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.
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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.
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.
White People, I Still Don’t Believe You
Fighting against racism is about more than performative empathy; it’s about redistributing power. Until that happens, all of this presumed progress is a big white lie.
Philadelphia’s Anti-Racism Riot Was a Cry From a City That’s Had Enough
Saturday’s demonstration-turned-riot shows that Philadelphia has yet to seriously reckon with its racist history and pervasive inequity.
I Won’t Vote for Joe Biden, the Lesser Racist, Until I Have To in November
No, I’m not supporting Trump. But I just can’t bring myself to vote for the presumptive Democratic nominee — who has his own history of racism — in the Pennsylvania primary.
Now Is the Time for Penn and Philly’s Other Big-Money Nonprofits to Pay PILOTs
The ongoing debate over what universities and hospitals — who aren’t required to pay property taxes — should be contributing to the city’s coffers gets an added wrinkle during a pandemic-triggered economic free fall.
If Philadelphia Can’t Apologize for the MOVE Bombing 35 Years Later, How Progressive Are We?
How our local government chooses to address its role in one of the darkest days in our city’s history has now become a litmus test.
Jacqueline McBride Is White Privilege Personified
McBride admitted to spitting on two people during a pandemic, then tried to explain away her actions. She’s not the first to attempt such a feat, but hopefully she’ll be the last.
Once the Quarantine Is Over, I’m Over These Philly Institutions
In times of adversity, people reveal who they really are. Consider the tone-deaf actions of these institutions during the pandemic.
People Protesting Coronavirus Lockdown Orders Are Terrorists
Those prioritizing profit over people in the midst of a global pandemic don’t understand this simple truth: “Dead people can’t spend money.”
Don’t Judge Me for How I’m Dealing With This Quarantine
Keep your toxic positivity out of my face. We’re all getting through this the best we can, and for me, that means Netflix and taking my foot off the gas.
Of Course Black People Will Be Hit Hard by Coronavirus
We always bear a disproportionate amount of pain in a crisis. And based on the data we have so far, this will be no different.
No More Mr. Nice Mayor: Jim Kenney, Shut This City Down
Many Philadelphians are ignoring polite calls for social distancing, even as COVID-19 cases now surpass 1,000 in the city. Drastic times call for drastic measures.
Millennials and Gen Z Make Up Philly’s Largest COVID-19-Positive Group. We Need to Take This Seriously
If you’re between the ages of 20 and 39 and not already deep into Netflix and chill, now is the time.
Coronavirus Outbreak Reveals Philly at Its Absolute Best — and Utter Worst
Scenes from Quarantine Philadelphia and the intersection of “Brotherly and Sisterly Love” and “No One Likes Us, We Don’t Care.”