Kenyatta applauds historic state grant for Al-Aqsa Islamic Society
Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta March 28, 2025 | 1:40 PM
PHILADELPHIA, March 27 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta today heralded a historic $5 million grant from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program that will support the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society in North Philadelphia.
Kenyatta was instrumental in securing this largest ever grant awarded to a Muslim organization in Pennsylvania, which Gov. Josh Shapiro announced at an iftar dinner on Tuesday.
“Institutions such as Al-Aqsa are more important than ever,” Kenyatta said. “It was an honor working to help get them this grant.”
Located in the heart of Kensington, the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society was established to maintain the Islamic identity and to protect and sustain the community in Philadelphia.
“This grant will go a long way, making the community an even greater center of activity. I worked hard to help secure them this funding and am so excited to see all that comes from it,” Kenyatta said.
One goal for the funds is to expand Al-Aqsa Academy’s classrooms and teachers to better meet local demand. Leaders plan to increase attendance from the current 300 to up to 3,000 students.
The RACP is a state grant program for the design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.