HONORED! There are moments in my career where I privately pursue a goal and it can feel like it’s never going to happen. After seven consecutive years of being snubbed, today it was announced that I won the 2023 Excellence in Journalism Award from the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists! 

I’m being honored with the Excellence in Long Form Journalism Award for my Rolling Stone feature story “Jussie Smollett Wanted to Be a Hero. Instead, He Destroyed His Career.” After following the Smollett trial, I wrote something that sparked a lot of controversy within various personal and professional circles I was a part of. But as a journalist, these are the moments when you lean into public discomfort to challenge people to wrestle with their biases and the strangle that celebrity culture has on us all. 

To win for this writing in particular and be recognized by this NLGJA at this moment in my career is very timely. While certain journalism institutions (that I’m no longer interested in naming), have made it the point to try to silence and exclude the voices of Black queer journalists – to see several others embrace me so loud and proud is touching. 

Back in 2016 when I was the LGBTQ editor for Philadelphia Magazine, a lot of my work was often siloed in the industry as simply being from a Black journalist. But I would often push back and make it a point to name myself as a Black queer journalist because I always saw my work through an intersectional lens. Whether it was covering racism in the Gayborhood, writing commentary on my very Black queer wedding, or reporting on hate crimes – I always made it a point to say it’s not either/or – it’s BOTH. 

I want to thank all of the editors throughout my career who’ve understood that. I want to especially thank Rolling Stone, Editor in Chief Noah Shachtman and Deputy Editor Sean Woods for giving me the platform to continue to tell these now award-winning stories every year. I want to thank NLGJA for putting the performance above politics and recognizing my work in this remarkable way. 

I cannot wait to accept this award and celebrate at the NLGJA Convention this September in PHILADELPHIA!!!! 

PROMOTION! I’m so thrilled to finally announce that I’ve been promoted to Political Writer at Large for Philadelphia Magazine! It’s a new role the publication has created and it speaks to the evolution of my work and elevates the coverage Philly needs now more than ever.

As the first-ever Political Writer at Large, I will be exclusively focusing on covering the city’s political class in longform profiles and investigations in the pages of the magazine. I’m grateful for my editor Brian Howard and the rest of the publication’s leadership for recognizing my passion for politics and investing in my personal vision to take things to the next level.

Across America, especially in Pennsylvania, there’s been a lack of Black political journalists. Throughout my career, I’ve had to fight to break through the doors of City Hall and speak truth to power. The erasure of Black reporters discussing politics in our region has served as a massive disservice to our diverse community.

I’m super excited to have the time, resources, and space to widely cover the upcoming primary/general elections, a new mayor, and new City Council with greater depth and focus. I hope this moment inspires other newsrooms to shake up the political news desks with more people who look like me.

There’s already some great stories to come – as always, stay tuned!

RE-ELECTED WITH A NEW ROLE! I’m pleased to announce that I've been re-elected to the Board of Governors of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Mid-Atlantic Chapter) for another term and will now serve as the Regional Vice President!

Being a part of NATAS these past few years has been a blast! I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with broadcast talent from across the region. There’s so much talent in front of and behind the camera that are doing great things both commercially and independently. The scholarship money we’ve been raising for the future of the medium has been incredible and has been making an impact. As Regional VP, I plan to advise and implement great ideas to advance the mission of the organization in Philly and Eastern Pennsylvania. I’m grateful to the members of the Academy for re-electing me and my fellow board governors for voting me in! 

See you all at the Regional Emmy Awards in October and let’s get to work!

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! I’m proud to officially share that I’ve been recruited as the new Editor of Eater Philly! After years of eating my way throughout the region, my passion for the food scene (and all that it entails) has led me to now leading one of the most exciting culinary publications in the nation! Before the tabloids start – No, I’m not leaving any of the other media outlets I already work with. You will continue to read, watch, and hear me in all of the various places I’m STILL at. This opportunity is an extension (not a reduction) of the content that I love producing overall. This moment is full-circle. Five years ago during June of 2018, I released one of my most personal stories about “Dining While Black” in Philly. I shared about the racial discrimination I faced in the food scene and the lack of representation of local diverse voices in culinary leadership roles in the kitchen and media. To now be one of the few Black food editors for a mainstream publication like this years later isn’t a coincidence – but a testament to what change looks like when you’re invested in seeing things progress with time. I want to thank the Eater family and Vox Media for the opportunity to take things to the next level. I look forward to shaking the table (literally and figuratively) when it comes to covering Philly’s food scene and making it reflect the diverse communities/restaurants who shape it. I also look forward to recruiting new freelancers who have something bold, unique, and interesting to say about what, how, and where we eat! Can’t wait to officially begin in July, but all I can say for now is bon appétit and stay tuned! 

SURPRISE!!!!! HERE'S THE NATIONAL SUMMER BOOK TOUR DATES!!!! 

Back on the road this summer to promote a book that's still a hot topic -- we're going to Baltimore, I'm making a stop in my hometown of Houston, NOLA is happening -- and yes, I'm making my debut at the Vineyard!!! There's going to be several special guest surprises along the way and I can't wait to see so many of you!!!

Mark your calendars now! 

NOW YOU CAN DINE WITH MY BOOK! This might be the coolest thing I’ve done in a while and I’m excited to finally announce that on Friday, June 23rd – the public can now experience an out-of-this-world tasting menu inspired by my book at Restaurant Aleksandar in Rittenhouse! Yes, on this special night, I’ll be kicking off the summer with a six-course tasting menu called “The Cancel Dinner.” Curating this menu alongside Chef Montana Houston and Chef Ja’mir Wimberly-Cole, two Black chefs I’ve admired for a while, was a delectable experience. I've been a longtime fan of Restaurant Aleksandar and the dining risks that they take with each dish. For this special tasting, they are incorporating pivotal elements of my book into something delicious and out-of-the-box. I can't wait for guests to go on this culinary and literary journey with me as we explore the history/inspiration behind these entrees and more. There will be two seatings that you can make reservations for on this special occasion (5:30 pm and 8 pm). I will be at both of them discussing the courses as they come out and signing copies of my book “The Case for Cancel Culture” in collaboration with Harriett’s Bookstore! There’s so many more surprises in store!!! RSVP here before reservations fill up!

ERNESTLY SPEAKING WON A NATIONAL AWARD! I just received word that I won the Hometown Media Award from the Foundation of the Alliance for Community Media for my work on voter education on Ernestly Speaking! These awards are presented to the most creative programs that address community needs, develop diverse community involvement, challenge conventional commercial television formats and move viewers to experience television in a different way. I’m super ecstatic to be winning for this work in particular! I’m so grateful for my PhillyCAM family for nominating me for this, and to actually win is truly an honor! Shout-out to my producers Roland Boyden, Debbie Rudman, and the incomparable Gretjen Clausing for encouraging me to hit the small screen once again to do this important election special. Since 2010, Ernestly Speaking has evolved from a college radio show, public access TV show, and now a podcast. Philadelphia Community Access Media has been my television home since the beginning and it was truly a homecoming to reunite with the incredible staff and volunteers who’ve encouraged me for years! I look forward to accepting this award in person in Brooklyn, New York next month! Thank you to everyone who continues to prove that community media matters and that local politics deserve acknowledgement in a changing news landscape! “And as always: Be well and be best!”

IT’S OFFICIAL! I’M THE NEW HOST! It is with great honor that I’m pleased to announce that I’m the new host of Philadelphia City Council Live on @onwurd Radio! ✨

Every Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm, you can expect to hear me live during each weekly Philadelphia City Council session. 🔥

After years of making guest appearances and being featured in segments, I’m glad to finally be a consistent fixture within the WURD family! ❤️

It has always been my dream to host this show. From my years in college as a City Council communications fellow to now being a political journalist, this show has always been a staple in how I studied and kept up with local politics. To my predecessors who have hosted this show before me, I’m truly humbled and inspired by the talent and wisdom you brought to this very important program. 

This is my first-ever dive into broadcast journalism in this capacity and I’m super excited. Shout-out to all of the producers and programming staff at the station who trained me for this major move. I’m super grateful to WURD CEO Sara M. Lomax, General Manager Ashanti Martin, and News Director Jamyra Perry for believing in my vision for this iconic program!  I’m so glad to be a part of a landmark Black radio station like WURD and be a part of PROGRESSIVE Black media! ✊🏾

My debut is Thursday, May 25th, at 10 am when City Council returns to session. Please tune in wherever you are! For those who want to support me, WURD, and great programming like this show – I encourage you all to become a “Forwurd” member of the station. There are annual memberships and monthly memberships as low as $5 a month. Support local Black-owned, woman-owned, media right here.

It hasn’t dawned on me that a month ago at this same time, I was having a completely different life experience – and here I am – days away from electing a new mayor and City Council – having a completely different one. That’s faith in action. ❤️

BOSTON – Tonight was a dream. 

I was the keynote speaker at the launch of Northeastern University's Center for Communication, Media Innovation, and Social Change! In a packed auditorium of students, faculty, and the public, I spoke about the power of cancel culture and how to reclaim it as an unruly tool for democracy. I was truly moved by the engagement of the audience. They were everything!

Thank you Dr. Meredith Clark for considering me and amplifying my voice. I appreciate you and your team for supporting my new book! To the countless community members who came out and made sure I signed your copies – I'm forever grateful! Moments like these empower, encourage, and excite me! The level of joy and gratitude I'm feeling right now is immense. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

Official Bio of Ernest Owens

Ernest Owens is an award-winning journalist and CEO of Ernest Media Empire, LLC. He is the the Editor of Eater Philly, Political Writer at Large for Philadelphia Magazine, President of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, and Regional Vice President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Mid-Atlantic Chapter). He is the executive producer and host of the hit podcast “Ernestly Speaking!” and host of Philadelphia City Council Live on WURD Radio. He’s the author of the book “The Case for Cancel Culture” that’s published by St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers. As an openly Black gay journalist, he has made headlines for speaking frankly about intersectional issues in society regarding race, LGBTQIA, and pop culture. In 2018, he launched his growing media company that specializes in multimedia production, consulting, and communications. 

In June 2016, he made a viral post on Twitter that called out superstar Justin Timberlake during the BET Awards. The tweet got a response from Timberlake that prompted a national discussion on cultural appropriation. For several years, his extensive reporting on racism in the LGBTQ community received national attention as he revealed acts of racial discrimination in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood. His coverage was cited by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations as reviving a decades long issue in the community that finally led to local government intervention, an anti-discrimination bill being unanimously passed, and the city's pride rainbow flag to now include black and brown stripes to acknowledge racial inclusion. His versatile talent has taken him from Ghana to the White House, where he’s interviewed countless political leaders (such as Vice President Kamala Harris) to Hollywood where he’s interviewed industry heavyweights (such as Oprah Winfrey and Academy Award winning screenwriter Tarell Alvin McCraney).

An innovative millennial, Ernest has already become an emerging media mogul in his own right. He received his B.A. in communication from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master’s degree in communication management from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. He’s an adjunct professor at Cheyney University, the nation’s first Historically Black College and University (HBCU). His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, CNN, NBC, and other prominent media outlets. He’s also a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, and the Online News Association. 

He has earned countless honors, which includes landing on the 2023 City & State PA Pride Power 100 list, the 2022 Most Influential African Americans list by The Philadelphia Tribune, winning the 2020 Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, and other honors from Forbes, American Society of Magazine Editors, National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, Pen & Pencil Club, and City & Regional Magazine Association. In 2022, he was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for his writing at Rolling Stone magazine. 

He can be found on Twitter and other social media platforms at @MrErnestOwens & ernestowens.com.

 For Virtual and In-Person Speaking Inquiries: 

Sean Lawton 

Collective Speakers 

720-778-2776 

sean@collectivespeakers.com

New Official Headshots, 

PHILADELPHIA -- Y'all we're everything tonight! I don't even have all the photos, but the event was fire!!! Look who showed up (and this isn't even everyone)!

Dozens of books were sold and signed tonight! Best team ever! Thank you Cashman & Associates for the press coordination tonight and Penn Bookstore!! I hit the road this weekend, but glad Philly gave me a great kickoff!! 

I'm seriously inconceivable with the amount of love you all have been pouring me this week. 

As my book continues to top Amazon charts, I'm beginning to kick off my national book tour at the place where my journey in Philly began.

Nearly 13 years ago, the first place my mom and I went as I began my freshman year at Penn was this bookstore. As I explored my student journalism career, I would walk these blocks of Walnut Street and see the countless book displays adorn faculty and alumni authors.

I would always simply dream of the day I could do something magical like that. In a place that once doubted if I ever belonged. 

Today, my book is being displayed alongside professors and scholars I read throughout my college years and all I can say is "look at that." 

Look at that. 

Thank you University of Pennsylvania for the Quaker love tonight! 

On February 23, I spoke before Philadelphia City Council about the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists turning 50 years old and the need for us to be supported in more ways than one. Thank you Councilmember Isaiah Thomas for introducing this resolution, alongside Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson & Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson for co-introducing this! 

WHAT A TIME! Last night, I officially kicked off the release of my book with a private party at the Comcast Technology Center with 150 of my closest family, friends, and fans! It was everything, everywhere, all at once. Next to my wedding and college graduation, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so elated in my entire life. 

We had the best cocktails, food, and vibes. I had an awesome fireside chat with the legendary Ms. Patty Jackson and signed over a hundred copies afterwards! Then there was an impromptu after party that was filled with more surprises and gifts! I want to thank everyone who came out last night and made this one for the books! I wanted you all to feel the same level of joy I experienced and I’m so glad the magic was felt!

Some major shout-outs:

Thank you Comcast for hosting this incredible event. I appreciate you Dalila Wilson Scott, Bret Perkins, Scott Barnes, and the entire events team for making this an innovative wonder!

Thank you Cashman & Associates for coordinating all of the local media for my book and being a co-sponsor for this event. I appreciate you Nicole Cashman, Michelle Conron, Sofia Pignitor, and the entire team for putting a spotlight on me to shine brighter. 

Thank you Harriet’s Bookshop for being the official book vendor at my event. I appreciate and adore you Jeannine Cook and your staff for believing in this vision from the moment I announced I had a book deal. (Yes, now everyone can exclusively get autographed copies of the book at her lovely store!)

Thank you to the Laborers District Council for being a co-sponsor of this private book launch party. I appreciate you Ryan Boyer, Dione Firth, and the entire team for making sure young people are able to get access to this very important book. 

Thank you Philadelphia Distilling for being the official liquor sponsor of this event. I truly appreciate your ongoing support for my love of Bluecoat and your commitment to local organizations. 

Thank you Cake Life Bake Shop for designing that incredible book cake. From my wedding to my birthday – and now this, you all have always made sure I was in great hands!

Thank you Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson for surprising me with a lovely citation that was backed unanimously by the City Council of Philadelphia. I was truly touched by those words and having it presented in front of my most loyal faves was everything. 

Thank you Philly CAM for presenting me with a proclamation that honored my years of service at your beloved nonprofit. I appreciate you, Gretjen Clausing and the entire staff and membership for giving me a media home away from home. 

I am truly on Cloud 9 right now and taking all of this in. 

You can listen to the live recording of my fireside chat with Ms. Patty Jackson, which is now a special edition episode of #ErnestlySpeaking right here.

IT IS FINALLY HERE! THE CASE FOR CANCEL CULTURE IS EVERYWHERE WHERE BOOKS ARE SOLD!

I am officially a published author!I’m reflecting on the many years of preparation, interviews, writing, editing, drafting, rejections, renewals, re-shifts, rebranding, and re-learning it took to get to this point. 

To be able to hold this book in my hands and know that thousands of others will too is an inexplicable feeling that I’m having a hard time putting in words.

I’m truly grateful to my book agent, Stephanie Winter at P.S. Literary agency, for believing in this project from the very beginning. I want to thank my agent, Sean Lawton at Collective Speakers for making sure I stay booked, busy, and paid during this journey. Eric Smith, you already know how I feel about you and forever gonna sing your praises for getting this all started in that little cafe in Drexel four years ago. Nicole Cashman and the team at Cashman & Associates for lending your incredible services in making sure Philly was centered in this experience. Jeannine Cook and your team at Harriet’s Bookstore are the warriors that backed this book from the jump – thank you for relentless support. Patty Jackson, thank you – what is understood doesn’t have to be fully explained. To my team at St. Martin’s Press/Macmillan Publishers: my editor Cassidy Graham, my publicist John Karle, the marketing crew lead by Martin Quinn, and everyone at Macmillan Audiobooks for taking this to the next level! Forever thankful for the editorial guidance and feedback of Ceri Marsh, who was a true friend to behold during this journey! 

To all of the people who allowed me to interview them for this book: Kenyette Tisha Barnes, Leslie Mac, Daniela Capistrano, Jon Pierre, William E. Ketchum, III, Michael Coard, Preston Mitchum, Randy Robinson, Dawn Ennis, J. Mase III, Dr. Meredith D. Clark, Desiree Peterkin Bell, Dorcas A., and Dr. Anthea Butler -- thank you so much for lending your important voice to this topic. I learned so much from you all and this book is all the better for it! 

I want to thank my family and friends for allowing me to be great at this time. All of the conversations we’ve had and all of the time you all let me have to exhaust you on all things cancel culture hasn’t been taken for granted. Definitely want to thank my husband Barry Johnson for pushing me to go all the way in writing this book in the first place. What initially was just a guest op-ed in the New York Times became a full-length book that was deeper than any of the original ideas I previously had for one. Thank you for reminding me to never play it safe. 

To every journalist, media outlet, blogger, influencer, and fan who has written, posted, purchased and/or shouted-out this book, thank you so much for believing in this work and giving me the confidence to keep going! Seriously, all of that love was truly felt.

And lastly, you’ll see on the first page that I dedicate this book “To my beloved grandmother, Ethel, who first taught me how to cancel unapologetically, and to my dear mother, Lolita, who later taught me how to cancel with grace.”

Enough said. 

If you haven’t already, you can now purchase THE CASE FOR CANCEL CULTURE where ever hardback books AND/OR audiobooks are sold.

Photography by Ronald Gray

What is the controversy about cancel culture all about?  

Cancel culture has become a deeply contested political hot potato in the nation’s political discourse. Is it about accountability or a tactic to punish others unjustly, or a mix of both. And some argue that cancel culture doesn’t even exist. Some 49% of those familiar with the term said it describes actions people take to hold others accountable for egregious statements, slurs, and attacks on others' character, ethnicity, etc. Is it helping our society evolve, or is it polarizing us? Or is there some common ground we can learn from? 

 Joining Host Vince Poscente to answer these questions, are Ernest Owens, an award-winning journalist and recent recipient of The Change Makers Award. He is also the author of an upcoming book, “The Case for Cancel Culture,” and Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, an award-winning journalist, and a proponent of free speech. He's the author of “The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth.”

Journalist, CEO of Ernest Media Empire, LLC, and Author of The Case for Cancel Culture: How This Democratic Tool Works to Liberate Us, Ernest Owens spoke to AL DÍA about his book's argument that cancel culture is a tool used to hold powerful people and entities accountable.

Photography by Ronald Gray 

HERE IT IS! THE NATIONAL BOOK TOUR DATES ARE HERE! 

One week before my book officially releases, I am proud to drop the dates of the first leg of my national book tour! These are the spots we’ll be hitting up on the East Coast so far. More dates will be added as we travel, but I wanted to give you all some save-the-dates as some are happening as soon as next week! Excited is an understatement. I’ve been waiting in anticipation to discuss this book with the masses for a minute and the hype surrounding this experience has been so real!

They’ll be some special guests in various cities that will be accompanying me throughout the tour, so come through to find out who! 

FOR PHILLY FANS: you can now RSVP to attend the event right here.

FOR D.C. FANS, you can now RSVP to attend the event right here.

FOR BOSTON/HARVARD FANS, you can now RSVP to attend the event right here.

FOR NYC FANS, you can now RSVP to attend the event right here.

FYI: These book signings are the ONLY way you can get autographed copies from me, UNLESS you buy a copy exclusively from Harriett's Bookshop – the ONLY location that is selling pre-signed copies of mine!