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
The Citizen Recommends

Circle of Hope Book Launch

New Yorker author Eliza Griswold followed a progressive local church through its last fraught days following the murder of George Floyd. Join us August 12 for a book release party and conversation about the lessons learned for America

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
The Citizen Recommends

Philadelphia Revealed

Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts invites the public to connect — and contribute — to Philadelphia’s history through a vast collection of historical objects and artifacts

By Christina Griffith