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
Guest Commentary

We Can Prioritize Increasing the Teacher Pipeline and Educating our Students

It’s possible to give middle schoolers extracurricular access to educational opportunities and train BIPOC college students to become teachers, explains an executive director of a nonprofit that works to do both

By Michelle Palmer

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
Listen

Ali Velshi Banned Book Club on Girls Who Code

MSBNC's Ali Velshi speaks with Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani about her books' unlikely ban in Central York, Pennsylvania

By Ali Velshi
Guest Commentary

Three Kids, One Post-Pandemic Philadelphia

A Philadelphia educator reflects on the power of young people to accept the world as it is, brutal and beautiful — and urges us all to revel in what they can teach us

By Maureen Boland
Guest Commentary

Voting Today Matters Tomorrow

Even one vote in one election matters. Even better, says a Harrisburg leader, is making voting a habit from a young age

By Joanna McClinton
Listen

Ali Velshi Banned Book Club on Arizona House Bill 2495 with Daniel Hernandez

The MSNBC anchor talks with Arizona State Representative Daniel Hernandez about the state's ban on acknowledging sexuality in public schools

By Ali Velshi

What Teens Who Can’t Vote Can Do

9 impactful ways teens can get involved in the upcoming elections — even if they’re not old enough to vote.

By Ethan Young