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.
Love & Release: The Cry Log

For some time, though, I resisted this truth about myself. I wanted to put distance between myself and stereotypes of women of color as being unable to handle their emotions. I thought that crying meant I was volatile and unstable. I considered bursting into tears to be a weakness, to be something embarrassing and unwanted. And people told me this, too, saying I needed to grow a thicker skin because I was “too sensitive” and thus “illogical.”
Philly founder Will Toms on building REC and empowering creatives to fight ‘digital redlining’

Listen to Episode 1 of Making Love & Designing the Future to learn more about Toms’ journey, how difficult conversations can help a business grow, and why he believes empathy and quality leadership are keys to driving social change.
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.
HNI Collective is Helping Philadelphians Embrace Slow Fashion, One Stitch at a Time

Founded in January by Asemota, HNI Collective’s mission is to make sustainable clothing accessible to all bodies. Her approach is two-fold: help consumers make their clothes last longer while helping fashion brands be as sustainable as possible.
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.