The Philadelphia Tribune

12/13/2025

Those who wanted to see LL Cool J perform on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July Fourth will finally get their chance.

The actor and rapper will headline a free, star-studded concert for New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia. Joining him on the Parkway will be Philadelphia icon DJ Jazzy Jeff, Grammy- and Emmy-Award winner Adam Blackstone, rock band Dorothy, and Technician the DJ. Fireworks will cap the show to welcome 2026 and kick off the semiquincentennial. The event will start at 8 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m.

“Philly, don’t call it a comeback,” said LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, in a press release Friday announcing the show. “We’ve got unfinished business. Shout out to the Mayor for the invitation! Meet me on the Oval this New Year’s Eve as we bring in 2026 — live.”

Those who wanted to see LL Cool J perform on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July Fourth will finally get their chance.

12/12/2025

After 31 years at The Philadelphia Tribune, Managing Editor Irv Randolph will retire next month, with his retirement taking effect on Jan. 30.

After 31 years at The Philadelphia Tribune, Managing Editor Irv Randolph will retire next month, with his retirement taking effect on Jan. 30.

12/12/2025

Here is Friday's front page:

12/12/2025

The Philadelphia Bar Association honored two African American legends for their exemplary work as legal professionals during its meeting in Center City on Wednesday.

Judge Theodore McKee received the Justice Brennan Distinguished Jurist Award and Charisse Lillie was given the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Diversity Award.

McKee is a senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. He previously served on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas in the 1st Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Lillie is CEO of CRL Consulting LLC after retiring from Comcast Corp. in 2017.

The Philadelphia Bar Association honored two African American legends for their exemplary work as legal professionals during its meeting in Center City on Wednesday.

12/12/2025

City Council members passed a resolution on Thursday to hold hearings to determine what's next for Philadelphia’s policies on partnering with minority vendors for city contracts.

Council President Kenyatta Johnson, who will chair the hearings, said he wanted to identify a way to move forward with the new legal guidelines while still looking out for minority businesses.

“As members of Council, we decided just to host the hearing, look at our strategy as we move forward to make sure, we are protecting Black and brown and women-owned businesses with the new strategy that the administration has put forward, when it comes to addressing the issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” he said.

City Council members passed a resolution on Thursday to hold hearings to determine what's next for Philadelphia’s policies on partnering with minority vendors for city contracts.

12/11/2025

Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, joined by senior leadership, community partners, and some elected officials, held a press conference Wednesday at the Laborers’ District Council Training Center to release her office’s 2024–2025 two-year report.

Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, joined by senior leadership, community partners, and some elected officials, held a press conference Wednesday at the Laborers’ District Council Training Center to release her office’s 2024–2025

12/11/2025

Alterations to program descriptions and a paragraph giving Council the authority to set area median income, or AMI, qualifications for any and all programs supported by the H.O.M.E. plan forced a new ordinance after one was passed and signed in June.

City Council's Committee of the Whole voted out on Wednesday a new bond issuance to start Mayor Cherelle Parker's housing initiative, called the Housing Opportunities Made Easy plan.

12/10/2025

People on the Move in Philadelphia

Mayor’s H.O.M.E. plan gets new director

12/10/2025

Rod Paige, an educator, coach and administrator who rolled out the nation's landmark No Child Left Behind law as the first African American to serve as U.S. education secretary, died Tuesday.

Rod Paige, an educator, coach and administrator who rolled out the nation's landmark No Child Left Behind law as the first African American to serve as U.S. education secretary, died

12/09/2025

An America250PA commemorative Liberty Bell was unveiled on Sunday at Mother Bethel AME Church, where it will be on display throughout the year and the summer leading up to the 250th celebration in July.

Mother Bethel’s pastor, the Rev. Carolyn Cavaness, expressed gratitude to the city and the sponsors of the event for allowing the historic church at Sixth and Lombard to be the home for the city’s bell.

An America250PA commemorative Liberty Bell was unveiled on Sunday at Mother Bethel AME Church, where it will be on display throughout the year and the summer leading up to the

12/09/2025

“Level Up” is the guiding theme at the William C. Bryant School, where Pre-K–8 students focus on growing academically, socially and personally every day.

From the moment they walk through the doors, lessons and activities are designed to be student-centered, with goal-setting based on individual data and culturally responsive instruction that meets students where they are while preparing them for the future.

“Everything we do is about leveling up our students from the moment they walk in until they leave,” said Principal Bahir Hayes. “We review student data regularly and have a student goal campaign, where each student meets with their teacher to set a goal and plan the steps to achieve it.

“Level Up” is the guiding theme at the William C. Bryant School, where Pre-K–8 students focus on growing academically, socially and personally every day.

12/09/2025

The Tuesday front page!