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People you should know: Solomon Jones (second in a series)

23 Jun
Solomon Jones headshot

Solomon Jones

Solomon Jones is a multimedia editor and writer for Axis Philly and WHYY’s NewsWorks site.

Learn more about Axis Philly and his work in this terrific Loraine Ballard Morrill radio interview.

I’ve posted links to Jones’s work here before. Most recently, he’s been doing projects for Axis Philly on the School District.

Below is a video he put together from their recent forum on the closing of Bok High School.

For NewsWorks, he writes a regular column that often focuses on people helping to build a better and more caring community. His latest column advises fathers to fight for the opportunity to be present in their children’s lives.

One of the things I most appreciate about Jones is that he hasn’t forgotten his roots. That could mean a lot of things, but in this case it means keeping in mind that many Philadelphians have pretty tough lives.Dead Man's Wife book cover

Jones himself survived tough times, including homelessness and addiction. You can read more about his remarkable personal story in this NPR interview.

Today, he teaches a creative writing class called Words on the Street for parents and teens. It’s offered through the Schoool District’s Parent University program.

He’s also a novelist. Interestingly, he created a video trailer for his latest mystery/thriller novel, The Dead Man’s Wife.

Watch the trailer:

Probably the easiest way to stay up-to-date with Jones’s myriad activities to make Philadelphia better is to follow him on Twitter. I recommend it.

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Hello, City

14 Apr

Maple treeLike most Pennsylvanians, I’ve lived here all my life. There’s a lot to love about our city (and region).

Deciduous trees are high on my list, maybe because I grew up with a 200-year-old maple in my backyard. In the months to come I’m sure I will be sharing more about my Philadelphia favorites.

At the same time, I’m not blind to my city’s flaws. There is a lot that we can improve. Note the pronoun there. This is a can-do blog about people who are actively working to support the city. If I draw attention to something I think is lousy or even outrageous, it’s because I think it needs and deserves fixing.

I’m not interested in tearing things down for the sake of it. I can be a harsh critic, but in service to a goal that is dear to my heart: a better Philadelphia.

I hope you’ll join me.

Photo credit: Flickr user mmwm. Used with permission under a Creative Commons license.