About Us
Welcome to the Philly Download. You also might know as The Download News— that’s our government name. We chronicle Black Philadelphia, with care. We’re always open for pitches: Just fill out our pitch form here.
Our mission
The Download News delivers fearless, expansive journalism that pushes boundaries and tells rich stories of Black life rooted in Greater Philadelphia. Through experimental approaches and storytelling across diverse platforms, we challenge the status quo and serve as a cultural connector by creating media that centers and empowers Black communities ages 18-45.
Disclaimer
The Philly Download is a nonprofit, non-partisan news source. The Download News aims to offer coverage of important community issues that is fair and balanced, informative, provides varying perspectives, and encourages individuals to be civically engaged on their own terms. We do not support, oppose, or endorse any candidate for elected office. In the course of this coverage we may share the views or platforms of candidates who are running for office and/or publish the opinions of contributors. These opinions are solely the reflection of the contributing party and not The Download News.
Our Editorial Team
All portraits by Idalis Reign
Cassie Owens
Cassie is the Editor-in-Chief and Executive Director of the Philly Download. A Philadelphia native, she has spent most of her life in Northwest Philadelphia, and most of her career in local media. Passionate about cultural history and storytelling, Cassie's favorite thing about her job is making space for younger Black storytellers emerging in the field.
Ernest Owens
Ernest Owens is an award-winning journalist and the contributing editor and senior advisor for The Philly Download. In this role, he consults with our editorial team on journalistic best practices, strategic outreach, and cultural impact. A proud resident of West Philly for 15 years, he brings his renowned expertise in innovative journalism, nonprofit leadership, and intersectional advocacy to our thriving media organization.
Troi Williams
Troi Williams is the Audience Engagement Editor at The Philly Download. She makes sure that stories about our communities make it to a feed near you. A travel influencer outside of her Download life, Troi loves to make sure our people and your stories are properly represented in digital spaces, from Philly to the world. She’ll see you social!
Our Board of Directors
Ashanti Martin, co-chair
Sunanda Ghosh, co-chair
Brittany Smith, treasurer
Lauren Footman, secretary
Funder Transparency
Our work has been supported by the PA Alliance Foundation, Lenfest Institute and the People’s Media Fund.
DEI Statement
The Download News remembers that communities are not a monolith. We make space, as a newsroom and as an organization, for the intersectional layers of identity and experience that make the neighborhoods, kinship networks and social fabric we call home, home. We know this diversity only makes Philadelphia stronger.
We strive to be an inclusive workplace that welcomes people of all backgrounds, that fosters safer spaces where we can collectively and individually thrive. We aspire to be a professional community that can see better futures for Black people.
Financial Transparency
The following statement has been adapted from language provided by the Institute of Nonprofit News.
We are committed to transparency in every aspect of funding our organization.
Accepting financial support does not mean we endorse donors or their products, services or opinions.
We accept grants and donations from individuals, organizations and foundations to help with our general operations, coverage of specific topics and special projects. We are fiscally sponsored by the PA Alliance Foundation. We operate as a nonprofit. We may receive funds from standard government programs offered to nonprofits or similar businesses.
Our news judgments are made independently – not based on or influenced by donors or any revenue source. We do not give supporters the rights to assign, review or edit content.
We make public all revenue sources and donors who give $5,000 or more per year. As a news nonprofit, we avoid accepting charitable donations from anonymous sources, government entities, political parties, elected officials or candidates seeking public office. We will not accept donations from sources who, deemed by our board of directors, present a conflict of interest with our work or compromise our independence.