Topic: Citizen of the Week

John Solomon of Endangered Kind
Lifelong North Philadelphian John Solomon uses his own experiences to help young people in his community escape the cycle of gun violence
By Norah Rami
Jill Goldstone and Rydal Refugee Resettlement Committee
An Abington community “connector” has drawn her neighbors into “the greatest opportunity in the world:” the effort to support refugee families emigrating to the United States
By Rachel Wisniewski
Vivek Babu
Thanks to the efforts led by Drexel’s undergraduate student president, the university will for the first time give students the day off for voting and engagement on Election Day 2024, the latest in a string of election advocacy successes.
By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
Barbara Greenspan Shaiman
For 25 years, the Champions of Caring founder helped mentor more than 10,000 youth in how to create social change. Now she’s spreading her do-good message to Philadelphians of all ages
By Amanda DeJesus
Nicole Bixler of Operation In My Backyard
The Port Richmond social worker offers sustenance, support and care to those struggling with addiction
By Rachel Wisniewski
Pastor Buddy of the Rock Ministries
The Kensington preacher offers local kids a safe haven and a path to hope through boxing and prayer. His 14th annual “Rock the Block” party is on Saturday
By Lisa Bryant
Chris Ulmer of Special Books by Special Kids
A Northeast Philly native is transforming how the world treats people with disabilities, one goofy YouTube interview at a time.
By Lauren McCutcheon
Atiyah Harmon of Black Girls Love Math
School by school, student by student, a Philly educator is changing how Black girls learn — and embrace — math.
By Johann Calhoun
Cheryl Ann Wadlington
The founder of Evoluer House has empowered 3,000 young girls of color in Philadelphia to attend college and succeed in life.
By Erin Flynn Jay
Hillary Do of Philly BOLT
The founder of Philly BOLT believes the key to transforming communities lies in trusting the people who live there to lead the way
By Jessica Blatt Press