Local

While running for Mayor is a change of pace for former City Councilman Jim Kenney, it’s a change he’s ready to make. By Denise Clay For all intents and purposes, Jim Kenney had what amounts to the closest thing to a permanent job that anyone gets in Philadelphia politics as an at-large City Councilman. Kenney…

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ABOVE PHOTO:  Jazmine Sullivan By Kendall Alexander Sometimes, a long, rainy day will make you wish for a place to decompress and listen to some good, soulful music. Fortunately for those gathered in the Theater of the Living Arts on South Street March 10, Jazmine Sullivan took to the stage and showed her hometown that…

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One of the city’s most profound civic leaders, Novella S. Williams, known for her decades of work on behalf of human rights and affirmative advocacy, died in her home on March 20, 2015 surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 87.   Mrs. Williams served as the founder and president of Citizens for…

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ABOVE PHOTO:  Sen. Vincent Hughes (bottom photo) and wife actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph (above photo) with Jasmine Daniels (2015 Miss Teen Pennsylvania) and Nancy Rolling (Former Miss Pennsylvania Princess).  (Photo by Leona Dixon) By Kharisma McIlwaine Radio One’s Be Beautiful Expo took over the Pennsylvania Convention Center for a day dedicated to beauty. The event…

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By Kiarra Solomon @By_Kiarra According to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, there are more than 50,000 people currently incarcerated in the State of Pennsylvania. African Americans make up about 55 percent of the prison population in PA. And in a society that is quickly becoming convenience focused, those incarcerated for long periods of time are…

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ABOVE PHOTO:  YouTube personality Misee Harris discussing imbalance of American Girl black and white dolls’ accessories.  (Screen grab photo) By Nijah Diane Hicks When I was 6-years old, I loved playing with dolls. I would play from the time I woke up until it was time to go to bed. At one point I had…

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A two-day Black Political Summit has been called by the city’s major African American civic, community, cultural and business leaders for April 11-12 at Dobbins High School in North Philadelphia. Organized to allow African American voters, who make up the majority of the Democratic Party, to write the agenda for the incoming mayor and members…

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ABOVE PHOTO: Police Officer Robert Wilson III (insert) and scene of shooting in the background (Photo: Leona Dixon) By Wendell P. Simpson The memorial for slain Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wilson III held at the Philadelphia Police headquarters at 8th and Race on Tuesday was a solemn affair attended by police officers, members of Wilson’s family and community…

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ABOVE PHOTO: Reps. Louise Williams Bishop and Michelle Brownlee and former Rep. Harold James By Maryclaire Dale Associated Press Three more current or former lawmakers from Philadelphia have been charged with taking up to $2,000 in cash in an influence-peddling probe once dropped by the state’s top prosecutor. Reps. Louise Williams Bishop and Michelle Brownlee and…

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ABOVE PHOTO:  ‘Free Marissa’, 2015 by Cristy Road By Kendall Alexander February 26th marked the Leeway Foundation’s opening night of art exhibit “Release: An Exhibition and Program Series on Gender Justice and Mass Incarceration”.  This riveting exhibit seeks to raise awareness on a subject that doesn’t get as much coverage as it should—women incarceration.  The…

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