Commentary

Being a parent is an experience unlike anything anyone could ever imagine. There are the discomforts surrounding all of parenting’s uncertainty, anger, and disappointment, as well as happiness, memories, and the give and the take – and more take and more take.  At times, there is talking back and other “slaps” that you receive, as…

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ABOVE PHOTO: Press Robinson poses for a photo at his home in Baton Rouge, La., Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022. When he registered to vote in 1963 he was handed a copy of the U.S. Constitution, told to read it aloud and interpret it. Robinson and activists say that Black voter voices and access to fair…

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ABOVE PHOTO: Patrick Gillespie  (Photo courtesy: Patricia Harris/M3M) By A. Bruce Crawley I just lost a very good friend…and Philadelphia has just lost a champion. Patrick Gillespie, who passed on August 29, was, of course, the iconic business manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades. He was a very strong, and outspoken supporter of…

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As the summer slowly transitions into autumn, school has begun for the children, teachers, administrators, and other support personnel in Philadelphia’s public school system.   There is much to consider as you prepare for these changes — changes of seasons, and of daily routines, like getting your children up and ready for school each morning….

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I first met recent Chestnut Hill College graduate Gina Booker at an open mic event hosted by band leader Rich Tucker at Relish restaurant in West Oak Lane. This phenomenal woman who works for the City of Philadelphia as a Behavior Health Specialist and Horsham Clinic in Horsham, Pennsylvania, had an idea, she had a…

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By George Burrell    “What would America be, if we loved Black people, as much as we love Black culture?” — Amandla Stenberg  In “Song of Solomon”, author Toni Morrison distinguishes American and African concepts of change. Africans throw out the old and start again, i.e. apartheid. Americans change leaders who make the same decisions,…

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If you find yourself traveling in the world After the COVID lockdown, you’re going to need preparation, patience, and some wiggle room. ABOVE PHOTO: Travelers queue up move through the north security checkpoint in the main terminal of Denver International Airport, Thursday, May 26, 2022, in Denver. Airline travelers are not only facing sticker shock…

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ABOVE PHOTO: Jim Obergefell, center, the man behind the landmark Supreme Court gay marriage ruling, looks to Malcolm Lazin, right, with the Equality Forum, after they laid down a wreath at the Gay Pioneers historical marker across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, Thursday, July 2, 2015, in Philadelphia. Some 40 activists picketed…

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As I walk through the streets of Philadelphia, I see the disparities, gentrification and changes that occur daily.  There are times when I wonder what it would take to change the negative in our city into something positive. The question is:  How can I help beautify Philly?  I suggest you look in the mirror every…

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I met with a progressive gentleman, Usman Tijani, who is the product director and CEO of The Greenwood District Society, and his colleague, Jordan Bobo.  The Greenwood District Society is a tech start up that utilizes NFTs to drive economic mobility among Black people and communities of color.  cj:  What is an NFT? UT:  NFT…

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