CATEGORIES

Cheyney University Update (Part 2)

On November 16, 2023, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education placed my Alma Mater, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania on probation again. From my vantage point, it was only a matter of time before something like this occurred.

Governor Shapiro hosts Ceremonial Bill Signing of HB 1461 at Lincoln University, celebrates funding increase for Nation's First Degree-Granting HBCU

Governor Josh Shapiro joined Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid Mumin, Rep. Jordan Harris, Sen. Vincent Hughes, Sen. Carolyn Comitta, Lincoln University President Brenda Allen, and Lincoln University students and staff for a ceremonial bill signing of House Bill (HB) 1461, which provides state funding for Lincoln University and other state-related universities.

Advanced Placement Program releases revised African American Studies Framework

Today, the Advanced Placement Program delivers its revised framework for the AP African American Studies course, which will officially launch in the 2024-25 school year. This dynamic and robust course introduces students to the rich history, culture, and literature of African Americans and the larger African diaspora.

City of Philadelphia awards close to $17.5M to 39 Nonprofits through the second round of Community Expansion Grants

The City of Philadelphia's Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Criminal Justice & Public Safety (CJPS) announced its next round of grants to organizations working to decrease gun violence through its Community Expansion Grant (CEG) program. A total of $5,950,000 is being awarded to first-time community-based organizations in the program.

I Love to Talk Trash

As the city of Philadelphia prepares for a new Mayor to be sworn in on January 2, 2024, residents and city officials who care about making this city a cleaner, greener, safer city are doing all they can to spread the word, stop littering, stop illegal dumping and sweep in front of your own door.

Norman Lear's comedy helped diverse Americans tune in to each other

For many of us old enough to remember Archie Bunker's living room chair before it became a Smithsonian Museum exhibit, Norman Lear helped television comedy get over its fear of real life.

New PIDA Loans will create and retain 302 total jobs in five counties

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the approval of five new low-interest loans through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) to support business expansion and boost the economy in Bucks, Lehigh, Monroe, Perry, and Philadelphia counties. The projects supported through these loans will create 256 new, full-time jobs and retain 46 existing jobs.

When wealthy donors oust university presidents over how they answer congressional questions; a frighteningly dangerous precedent

America's prestigious universities play a big role in determining who gets into America's wealthy elite.

The horror in Gaza must end

The human catastrophe in Gaza cannot continue. The heinous October 7 Hamas-led terrorist attacks in Israel have been followed by a brutal Israeli assault on Gaza, with bombing intensity unprecedented in this century. Twelve hundred Israelis were killed with another 240 taken hostage. The number of Palestinians slain now exceeds 18,000, including an estimated 10,000 women and children.

Steve Harvey's "Judge Steve Harvey" Takes a Stand among the 10 Best TV Shows of 2023

Renowned comedian, Humanitarian, Philanthropist, veteran TV host, and bestselling author Steve Harvey adds another feather to his cap as his show \"Judge Steve Harvey\" secures a spot in the prestigious list of the 10 Best TV Shows of 2023. In this reliably funny and life-affirming quasi-court show, Harvey brings his signature charm to the role of a judge, presiding over everyday folks facing off on small-claims complaints.

Mural Arts Philadelphia, City of Philadelphia & Philadelphia Phillies honor Phillies Legend Richard "Dick" Allen with New Mural

Mural Arts Philadelphia, the nation's largest public arts program, alongside the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Phillies, announced and unveiled the design of a new mural coming soon to 2221 South Broad Street in Philadelphia.

Wreaths Across America announces 2023 Escort to Arlington Route

What has become known as the country's longest veterans' parade - Wreaths Across America's annual \"Escort to Arlington\" - kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. The official route will travel down the East Coast, stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations along the way to spread the year-long mission to REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those who serve, and TEACH the next generation the value of freedom.

Pennie's First Open Enrollment Period Deadline for Health Coverage is Friday, Dec. 15

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis joined Pennsylvania InDepartment Mike surance Commissioner Humphreys, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley, and community health experts for a news conference at the Hamilton Health Center in Harrisburg to remind Pennsylvanians of Pennie's first open enrollment deadline, December 15, 2023, which is the last day to enroll in health coverage that will start January 1, 2024.

Biden-Harris Administration prepares for third student debt relief negotiation session

December 4, 2023--The Biden-Harris Administration took another step in its continued efforts to provide financial relief to significant numbers of student loan borrowers with the release of an updated copy of the proposed regulatory text.

Backlash to House testimony shines spotlight on new generation of Ivy League presidents

The university presidents called before a congressional hearing on antisemitism last week had more in common than strife on their campuses: The leaders of the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, and MIT were all women who were relatively new in their positions.

Dealing with Holiday Grief

Lord, We Believe Your Word, Which Tells Us That Weeping May Endure For A Night, But Joy Comes In The Morning. Help Us Make It Through The Night. Amen.

Chester Upland School District launches BusPatrol Safety Program to protect students at bus stops

Children who ride to school on the bus can expect a safer, smarter commute thanks to a new safety initiative in the city of Chester. The Chester Upland School District (CUSD) has partnered with local law enforcement and BusPatrol to tackle the illegal passing of stopped school buses.

Chester Township host Annual Holiday Luncheon

Chester Township Council hosted its annual afternoon holiday extravaganza on Thursday, December 7, 2023.

Addressing mental health in our youth

It may seem like the new catchphrase, but mental health issues are very real and always have been. Long before the global pandemic laid bare, the reality of the mental health issues generations of people had suffered in silence.

A "Conversation with the Black Community: Breaking the Stigma & Healing the Trauma"

Culturally-competent Black therapists recently discussed maintianing good mental health at a \"Conversation with the Black Community\" sponsored by the 988 Disapora Campaign in partnership with State Sen.

Social Security benefits increase in 2024

More than 71 million Americans will see a 3.2% increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2024. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by more than $50 per month starting in January.

Grieving the loss of a loved one during the holidays? Lean into care and support

The holidays are here in full swing, and with them the merriment and joyful images of togetherness that can be especially hard on grieving hearts.

The Color Purple up for Golden Globe Award

The 2024 awards season is closer than ever. And on that note, the Golden Globes nomination list has finally been unveiled. The list came to light last week, featuring a diverse array of talents from the world of television and film. Amongst the many nominations, one name that stood out and sparked widespread celebration was none other than actress and singer Fantasia, who earned the Golden Globes nomination for her amazing performance in the musical film production of \"The Color Purple.\" The excited star took to social media to celebrate the feat.

Norman Lear's Legacy is unmatched in it's impact on White America's perception of Black families

\"His shows are what started the conversation about race and justice -- All in the Family, The Jeffersons -- in a way that America had not been prepared to [discuss] before. His impact and his legacy will be felt for generations to come. Even people who are not familiar with his shows are experiencing the benefits of what those shows did for us as a culture.\" - Oprah Winfrey

Annual State of North Broad (NBR) recognizes community heroes

The North Broad Renaissance (NBR) recently hosted its Annual State of North Broad fundraiser, which presented local police districts with the prestigious #ThinkBroad Award.

Scholarship Surprise: Thousands of students will receive k-8th grade financial support through Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia

Thousands of Philadelphia families were surprised this week with the news that their children will receive scholarships from Scholarship Children's Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) for the 2024 2025 school year.

Peace on Earth, good will towards all

\"The Creator has a master plan, peace, and happiness for every man.\" Pharaoh Sanders, Leon Thomas

City Council President lauded on his last day presiding over a Council session

Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke presided over his last council session as President on Thursday, December 14, 2023. What a marathon council session it was, starting right around ten in the morning and running through three-thirty in the afternoon.

Governor Shapiro hosts ceremonial bill signing with Meek Mill, legislative leaders, and reform advocates

Enacting historic probation reform legislation to create more fairness in Pennsylvania's Criminal Justice System

What about Trump's dementia?

On Saturday, during a campaign speech in Durham, New Hampshire, Donald Trump invoked Vladimir Putin (of all people) as proof that he’s being persecuted: