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As an in-demand disc jockey, Ali Hackett knows a great deal about spreading good vibes. As a revered member of the Point Breeze community, he also is proving he can put a positive spin on pressing matters.
“I have been on a quest because I know it’s necessary,” the 61-year-old resident of the 2100 block of Reed Street said. “With all that I do, I strive to encourage cohesiveness in my neighborhood.”
The Chester native relocated to South Philly last decade and immediately showed his altruism by tending to trash on his block, for which he serves as captain, and designing gatherings conveying camaraderie, including well-attended holiday dinners. Having begun his musical infatuation as a 5-year-old playing records for his mother and her friends, he has let tunes take charge in his endeavors and is nearing the end of his second year of Throwback Thursdays at Wharton Square Park, 2300 Wharton St. Offering oldies and old- and new-school jams, Hackett helps to hone a comforting feel among his peers, especially older adults who had strayed from using the recreation spot for decades.
“I don’t deal in controversy or negativity,” the selfless soul, who also soothes ears in his hometown and West Philly, said. “I can’t even think to do that because building relationships with people is at the core of my efforts. That’s what makes my heart feel great.”
He ensures that children’s blood-pumping organs stay strong by instructing the etiquette of eating, also in the park. Enrollees pick up cooking techniques, improve their table manners, learn how to converse properly and work on making healthy food selections, likely the most enriching aspect of the course for the Type 2 diabetic.
“The kids need the help,” the chef said of using his culinary knowledge to inspire out-of-the-box thinking. “I am dealing with serious topics, but I have to make everything fun and enjoyable for it really to matter.”
No matter the ages of the assisted parties, Hackett, husband to Allyson, insists on preaching respect as a potential solver of most problems.
“Because of that, I feel very humbled and appreciate this honor,” he said. “It makes me eager to do more.”
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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