Layla A. Jones

Reporter

Layla A. Jones is a general assignment reporter for WHYY's Billy Penn. She's previously worked as a communications director for Councilwoman Cindy Bass, as a political reporter for the Philadelphia Tribune, and as an arts and entertainment web producer at the Inquirer.

She has a journalism degree from Temple University, back when Klein College was called the School of Communications and Theater. Layla's written everything from breaking news to feature-length artists profiles, but has a special focus on covering Black life, culture and politics.

Recent Articles

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Philly’s coronavirus response

Rebuild the Block, started by two 23-year-olds, raises $200k for Black-owned businesses

Started at a moment's notice in Philadelphia, the grassroots fundraiser has gone national.

11-year-old’s car cleaning service is a hit in Germantown: ‘I love things to be perfect’

Jabre Dutton says interacting with customers helps make up for not being able to see his friends at school.

Philly’s coronavirus response

Philly museum reopening guide: All the cultural institutions you can visit in person

Hours, ticketing procedures and safety protocols to help you plan a trip.

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She’s opening a gym in Kensington so women can ‘confidently reach their fitness goals’

With graffiti walls by fashion designer Iris Bonner, Women's World Gym launches Sept. 1.

Secret Philly

Secret Philly: Fair Hill examines the 19th Amendment’s meaning and history

The North Philadelphia burial ground was backdrop for the movements for women’s suffrage and civil rights.

Philly food and drink scene

Drinking and dining at Rose Garden, the new Black-owned hideaway on South Street West

The trio of first-time owners successfully pivoted their cocktail lounge so it works during the pandemic.

North Philly police standoff

A year after police shootout, North Philly neighborhood says it’s stronger, more resilient than ever

Residents near 15th and Erie hope for more even coverage of their community.

Marian Anderson defended civil rights, broke racial barriers, defied the Nazis — and her South Philly museum needs help

Water damage atop pandemic slowdowns have the historical society searching for a savior.

Made by students, ‘Our Philadelphia’ offers a look at how boys talk about gun violence

A group of West Philly teens who lost friends to shootings created a must-watch documentary.

Free Library board mostly silent as workers demand involvement in selecting new leader

In a meeting Tuesday, only one board member committed to anti-racism efforts. Others have resigned in solidarity with their former director.