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.
‘Fair Chance’ Hiring Helps Formerly Incarcerated People Find Work
“Fair chance” hiring is the practice of hiring individuals with a criminal record. It is also sometimes called “second chance hiring.” When formerly incarcerated people can’t find a job after leaving prison, they face significant challenges, including lack of food, clothes, transportation, or shelter. This can cause desperation and lead to additional crimes or addiction issues, perpetuating the cycle of incarceration.
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.
Words Beats And Life’s “Alt Spring Break” Web Series Comes to Philly: A Conversation with Love Now Media’s CEO Jos Duncan Asé
Like many leaders, Jos Duncan Asé’s origin story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She faced significant adversities, such as the loss of her father and her mother’s battle with addiction. With the support of family and community members, these hardships molded her into a change agent, determined to make a positive difference in her community.
Loving Myself As I Am: Aziza Shuler in Her Own Words
I come from a lineage of women who’ve grappled with the complexities of love, a theme that has deeply shaped my own journey. At the heart of this narrative lies the absence of a mother’s love, a defining element passed down through generations. This absence, in turn, led me to a realization: one of the most powerful forces in the universe is a mother’s love.
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.
Young Philadelphians Take on Youth Homelessness
Young Philadelphians and advocates who feel that their concerns have been overlooked share these sentiments on youth homelessness.
Dreams In Smoke
“Dreams in Smoke” is a reflection on the impact of genocide. Through evocative language and vivid imagery, the poem explores the tragic consequences of conflict, leaving readers with a sobering reminder of the human cost of violence and the enduring search for hope amidst despair.
Building Hope in Philadelphia Neighborhoods Under Siege – MindSite News
Former student Jadera Wright walks past the school’s familiar painted logo and flyers for construction apprenticeship programs, AmeriCorps assignments and notices for licensing tests. Wright, a recent YouthBuild Philly graduate who is currently working in security, smiles as she greets former classmates and people like the school’s lead social worker, Samantha Cranford, or Miss Sam as she’s known to her students.
PA 211 Helpline: An Under-Sourced “Resource” for Returning Citizens
One program that could be beneficial to returning citizens in Philadelphia is PA 211, a helpline sponsored by the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. PA 211 is a free, easy-to-remember phone number and website that connects Philadelphians with important resources in local communities, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
