The Citizen Recommends: Trombonist Brent White’s Broken Toy

A novelist and Penn professor reflects on the healing and restorative power of the Philly composer’s work, which he’s performing at Drexel Wednesday

By Lorene Cary

Let’s Say Black Lives Mattered

A Penn professor and novelist on what life would be like if we could see the sacred in each other

By Lorene Cary

America, Dude! Learn from Black Lives

For our nation to heal, we must open our ears and hearts to the messages our young people are sending us

By Lorene Cary

Guest Commentary: A Love Letter to the Post Office

The USPS is in the news these days for its (potential) election-related failings. But a novelist and Penn professor remembers it for its beauty

By Lorene Cary

Guest Commentary: Choose #BlackLife

A novelist and Penn professor joined the massive Philly march for black lives on Saturday—and found hope amidst the grief

By Lorene Cary

They Vote(d) That Jawn

Nearly 7,000 18-year-olds registered to vote between the primary and general elections this year. The bestselling author and Safe Kids Stories founder announces the winners of the Vote That Jawn contest, which helped to GOTV

By Lorene Cary

Vote That Jawn

The Citizen joins bestselling novelist and SafeKids Stories founder in launching a citywide effort to get young people to the polls. We need them now more than ever

By Lorene Cary

Where is Home?

A Penn student’s program for African immigrant children explores what it means to have a home in two worlds—and what language to say it in

By Lorene Cary