<iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-PLKVN8" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden">

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
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.

City Life

If Philly Had Ranked-Choice Voting, Here’s What I’d Do

With so many strong candidates, it can be hard to choose just one. Which is why Philadelphia should let voters rank the candidates. Here’s how I’d vote if we did.

76 place analysis arena rendering
City Life

On 76ers Arena, We Shouldn’t Rush “the Process”

The recent controversy surrounding the multibillion dollar proposal might be less contentious if we had a road map for how the decision will be made.

City Life

Here Are the Burning Questions Philly Mayoral Candidates Need to Answer

Throughout the mayoral campaign, the candidates have left us with more questions than answers. In the final month before the primary election, hopefully they’ll fix that.

City Life

Why Are 42 Percent of Black Voters Still Undecided on Philly’s Next Mayor?

Here’s why I believe Black voters remain cautious — and why we shouldn’t be surprised.

City Life

The Problem With Jeff Brown’s Racial Code-Switching

The candidate was recently recorded telling a white voter that his opponents would be “lynched” if people knew about their corruption.