This is a story about community collaboration, creative legacy, and the impact one person can have when they show up with intention.
I met Roberta Fallon, co-founder of Artblog, through WHYY’s NICE initiative, a space rooted in collaboration between grassroots journalists and media makers. Our first opportunity to truly work together came during REVIVE Media’s Boost the Truth event in West Philadelphia, a gathering focused on senior adults navigating life post-pandemic. The event was held in partnership with Serita Lewis, founder of Urban Seek. Roberta didn’t just attend, she showed up fully. She brought her artwork, shared Boost the Truth posters she created, and engaged deeply in conversations centered on health, trust, and community care.
In May 2025, Artblog, Urban Seek, and REVIVE Media partnered again as part of REVIVE’s Every Voice, Every Vote campaign. The goal was to engage senior adults in civic dialogue ahead of the 2025 election. Roberta took that vision and ran with it. She stayed up all night building handmade ballot boxes so seniors could physically place their ideas inside. Ideas about public safety, public health, justice, and the future they want for the next generation of Philadelphians. Through creativity, seniors found a space to be heard, reflect, and participate in civic life in a way that felt accessible and meaningful.
This loss hits different, but the light Roberta left behind continues to shine. Her impact lives on through the artists she uplifted, the conversations she sparked, and the many seeds she planted across this city. She believed in showing up, turning ideas into action, and using art as a tool for connection and truth. Philadelphia won’t forget her. Neither will I.
With love,
P.O.C.
