Ali Velshi, From The Frontlines

The MSNBC anchor and Citizen board member on covering the protests, getting shot by a so-called rubber bullet, and whether the First Amendment is in peril

By Larry Platt
The Citizen Recommends

Spirits Up! Yoga and Healing

In the wake of the protests, this six-day effort will provide free yoga and meditation around town for Black Philadelphians

By Jessica Blatt Press
Guest Commentary

Choose #BlackLife

A novelist and Penn professor joined the massive Philly march for black lives on Saturday—and found hope amidst the grief

By Lorene Cary
Guest Commentary

Now It’s Time to Rebuild

The president of a West Philly group representing 3,000 local businesses reflects on the devastation to his community—and the work needed to move forward

By Jabari Jones

Hooray! We’ve Disappeared The Frank Rizzo Statue…

… which helps precisely zero black lives today. Remember the civil rights-era admonition to keep our eyes on the prize?

By Larry Platt

What should replace Rizzo?

Locals weigh in on what—if anything—should take over the spot formerly occupied by the controversial Frank Rizzo sculpture.

Guest Commentary

“No One Will Mistake Me For the Valet”

A white Temple professor acknowledges what she cannot know about racism in America—but what she must take responsibility for

By Abby Jones

The Slow Death of Black Americans

The Citizen’s new columnist reflects on what today’s media coverage glosses over: the long, wrenching story of black people in this country

By James Peterson
Guest Commentary

Where are you, Mr. Mayor?

A Philadelphian wanted answers to why—after so many days of violent protests across the country—the City was unprepared for the looting. So he wrote to Mayor Kenney.

By Dave Wilson
Guest Commentary

Calling Out White Noise

A white father of three young black men pens an open letter to white people

By Seth Berger