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.”
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.
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.
Following Controversy, Andrea Lawful-Sanders’ Ladies Lunch Sparks Healing and Connection
In the face of global scrutiny, Andrea could have crumbled. Instead, she chose reflection and accountability. As she told the gathered women at the lunch, “two weeks ago, I had been the first person to interview the President following his debate. Just two days after that, my reputation was being questioned throughout the world.”
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.
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.
Playwright Roger Q. Mason Premieres “The Duat” with Philadelphia Theatre Company
Each performance of ‘The Duat’ is a unique experience, with the audience playing a crucial role. As Mason puts it, “I know that each performance is an opportunity to discover, to play, to find something different and more penetrating, whether it’s thematic or narrative or social that the piece is mining.” The June premiere in Philadelphia was a culmination of learning and adaptation, with changes in the script made following the final previews. This reflects Mason’s decisive commitment to refining their work through feedback and review, as well as the audience’s active participation in the evolution of the play.
The Creative Force of Will Toms
Before receiving recognition as Forbes ’30 under 30′ honoree in 2021 for his remarkable social impact, gaining prominence as Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of REC Philly, a multimillion-dollar creative hub, and serving as a board member of several nonprofits dedicated to humanitarian efforts, William Tyrone Toms was a precocious Black boy living in the Germantown section of Philly, Pa., using his inner strength and forced resilience to navigate familial trauma.
