The Citizen Recommends

The Tunnel Premiere

West Philadelphia filmmaker Kyle Jordan debuts a suspenseful short about the lingering, haunting effects of everyday Black trauma

By Lauren McCutcheon
Guest Commentary

Extracurriculars Keep Our Students Safe

Despite the horrible shooting outside a Roxborough High School football game last month, a longtime educator points to evidence that out of school activities are still the right thing for Philly kids

By David P. Hardy
Listen

Ali Velshi Banned Book Club on Melissa with Alex Gino

MSBNC's Ali Velshi speaks with the acclaimed trans author about the effects of book banning

By Ali Velshi

The Problem with Blaming Parents for Kids’ Unlawful Behavior

When parents themselves are disadvantaged — single, impoverished, young — a community of adults must step up to help children

By Jemille Q. Duncan

The (Vote) Play’s The (Vote) Thing

PA Youth Vote and activist theater company Just Act are using drama to activate the newest generation of voters. What can we learn from them on Voter Registration Day?

By Sarah Jordan
Guest Commentary

Attention High School Students — Get Your Free Art Here

The executive director of Art-Reach touts STAMP, the under-used citywide program that gives all 62,000 Philadelphia high school students free admission to 20 of the city’s top museums and attractions

By John Orr
Ideas We Should Steal

Mental Health Days for Philly Students

Twelve U.S. states allow school kids to take excused days off for emotional well-being. PA should too

By Courtney DuChene

Why The New School Year Offers Reasons for Hope

Educators on how the school year that starts today in Philly could be one that makes the new normal better than normal

By Lauren McCutcheon
Photo Essay

Fab Youth Philly’s Play Captains

42 teens ran neighborhood play spaces around Philly this summer, engaging younger children while learning to be leaders themselves. Here, a look at some of the joy they shared.

By Theo Wyss-Flamm

“Health Starts at Home”

Asthma is the number one illness that sends Philly kids to the ER and the main reason they miss school. A CHOP program is working to change that—starting with where they live

By Natalie Pompilio