About Us

From the team that brought you Flying Kite (2010 – 2017) — and seven years worth of Greater Philadelphia-centric stories — comes CityWide Stories. CityWide takes a deeper exploration of the city via its neighborhoods with a focus on Philadelphia and Camden.

 

Through images, words, video and sound, we show readers what the city really looks like and spotlight voices that aren’t always heard.

CityWide Stories is managed and published by Witty Gritty, a civic-minded Philadelphia-based company that showcases, engages, and connects their clients through marketing, events, and engagement.

Funding for CityWide is generated through grants, underwriting agreements, and event production.
Our coverage areas include:
Through our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) and in your inbox on the last Monday of every month, our talented contributors will share news and stories of the people and places shaping our neighborhoods and city. You can get CityWide Stories free in your email box each week if you sign up here.

Our Team

Editorial
SWABREEN BAKR, ENGAGEMENT EDITOR, CITYWIDE STORIES

Originally from Georgetown, Guyana, Swabreen immigrated to the United States at age 16 and has been living and working in Philadelphia ever since. A graduate of Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media. She has 10 years of content creation, communications, digital strategy and marketing experience with a focus on photography, writing, social media marketing, and grassroots activations in industries ranging from start-ups, food and beverage, film, travel, fitness, news media and online learning. As a consultant, she’s worked with brands such as Tastemade, PHL DNC and Bacardi USA. Swabreen also has a background in journalism and continues to write in a freelance capacity.

 

Publisher

MICHELLE FREEMAN, CEO, WITTY GRITTY

Michelle has worked in marketing and events in Greater Philadelphia since she was an undergrad in Drexel University. In 2008, she founded Witty Gritty, a civic-minded Philadelphia-based company that showcases, engages, and connects their clients through marketing, events, and engagement. As a lifelong resident, Michelle is strongly committed to Philadelphia. She dedicates much of her work and focus to projects that highlight economic and urban development in neighborhoods and across sectors. She was named one of Drexel University’s “40 Under 40” in 2015 and a top “Keeper and Connector” by Leadership Philadelphia in 2014. She was also identified as an Emerging Leader by the Philly DoGooder Awards in 2013 and received the Emerging Leader Award from the Forum of Executive Women in 2011.