Determined and Never Afraid: Dana “DJ Showtyme” Johnson
Dana Johnson continues to offer herself to the world, despite the traumas she’s endured. She recognizes that she is an example for many who admire her and offers herself as a voice for those oppressed, ignored, and forgotten. DJ Showtyme reminds us that adversity shapes us, but doesn’t define who we are to ourselves or others.
Cosmic Bonds and “the Comet of the Century”
On Saturday, October 12th, a rare comet will be at its most visible over Philadelphia – streaking through the sky and easily visible with a telescope or binoculars. Named “Tsuchinshan-Atlas”, the comet will make its closest approach to Earth for the next 80,000 years and promises to be the “comet of the century.”
The AI will see you now: How artificial intelligence is changing healthcare — and might become your best advocate
As this is the final essay of a five-part series, I thought it appropriate to begin where we started. Although focused on artificial intelligence, love has always been the throughline intentionally guiding each piece.
The Exemplary Manhood of Frontline Dads
So, what does it mean to be a Frontline Dad? Jones describes it as “exemplary manhood,” a recurring phrase taught to mentees. “You don’t have to be a biological father to be a dad,” he emphasizes. “We come from communities where we believe in taking a village to raise a child.”
Creating Change In Spite of Cancer: Finding Purpose with StoryCorps
In a recent StoryCorps interview with her cousin, Tenika Floyd, Dr. Green reflects on the profound influence that her aunt and uncle had on her early life. Their love became the driving force behind her unwavering quest for cancer treatment solutions.
In Philadelphia, and at StoryCorps, Trans Youth Speak for Themselves
College roommates Andre and Trey share their experiences getting to know each other as freshmen: first, as new roommates from opposite ends of the country, and later as young men finding their way through what masculinity means to them.
When it comes to your job, how much ‘AI anxiety’ makes sense?
Optimistically, we’re in a very exciting time for the technology, and the possibilities truly do feel endless. On the other hand, we may just be in another AI boom. The bubble could burst and leave us with just enough machine learning to make things a little easier, but without a major Jetsons-level advance drastically changing how we live and work.
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.
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.”
