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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If Philly Democrats Actually Care About Democracy, They’ll Make This One Simple Change
In what is essentially a one-party town, an open ward system would give voters an actual voice in how that party operates.
Philadelphia Has a Real Chance to Improve Gun Control
Our leaders must fight for it like they fought for the soda tax.
Confessions of a Jaded Millennial
Why a once-optimistic generation is souring on electoral politics, and finding better ways to make a difference.
What the Uvalde, Buffalo and Even Philly Shootings Have in Common
A recent pattern in these tragedies is that they involve marginalized people being killed in institutionally neglected spaces. We need to look hard at why that’s so.
Philly’s Democratic Establishment Has Officially Lost Its Mojo
After a series of embarrassing endorsement flops in the PA Primary, Philadelphia’s Democratic City Committee needs new leadership, now.
From Starbucks to Cease-and-Desist: The Implosion of a Philly Racial Justice Org
Four years ago, after calling out the controversial arrests of two Black men at a Rittenhouse Starbucks, Melissa DePino and Michelle Saahene co-founded From Privilege to Progress to “desegregate the public conversation about race and racism.” Today, they’re no longer on speaking terms as they negotiate dissolving their nonprofit.
Mandate or No Mandate, I’m Still Wearing a Mask — for My Own Damn Health
So far, I haven’t contracted COVID. Following the city’s flip-flopping on a new mask mandate, I’m relying my own common sense — and remaining vigilant.
U.S. Senate Candidate Conor Lamb Is Running Like a Republican
Between his fairly conservative voting record and a far-right-style super PAC attack ad he’s yet to disavow, is he really the right choice for Democrats?
Councilmember Parker’s Plan to Fund the Police Is Wasteful and Regressive
The plan would increase spending to “reimagine policing in Philadelphia to ensure public safety.” It would only exacerbate the problem.
Will Smith Went West Philly on Chris Rock — As He Should Have
Rock is just the latest to, as they say, eff around with Philly and find out. Many were displeased that Smith resorted to violence. I’m not one of them.
Why the Fetterman vs. Lamb vs. Kenyatta Senate Primary Is the Race to Watch in May
All three represent different extremes of the party’s base. And the winner could determine the future of the Democratic Party in the state.
Meet Alexandra Hunt, the Former Stripper Gunning for Dwight Evans’s House Seat
She’s garnered national buzz for her “Elect Hoes” slogan. Her war chest is approaching $500K. She’s been backed by former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson. Here’s how she plans to unseat an incumbent who’s been in politics longer than she’s been alive.
The Inquirer’s Attempt at a Buzzy Anti-Racist Apology Failed. It Didn’t Have To.
Right after the paper published “A More Perfect Union,” the NewsGuild union alleged that the paper was paying a Black staffer less than a white counterpart. Oops.
Your Company Is Celebrating Black History Month All Wrong. Here’s How to Do It Right.
It’s not about kente cloth or performative “diversity panels” — it’s about putting Black employees front and center in your organization.
Meek Mill, Kevin Hart and Michael Rubin’s Millions Won’t Help the Abbott Elementaries of Our City
The $15 million the celebs pledged to send kids to private schools further chips away at a public-school system we owe it to ourselves, and to “our kids,” to fix.