to cultivate: a community space that extends the intellectual energies mostly concentrated on college campuses and elite secondary schools into an everyday environment; and a context for formally exploring their shared interests in fashion design and fabrication, cultural curation and community building. american grammar houses hundreds of books and magazines, heavily focusing on fiction and nonfiction texts about social justice imaginaries, art, and the environment. But american grammar is much more than a bookstore, as terrance and Terri also sell their own clothing line in american grammar and are keen on supporting local makers, stocking small clothing brands such as paratodo and Frederick Scott, jeweler Forge and Finish along with several local ceramicists. The dynamic retail offerings complement the dreamy and cozy atmosphere and are a lovely backdrop for american grammar’s rotating art exhibits, poetry and book readings, live musical performances, study groups, workshops, and other public events.

We asked terrance to tell us about a few of his favorite spots around Philly.