Community
In Healing Color: The 4th Annual United We Heal Film Festival
Just one day after Juneteenth, otherwise known as the “Black Independence Day,” celebrations in Philadelphia still held up, with laughter, cheers and most importantly, how healing in Blackness is portrayed on screen…
The Right to the Black City: Thinking through Black Third places in the city of Philadelphia
Third place is a common term to hear these days across various social media platforms. The third place coined by Ray Oldenburg is a place between the first place (home) and the second place (work) where people can congregate and build community.
Philadelphia’s Largest Worker Strike in Decades, Explained
Late at night on July 1, 2025, Philadelphia saw nearly 9,000 city workers from AFSCME District Council 33 walk off their jobs.
Seven Black-Owned Eateries In Philly With Outdoor Seating
Summertime is officially upon us and we outside!
Piercing The Veil In Philly: A Juneteenth Festival Recap
On a balmy and bright Saturday afternoon was the fifth annual InterNASHional Bounce Juneteenth Festival.
Letter From The Download: Welcoming our First-Ever Executive Director/Editor-In-Chief, Cassie Owens
The Philly Download is proud to announce that Cassie Owens, an award-winning journalist, local media advocate, and proud Mount Airy native, is officially stepping in as The Philly Download’s first-ever Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief.
Reaping Our Reparations? A Recap of “The Cost of Inheritance” Screening
On the eve of the Army’s 250th birthday—right here in the birthplace of American democracy…Freedom rang a different kind of tune in Philadelphia.
Why Juneteenth Matters
Some folks may not feel very celebratory this Juneteenth. The continued attacks against our rights, the reduction of our social safety nets, and the looming threat of war all have taken a toll on the collective psyche.
Brick by Brick: How the Christian Street YMCA Built the Black Community
The legacy of the first Black YMCA in Philadelphia lives in every brick, every wooden beam, every glass pane. Its history spans more than 135 years as a beacon of hope and community for generations of Black Philadelphians.
METOO Comes to Philly To Tackle The Adultification of Black Girls
MeToo tackles the adultification of Black girls, unveiling a new public service ad at Philly’s Barnes Foundation during “What Do We Owe Black Children?”
The Black Fatherhood Flex
I am the father of a sassy and opinionated 4-year-old girl and just welcomed my son into the world only a few days ago. I would say I am an accomplished man. I’ve done many things. I have traveled to many places. But the most rewarding responsibility would by far be becoming a father.
Antonio Wooten, Jr. Refuses To Lose Recipes
Antonio Wooten refuses to lose our recipes. Wooten chooses boldly to hold the culture close by amplifying our multi-dimensional heritages through food during a time when Black culture faces erasure, upticks in hatred, and attacks on our history.
Four Ways Philly is Connected to Harriet Tubman’s Legacy
There has been a lot of “talk” around Harriet Tubman lately. After several videos went viral doubting not only the work of Harriet Tubman, who rescued hundreds of people from human trafficking known as enslavement , but also the very existence of Tubman, herself. Yes, for real.
Odunde 50
This year is the 50th celebration of the Odunde Festival, the longest running African American cultural event in the city of Philadelphia.
Dear Black Man, Get In Community
I honestly have no idea where I would be without my bros. Though I now have productive and rewarding brotherhoods and connections with other Black men, it hasn’t always been that way.