Editor at Large
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.
If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. If you're a scraper, please click the link below :-) Note that clicking the link below will block access to this site for 24 hours.
The Problem With “Feed Fatigue” and Other Excuses White People Make for Remaining Racist
White support for Black Lives Matter has been declining as we get closer to Election Day. Could a retreat to empathy — instead of the pursuit of more radical demands — be to blame?
I Fear the Encampment Crisis Could End Up Like the MOVE Bombing
Current efforts by law enforcement to force the city’s most vulnerable residents from the Parkway are starting to feel like a recipe for disaster — and hark back to one of Philadelphia’s darkest days.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What a College Trip to Israel Taught Me About Racism and Anti-Semitism
Recent controversies involving Black public figures and anti-Semitism show how a lack of intersectionality in combating such bigotry has furthered its vitriol.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.