Opinion

133 results
Page 1
A glass panel with an etching of integrated 18th-century Philadelphians at a funeral procession next to a panel ripped away.

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.
Constance Garcia-Barrio

Constance Garcia-Barrio

Features 6 minute read
Zagar, a white man in a green knit hat, gestures to a the wild, shiny, swirling mosaic mural covering the walls behind him.

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.
Anndee Hochman

Anndee Hochman

Essays 5 minute read
Dan Mc Quade BSR 1 31 26

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.
Jillian Ashley Blair Ivey

Jillian Ashley Blair Ivey

Essays 4 minute read
Crowd of protestors seen from behind, including a sign quoting the Declaration about the king's officers harassing people

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.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 8 minute read
View of an October NO KINGS protest at City Hall shows a man with a handwritten sign: Anti-fascist, anti-racist, proud of it

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.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
Small stack of poetry books, including Lucille Clifton, Adrienne Rich, Naomi Shihab Nye, Billy Collins & Becky Birtha.

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.
Anndee Hochman

Anndee Hochman

Essays 6 minute read

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A huge crowd of Eagles fans in green surrounds Philly’s City Hall, the sun shining above in a bright blue winter sky.

The boos at the Linc are the sound of self-hatred. David Lynch knew better.

When the Eagles self-destruct, what do we learn about us?

Growing up in Paris, Julien Suaudeau knew how to stand behind his team. Why are the fans in his adopted city so quick to turn on theirs? They don’t understand Philly the way David Lynch did.
Julien Suaudeau

Julien Suaudeau

Essays 5 minute read
Daytime view of two white outdoor holiday shopping booths that require people to step up into them.

As 2026 approaches, why does Philly enforce health and safety codes, but not access codes?

Without access plans for America’s 250th anniversary in Philly, we risk exclusion, liability, and crisis.

Disability Pride PA leader Vicki Landers asks why the City can enforce health and safety violations, but ignores chronic shortfalls in disability access. As 2026 looms, time is running out to avert a crisis for locals and visitors alike.
Vicki Landers

Vicki Landers

Essays 5 minute read
View of a huge protest crowd on a sunny day, centered on a giant sign that says MAKE AMERICA A DEMOCRACY AGAIN

BSR writers speak up about Philadelphia’s October 18 No Kings protests

A creative spirit shines at Philly’s pro-democracy rallies

Philly turned out for the second nationwide No Kings Day, with rallies throughout the region that showcased our creative flair and our refusal to show fear in the face of fascism. BSR was there.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 7 minute read
View of Sherald’s untitled six-story portrait mural of a Black teen in a yellow hat and striking black & white jacket.

Philadelphia proves that no executive order can stop the arts, or our courage

Amy Sherald goes to Baltimore, and stays on Sansom Street

Amy Sherald’s American Sublime was supposed to open in DC this month, but she withdrew it rather than face censorship. Meanwhile, Philadelphians can see Sherald right at home. Anndee Hochman considers.
Anndee Hochman

Anndee Hochman

Essays 5 minute read