pennsylvania house: Philadelphia Metropolis

My Declaration of Independence

Best of VoxPop» It is no coincidence that I now live only a few blocks from Independence Hall. When I was a toddler, I was determined to do everything by myself, so my grandfather dubbed me the Declaration of Independence. The name still suits me. To appreciate this, you need to know that I am legally blind. That means that I have minimal sight in one eye and none in the other, and no depth perception. While I can get around without the assistance of either a guide dog or a white cane, I can't read street signs or facial expressions, and I hold printed matter inches from my eyes to read it. You will be relieved to learn that the state of Pennsylvania, in its wisdom, will not grant me a driver's license. (Comments)

Takeover at Olney High

Olney High School was a troubled school: plagued with suspensions, fights, chronic absenteeism and dismal performance in math and reading. Then, the school district asked the Latino educational group Aspira to take over the school this year with a goal of turning a failure into a success story. Reporter Connie Langland has spent weeks at Olney and offers this special report from the front lines. (Comments)

There's No Place Like Home

By Kessa Baylor» A year and a half ago I awoke to a burning desire to leave the city of brotherly love. Being born and raised in Philadelphia meant that I under appreciated all of its glory. Every sight and sound became an irritating thorn in my flesh, urging me to flee. I didn't start thinking of moving until after the company I worked for downsized. I decided to use my new freedom to practice some organized spontaneity. I did a little online research for a place to live and a few job leads and I packed up my family and our dog and headed to South Carolina. I had enough savings to keep our heads above water for six months, which I thought was a nice head start. We settled in Rock Hill, about 20 miles from Charlotte, NC. The city was small but (Comments)

That Sinking Feeling

Why do I get a sinking feeling when looking at the numbers for the Philadelphia economy?  Nationally, economists are debating whether the recession is about to return. It looks like it already has landed in Philadelphia. All the major indices... (Comments)

Black Exodus: Part One

The number of middle class blacks in Philadelphia has declined significantly in the last 10 years, but the drop cannot be attributed solely to the bad economy. A large number of blacks have lost middle-class status because of layoffs and the turbulent job market. But, thousands of African Americans haven't fallen; they have fled. A new series of stories explores the phenomenon of black flight from the city to the suburbs. Part One provides explains what is up and why. We call the series Black Exodus. (Comments)