Culture
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Steiner: Redefining the Harp for the Modern Era
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Steiner is not your traditional harpist. With a career that seamlessly bridges classical, contemporary, and pop music, she has become one of the most sought-after musicians in her field.
Joseph Earl Thomas: Writing with Blood, Nerve, and Unbearable Beauty
Few writers capture the raw essence of coming-of-age with as much intensity and lyricism as Joseph Earl Thomas.
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.