The New Normal: Rewriting the Narrative of Black Motherhood with StoryCorps
In June 2024, for the first time in its history, the Philadelphia City Council allocated $1 million to address the Black maternal health crisis. Based on a recent report from ABC News, the government at all levels is collaborating to improve maternal health by increasing access to midwives and doulas to address common issues and coordinate necessary care. And just last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services pledged $568 million to support efforts to improve maternal health.
What We’ve Learned About Mutual Aid from Hurricane Katrina and the StoryCorps Archive
August 29th is the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall in New Orleans, LA. The Category 3 hurricane brought a 22-foot storm surge to the streets of New Orleans, taking the lives of over 1,300 people and leaving 80% of the city underwater by August 31st.
Respect the Animals, Respect Each Other: StoryCorps carries the Black Cowboy Code from LA to North Philly
Beyond aesthetics, though, most of the coverage given to cowboy culture is about the history of Black cowboys and the American West. What is often lost in this is the fact that Black cowboys are alive and well, and their values continue to inform the growth of thousands of young people across the country.
Focusing on ‘joy’ in Philly schools will reduce racial discipline disparities
Lift Every Voice, the organization behind this year’s Joy Campaign, is backing the creation of a “joy-based budget” for schools to bolster access to recess, the arts, counselors, and the district’s program to bolster student mental health known as the Support Team for Educational Partnership. The blueprint would also create a Chief of Joy position in the district; in June, the City Council adopted a resolution exploring the creation of this position in Philly schools.
On Passion and Purpose: Back to School with StoryCorps
After a long, hot summer, it’s Back to School season in Philadelphia. At Love Now Media, we’re celebrating the end of a full season with our Young Professional Storytellers, a group of incredible students who staff our broadcast projects and host/produce ‘Dinner with Friends,’ an original podcast.
A Presidential Forerunner and the First and Second in Flight: StoryCorps lands at Love Now Media
While the country prepares for the historic run of Vice President Harris, we recognize all of the Black women who have paved and plotted the way in her stead. To quote Holmes, “we’re all gonna be there for each other.”
Love Now Media: May-July Round-up
Love Now Media has been buzzing with activity this summer. If you’ve been following us on our social media, you’ve likely caught glimpses of our productions and projects. From facilitating stories from our community of Woman’s Way Fellows to spearheading tools and events for industry players in the city of Philadelphia, our team has been collectively helping to empower and transform the media landscape. Here’s a small taste of our summer.
Cultivating Roots: Second-generation Latiné Gardeners Navigate Urban Challenges
In Philadelphia, second-generation Latine gardeners cultivate plots alongside family, friends, and neighbors, creating a communal atmosphere filled with laughter and shared stories during planting and harvest seasons. This vibrant community reflects a deep-rooted connection to the land and cultural heritage.
Nature & Nurture: Brandi Aulston’s Hike+Heal
Participants begin the hiking trail as strangers and emerge as a part of something bigger. The conversations during the hike were amazing, from noticing and appreciating the beauty of a magnificent red maple tree to discussing hiking gear and commenting on the children’s adventurous nature to deeper, more existential ponderings.
Every Human Should Have a Home
The reality is cultural attitudes toward impoverished people – fueled by toxic portrayals, fear mongering in the media and systematic dehumanization – have made homelessness not a community problem to be solved, but an individual offense to be punished, and defines those who suffer this condition as enemies to the idyllic peace of ‘good (read: housed and well-fed) people’.