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.
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.
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.
In the Spirit of Oshun: Odunde Returns to Philadelphia
Every second Sunday in June, the river goddess Oshun is honored with an annual offering, a beloved and critical component of the Philadelphia Odunde Festival. Believers of the Yoruba religion consider the deities or Orishas as mediators between humanity and God. Oshun, the deity of love, fertility, and sensuality, rules mainly the fresh waters and is also associated with the divine feminine. She hears and answers prayers and teaches self-forgiveness and love.
Kid Killebrew: The Sneakerhead Superhero
There is something nostalgic about opening a box of new sneakers: the anticipation as you peel back the paper, pluck them from the box, spin them around in your hand in admiration, and take in that fresh sneaker smell. He’s never forgotten the confidence he felt as a child when he stepped into a new pair. “I felt like a Superhero,” shared Killebrew, “especially when I played ball. It may sound like a small thing, but it can be a big feeling, particularly to underprivileged children.” He wanted to give that feeling to youth in need.
ATTIC Youth Center and PhillyBOLT Invest In Youth to Future-Proof Philly
Philly’s youth are often at the center of news stories. They lead as protesters, activists, and organizers. They disrupt the status quo by riding motorbikes through the streets. They challenge definitions of identity and force us to evaluate whether the world we’ve designed does what it’s supposed to do. Yet, without guidance, support, and investment, youth are critically vulnerable due to a lack of safe places, housing, and education.
School Groups De-escalate Youth Violence by Meeting Students Where They Are
When Rosa started as a school safety officer at Tilden Middle School, he realized he needed a way to connect more intimately with the students, to get them to trust and talk to him about what they were going through.
Kensington native Roberto Lugo to paint three 11-foot sculptures in Kensington this summer
By making himself visible as an artist from the neighborhood, painting and sometimes throwing pottery in the street, Lugo hopes to show others that that path is possible and that there’s already “ingenuity and artistry and creativity” in Kensington.
From Bars to Belonging: Overcoming the Housing Crisis Facing Returning Citizens
In December 2023, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons had 4,659 incarcerated residents in its custody at four correctional institutions, most of whom will be houseless when released.
