Social Justice

Grow Your Own Black Teacher Pipeline
A donor helped fund a fellowship to bring new teachers of color to a suburban district. Here’s why a local educator thinks it’s an idea worth stealing
By Matt Reid
Yvonne Hughes
A West Philly native turned a life-changing disability into a lifetime of advocacy, speaking up for Philadelphians in need — and encouraging others to speak up for themselves
By Lisa Bryant
A Grand and Gorgeous Abstraction
Odili Donald Odita draws on a unique combination of traditional African art, minimalism, and pop culture influences in his abstract paintings that respond to contemporary social issues. The latest in a series with Forman Arts Initiative
By RJ Rushmore
Ali Velshi on the Need for DEI in Medicine
The MSNBC anchor and Citizen Board member on why hospitals — and Congress — must address the health care crisis of Black Americans.
By Ali Velshi
A Healing Embrace
Homelessness can cut life expectancy by 20 years, in part because of health issues that particularly affect women. A new Project HOME safe haven offers women a place to heal
By Jessica Blatt Press
Sentences for the Sentenced
West Philly non-profit Books Through Bars has provided the incarcerated with books for more than 30 years. Now, with growing inaccessibility, its work is needed more than ever
By Norah Rami
12+ Women’s Spaces in Philadelphia
Where to find safe, fun, joyous and healthy activities by and for women on International Women’s Day and beyond
By Monica Constable
Who is Nicolas O’Rourke?
The freshman At-Large member of Philadelphia City Council is a member of the progressive Working Families Party — and a minister by trade. He’s giving the progressive response to President Biden’s State of the Union on March 7
By The Philadelphia Citizen Staff
A “Wake Up Call” on Guns
A District Attorney diversion program is offering a second chance to those with no prior convictions and whose only crime was having an unlicensed gun. It aims to work around a state law that treats Philadelphians more harshly than other Pennsylvanians
By Mensah M. Dean
“So Much More Than Food”
A pair of Penn alums are partnering with a Grays Ferry community group to open a fresh food market that will provide healthy cooked meals to SNAP recipients. Might this revolutionize nutrition access?
By Katie Gilbert