Ernest Owens
Ernest Owens is an award-winning journalist and CEO of Ernest Media Empire, LLC. He is the President of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and a proud life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is the executive producer and host of the hit podcast “Ernestly Speaking!” and host of “On the Record with Ernest Owens” on WURD Radio. He’s the author of the book “The Case for Cancel Culture” (St. Martin’s Press), and the upcoming book “Divided We Stan” (Beacon Press) slated for release in 2027.
His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, NBC, NPR, and other prominent media outlets. He serves on the boards of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Mid-Atlantic Chapter), Society of Professional Journalists Foundation, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Rho Chapter), along with also being a member of the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, the Podcast Academy, the National Association of Parliamentarians, and the Online News Association.
He can be found on Instagram, X, Threads, and other social media platforms at @MrErnestOwens & ernestowens.com.
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From Awareness to Action: How to Make Social Impact After Getting Woke
So you’ve read the books, watched the documentaries, had tough conversations, and now what? Too much of the national efforts from the newly “woke” have been focused on social justice consumption rather than taking direct action. Award-winning Journalist and media advocacy leader Ernest Owens provides best practices and tips on how to be more than just a bystander to the movement, but an actual change agent.
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The Unwritten Etiquette That Has Cultural Implications
So you’ve probably read the anti-racism books, gone to protests, donated to causes, and now what? While many people this summer have spent their time understanding the fundamentals of how racism shapes society, we often don’t talk about the subtle interpersonal social dynamics/interactions that reinforce racism. In this virtual workshop, award-winning journalist and cultural critic Ernest Owens unpacks how racism in body language, passive conversation, and everyday vernacular is posing an unconscious barrier between those seeking to confront the very bias within themselves.
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How to Turn Your Social Media From Being a Career Killer to a Game Changer
Constant reports of cancel culture and the fear of losing your job have probably scared you from embracing social media. You’re afraid that one wrong tweet could lead to a nightmare of missed opportunities and a soiled reputation. But like all things, social media is a tool that can enhance your career, life, and advocacy efforts with the right approach. Award-winning journalist and social media wiz, Ernest Owens provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration into avoiding the pitfalls and maximizing the benefits of social media in the age of cancel culture.
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How to Be a Better Ally
Becoming an ally seems easy the moment one becomes “woke” on social issues. But what if your idea of championing for marginalized communities might be causing more harm than good? Award-winning journalist and civil rights advocate Ernest Owens provides a comprehensive and honest presentation on how those who care can do so with better intention, strategy, and authenticity.
See Ernest Owens in action.
Award winning journalist and host of “Ernestly Speaking!"
Ernest Owens is an award-winning journalist and CEO of Ernest Media Empire, LLC. He is the President of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and a proud life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is the executive producer and host of the hit podcast “Ernestly Speaking!” and host of “On the Record with Ernest Owens” on WURD Radio. He’s the author of the book “The Case for Cancel Culture” (St. Martin’s Press), and the upcoming book “Divided We Stan” (Beacon Press) slated for release in 2027. As an openly Black gay journalist, he has made headlines for speaking frankly about intersectional issues in society regarding race, LGBTQIA issues, and pop culture. In 2018, he launched his growing media company that specializes in multimedia production, consulting, and communications.
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 Community College of Philadelphia. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, NBC, NPR, and other prominent media outlets. He serves on the boards of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Mid-Atlantic Chapter), Society of Professional Journalists Foundation, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Rho Chapter), along with also being a member of the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, the Podcast Academy, the National Association of Parliamentarians, and the Online News Association.
He has earned countless honors, which includes landing on the 2025 Most Influential African Americans list by The Philadelphia Tribune, the 2023 City & State PA Pride Power 100 list, along with being a two-time Sigma Delta Chi Award winner 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 Instagram, X, Threads, and other social media platforms at @MrErnestOwens & ernestowens.com.
Our speakers get attention.
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It’s Time to Kill the SilenceGrowing up I didn’t see enough people like me reflected in these pages — now is the time to work toward collective repair
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‘Cancel culture’ is big now, but has it been around for years?Philadelphia journalist Ernest Owens, author of “The Case for Cancel Culture,” told the WTOP Book Report that he believes we’ve got it all wrong.
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Why Cancel Culture Is Good For DemocracyHistory has shown us that those in power are obsessed with turning any form of accountability into a phenomenon that is intended to bring us into sudden doom. Following is…
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NFL Proves Yet Again It Doesn’t Give a Damn About Black PlayersThe league’s delayed response to Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s collapse should be the last straw in a haystack of failures—from CTE neglect to blackballing free speech.
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Black History Month Has Become a FarceThe following is a lightly edited transcript of remarks made by Ernest Owens during a Newsweek podcast debate on Black History Month.
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After Amir Locke Killing, Is Police Reform Even the Solution?The definition of insanity is repeating the same act and expecting a different result. Right now, continuing the failed efforts to “fix” policing in America feels insane, what’s needed is…
