An Uphill Climb to Prosperity: The Journey of a Returning Mother

A wise poet once wrote, “life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” This could not be truer for a person who is justice-impacted. As a mother returning from incarceration, life is full of bumps, cracks, and splinters on stairs that bruise as they knock me down one step for every two steps that I climb. My journey from incarceration to stability has been a roller coaster ride since I returned to society nearly two decades ago.
Philly’s Motivation: A Source of Pride and Resilience in Philadelphia

Williams utilized his hardships as tools for success and grew a thriving social media platform known as Philly’s Motivation, posting 60-second videos that make people smile, whether through “a prayer or inspiring someone through grief, suicidal thoughts, or depression,” said Williams.
His messages were like little love notes to the community, spreading hope and optimism in challenging times.
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.