Speak Easy Forums

I ask that we expand our love to include members of the LGBTQ community who less frequently make headlines — homeless youth.

Speak Easy convened a public forum in June to ask how Philadelphia's streets can offer safe and fair passage for everyone.

Philadelphia needs to be a town that is both affordable and well developed; everyone deserves to live in a neighborhood that meets their needs within their financial capacity.

I gave the large, prominent, silver button a push, and waited for the light to change. I waited some more, then I gave it another push. Nothing seemed to be happening.

As driving rates continue to decline across our region, we can expect to hear more walkers, bikers, and bus riders clamoring for a larger share of space on our public streets.

I have used a wheelchair since 1993. Getting around Philadelphia has greatly improved since the ADA was passed in 1990.

If you look at historic photos of Philadelphia, you will notice how the street is used differently. Today's planners must design for the needs of users, and anticipate trends.

I realized when I got home in one piece that I had survived. In spite of the fear, the ride felt great. I wanted to try it again.

By forcing hard choices, city streets define transportation planning in a way that's uniquely appropriate for the Great Fighting City of Philadelphia.

Knocking on doors to ask if people planned to vote in the upcoming election, I thought I could identify the pulse of the city. Turns out there are as many pulses as people.

When you bring 100 Philadelphians together to discuss how to improve communities for long-term residents and new neighbors alike, you get hundreds of more questions.

It's not hard to get Philadelphians to talk about where they live. We asked people to describe their neighborhood in six words or less. Here's a look at the result.

Gentrification is a heart-breaking concern in the black community, which is being forced out of neighborhoods, because developers see potential that residents can't afford.

I believe that a plurality of opinions and experiences makes the neighborhood strong. I don't have any interest in living on a block where every person is some version of me.

At age 21, Jamie Moffett made a down payment with some friends on a house in Kensington and moved in the next day. He has been involved in rebuilding the community ever since.