Hurricane Michael was first monitored as a storm on October 2 in the southwest Caribbean Sea. It had developed into a hurricane by October 8 and hit land on October 10. Classified as a Category 4 storm; Hurricane Michael caused extreme damage with winds up to 156 mph. Often storms forming in the warmer Caribbean […]
Central America’s widespread criminal activity and violence drives thousands of families out of their countries in search of refuge. The “Violent Northern Triangle” is home to organized criminal groups such as MS-13 and drug cartels that control the police forces of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Organized crime groups facilitate tactics made to lure in […]
The Member States of the United Nations held the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit on September 24th to demonstrate a recommitment to upholding and promoting peace and human rights around the world. The Summit was held the day before the beginning of the 73rd UN General Assembly Debate, in honor of what would have been Nelson […]
French football star Kylian Mbappé has set the world alight this year. After leading the French National Team (Les Blues) to a World Cup victory this past summer, the Paris Saint-Germain forward has continued to perform at the highest level for both club and country, making him arguably the most celebrated figure in France at […]
On October 5, 2018, the Nobel Peace Prize was jointly awarded to human rights activist Nadia Murad and gynecological surgeon Dr. Denis Mukwege for their distinguished work to end the use of sexual violence as weapon of war. The Last Girl In 2016, Nadia Murad established Nadia’s Initiative, an organization dedicated to “increasing advocacy for […]
Imagine…. You’ve just arrived in the United States after a months-long journey through Central America and Mexico. You left because local maras and pandillas (gangs) threatened you and your family with violence and death. Everything you own, everyone you love, is miles away. You made the journey with your two kids, hoping to give them […]
“Education is education. We should learn everything and then choose which path to follow.” Education is neither Eastern nor Western, it is human.” Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani teenage girl, publicly spoke up in favor of female education and was shot in the head by the Taliban, in an apparent attempt to silence her. She survived. […]
By: Marianna Sann and Sylvia Van Dao Ten years ago, Michelle Angela Ortiz hoped to be where she is today – a successful visual artist, skilled muralist and community arts educator. For more than 18 years, Ortiz has been using art as a tool for communication between communities. Through painting, printmaking and community arts practices, […]
Given America’s current political climate regarding immigration, many immigrant communities may feel at risk or even targeted. In a so-called sanctuary city like Philadelphia, immigrants can become active and engaged in community organizing to educate themselves and others about their rights in America. Here are five active organizations that offer educational programs and events for […]
When I reached the top of the mountain, I was greeted by the most breathtaking sight in my life: thousands of feet below was Aurlandsfjord, one of Norway’s many fjords. On the opposite side of this sparkling inlet of ocean water lay snow capped peaks, clusters of lush greenery, and some of the longest waterfalls […]
Elizabeth Taylor-Mead is a development consultant at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youth and adults on Arab culture. Through the arts, music and language, the organization hopes to raise cross-cultural awareness and debunk discrimination against Arabs as well as all immigrants living in the U.S. Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture has […]
While we’ve seen a number of disturbing accounts of sexual harassment and assault in the news recently, America’s conversation around sexual harassment can be dated back to the early 90’s. In the summer of 1991, a woman by the name of Anita Hill accused Clarence Thomas, the George H.W. Bush nomination for Supreme Court Justice, […]
Through the power of art, even the most complex stories of immigration and assimilation can be expressed. Located on the 1200 block of Vine Street, the Asian Arts Initiative has linked art and communities since 1993. AAI is a multidisciplinary arts center dedicated to exploring experiences of Asian Americans and bridging dialogue with diverse communities. […]
In 2016, I spent five weeks of a sweltering summer in Havana. While there, Danilo Maldonado, a Cuban graffiti artist, shared his story with me. HAVANA – Despite having spent months in Cuban prison, Danilo Maldonado walks fearlessly through Havana on a scorching July afternoon. His height, well over six feet, gives the artist a […]
There are multiple ways by which a nation’s citizens can express a cause and make their voices heard by the government, but one of the most direct and powerful methods is dissent. It is of supreme importance to acknowledge that in all countries around the world, protests have ultimately led to social change, and at […]
Lori L. Tharps, an Associate Professor of Journalism at Temple University, recently hosted a talk at the School of Media and Communications about her popular new book, Same Family Different Colors: Confronting Colorism in America’s Diverse Families. The book has been met with notable acclaim, earning itself a spot in the Sunday edition of the […]
After the election of Donald Trump, many immigrants across the U.S. braced for what’s coming. Even those living in sanctuary cities, despite mayor’s pledging to keep those cities as they were. Mayor Jim Kenney of Philadelphia has pledged to keep Philadelphia’s status as a sanctuary city. There is no specific definition for what a sanctuary […]
