Culture
Black Composers, Black Principal Musicians, Black Excellence
It's not every day that people can experience a concert of just principal musicians. It is even rarer to have Black men as principal musicians.
The Producer’s Producer: How Lorna Miller Is Building a More Inclusive Film Industry, One Set at a Time
Lorna Miller didn’t just fall into producing — she manifested it.
Emilio Maldonado: The Seeker’s Craft
Emilio Maldonado doesn’t call himself an artist—he is a seeker.
Gabe Castro: Using Horror to Entertain, Educate, and Empower
Philly-based Latiné artist Gabe Castro uses horror to challenge social norms, build community, and expand the genre’s possibilities.
The Sound of Black Philly: How Philadelphia Became a Powerhouse for Black Music and Entertainment
Philadelphia’s rich music scene, from Lil Uzi Vert to Frankie Beverly, cements its status as a powerhouse for Black music and culture.
Embracing the Unconventional: A Conversation with Simone Holland
Simone Holland’s journey through the film industry has been anything but linear. From the start, she made one thing clear: her career path didn’t follow a traditional trajectory, and she’s all the better for it.
Chisom Chieke: Telling Diasporic Stories with Heart
Chisom Chieke is a Philly-based filmmaker and storyteller, uses her work to explore love, identity, and growth within diasporic communities. A second-generation Nigerian-American, she’s all about creating narratives that feel real, raw, and full of heart.
Photojournal Series: Black Present within South Philadelphia
When I say introspection, I mean it in the sense of observation of one’s own disposition as a black person in a space; where one is and where one came from historically (henceforth, I can only speak for myself).
Gran Varones: Louie Ortiz-Fonseca and a Decade of Documenting Queer Latinx Stories
For the past decade, Louie Ortiz-Fonseca has been amplifying the voices of Black and Brown queer communities through Gran Varones, a digital storytelling project blending personal narratives with pop culture history.
6 Black Owned Craft Studios In Philly You Need To Take a Class At
This one is for the crafty folks. The folks that don’t mind getting our hands dirty while making something we love.
Bliss: A Black Love Story: Isaiah Gaymon on Black Future
The second feature in our photo journal series is by Isaiah Gaymon. Not only a writer here at The Download or a content creator, Isaiah’s talents also extend to photography.
Kyra Knox: The Impact Producer Redefining Storytelling
Kyra Knox is a filmmaker whose work is driven by purpose. As an award-winning impact producer and director, she has dedicated her career to telling stories that matter—stories that challenge perceptions, uplift voices, and spark meaningful change.
Understanding Black Ivy: Style & History
More than just a style, Black Ivy describes a movement, a representation of resilience, intellect, and cultural identity.
Patrice and Garry: Advocates for Marriage Equality and a Future Without Penalties for People with Disabilities
As Garry aptly puts it, “It’s not just about us, it’s about everyone who deserves to love freely and without fear of losing everything.”
Dolio the Sleuth: Bridging Bluegrass, Hip-Hop, and Storytelling
Lawrence Durant, better known as Dolio the Sleuth, is a dynamic artist whose music defies categorization.