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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Philly Police Investigating Incident in Video Involving White Officer and Black Teen
A now-viral video of the encounter has the teen’s family alleging racial profiling.
If Christine Coulter Had Been Photographed Wearing a Swastika, She Would Have Resigned Already
We are far past the point of giving second chances.
Philly Old Navy Employees Claim White Workers Were Bused In for “Queer Eye” Taping
Three employees of color at the Old Navy in Center City say that they and other black and brown co-workers were kept out of sight while the cameras were rolling.
I Tried Twice to Like Dîner en Blanc, but It’s Truly an Elitist Display Philly Doesn’t Need
There’s something remarkably cringeworthy about displaying gross wealth and status in public spaces — especially in a city that has such a devastating wealth gap.
Of Course Penn Is Complicit in Amy Wax’s Racism. Of Course Penn Should Fire Her.
Every time Amy Wax proves that she’s a racist, Penn props her up. Its complicity has to stop.
It’s Time for LGBT Affairs to Break Free of the Mayor’s Office
The city’s Office of LGBT Affairs is looking for its third director in three years. Without more independence — and more resources — it’s doomed to revolving-door leadership.
If You Think Helen Gym Is “Philly’s AOC,” You’d Better Look Up “Progressive” Again
It’s laughable to compare a national Democratic-Socialist standard-bearer to an establishment-backed Democrat in a city that has yet to truly embrace radical policies.
I Tried the “New” Center City Sips. You Can Keep It.
Older crowds, snobby vibes, and the dearth of large outdoor venues hosting in the heart of the city made me miss the untamed Wednesday nights gone by.
Want Philly to Stop Being Written Off as “Killadelphia”? Get Serious About Poverty.
Gun violence rates are again rising in poor Black communities. That’s not a coincidence, but a predictable consequence of our city’s failure to fundamentally address inequality.
Drag Queen Storytime in Haverford Township Attracts National Opposition
Despite a petition with more than 17,000 signatures and a heated local commissioners meeting, the Pride Day event at the Haverford Township Library will go on as scheduled on Saturday.
Why Should Philly Cops Who Made Racist Facebook Posts Get a Second Chance?
The only way the Philadelphia Police Department can demonstrate zero tolerance for bigotry is by firing those who have clearly shown they don’t understand the meaning of “protect and serve.”
Darrell Clarke, Gentrification Is Gentrification — Even If the Developer Is Black
The Council president’s office thinks that diversifying the faces behind rapid gentrification in his district supports “minority participation in redevelopment and commercial activity.” He is long overdue for a reality check.
Shake-Ups and Sure Bets: Four Major Takeaways From Tuesday’s Primary
Black women winning big, union endorsements carrying weight, and a bad day for (some) incumbents were among the highlights of an eventful election.
Thomas and Gilmore Richardson Win in Council Primary, Heralding Arrival of Next Generation
Barring the unexpected, Katherine Gilmore Richardson and Isaiah Thomas will be the first millennials elected to serve on City Council come November.