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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Why Is Philly In Such a Mess Right Now? Because Our Politicians Have Lost Their Souls
Remember when elected officials here used to curse each other out and literally fight in City Council? The current class of local politicians is what Ed Rendell would call “wusses.”
New Report Makes It Crystal Clear: Kenney and Outlaw Both Must Resign for Violating Human Rights
Philadelphia can no longer claim to be a beacon of democracy, free speech and diversity if it continues to be governed by those who would breach those values. The Mayor and his police commissioner need to step down.
I Took a COVID-19 Vaccine Selfie. Then the Questions Came Pouring In.
The response to one Instagram post shows just how much mistrust of the vaccine there is among the Black community. They’re concerns I shared — here’s why I got the shot anyway.
After Trump Insurrection, the Need for Newsroom Diversity Couldn’t Be More Obvious
The failed white supremacist coup was incited by the President, but it was enabled by those in the predominantly white media who spent years refusing to call his supporters what they are.
Philadelphia’s Homicide Rate Hit a Record High. Now Can We Get Serious About Defunding Police?
Pumping more money into policing isn’t working. In fact, recent events prove policing is beyond repair. It’s time to invest elsewhere.
2020 in Review: The People and Things I’m Grateful For in a Challenging Year
No one is sad to see 2020 go, but there were moments in this difficult year that showed us we’re stronger than our biggest setbacks.
Black Americans Don’t Trust the COVID Vaccine. It’s Up to Doctors to Change That.
Generations of deception and neglect mean the U.S. health system has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to Black patient trust. With the coronavirus, there’s no time to lose.
Let’s Talk About the Economic Reason “Defund the Police” May Be a Hard Sell in Philadelphia
The call to reduce police power in major cities like Philly is necessary — but those who still depend on the salaries, pensions and benefits associated with the troubled institution can’t see a viable future without it.
I’m a Penn Alum — There’s Nothing Charitable About Their $100 Million Donation
The big gift to the school district doesn’t settle the ongoing debate over whether the multibillion-dollar institution is doing enough to pay its fair share.
With COVID-19 Cases Spiking, Philly Needs to Shut Down Completely
It’s time to get serious about beating this pandemic. The city’s new restrictions don’t go nearly far enough.
Yes, Biden Won. Now Can We Talk About How His Campaign Nearly Blew It in Philly?
Black voters in Philly came up big for the new President-elect — but there are warning signs in the numbers.
Body-Cam Video of Walter Wallace Jr. Killing Shows How Cops Perpetuate Black Trauma
The Philadelphia police department finally released body-cam footage of the final moments of a troubled Black man’s life. There was no protecting-and-serving involved.
If Biden Wins the White House, Here’s What He Owes Philly
The Democratic presidential candidate has pulled out all the stops in his push to win in the City of Brotherly Love. But what does that leave us with when the fliers and campaign surrogates disappear?
The Killing of Walter Wallace Jr. Is the Assassination of Philadelphia As We Knew It
When a disabled Black man is shot in cold blood by the police, there’s no way we can continue to call ourselves the City of Brotherly Love.
The 5 Things Philly Democrats Need to Do in the Final Week Before Election Day
Engaging voters has never been more crucial than in this election cycle, but there are a few commonsense tactics that are still being neglected.