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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

To Combat Philly Gun Violence, Dismantle the Office of Violence Prevention

The city’s leading department on addressing gun violence has become a detriment to tackling this public health crisis.

City Life

With Indoor Dining Faux Pas, It’s Official: Jim Kenney Can’t Read the Room

To be caught eating indoors at out-of-state restaurants is a slap in the face to Philadelphia restaurants and diners.

City Life

These Are the Worst Four Words You Can Tell Philly Voters Right Now

Why it’s time to stop using fear as a tactic to drive your friends and neighbors to the polls in November.

City Life

White Democrats, It’s Time for You to Get Your People to Vote

As the Democratic National Convention kicks off, Black voters shouldn’t be the only ones being pressured to vote in November. White Democrats, you need to do better this time.

City Life

Nobody Is Talking About the Real Reasons Public School Kids Will Struggle This Fall

The digital divide is one thing, but socioeconomic pressures highlighted and intensified by the pandemic are creating new hurdles for the most marginalized students.

City Life

I’m Tired of Black Leaders Being Brought in to Clean Up White People’s Messes

Mayor Kenney’s recent decision to promote Tumar Alexander to acting managing director continues an annoying pattern in which Black people are summoned in times of political desperation.

City Life

What a College Trip to Israel Taught Me About Racism and Antisemitism

Recent controversies involving Black public figures and antisemitism show how a lack of intersectionality in combating such bigotry has furthered its vitriol.

black in philly
City Life

8 Prominent Philadelphians on What Being Black in Philly Should Look Like

As the nation reckons with its racist past, we wanted to know what Philadelphia’s Black community would consider real, substantive progress and change.

City Life

“Is Fox 29 Turning Into Fox News?” Inside Allegations of an “Extremely Conservative” Newsroom Culture

Several former and current employees at Fox 29 allege that the station’s newsroom is run by “toxic, super-white, and Trump-apologizing management.”

philadelphia protesters
City Life

Best of Philly: Here’s to the People Who Protested

They’ve marched in Center City and South Philly, on 52nd Street and in Fishtown. And they’re changing the world.

City Life

Fox 29 Legal Analyst Says He Was Fired for Being “Too Pro-Black Lives Matter”

Ken Rothweiler accuses the local TV station of “blackballing” him.

City Life

I’m Done Reasoning With COVID Safety Violators Who Have a Death Wish

We’re at a point in this deadly pandemic where those of us who are determined to stay safe can no longer waste our energy trying to save those who clearly couldn’t care less.

City Life

Mayor Jim Kenney Should Resign After the City’s Gross Violation of Civil Rights

Kenney has proven throughout his tenure that he is ill-equipped to address the racial inequities impacting Philadelphia. But now, after he was forced to admit the city’s wrongdoing in tear-gassing its citizens, there should be zero confidence in his leadership.

City Life

Yes, Defund the Police, But Here Are More Ways to Abolish Cop Culture

Incremental changes have begun to tear at the fabric of policing in America. Yet there are many ways we continue to glorify this troubled institution.

City Life

White People, Please Stop Declaring Yourself Allies

Here’s why I’m troubled by the resurgence of ally culture: You don’t get a badge of honor for helping to dismantle the racist system you’re complicit in.