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Ernest Owens

Writer at Large, Politics

Ernest Owens is an award-winning journalist and CEO of Ernest Media Empire, LLC. As an openly gay black journalist, he has made headlines for speaking frankly about intersectional issues in society regarding race, LGBTQ, and pop culture.

@MrErnestOwens
MrErnestOwens
www.ernestowens.com
City Life

It’s Not “Executive Privilege” When Black Professionals Assert Their Titles for Survival

This is what I heard when I heard Celena Morrison yell, “I work for the mayor!”

City Life

5 Big Predictions for Philly Politics in 2024

Politics-as-usual in Philadelphia is about to get turned upside down. Here are the stories that will dominate the year ahead.

City Life

My Ride-Along With the Police Commissioner

We spent an evening in a squad car with interim commish John Stanford Jr., the man who thinks he’s got the best plan to secure our streets.

City Life

The Winners and Losers in Philadelphia’s 2023 General Election

In a history-making race, progressives, true-blue Democrats, and Black candidates won, while Republicans and the establishment lost.

City Life

The No-B.S. Guide to the 2023 General Election in Philadelphia

From the historic mayor’s race to a potential Council shake-up to the state Supreme Court, here’s everything you need to know for Tuesday’s election.

John Fetterman who is endorsing Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O'Rourke, candidates for Philadelphia City Council and members of the Working Families Party
City Life

Fetterman Is Backing Brooks and O’Rourke for City Council

The move — endorsing two third-party candidates — could further erode Republican power in the city.

City Life

Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Is the Spiritual Revival America Needs Right Now

The superstar’s nearly three-hour tour de force couldn’t have arrived at a more urgent time when her Black and queer muses are under attack.

City Life

I-95 Rebuild Was Local Politics at Its Best

Now let’s bring that energy to some of the city’s other big, pressing issues.

City Life

Philly’s Keir Bradford-Grey is Running for Attorney General

She would be the first woman of color to win the office in Pennsylvania. Here’s why she thinks she’s the best person for the job.

City Life

Four Major Takeaways From the City’s $6.2 Billion Budget Deal

There were winners. There were losers. And the next mayor is set up to do some really big things.

City Life

New Committee of Seventy CEO Lauren Cristella on Her Historic Appointment and Takeaways From the Primary

We chat with her about making history, what went wrong with that independent Democratic mayoral candidate poll, and how her organization is gearing voters up for 2024.

City Life

Banning Ski Masks on SEPTA Won’t Reduce Crime

The transit agency’s recent policy banning the “Shiesty,” a type of ski mask worn largely by Black teens, is just another performative anti-crime stunt that won’t change a damn thing.

City Life

The Narrative About Philly’s Progressive Setback Is Wrong. Isaiah Thomas Is Proof.

Black progressives have been winning big in Philadelphia. It’s time for them to lead the movement.

City Life

The Four Major Takeaways From Philadelphia’s Mayoral Primary

Black candidates won big, establishment endorsements carried major weight, and tough losses for several progressives were among the highlights of a consequential election.

City Life

FBI Questioned Us About Philly Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, Staffers Say

On election’s eve, critics of the incumbent sheriff reveal the FBI asked about Bilal’s spending and management.