James Steele Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Long before Covid-19 ravaged the economy, millions of middle-class Americans were struggling with stagnant earnings, unaffordable healthcare, and the prospect of an impoverished retirement. This is no accident: in an updated and expanded edition of their New York Times #1 bestseller, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters Donald L. Barlett [...]

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Film has the ability to bring people together and to drive them apart. Ken Burn’s The Civil War portrayed the conflict in a way that highlighted our shared identity as Americans. Bringing people together is partially what led Burns to become a storyteller. At the same time, film can [...]

Trapeta B. Mayson City of Philadelphia Poet Laureate How does one establish roots and “citizenship” in a new place? What if the new place challenges one’s identity and sense of belonging? Join poet and Liberian immigrant, Trapeta B. Mayson, as she talks about transitions, displacement, home making, and identity. Trapeta will read her poetry and [...]

Anne Berg Asst. Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania Anne Berg will reflect on some of the parallels and differences between late Weimar Germany and the current election season in 2020 America. Since the outcome of the election may still be inconclusive when she speaks, events and developments yet to unfold will determine the precise [...]

Alex S. Vitale Professor of Sociology, Brooklyn College; and Visiting Professor at London Southbank University Alex Vitale has researched and written about the future of policing for 30 years. In this talk, hosted by Riverdale Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture, Vitale will explain the “defund the police” movement and its relationship to the long struggle [...]

While we cannot break bread together in person, get your brunch ready and join the PES members and friends for a virtual Humanist Thanksgiving. Music, readings, and conversation will help us experience and share our gratitude at this distant-yet-shared 11:00AM meal. Join here online at the scheduled time.

Hugh Taft-Morales Leader, Philadelphia Ethical Society Hugh Taft-Morales confesses that his reading habits have fallen prey to centuries of systemic neglect of women writers. He commits to reading one book of fiction written by a woman each month of 2021. This talk explores the reasons why his story is sadly familiar. How is sexism involved? [...]

Nikol G. Alexander-Floyd Political Science Assoc. Professor, Rutgers University Nikol G. Alexander-Floyd discusses the rise of Black political women and the historic election of vice-president elect Kamala Harris, first female and first Black vice-president. She will also discuss how the policy needs of Black women and their communities might be addressed under the Biden administration. [...]

2020 has been an unusual year, and we will cap it off with the first virtual rendition of our annual celebration of the winter solstice! Hugh Taft-Morales hosts a virtual program full of readings and music to acknowledge the darkness of winter and invite the sun to return for another year. Join here online at [...]

Every January we at the Philadelphia Ethical Society honor loved ones, colleagues, and historical heroes who have died in body but are alive in our hearts and minds. Join members and visitors to share memories and lessons given to us from those we loved or admired. Join here online at the scheduled time.