The Power of Local: A Life in Service to Philadelphia

In this episode of The Human Experience, I sit down with Vincent Thompson, longtime journalist and current Communications Director for the President of Philadelphia City Council. Born and raised in Philly, Vincent shares how his curiosity led him from a school newspaper to national political conventions and eventually into public service. We discuss the power of local government, how to engage with your city, and why compassion still matters in civic life. Whether you're a Philly native or just want to better understand how your community works, this episode will leave you both informed and inspired.

Interview recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways:

• Vincent Thompson is the Communications Director for Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.
• A lifelong Philadelphian, he grew up in North Philly and Germantown, and attended Temple University and Marietta College.
• He began his career in journalism, covering politics for outlets like the Philadelphia Tribune and WURD Radio.
• Vincent has hosted City Council radio sessions and emphasized the importance of knowing your district councilmember.
• He explains the structure of local government and why citizens should be more engaged at the city level.
• He encourages people to “be curious, not judgmental” and offers a human-centered view of government service.
• Vincent shares personal stories—from receiving a letter from his journalism idol to the importance of leading with kindness in leadership.
• A passionate advocate for Philadelphia, he invites visitors to see City Hall, the city’s diverse neighborhoods, and yes—try the cheesesteaks (but he’s not picking favorites).

Vincent Thompson’s Bio:

Vincent Thompson is the Director of Communications for Philadelphia (Pa) City Council and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson. 

In his more than 30 year career in media and government, he has served as a Chief of Staff for the late Philadelphia City Councilman Juan Ramos, spokesperson for two past School District of Philadelphia Superintendents, former President of the Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society, former Vice President/Broadcast for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and has covered Republican and Democratic National Conventions starting with the 1988 Republican National Convention. 

Mr. Thompson has won numerous awards in his career for his work in journalism, public relations and community service. In 2018, he received PABJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award. 

In 2017, he was named Politics and Government Reporter of the Year by the Pen & Pencil Club of Philadelphia, the nation’s oldest press club in daily operation. 

He has been named one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African-Americans by the Philadelphia Tribune newspaper and has been a winner of the National Education Association’s Excellence in Broadcasting Award.

Connect with Vincent:

Twitter @Mediamancomm

Instagram: @phillymediamancomm

#TheHumanExperiencePodcast

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Can you pinpoint a moment in time when your life changed? Maybe it wasn’t a moment, maybe it was a complicated chain of events that led you to where you are today. Or maybe, it was a generational impact that started before you were even born. Regardless of what it contains, all humans have a story. And those stories are the building blocks of who we are, at our very core. Join host, Jennifer Peterkin - lover and collector of stories, as she interviews humans from all walks of life. Tune in every week to hear stories of love and loss, triumph and defeat, and all that exist in between.