Terrence J.Brown

Multi-Media Journalist

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Culture. • Pennsylvania Talk Archive

  • By Terrence Brown | Pennsylvania Talks

    Chester, Pa. —  Inside J. Lewis Crozer Library, a circle of women is doing something that doesn’t always happen in Chester – talking openly. The circle is called Women With a Purpose, a bi-weekly series built by 25-year-old Chester native Nya’Kayla Brown

    Brown, who goes by Kay, is a proud Chester High School graduate who got married and had two children right after graduation. She said the group started with her own story. “Women With a Purpose started based off my own experience after becoming a wife and a mom so young,” Brown said. “I wanted to create the space I didn’t have.”That feeling — of becoming a mother without a space to be honest — is what she wanted to fix.

    According to the CDC, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. report symptoms of postpartum depression. Brown said she saw that isolation in herself and in other young moms around her.”I wanted to give back to a community that was once and still is mine,” she said. “My vision is to help women see it through during their hard times.”On Monday, her “Finding Your Voice” session at Crozer Library mixed guided activities with real testimony. The format is simple: group discussion, reflection, and sisterhood. Participants are invited to share their own experiences and offer insight to others.

    It’s working, Brown said. One woman recently told her she had stopped coming to events in the city altogether.”There was a woman I spoke with who said she loved my theme,” Brown said. “She said she wouldn’t attend another Chester event until she came to mine.”

    This month, Brown partnered with Get Bodied by Fatimah, a local body contouring business, for a “Meet and Learn” on confidence and body image — a topic Brown said comes up constantly when women talk about mental health.

    Brown said the series is for all women, but she especially wants to see younger women in the room. “I want younger women to know they don’t have to go through it alone,” she said. “We do all things women empowerment and also love.”

    What’s Next:

    The next Women With a Purpose meeting is Sept. 22 at J. Lewis Crozer Library. Updates and upcoming events are posted on Facebook at @modestkay.

  • By Terrence Brown | Pennsylvania Talks

    CHESTER, Pa. — Delaware County Non-Profit Organization, Buckner’s Giving Tree gave back to the Community this weekend during it’s annual Back to School bash, an event with a mission to assist families prepare for the school year.

    The event provided families with activities, food and haircuts, while community partners and volunteers came together to help make the day possible.

    For Buckner’s Giving Tree owner Sabrina Buckner, the event is about more than simply providing school supplies. It’s about helping families who may be facing difficult choices when it comes to meeting their children’s needs.

    “It means everything for those who cannot afford it,” Buckner said. “Having to choose between necessities and family is hard — this will help them get what they need and in style.”

    Buckner’s Giving Tree’s commitment to the community extends beyond its annual back-to-school celebration.

    The organization operates a senior and veterans meal program that delivers more than 280 meals each week to residents throughout Delaware County. Caring for Friends serves as a major weekly meal sponsor for the organization’s senior meal program and also sponsored the grilled food served during Saturday’s Back to School Bash. The nonprofit also operates a community pantry every Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 225 Concord Avenue in Chester.

    The Back to School Bash was supported by several community partners and sponsors, including Laborers Local 413, Wawa, Cradles to Crayons, True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, Caring for Friends, IAE and Rash’s Beauty Supply.

    The organization’s ongoing community support also includes continued sponsorship from IAE and Rash’s Beauty Supply, two separate sponsors supporting Buckner’s Giving Tree and its continued work in the community

    For James Harper, business manager for Laborers Local 413, the partnership with Buckner’s Giving Tree is personal.

    “For me personally, it’s great I get to give back to the city that raised me,” Harper said.

    Local 413 is preparing to celebrate its 90th anniversary this November. Harper said the organization’s continued partnership with Buckner’s Giving Tree is another opportunity to give back to the Chester community.

    The partnership also extends beyond Saturday’s event. Buckner’s Giving Tree uses Local 413’s Stackies building for its pantry, allowing the nonprofit to serve residents from the location multiple times each week.

    During the Back to School Bash, Local 413 members also helped feed attendees, serving hot dogs and burgers to families.

    “I’m tired and on the grill, but what better way to spend the Saturday than giving back?” Harper said.

    Community members also contributed to the atmosphere of the celebration, with local vendors, volunteers and organizations helping create an afternoon centered around families and preparing children for the new school year.

    And the community outreach doesn’t stop here.

    Harper said Laborers Local 413 is planning another community event on Labor Day featuring a backpack giveaway, voter registration and fingernail painting for school-age children.

    Buckner’s Giving Tree is also seeking additional support as it continues its work throughout Delaware County. With the continued support of community partners and sponsors, Buckner’s Giving Tree is also seeking additional support as it expands its work throughout Delaware County.

    Those interested in volunteering or supporting the organization can visit the pantry at 225 Concord Avenue in Chester. Donations can be made through PayPal at PayPal.me/bucknersgivingtree or through Cash App at $BresBlessed.

    Buckner’s Giving Tree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on supporting families, seniors and veterans throughout the community.

    “Help us help others,” Buckner said.

  • By Terrence Brown | Pennsylvania Talks

    Chester’s very own, Maziha Cooper is making her way to the big screens once again with her upcoming film “The Last Hospital”. The trailer is scheduled to drop September 3rd, 2026– making this the independent film makers second movie.

    ” A story of politics, power, and sacrifice.”- Maziha Described.

    Born and raised in Chester, one of Pennsylvania’s oldest cities, Maziha Cooper is nearing the completion of her third feature film.

    “I started making short films when I was 16. Now I’m creating longer films to reach my community in Chester,” Maziha described.

    Her work reflects on real-life issues that currently surround Chester residents. From domestic violence and sexual assault to poverty and gun violence, Cooper has used filmmaking as a way to tell stories that she says deserve to be heard.

    Her work has also reached an audience far beyond Chester. Cooper’s YouTube channel has more than 2,000 subscribers and 45 videos, with her most-viewed video, a domestic violence short film, reaching more than 200,000 views.

    That reach is part of what makes Cooper’s latest project stand out.

    Just one year ago, Crozer Health announced the closure of its remaining Delaware County hospitals, including Crozer-Chester Medical Center. For residents who watched the hospital become part of everyday life in Chester, its closure represented more than the loss of a building. It meant the loss of jobs, medical services and a major resource for the community.

    Now Cooper is looking to take those real-life concerns behind the screen.

    Her upcoming film, “The Last Hospital,” explores the impact of a hospital closure through the stories of a struggling single mother, a street hustler trying to change his life and an elderly woman holding onto hope.

    “I want the community to know someone out there understands them,” Cooper said.

    The message appears to already be resonating with people directly affected by the hospital’s closure.

    For Cooper, telling stories about Chester isn’t simply about making a movie. It’s about using the tools she developed as a young filmmaker to reflect the experiences of the people around her.

    Her first film, “Another Day in Our City,” came after Cooper began pursuing acting and filmmaking as a teenager. She was introduced to acting classes through a local mentor, Amanda Johnson, and eventually began creating her own projects.

    “After that, I just kept on going,” Cooper said.

    That persistence eventually led to “The Lick,” a 2024 feature film that Cooper wrote, directed and appeared in. The crime film follows two childhood friends trying to survive through the streets as their loyalty is tested. The film is now available through Amazon Prime.

    But Cooper’s work has continued to evolve.

    From a short film that reached hundreds of thousands of viewers to projects tackling domestic violence, sexual assault, poverty and gun violence, her filmmaking has consistently focused on issues that affect real people.

    Now, with “The Last Hospital,” Cooper is bringing that approach even closer to home.

    The story may be fictional, but the questions behind it are very real: What happens to a community when one of its most important resources disappears? And how do the people left behind move forward?

    For a filmmaker who grew up in Chester, Cooper hopes the answer can begin with simply making sure those stories are seen. The trailer is expected to drop on YouTube September 3rd. Find Maziha Facebook and Instagram for more about her upcoming work.

  • By Terrence Brown | Pennsylvania Talks

    The event was recently held at J. Crozer Library where tons of Youth from the community had the chance to attend and participate in safe activities and interactive games.

    Chester residents and youth gathered at J. Lewis Crozer Library Friday for a community summer carnival celebrating the end of a summer work experience through Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) and the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (OVR) MY Work program. The event brought together young people, families and community members for an afternoon of games, activities and fun while highlighting the skills participants developed while working with the library throughout the summer.

    I spoke with Jaydyn, Assistant to Executive Director at Crozer Library, who excitedly described the event as “the last day of the program.” What other way to spend the last day of a program than to have a festival?

    For the youth participating in the MY Work program, the summer was about more than simply showing up to a job. Participants worked alongside the library and gained hands-on experience with event planning while helping enhance activities taking place at the library.

    That work came together during Friday’s carnival, where youth and community members took part in games, creative activities and other activities throughout the afternoon.

    The carnival also gave participants an opportunity to put some of the skills they developed during their summer placement into action while creating an enjoyable experience for other young people in the community.

    The MY Work program provides young people with opportunities to gain meaningful work experience while developing skills they can carry into future employment and everyday life. For the participants at Crozer Library, that experience included working within their own community and helping create programming for others.

    The celebration was also a reminder that work experience can look different for every young person. Through activities, planning and community engagement, participants had an opportunity to learn while having fun and building confidence in what they can do for themselves.

    After speaking with Lauren Sands, executive director of the library, I learned that another community event is already on the calendar. The library is planning a book bag giveaway for Thursday, August 20. Times and additional information have not been provided at this time, but the library is expected to share more details as the event approaches.

    Residents can find updates about upcoming events through the J. Lewis Crozer Library’s Facebook page and website.

    J. Lewis Crozer Library continues to serve as a community resource for Chester residents, offering programs and activities for people of different ages throughout the year. Residents interested in upcoming programs should check the library’s online pages for the latest dates and information.

  • Preventive health outreach programs are stepping in to provide critical screenings and wellness education to Chester residents, offering a vital safety net as the community navigates the widespread healthcare gaps left by the closure of Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

    City of Chester Government: Official Black Men’s Wellness Day Flyer

    This weekend, Chester City Councilman Shyquan Davis hosted Black Men’s Wellness Day at Chester Memorial Park, bringing community members together for conversations centered on health education, prevention and wellness. The event comes one year after Crozer Health’s closure, which left many Chester and Delaware County residents without access to healthcare services in their communities. As local healthcare options continue to change, events like Black Men’s Wellness Day create opportunities to connect residents with resources, encourage preventive care and highlight the importance of Black men prioritizing their health.

    Why Building Trust is Important

    Argument: Communities should invest more in accessible health education, outreach, and support programs specifically designed to encourage Black men to prioritize their health.

    Some may argue that community wellness events, while helpful for education and outreach, cannot replace the healthcare services Chester residents lost after Crozer’s closure. Critics may argue that the focus should instead be on expanding permanent healthcare infrastructure, increasing medical providers, and ensuring residents have consistent access to primary and emergency care.

    However, community-based events serve as an immediate step toward addressing healthcare gaps while larger solutions are developed. Wellness programs can connect residents with available providers, encourage preventive screenings, and help rebuild trust between healthcare systems and communities that have experienced barriers to care.

    This matters because Black Men shy away from healthcare because of a low trust in the medical field. It’s not just a Pennsylvania thing, but around the United States. According to the American Lung Association, there was a Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male which there were 600 participants from 1932 to 1972. Men were targeted for free primary care from local physicians in the south and were denied medication. This historically roots a trust issue for black men receiving medical attention.

    Counter Argument: Some may argue that healthcare is an individual responsibility and that residents should seek care wherever services are available rather than relying on community-based programs.

    Resolution : The Bigger Picture

    While individuals are responsible for making decisions about their own health, accessibility plays a major role in whether people receive preventive care. The closure of Crozer Health facilities does not mean healthcare has disappeared, but it has created additional barriers for residents who relied on familiar providers and trusted healthcare relationships built over time. Community programs help address these challenges by bringing health education, resources, and support directly to residents in spaces where they feel comfortable seeking help.

    According to the CDC : “In 2018, in the United States, the death rate for African Americans/Blacks was higher (16.3 per 100,000) compared with any other racial/ethnic group. ” Black Men face significant health challenges and often experience barriers that prevent them from seeking preventive care and addressing health concerns early. 

    Today, community wellness events like this are helpful in building a bridge of trust to the community, it encourage our fellow neighbors to seek local preventive care. They also make spaces available for local providers to reach areas they haven’t been able to due to the Crozer Hospital Shut Down.

    Crozer announces full diversion amongst all campuses

    In May 2025, Crozer Made The following announcement to the public: ” As of 8:00am ET on April 23rd, 2025, the Crozer Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital were on full diversion and closed to ambulances.  

    The crisis center at Crozer will be on full diversion and closed to ambulances starting on Monday, April 28th at 8:00am ET. “

    Although residents can travel to facilities such as ChristianaCare or local urgent care centers, transportation, familiarity with providers and longstanding community relationships remain barriers for many Chester residents. Healthcare and medical emergencies at Everest Urgent Care in Chester or traveling to neighboring cities for Primary Care Physicians and Medical emergencies. Just a month ago, ChristianaCare opened a local hospital in Aston, PA. But this still leaves Chester with a heavy question. What are we going to do about building a local healthcare system inside the city?

    Call to Action

    Preventive health outreach cannot replace the hospitals, physicians and emergency services Chester residents lost after Crozer’s closure. However, these programs provide an immediate way to connect residents with health education, resources and preventive care while larger healthcare solutions are developed. Community leaders, healthcare providers and residents should continue supporting outreach efforts that improve access to care and help rebuild trust within Chester’s healthcare system.

  • Smoke from Canadian wildfires has affected air quality in Chester, Pennsylvania, and surrounding communities. Over the weekend, residents experienced a Code Purple air quality alert, meaning conditions reached levels where prolonged outdoor exposure could pose health risks. This explainer examines how wildfire smoke traveled to Chester, the role of the jet stream and weather patterns, and what residents can expect as air quality continues to improve.

    AirNow.Gov: Air Quality Map from July 17, 2026

    Where the Smoke Started: Canadian Wildfires

    The smoke didn’t come from a local fire, it came hundreds of miles away from Canada! Most of the time during these fires, they are mainly started by humans. According to a study by North Carolina State University, “Wildfires can start from natural causes, such as lightning, but most are caused by humans. In fact, about 85% of wildfires in the U.S. result from human causes, including arson, unattended campfires and debris fires and discarded cigarettes.”

    As of recently, Canada has been experiencing a mass amount of wildfires, even now. When thinking of fires, smoke rises. During a wildfire, the intense heat from the flames causes air to rapidly rise, carrying smoke particles higher into the atmosphere. These large columns of smoke, known as smoke plumes, can reach higher levels where winds can transport them over long distances.

    How Did the Smoke Get to Chester?

    Lets think of how we travel as humans. We drive on highways and interstates to reach our destination. In the sky, there’s a highway too! But the atmosphere between hot and cold air causes pressure differences and influences wind movement. From there, the Jet Stream helps guide the air — blowing from west to east.

    Heated air makes smoke rise into the atmosphere and uses the direction of air to move Pennsylvania an unhealthy amount of smoke.

    The jet stream is a narrow area of strong winds located several miles above the Earth’s surface. These winds generally move from west to east, carrying weather systems and, in some cases, pollutants such as wildfire smoke.

    As smoke from Canadian wildfires reached higher levels of the atmosphere, winds helped transport those particles south into the United States, including parts of Pennsylvania. This is why communities like Chester could experience poor air quality despite being hundreds of miles away from the fires.

    Clearing the Air: How Weather Helped Improve Conditions

    The good thing about smoke is that, as long as the weather changes, there is a chance to improve air conditions.

    Yesterday, we had thunderstorms in the late afternoon and evening. By today, Chester had Moderate air quality, with a peak Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 77.

    Rainfall and shifting winds played a role in improving air quality by helping remove smoke particles from the atmosphere and moving the remaining smoke away from the region.

    While conditions have improved, wildfire smoke events show how weather patterns can connect communities thousands of miles away.

    Although these are the conditions now, smoke can return if wildfires begin to erupt again. To stay in the loop on how clean your air is, visit AirNow.gov. Remember, air quality is an ever-changing part of the weather.

  • By Terrence Brown | Pennsylvania Talks

    Dig below the surface as Chester Residents learn more about Mayor Roots, his leadership and where it all started– in Chester.

    Declaration of Independence Day reading at City Hall featuring Mayor Stefan Roots

    Mayor Roots is rooted  in Chester, Pennsylvania.As a Chester city native, he graduated from the city’s own , Chester High School in 1978.  From that time, he attended Villanova University and graduated with an electrical engineering degree in 1982. After finishing school, Mayor Roots did work in the electrical engineering field, Chester upland school district , and even started his own publication, Chester Blogs in 2006, according to Mayor Roots page on the city of Chester website.

    A glitch into the past –Murals of former Chester City Mayors at City Hall. Photographer : Terrence Brown

    I spoke to Roots about his journey of becoming Mayor in which he explained: “I began as Councilman in January 2022 for Public Property and Recreation— Two years later in January 2024 he was inaugurated at the 33rd Mayor for the City of Chester . I’ll never forget that day”

    A glitch into the past –Murals of former Chester City Mayors at City Hall. Photographer : Terrence Brown

    “Recently, the city council has been influencing safe events around the city of Chester.”- Mayor Roots. From the most previous council meeting, the mayor has had it approved to use funding for a safe summer series, where every Wednesday and Saturday has safe block parties run by the city of Chester.According to the city of Chester app, residents can participate in the following events over the next week;

    Credits: City of Chester Government. Mayor Safe Summer Flyer.

    Residents looking to connect more with city council and events be sure to download the Chester City Connect App or check out the city of Chester’s website.

    Lafayette’s Tour on the outside of Chester City Hall Photographer: Terrence Brown
  • On Saturday, the Delaware River Port Authority shut down the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to allow Philadelphia residents to walk over to Camden and enjoy a festival commemorating the 100th year anniversary for the bridge.

    By Terrence Brown | Pennsylvania Talks

    This weekend, thousands of people crossed the Benjamin Franklin Bridge on foot after the Delaware River Port Authority closed the bridge to vehicle traffic for its 100th anniversary celebration. Watch the full Pennsylvania Talks video below before exploring additional photos from the event.

    Benjamin Franklin Bridge during the bridge’s 100th anniversary celebration
    Photographer: Terrence Brown

    This was the beginning of the walk into Camden. Families, runners, photographers and history enthusiasts gathered before making the nearly two-mile trip across one of the Delaware Valley’s most recognizable landmarks.

    Thousands came to support the Bridge shutdown Photographer: Terrence Brown

    The bridge quickly filled with pedestrians as thousands made their way toward the Camden waterfront celebration. The event recreated a tradition from the bridge’s original opening in 1926, when approximately 100,000 people crossed on foot before it officially opened to vehicle traffic.

    CENTER CITY VIEWS FROM Ben Franklin Bridge Photographer: Terrence Brown

    One of my favorite parts of the experience was simply stopping to take in the view. From the bridge, visitors get a unique look at Philadelphia’s Center City skyline that most drivers never have the opportunity to enjoy.

    Traffic moves along Interstate 95 beneath the Benjamin Franklin Bridge Terrence Brown

    The Benjamin Franklin Bridge offers sweeping views of Interstate 95, Penn’s Landing and the Delaware River waterfront. Seeing the city from this perspective was a reminder of how closely Philadelphia and Camden are connected.

    A clear view of the historic Poggenpohl Kitchens smokestack stands along Philadelphia’s waterfront. — Terrence Brown

    The historic Poggenpohl Kitchens smokestack remains one of the most recognizable landmarks visible from the bridge. It’s a reminder of Philadelphia’s industrial history and another detail many people overlook while driving across.

    Final Thoughts

    For me, this was more than just a bridge walk. It was an opportunity to experience local history, get outside, and explore another community without spending much money. Events like this remind me why I started Pennsylvania Talks—to highlight experiences happening close to home that anyone can enjoy.


  • The upcoming city council meeting this Wednesday July 8th can determine how residents of Chester park their vehicles, rent properties, and potential reconstructed police headquarters

    Stock Photo: Chester, PA 5th & Avenue of the States

    Credit :SmallBones (Wikimedia)

    Chester City Council is scheduled to vote on several agenda items during its regular meeting Wednesday, including proposals related to the city’s Police Headquarters Project, the Chester Parking Authority and changes to rental registration and licensing fees. According to the July 6 deliberative meeting agenda released by Chester city officials, council is expected to vote on resolutions R-84 through R-92 during Wednesday’s meeting. Since the resolutions are scheduled for final passage, each item outlines actions the city could authorize if approved.

    Chief of Staff Thomas Moore referred to Resolution 84 and 85 as related.” R-84 is to authorize entry into a construction and admin service agreement with MG Engineering for the police headquarters project. (Moore, 2:08-2:18) .” The project was previously set to use ARPA funds and funding from a local share account grant in the Commonwealth. Out of the $30,357,628 IN ARPA funding, of Chester reports that there is $8,221,20 left. The deliberative agenda meeting also mentions that the project would be funded through a $250,000 Local Share Account Grant administered by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Finance Authority.

    “To repair the roof at Chester Police Department, outside work on the third and fourth floor.. we believe that will seal the interior water issue the building is having (Moore, 2:32-2:50). ‘For the full project of related project, Resolution R-85 the project will be replacing dry wall, ceiling tiles and assisting with mold remediation.”

    Resolution R-84 IS TO HIRE MG ENGINEERING as the construction manager with a cost not to exceed $20,400 for the duration of the project. Resolution R-85 authorizeS city officials advertise bid documents for general construction of the Police Headquarters Project.

    “R-86 authorizes the sale of the 1999 and 2013 ladder truck. Replacement 1999 truck scheduled to be in September or Early October…. the replacement for 2009 piece arrow will be in 2028.( City Deputy, 3:55-4:15). “Fire Officials argue that costs of repair on the 2009 Pierce Arrow would cost more than selling the current engine and buying a new one. “From my understanding, the engine is worth $50,000.00 and it costs around 20 to 25 thousand to get it fixed so it doesn’t make sense to get it fixed, we are going to replace it.(Deputy 4:27-4:38)

    Resolution R-87 would authorize a change order for additional construction testing and professional services, increasing the contract by up to $25,704.56 for a total contract value of $54,978.40.

    Resolution R-88 would authorize the appointment of Siddiq Kamara, Tracie Burns and one additional member to the Chester City Board of Ethics.

    Resolution R-89 would rescind Resolution No. 116-2024, restoring the Chester Parking Authority and appointing a new governing board consisting of designated city officials.

    “Resolution R-89 would reinstate the Chester Parking Authority. In the past, the city had a Parking Authority. There was a time where it was inactive because it incurred a lot of fees for insurance,”(7:09–7:45).

    Officials say the services were terminated, but no articles of dissolution have been filed to completely terminate the services.

    Resolution R-90 would adjust the city’s Rental Registration and Licensing Program by reducing registration fees for the first three rental units, revising late fees and increasing the tri-annual rental license fee.

    Resolution R-91 would authorize the city to accept a $50,000 grant from the Delaware County Interactive Gaming Revenue Authority to support the Mayor’s Safe Summer Block Party Series, including 12 neighborhood block parties and an end-of-summer celebration.

    Resolution R-92 would ratify the issuance of a Request for Proposal for medical and pharmacy program administration services designed to help manage healthcare costs while maintaining service quality.

    The deliberative agenda meeting happened July 6 and can be found here on the city of Chester YouTube page. The regular council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday. Residents can find the live stream at Chester City

  • By: Terrence Brown

    Date : Thursday July 2, 2026

    The City of Chester is offering residents admission to Memorial Park Pool until July 5th in response to the Delaware County Code Red.

    Chester residents can get a free fan, go to cooling stations and enjoy the Memorial Park pool for free. People in the city can visit the pool from 12 PM- 6PM until July 5th.

    Mayor Roots and the City of Chester made this happen for city residents in response to the Code Red that’s been issued.

    Last, you can visit local cooling stations at Chester Senior Center, Keystone First, Sanai Dior Ballroom, and True Fellowship Bible Church. Cooling stations time may vary and can be found here. Residents can contact city hall for a free fan while supplies lasts.

    As a Community note– Remember to stay cool, hydrated, and prepared for the weather!