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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“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.
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.”