Commentary

By W. Nick Taliaferro In many ways it was just a ruckus at a dock, and the actions perpetrated there would typically be considered as violent and illegal affronts to civility. But sometimes a common melee can become a catalyst that causes a group of people to shake off a legacy of oppression, and even…

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As God affords us the opportunity to rise each morning, especially during these beautiful summer days — heat and all — let’s remember that enjoying life to the fullest is crucial to your peace. I’ve learned that living life to the fullest each day is the key to my happiness, joy, and excitement, as well…

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Focus on data and link arms with the communityBy Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D.In June, I completed my first school year as Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, the eighth largest district in the country where 197,288 public school students are educated. A few weeks ago, the Board of Education unanimously approved Accelerate Philly…

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Sitting one evening with a group of women on a Zoom call, we came together on the strength of what we were dealing with in our personal lives. Some of us were experiencing death, moving into a new space for the first time, finding new friendships, ending a relationship, and many other things. When our…

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I was at Salem Baptist Church one Sunday when my pastor, Marshall Mitchell, simply stated, ‘Sunday school.’  Some of the congregants clapped.  At that time, Pastor Mitchell asked if the ones who clapped would be available to assist in the work that needs to be done in Philadelphia.  When we accepted Pastor Mitchell’s statement, we…

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…or, why the recent pronouncements from the Supreme Court should have all of us asking Hillary Clinton for the Powerball numbers. ABOVE PHOTO: Defending democracy on the heels of the Supreme Court rolling back affirmative action and LGBTQ rights, fed-up activists and advocates take part in a We The People March at Black Lives Matter…

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Philadelphia has observed several important  holidays over the past couple of weekends.  Our celebrations began with Odunde and Father’s Day, and concluded with Juneteenth, our newest national holiday. No matter how we choose to mark these occasions, we should be mindful of their hidden messages, lessons to be learned, and the many blessings God has…

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ABOVE PHOTO: Civil rights demonstrator clings to pole outside main entrance to the New York World’s Fair shouting in New York on April 22, 1964 as other demonstrators below join hands in a circle. (AP Photo/Paul Vathis) By Commissioner Omar Sabir  By Commissioner Omar Sabir  There are countless heroes who have fought valiantly throughout our…

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Integrity is defined as: 1. firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values [incorruptibility]; 2. an unimpaired condition [soundness]; and 3. the quality or state of being complete or undivided [completeness]. Where do you stand or sit in your integrity when it comes to those around you?  Do you make and keep…

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Have you ever wanted something so much, and so badly that you did whatever it took to obtain it — that desire of your heart?  Do you remember how much work you put into getting to that point?  The desires of our hearts can turn out to be a pathway to freedom, happiness, contentment, and…

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