Articles & Videos
Philly Latinx artists gather to discuss the challenges of the creative economy
BY JENNIFER HERNANDEZ ON NOVEMBER 6, 2024.
Philly Latinx art community gathered at Taller Puertorriqueño on October 24 for the final "Cuéntame Series: Creative Economy" event, where artists and leaders discussed funding challenges, cultural heritage, and community resilience. Attendees shared personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation and access to support to empower Philadelphia’s creative community.
Cuéntame series returns to promote civic engagement among the Latino community
BY JENNIFER HERNANDEZ ON NOVEMBER 6, 2024.
The Cuéntame series, co-hosted by Madre Tierra and ¡Presente! Media at PhillyCAM on October 10, focused on "Advancing Civic Engagement" by sharing diverse stories from Philadelphia’s Hispanic community. Latino small business owners discussed challenges in economic mobility, language barriers, and resource accessibility. This event aimed to foster civic engagement, particularly as the community prepares for the upcoming presidential election.
Pa. election 2024: A complete guide to who is on the ballot, when to vote, how to vote, where to vote, casting mail ballots & more
BY ELIZABETH ESTRADA FOR SPOTLIGHT PA ON OCTOBER 14, 2024.
The 2024 election is critical, with Pennsylvania playing a pivotal role in determining the next president. Find out how to register, locate your polling place, vote by mail, and more in this comprehensive election guide.
Immigration and inflation, the issues shaping Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign
BY NIGEL THOMPSON BY OCTOBER 16, 2024
Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for a third time, focuses his 2024 campaign on immigration and the economy. His plans include completing the border wall, mass deportations, and addressing inflation through deregulation and tax cuts. Trump also emphasizes foreign policy, opposing U.S. involvement in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict, while pushing right-wing cultural issues like banning "critical race theory" in schools.
Short doc: A DACA recipient braces for the 2024 election
BY RAFAEL BITANGA, NIGEL THOMPSON, AND JALEN RAMSEUR-WILLIAMS ON OCTOBER 2, 2024.
This short documentary features Daniela Morales, a 23-year-old DACA recipient that reflects on the impact that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has made on her life, and the ever-present sense of uncertainty she feels, especially during every election cycle.
Pa. election 2024: Everything college students need to know about voting
BY ELIZABETH ESTRADA OF SPOTLIGHT PA ON SEPT. 12, 2024.
Students in Pennsylvania's almost 300 colleges, universities, and technical schools will be eligible voters in the upcoming election. This comprehensive guide will help student determine their eligibility status and understand how to make their voice heard on the ballot.
40th Annual Feria del Barrio recap
BY ILIANA PINEDA, FRANCES ALMODOVAR, AND CLAUDIA CEBALLOS ON OCTOBER 3, 2024.
The 40th Annual La Feria del Barrio, hosted by Taller Puertorriqueño in partnership with other local Latinx organizations, brought Philly's Latinx community together with live music, dancing, delicious food, and arts on Sept. 8. Watch the full video recap.
A fight for legacy: Preserving Philadelphia’s Black heritage sites
BY JENSEN TOUSSAINT ON SEPT. 16, 2024.
Philadelphia’s Black heritage sites, including the National Marian Anderson Museum, Paul Robeson House & Museum, and The Friends of the Tanner House, play a crucial role in the city’s history but face significant preservation challenges. On September 10, 2024, the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia’s panel discussion at the Cosmopolitan Club highlighted the urgent need for increased funding and advocacy to sustain these landmarks. Despite their historical importance, these sites often receive less attention compared to tourist-heavy areas, with calls for $1 million to $3 million in funding to ensure their preservation. Proceeds from the event will directly support these vital cultural sites.
Between fear and hopelessness: Two DACA recipients brace for the 2024 Election
BY NIGEL THOMPSON ON SEPT. 3, 2024
Daniela Morales and Adesola Ogunleye share their experiences as DACA recipients navigating life in the U.S. Both women are driven by their desire to make a positive impact in their communities, despite the challenges of their immigration status, and remain hopeful and engaged as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
Immigrant advocates march keep the pressure on closing detention centers
BY ILIANA PINEDA ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2024. Iliana Pineda reported on the Aug. 21 protest by the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition (PICC), demanding the closure of four regional detention centers. "We are urging our elected officials to improve immigrant rights, starting with shutting down these centers," stated PICC Executive Director Jasmine Rivera. The protest concluded at U.S. Senator John Fetterman's office, where community members shared their harrowing experiences in detention facilities, including the death of Cameroonian immigrant Frankline Okpu.
How Harrisburg Works: What happens if Pennsylvania’s governor steps down
BY KATIE MEYER OF SPOTLIGHT PA ON AUGUST 19, 2024.
What happens if Pennsylvania's governor steps down? Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis may have to prepare for a potential transition should Governor Josh Shapiro advance to a higher office or depart. Pennsylvania's leadership and political landscape may change according to its political succession plan.
Trump assassination attempt shows long-standing flaws in Secret Service protections
BY DANIELLE OHL OF SPOTLIGHT PA; JESSICA LUSSENHOP OF PROPUBLICA; AND IRINA BUCUR, TRACY LETURGEY AND EDDIE TRIZZINO OF THE BUTLER EAGLE ON AUGUST 20, 2024
Local police in Butler, PA were warned of vulnerabilities prior to former President Trump's rally, but a security breakdown, poor coordination, and other issues led to a gunman injuring Trump and killing one man. Officials recommend improvements in security if Trump returns.
Immigrant advocates march to Fetterman’s Philly office, keep the pressure on closing detention centers
BY NIGEL THOMPSON ON AUGUST 26, 2024
Immigrant advocates are speaking out as the 2024 election approaches, despite both major parties overlooking their calls for action. On August 21, a group assembled outside Philadelphia’s ICE field office before marching to U.S. Senator John Fetterman’s office in Philadelphia. Their renewed demands focus on closing the remaining ICE detention centers in PA and NJ.
Where does Kamala Harris stand on some of the 2024 election's top issues?
BY NIGEL THOMPSON ON AUGUST 09, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris is endorsed by Joe Biden as the new Democratic presidential nominee for the 2024 election. She has received significant support and raised substantial funds for her campaign. Her stance on key issues includes a strong defense of abortion rights, a focus on improving the economy to address inflation and cost of living concerns, and a commitment to continuing efforts to expand and protect health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
Harris, Walz, make powerful, first joint appearance as full Democratic ticket in North Philly
BY NIGEL THOMPSON ON AUGUST 08, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, made their first joint appearance in North Philadelphia in front of 14,000 people. Harris outlined her campaign message, focusing on affordable housing, healthcare, and paid leave for workers. She also emphasized defending fundamental freedoms, including reproductive and voting rights, and promoting gun safety. Governor Walz highlighted his background as a teacher and mentor, emphasizing working for the common good.
¡Presente! Media video series on Free Migration Project’s Abolitionist Curriculum
BY GABRIELA WATSON-BURKETT ON JULY 24, 2024
¡Presente! Media and Free Migration Project joined forces to bring you an enlightening and thought-provoking video series based on the Abolitionist Futures’ 2022 Reading List. This first video explores the concept of transformative justice and its implications for addressing harm within communities.
The state of Latino voters in Philly and beyond ahead of the 2024 presidential election
BY NIGEL THOMPSON ON JULY 10 2024
Explore the crucial role of Latino voters in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Despite current low turnout trends, discover strategies to mobilize this key demographic and impact the race between Biden and Trump.
New report: Pennsylvania needs immigrants to reverse population decline
Discover how immigrants have revitalized Pennsylvania's population, bolstered local economies, and influenced political representation in PICC's latest report. As the state faces a population decline, immigration emerges as a crucial driver of growth and stability. Learn about the substantial contributions of immigrant workers and entrepreneurs, and the urgent call for pro-immigrant legislation ahead of the 2024 elections.
Power Street Theater’s musical moves the audience by showcasing the journey of immigrants
BY CLAUDIA CEBALLOS ON JUNE 14, 2024
Playwright Erlina Ortiz delves into a myriad of emotions, resilience, brotherhood, love, and forgiveness in her unique musical work “Siluetas”. This one-of-a-kind production was released on May 29 at Temple University’s Randall Theater by Power Street Theatre Company.
Poll Reveals Surprising Support for Mass Deportations in 2024 Elections, Fueling Divisions Over Immigration Policies
BY JENNIFER HERNANDEZ ON MAY 30, 2024
Immigration is a top issue in the upcoming elections, with increased support for conservative policies, including mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship. Advocacy groups are concerned about ICE arrests of immigrants with pending criminal charges, adding to the debate.