By Jensen Toussaint. March 14, 2025.

For Latino families in Philly, homeownership feels out of reach. Rising prices, stagnant wages, and systemic barriers like redlining widen the gap. Yet, orgs like Congreso de Latinos Unidos are stepping up—offering housing counseling, financial literacy, and homebuyer workshops. In 2024, they helped 103 families buy their first home.

By Jensen Toussaint. March 12, 2025.

At the GPLEX 2024 Summit in San Diego, one truth stood out: immigrants are vital to Philly’s economy. 💼 They make up 20% of the workforce, pay 15% of property taxes, and run 36% of small businesses. Their contributions are driving growth and revitalizing the city. Leaders highlighted a harsh truth: immigrants are under attack, yet they remain essential to Philly’s economy. The discussion served as a reminder that 'when we act collectively, when we take collective action armed with the facts, there is real power in that,' added Anuj Gupta, President and CEO of The Welcoming Center.

By Vicky Díaz-Camacho. March 7, 2025.

The room buzzed with quiet reverence as Malaika Hart Gilpin’s singing bowls filled the air, their resonant tones weaving through the Schomburg Symposium. Attendees, eyes closed, breathed deeply, some scribbling reflections on oversized post-its: unity, resistance, history. Earlier, Laura Quiñones Navarro had spoken passionately, her voice trembling as she defended Puerto Rico’s fragile cultural institute. “You cannot repair what you ignore,” she urged, her words echoing the symposium’s core—preserving Afro-Latino histories as acts of resistance. Arturo Schomburg’s legacy loomed large, a reminder that even without formal titles, one could build monuments to memory.

By Gabriela Watson-Burkett. March 6, 2025.

At the “Flores para Gloria” event, Afro-Cuban filmmaker Gloria Rolando showcased her films, including Diálogo con mi abuela (2016), highlighting the history of Black women and the challenges of the African diaspora. Rolando addressed racism and social fragmentation in Cuba, connecting personal memories to collective struggles. A night of reflection on identity and resistance.

Por Jennifer Hernandez. 3 de março, 2025.

Afro-Latines in the U.S. face unique challenges at the intersection of race, culture, and identity. A UCLA study reveals labor market disparities and anti-Black bias impacting this growing community. The study is intended to highlight the challenging labor market conditions for Afro-Latinx and understand their socioeconomic experiences by considering how gender, immigration status, national origin, ethnicity, and race intersect and shape those experiences. 

By Jensen Toussaint. 21 February, 2025.

Philadelphia’s Black business community is voicing concerns as the city prepares for the economic opportunities expected in 2026. With major events like the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, and NCAA basketball tournaments set to take place in the city, Councilman Isaiah Thomas hosted a "Black Business Think Tank" to listen to these concerns and ensure Black entrepreneurs are prepared to seize these historic opportunities. The goal is to help Black businesses secure a significant share of the over $1 billion in economic opportunities anticipated for the city.

By Vicky Díaz-Camacho. February 19, 2025.

The organizer’s goal was simple: host a group of fans who want to learn more about the cultural and historical underpinnings of Bad Bunny’s latest album and his short film. What ensued was a lively, two-hour demonstration of cultural connection, grief and release.

By Yashira Marie Rivera-Calero Special to Inti Media. February 05, 2025. 
Perfectionism can be paralyzing, but for Yashira Marie Rivera-Calero, Brené Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection became a lifeline. In this deeply personal piece, Yashira shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt, embracing her multifaceted identity, and finding empowerment through creativity. From restoring a vintage kimono for a Grammy’s red carpet look to celebrating Black excellence and self-discovery, her story is a testament to the power of wholehearted living. Dive into her inspiring narrative of resilience, artistry, and the courage to be unapologetically yourself.

By Vicky Díaz-Camacho. February 9, 2025

On Super Bowl Sunday, leaders with immigrant rights and advocacy groups in both Philadelphia and Kansas City announced a united effort for immigrant-owned businesses to close up shop. After that, they urge residents to shop at local, immigrant-owned businesses and avoid corporate big box stores.

By Vicky Díaz-Camacho | Centro de Periodismo Investigativo January 23, 2025.

For more than 80 years, health experts, scholars, and community advocates have emphasized the dire need for better access to physicians and health centers for Puerto Rican Philadelphians. However, issues with timely doctor visits, preventative health, health insurance, and the lack of doctors from the community in North Philly remain.

By Nigel Thompson on January 18th, 2025.

Ahead of Trump's inauguration, Philadelphia advocates call on local leaders to protect immigrant communities, focusing on figures like Mayor Cherelle Parker and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon. Activists, including Nancy Nguyen, push for stronger support and reaffirmation of the city’s sanctuary policies to combat rising threats.

By Tiffany Rivera. December 3, 2024.

Cantina La Martina hosted a meeting with local leaders to address safety, homelessness, and vandalism in Kensington, focusing on collaboration and resources to restore community pride.

By Nigel Thompson. November 11, 2024.

Alma Romero’s dream business, Alma del Mar, came to a heartbreaking end after a violent assault and a string of unaddressed crimes in South Philadelphia. From the emotional toll of the attack to the frustration with the police response, Alma’s story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. “How many times were you hit?” the officer asked—a question that shaped her path to justice.

By Camila Carolina Romero and Gabriela Watson-Burkett. November 3, 2024.

As the presidential election nears, Philadelphia's Indigenous community emphasizes affordable housing, land rights, and sovereignty. Despite historical voting advancements, Indigenous peoples remain underrepresented. The effects of colonization, poverty, and systemic inequities persist, highlighting the urgent need for policies that address their rights and living conditions.

By Jensen Toussaint. November 1, 2024.

The healthcare industry is essential for all communities, yet diverse groups remain underrepresented in its workforce. Despite 33% of U.S. nurses being Black, Asian, or Hispanic, these groups make up 39% of the population. Programs like Accesso Care are empowering immigrant CNAs to fill critical roles amidst a nursing shortage. By offering training and community support, they aim to create a compassionate, skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of the nation and addresses healthcare needs.

By Nabila Haddad. October 30, 2024.

This November 5th, it’s crucial for immigrants to recognize their impact on the U.S. economy. With 63 million Latines contributing $3.2 trillion, their voices matter in shaping policies that affect their communities. Many face barriers like language and misinformation, but participation is essential. As Jennifer Rodriguez from GPHCC states, communities that don’t engage often remain underserved.

By Tiffany Rivera. October 28 2024.

Latino business owners in Philadelphia are crucial to the economy, facing long hours and multiple roles. Organizations like WORC and Madre Tierra offer workshops and resources to support these entrepreneurs.

A. K. Sandoval-Strausz Professor of History, Penn State. Originally published on The Conversation US. October 4, 2024.

Puerto Ricans make up over half of Pennsylvania's Latino population, with around 300,000 eligible voters in the state. As the 2024 election approaches, endorsements from figures could influence voter turnout, particularly in key areas such as Northampton County. With about 90,000 Latino voters still undecided, their decisions may play a significant role in the election outcome, prompting both major parties to focus on engaging this demographic.

By Jensen Toussaint. September 26th, 2024.

In Philadelphia, public safety is a constant concern for residents, who face violence and an increase in traffic accidents in their neighborhoods. Many feel that the lack of resources and attention to local issues affects their quality of life. The implementation of technologies, such as cameras at traffic lights, has been well received, but citizens also demand more effective solutions to address vehicle noise and improve coexistence in their communities.

By Jensen Toussaint. September 17th, 2024.

In South Philadelphia, residents strive for productive lives, with public safety being a crucial aspect. While safety can mean different things, experts define it as the protection of the public. Community leaders emphasize addressing basic human needs alongside crime reduction, as recent crime surges raise concerns about safety and quality of life.