Youth

Listen: Ali Velshi Banned Book Club on Two Boys Kissing
The MSNBC host talks with David Levithan, author and champion of books about LGBTQ+ teens
By Ali Velshi
Level Up to Healing
Week after week, Pastor Aaron Campbell’s five-year-old after-school program offers more than 300 young people the security, skills and confidence to live — and thrive — through the city’s violence
By James Peterson
Guest Commentary: Six Ways Schools Can Better Serve Students
The heads of two local youth organizations asked students what they needed to feel safe and well-served in schools. Here, some solutions to fix what ails the system
By Darryl Bundrige and Donna Cooper
Listen: Ali Velshi Banned Book Club on All American Boys
The MSNBC host talks with authors Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely about the creation and messages of their book, All American Boys.
By Ali Velshi
Citizens of the Week: Mazzie Casher and Steven Pickens
The former high school friends launched Philly Truce, an app, event series and neighborhood watch to interrupt gun violence — because everyone has to work for peace in the city
By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
Citizens of the Week: Brent Johnstone and Akeiff Staples
We’ve all heard the research: Early literacy is critical to success. Two fathers do their part to help Philadelphia’s early learners develop a lifelong love of reading — and of themselves
By Johann Calhoun
Stop the Public Education Blame Game
A longtime university president responds to a recent Citizen column by urging us to work for constructive solutions that support public education for all students
By Elaine Maimon
Citizen of the Week: Christine Rouse
Sixteen percent of Philadelphians have a disability. The founder and leader of Acting Without Boundaries puts those who love to act on stage
By Lisa Bryant