
The Philadelphia Experiment
My family has spent many evenings at Our Town bowling alley. Now that a murder has taken place there, I wonder if things will ever be the same.
WHYY blogger Solomon Jones is the author of eight novels, including the critically-acclaimed “Pipe Dream” (Random House), and has been featured nationally by media outlets like CNN, NPR, ABC News, TV One and HLN.
Formerly a professor of creative writing at Temple University, Solomon is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including Essence, Newsday, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In 2013, Solomon along with prominent authors like Noam Chomsky, was selected as one of 50 writers representing Philadelphia’s literary legacy. He is the creator of Words on the Street, a writing and literacy program that garnered him a leadership award from the Knight Foundation.
Solomon, a lifelong Philadelphian, is morning host on WURD Radio 900 AM and 96.1 FM, and a columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News. His latest novel is “The Dead Man’s Wife.”
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Written by Solomon Jones
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What if the rioters who breached the US Capitol were Black?
Columnist Solomon Jones examines the events in Washington that left four people dead. But what if the rioters who breached the U.S. Capitol were Black?
2 months ago
To heal the country’s gaping racial wounds, Biden and Harris will need help from us all
Those who engage in that daunting mission must look like those now dancing in the streets: Black and white, young and old, gay and straight.
4 months ago
Several aspects of the Breonna Taylor ruling fail to add up
In a system designed to devalue and disregard the sanctity of Black life, Breonna Taylor’s case proves that the system isn’t broken. It’s working just fine.
5 months ago
What I learned when Kamala Harris came to my block
Columnist Solomon Jones shares his thoughts on what it will take for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to win the 2020 election.
6 months ago
And a little child shall lead them: King Hill’s death brings call for change
A chaotic week featuring Trump, John Lewis, coronavirus and federal troops is overshadowed by the murder of a 2-year-old child.
8 months ago
This year Juneteenth is more meaningful
Juneteenth is more than a remembrance of the day in 1865 when 2000 Union troops marched into Galveston Texas, and told enslaved blacks they were free.
9 months ago
The statue is gone but there will always be another Rizzo
In truth, broad systemic change is needed to save Black lives from the twin scourges of racism and police brutality.
9 months ago
It was like living at the edge of chaos: The day coronavirus came home
The day coronavirus came home was unremarkable except for one fact. It was my wife’s birthday.
12 months ago
Kobe Bryant was Philadelphia, and so much more
Kobe Bryant defied stereotypes and pursued greatness. That’s why Philadelphia loved to claim him as their own.
1 year ago
A call for change is bringing Police Commissioner Outlaw to Philly. Now it’s time to move forward
A summer of protests called for changes to Philly police. Mayor Kenney did hear those calls and the selection of Danielle Outlaw as the police commissioner is a result.
1 year ago
Why would some Black audiences boycott the new Harriet Tubman movie?
Across Black Twitter and other social media platforms, a small but vocal segment of Black people are imploring other African Americans not to support the film. Why?
1 year ago
Philly child shootings show we can’t wait for government to reduce violence
Solomon Jones writes about 2 children shot this past weekend. “Philadelphia’s black and brown community — my community — must do something.”
1 year ago
Rally for Justice Coalition demands 3 provisions of accountability in new PPD contract
These demands — developed at a community forum held by the Rally For Justice Coalition — are about stopping police misconduct before it happens.
1 year ago
If ‘crackhouse statute’ does not apply to injection sites, black community should sue
If the courts now say it’s legal to operate a drug house, black folks need to file a class-action lawsuit to get back what we lost when it was us.
1 year ago