7 Non-Toxic Black-Owned Braiding Hair Brands
Y’all ever feel like “we can’t have nothing”? Because that is what the latest Consumer Report about braiding hair makes me feel like.
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After Cancer-Causing Toxins Found in Popular Braiding Hair, Philly’s Braid Wearers Sound Off
Across races and cultures, hair is used as a tool for expression. This is overwhelmingly true within African American culture. Synthetic braiding hair is commonly used by Black women as a means of protective styling.
Philly History - Muslims in the City and Ramadan
Philly inhabits a diverse array of citizens that melds it into the boiling pot we know and love. One of the most unique demographics is its thriving Muslim population.
Philadelphia’s Federal Buildings on the Chopping Block: Who Benefits?
The Trump administration, through Elon Musk’s newly minted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is aggressively pushing to sell off key federal buildings in Philadelphia, promising efficiency and modern governance.
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.
The Mentions: 15 Content Creators Using Their Platforms to Support Our Community
Welcome to our quarterly series: The Mentions, a series that shows love to the content creators and digital community builders in Philly.
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).
10 Places to Break Your Fast
The holy month of Ramadan is nearing its halfway point and spiritual alignment is in the air!
Mayor Parker’s Big Budget Is a Bold Bet as Trump’s Cuts Loom
Philadelphia stands at a precarious intersection, balancing aspirations of renewal against the harsh reality of diminishing federal support.
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.
Walking Papers: How ICE’s Tactics Echo Black Identification Harassment
Yes, Black folk, WE need to be concerned with what is happening around immigration too.
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.
Trump’s Speech Was Loud. His Economic Plan Was Silent
In Philadelphia, a city where thousands live in poverty, where rents are rising. Trump's speech had nothing for them.
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.