Unfiltered with
Join FunTimes Magazine as we embark on a captivating journey, delving deep into the lives of the trailblazers and visionaries shaping the African diaspora community in Philadelphia and beyond! Get ready to be inspired as we bring you exclusive interviews with the movers and shakers who are leaving an indelible mark on their respective fields.
Tracie Powell's journey offers invaluable lessons for people of color aspiring to make their mark in journalism and beyond. Her career evolved towards philanthropy and supporting racial equity in journalism. She wrote the white paper that created the Racial Equity and Journalism Fund, supporting publishers of color.
Shawn Mooring, the Head of Philadelphia Programs at the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, began his journey in West Philadelphia, where the city’s vibrant culture and complex challenges molded his early world view. His career path, initially divergent from journalism, was focused on philanthropy and non-profit strategic planning. These experiences equipped him with a unique perspective that he would later bring to the journalistic realm.
Hon. Chris Chaplin's work, embodying a blend of service, leadership, and advocacy, inspires and impacts the lives of many in Philadelphia's African and Caribbean communities. Chaplin's career is a study of adaptability and a drive to make significant impacts in various sectors.
Pastor Justina Knuckles Sergeon’s journey of faith and perseverance is a narrative that transcends borders, wars, and personal trials. Born in Liberia and thrust into the throes of civil unrest at a young age, Justina and her family fled their homeland due to the civil war, settling in the United States in 1994. This migration began a new chapter in her life that would see her evolve from a refugee to a beacon of hope and spiritual leadership within the Lutheran Church.
Jim Friedlich, Executive Director and CEO of The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, shares insights on journalism's evolving landscape, the intersection of artificial intelligence and media, and the importance of news philanthropy. The Lenfest Institute is a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization dedicated to the support of sustainable, high-quality local journalism nationwide.
As the first African-American Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, Senator Sharif Street stands at the forefront of a new political era. He envisions a Pennsylvania that thrives on unity, diversity, and equitable progress. Under his leadership, the Democratic Party is poised to continue expanding its influence by listening to and representing the broad spectrum of voices statewide.
Omar Sabir’s tenure as the Chairman of the Philadelphia City Commissioners has been to focus on combating voter apathy and ensuring transparent, secure, and inclusive elections. His grassroots origins and unwavering commitment to community engagement have made him a trusted public official fervent about voter education so that all registered Philadelphians could express themselves by letting their voice is heard.
Cira Toure is a dedicated case manager and health navigator at the African Family Health Organization (AFAHO), based in Southwest Philadelphia. It’s a role that she has held since August 2022. Her work focuses on assisting African and Caribbean immigrants, both documented and undocumented, in the Greater Philadelphia area. She helps them in accessing essential services such as healthcare, social support, and education. As an African immigrant, Cira brings a deep understanding and personal commitment to her work shaped by her journey and multicultural background.
