Peoplehood’s Return to West Philadelphia Inspires Hope and Fosters Resilience
Amidst the puppets, art installations, and banners, the spirit of community love filled the park, casting a warm glow over the gathering. The air was alive with excitement, showcasing the unity and creativity of the Greater Philadelphia area.
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.
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.
Community Education Will Save Us: West Philadelphia’s W.E.B. Du Bois Abolition School
“Education must not simply teach work – it must teach life.” Teaching life means transmitting survival tools that allow folk to live freely and fully. This framework underpins the mission of the West Philadelphia-based W.E.B. Du Bois Movement School for Abolition & Reconstruction (the Abolition School), a critical space for political education born from the 2020 uprisings.
Black Women Find Play and Community with New Approaches to Wellness in Philadelphia
“Sometimes it was intimidating being in a space where people were already super buff, throwing around this equipment with these loud noises – and then it’s just little old me,” said Briana Thomas, who works out as part of the Get Mo Phit program. In response, Green-Smith says, “as Black women so often do, we find a way” to find solutions and approaches that work culturally and create safe spaces where Black women feel comfortable, in contrast with a fitness industry where less than 10 percent of instructors are Black.
Dance challenges, deepfakes and discrimination: The deal with AI and personal safety
When you consider some of the more high-profile ways artificial intelligence has gone rogue, it might leave you wondering if the technology is truly ready for prime time.
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.
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.
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.
