Guest Commentary

The Abbott Elementary Blues

A local public elementary school teacher on what the Philly-based sitcom misses — and what teachers really need

By Bet Mizgala
Big Rube’s Philly

Chubby’s Fantastic Flavors

The iconic photographer and chef introduces us to his buddy’s new ice cream shop that’s all about distinctive, down-home flavors and restoring community in the heart of Southwest Philly.

By Reuben Harley
LISTEN

Note to Self — There Are Still Hostages

Activist Liz Hirsh Naftali was in Philly this week to speak at a screening of Sheryl Sandberg’s October 7 documentary Screams Before Silence. Her gripping family story and her fight to keep the hostages front of mind reminds us that human rights transcend politics

By Larry Platt
The People Left Behind

“They Are Still With Us, In A Way”

In the first episode of a new Citizen podcast about the survivors and co-victims of gun violence, we meet Laura Madeleine, who turned her terror over a school shooting into the Soul Shots Portrait Project. The seventh exhibition of the Philadelphia chapter is on display until August 27

By Julien Suaudeau
Art for Change

The Bold Self-Portraitist

Gen Z artist Zeinab Diomande pushes the boundaries of painting, constantly experimenting with versions of the same subject: Themself

By Logan Cryer

Jennifer Weiner X Blue Stoop

The Philly writer wants more women to be authors. She’s partnered with a local arts nonprofit to make it happen.

By Courtney DuChene

“Love each other and raise our children.”

Reflecting on the power of James Baldwin’s timeless lessons in time for what would have been his 100th birthday.

By James Peterson
Art for Change

Embracing Happenstance

Sculptor, painter, and street artist NDA has taken over a floor of Old City’s Paradigm Gallery with an intentionally “overwhelming” installation that invites exploration, curiosity, and audience collaboration. The latest in a series with Forman Arts Initiative.

By RJ Rushmore
Guest Commentary

“Fashion Is A Profound Form of Communication”

Rad Girls’ Style Influencer of the Year is an icon for what she wears. But to her, clothes are about every woman’s power, resilience and joy

By Erikka Banks
Book Excerpt

The Long Ride Home — Black Cowboys in America

A former Inquirer photojournalist spent more than 30 years photographing Black cowboys across the country — including here in Philadelphia. Here, an excerpt from his new book

By Ron Tarver