Philadelphians Find Nature On The Pathway To Healing From Gun Violence
The way survivors and co-survivors of gun violence are taught to heal from gun violence can be formulaic: talk to your loved ones, seek therapy, and take anti-anxiety medications. But the path to healing isn’t the same for everyone, and these solutions aren’t a fix-all. For many folks seeking a remedy to the emotional pain they have experienced, the key has been access to nature and green spaces.
Our Unbreakable Best: Healing Beyond the System
“I want my story to show others that healing is possible, no matter where you start.”
A profound statement, rooted in love and a deep belief in all things good, from educator and activist Victoria Best.
Now forty-five, Best was thrust into the Philadelphia foster care system after being separated from her biological mother at age 2. On a journey where resilience and survival became necessities, she quickly learned the difference between shelter and belonging after she and her brother were taken in by her uncle’s family.
AAries Rising: Healing In Perfect Harmony
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Philadelphia was the cradle of the Neo Soul Movement. More than a genre, a new group of homegrown musicians, sirens, and wordsmiths created a vibe and culture that was best experienced live in clubs, coffee shops, and basements. They blended the groove of Gamble & Huff with the grit of 90s Hip-Hop, the experimentation of Jazz with the spirit of a COGIC (Church of God and Christ) service, and the poetry of The Black Arts Movement with the fashion of Soul Train. In that moment, Philly birthed a n
High Vibes and Hip-Hop Healing: A conversation with Neptune XXI
“Hip-hop started from a conscious place, aiming to uplift people. It brought communities together, reducing violence through events like dance battles. My role is to carry that torch intentionally. I want my content to be meaningful and timeless so that twenty years from now, I can still be proud of my work and its impact on my community and the world.”
Taj Murdock: A Quiet Courage
Spending a day with Taj, hearing his story, and witnessing his work, it was clear that he embodies the men and mentors who once helped him heal. He is an uncle, a father, and a Man of Courage for the boys he mentors. He reflects power, faith, and the possibility of something greater: a roaring lion with a gentle soul.
Making Love: Hacking the Holidays with Hard Conversations
What if we used this holiday season to do something truly transformative and rooted in love? What if we pushed beyond surface-level pleasantries and tackled the conversations we usually avoid? This year, I’m inviting you to “hack” the holidays by leaning into one of the hardest—and most necessary topics— money.
A Conversation with Jeffrey L. Page on The Power of African Dance in a Time of Resistance
Jeffrey L. Page’s passion for African dance is palpable, rooted in the movement and the deeper connections it fosters. As he explained, the study and practice of traditional African dance allow individuals to connect with something greater than themselves—beyond the oppressive histories many have experienced. “These dances are not just about movement,” Jeffrey said. “They are about rhythms, rituals, and life themes—whether it’s a celebration, a time to fight, protect, or harvest. These dances embody a history and a culture that transcends what many of us have experienced in the United States.”
Following Controversy, Andrea Lawful-Sanders’ Ladies Lunch Sparks Healing and Connection
In the face of global scrutiny, Andrea could have crumbled. Instead, she chose reflection and accountability. As she told the gathered women at the lunch, “two weeks ago, I had been the first person to interview the President following his debate. Just two days after that, my reputation was being questioned throughout the world.”
This Short Film About A Philly Sports Team’s Protest Reminds Us to Say Sonya Massey’s Name
On this, the first day of the Paris Olympics, and in the wake of this week’s amplified awareness around the death of Sonya Massey, I am reminded of this team of young Black girls, ranging in age from 5 to 19, and their activism for Black Women and Girls.This film shows us what love looks like when it’s put into action in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty. It’s not just warm feelings and kind words. It’s empowerment. It’s education. It’s standing up and speaking out, even when your voice shakes.
Empathy As Art: A Conversation on Disability with ‘The Cost of Living’ Cast
“The Cost of Living,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Martyna Majok, explores the depth of relationships between disabled and nondisabled individuals. Directed by Jeffrey L. Page, the rehearsal process included a groundbreaking discussion involving the cast, crew, disability advocates, caregivers, and policymakers.
