Opinion
137 results
Page 1
A remembrance of Martha Graham Cracker, in honor of Dito van Reigersberg
Philly grieves one our favorite artists
We on the BSR team were devastated to hear about the passing this week of Dito van Reigersberg, an innovative, big-hearted, one-of-a-kind Philly artist. Editor Alaina Johns shares a memory and revisits him in the pages of BSR.
Essays
4 minute read
Join arts advocates demanding $6 million for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund
Another year, another arts budget fight. We’re ready.
Each budget season, arts advocates rally to remind City Hall that Philly doesn’t run without funding for the creative sector. As the deadline for FY27 looms, we need to speak up for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. Alaina Johns explains.
Editorials
6 minute read
APS Museum presents These Truths: The Declarations of Independence
The Declaration may not be the document you think it is.
The American Philosophical Society celebrates America’s 250th with the largest display of early copies of the Declarations ever assembled, but some of the show’s lesser-known artifacts are just as exciting. Alaina Johns visits.
Editorials
7 minute read
A fake photo of Philly’s No Kings 3 march went viral. Stay sharp as protests grow.
Hear from BSR writers who joined the latest No Kings march.
On March 28, 2026, an estimated 40,000 people took to the Parkway for the third nationwide No Kings march. A fake image of the protest quickly went viral. Here’s a real view, from Alaina Johns and BSR writers who were there.
Editorials
6 minute read
Join the fight for full restoration of the President’s House Slavery Memorial
The Trump administration is frightened by Ona Judge
Exhibits about slavery at George Washington’s Philly house are still in limbo as advocates fight the Trump/Vance administration for full restoration. Constance Garcia-Barrio looks closer.
Features
6 minute read
Isaiah Zagar taught me to hold grief, love, and life through the art of mosaic
Honoring the man who believed that art can heal
When Anndee Hochman met Isaiah Zagar, he told her how art can heal. A few years later, grieving her father, she took Zagar’s lessons into her own hands.
Essays
5 minute read
Remembering Dan McQuade, a Philly journalist like no other
Texts with Dan
Philly journalist Dan McQuade died this week from neuroendocrine cancer. He has been honored by publications and sports teams alike. Jill Ivey shares reflections on their friendship and Dan’s legacy.
Essays
4 minute read
Locals pack a No ICE Philly meetup at the Friends Center on January 21
Proof that Philly wants to protect our neighbors
Anti-ICE activists in Philly are organizing to protect our neighbors from unconstitutional abuses and pressure Governor Shapiro into action. Alaina Johns was at their January 21 meeting in Center City.
Editorials
8 minute read
Without strong leadership, Philadelphians must turn to each other in 2026
Mayor Parker, we can’t sit back until the fight is at our doorstep
This will be a tumultuous year in Philly, with elections, global sports events, and the eyes of the world on America’s 250th birthday. But we must brace for even bigger challenges. Alaina Johns looks ahead.
Editorials
6 minute read
The Trump regime’s cultural cuts have come for our poetry
The national Poetry Out Loud program’s anthology looks very different this year.
The anthology for students participating in the annual nationwide Poetry Out Loud program now excludes poems by Langston Hughes and many others. Anndee Hochman looks closer.
Essays
6 minute read