Sinopsis
Hosted by KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter, Cherri Gregg, “Flashpoint” offers context on the week’s headlines with a particular focus on community affairs, political news, civil rights and grassroots issues impacting the Philadelphia area.
Episodios
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Arts funding in crisis | Dancing at any age
31/05/2025 Duración: 47minThe Trump administration has been cutting back on the arts, closing federal organizations and cancelling grants that supported local cultural centers across the country. Host Racquel Williams speaks with three arts organizations that are feeling the impacts here in Philadelphia: Esperanza Arts Center, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Then, on Shara in the City, we put on our dancing shoes at Second Chance Dance Studio, where adults are re-discovering their love of dance. Shara Dae Howard sits in on a rehearsal and learns a few moves herself. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jewish American Heritage Month | Philadelphia Voices of Pride LGBTQ+ choir
24/05/2025 Duración: 43minMay is Jewish American Heritage Month - or JAHM - and The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History here in Philadelphia has been at the center of the national efforts to celebrate and educate about Jewish American history and culture. Host Racquel Williams talks with Emily August, The Weitzman’s Director of JAHM, and Dan Tadmor, President and CEO, about how everyone can fight antisemitism and honor Jewish American heritage all year long. Then, on Shara in the City, warm up those vocal chords - we’re visiting Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ all-voices choir, Philadelphia Voices of Pride. Shara Dae Howard stops by a rehearsal as the choir prepares for their upcoming performance of “Considering Matthew Shepard”. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Support for minority-owned small businesses | Gardening with MOVE Legacy Director, Mike Africa, Jr.
17/05/2025 Duración: 42minWomen and BIPOC entrepreneurs often struggle to find the capital to get their businesses off the ground and to stay in business, facing various systemic barriers. Finanta is a Philly-based non-profit that supports entrepreneurs with loans, advice, and local connections. Host Racquel Williams speaks with Finanta’s President & CEO, Daniel Betancourt, and a participant in their Affinity Group Lending program, Saundra Gilliard, Founder and CEO of Femininely Free. Then, on Shara in the City, we catch up with Mike Africa, Jr. after the 40th anniversary of the MOVE bombing. Shara Dae Howard visits Mike in his garden to talk about his family’s history with MOVE and how he’s trying to memorialize those lost in the bombing. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Best of Bridging Philly: A space for teens in South Philly | Smith Memorial Playground
10/05/2025 Duración: 48minPennsylvania’s funding for after-school care ends when children turn 13, and many parents are concerned about where their teens can go after school and in the summer. Caring People Alliance runs a teen program and opened a new center last year at their South Philadelphia Boys & Girls Club where teens can go to get a meal, play basketball, make music and art, and have a safe space to talk and learn. We speak with Branon Gilmore, VP of CPA’s Boys & Girls Club Movement, Jewel Felder-James, Director of Teen Programming, and Alphonso Cobbs, a participant in the teen program. And on Shara in the City, Shara Dae Howard re-discovers the joy of play at the historic Smith Memorial Playground. This episode was originally released on June 29, 2024. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The silent struggle of infertility | Improving life with vision loss
03/05/2025 Duración: 46minOne in six women worldwide experience infertility, but it’s a topic we still struggle to talk about. Diona Murray was given a less than a 1% chance of conceiving - but she beat the odds and had a daughter. During her journey, she launched Barren Fruit to help other women experiencing infertility know that they don’t have to go through this alone. Diona joins host Racquel Williams to talk about the grief that comes with fertility challenges and how her faith helped her find hope. Then, on Shara in the City, Shara Dae Howard visits VisionLink - a local organization in Center City that is working to improve accessibility for those with vision loss in the Philadelphia region with new skills, technology, and much more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Doing good after prison | Black + Asian food fusion
26/04/2025 Duración: 50minEveryone makes mistakes, especially in their youth. If a mistake lands you in prison or convicted of a crime, it can haunt you for the rest of your life - but many people are fighting to turn their lives around after a conviction. As a returning citizen, Shuja Moore started a nonprofit called Do Moore Good to help others on the reentry path and to encourage youth to achieve their full potential. He recently made a documentary called “Pardon Me” about the process and significance of getting pardoned. Host Racquel Williams talks with Shuja and two women who have been through the pardon process to reclaim their names and build better lives. You can find help getting a pardon and other legal resources through Community Legal Services. Then, on Shara in the City, Black Dragon Takeout in West Philly has been getting a ton of buzz for its fusion of soul food with the aesthetics of Chinese takeout. Shara Dae Howard stops by to hear how this idea formed, and to decide if their wings live up to the hype. To learn m
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The dismantling of DEI | Kids in the Kitchen
19/04/2025 Duración: 46minPresident Trump has been using executive orders to roll back DEI efforts federally, but those three letters are easily misunderstood. Host Racquel Williams talks with two experts in the field: Stefanie Christmas, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Inizio, and Keva White, President/CEO of VIP Community Services and co-host of the Race to Social Justice podcast. They discuss what DEI programs actually do, why diversity in the workplace is important, how the term has gotten such negative connotations, and their advice for how businesses should think about these executive orders. And then on Shara in the City, let’s get cooking! The Junior League of Philadelphia has rolled out their annual cooking program that educates youth on food insecurity and has them whipping up some fancy recipes. Shara Dae Howard dons her chef hat for the day with Kids in the Kitchen. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad
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Black Maternal Health Week | Philly Jazz Month
12/04/2025 Duración: 53minBlack women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than white women, but Pennsylvania legislators and advocates are fighting to improve maternal health outcomes. Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, and host Racquel Williams speaks with three women who are helping to organize events, raise awareness, and bring change to our health care system: State Representative Gina Curry, Co-Chair of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus; Jenné Johns, President of Once Upon A Preemie; and Saleemah McNeil, Founder of Oshun Family Center. Then, on Shara in the City, we’re highlighting Jazz Month in the Philadelphia region. Shara Dae Howard talks with a local jazz expert about some of the great musical history in our area and where the best performances will be this month. Original music by V. Shayne Frederick. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com
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When white supremacy divides a family | Philly’s dodgeball community
05/04/2025 Duración: 47minIn an extremely divisive era of politics, is it possible to reconcile with family members whom you disagree with, and whose beliefs you might even feel are dangerous? Gabriel Jason Dean wrote a play, “RIFT, OR WHITE LIES”, based on his experience with his brother, who joined a white supremacist gang in prison. He joins us along with Philadelphia native Frank Meeink, author of "Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead", who is giving a talkback at the show. They both speak with Racquel Williams about what draws people to white supremacist groups and what it takes to leave. See “RIFT, OR WHITE LIES” presented by InterAct Theatre Company now through April 27. Then, on Shara in the City, we get to know Philly’s thriving dodgeball community. Shara Dae Howard is rolling up her sleeves and getting on the court to see what all the hype is about. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoic
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Advocating for crime victims and families | Women-owned businesses in the spotlight
29/03/2025 Duración: 55minWhen someone is a victim of a crime or loses a loved one to violence, they need support - and many organizations in Philadelphia are ready to help. Racquel Williams talks with Melany Nelson, Executive Director of Northwest Victim Services, and Rev. G. Lamar Stewart Sr., Senior Pastor at Taylor Memorial Baptist Church, about the services they offer - from therapy to food security - and how they and other groups are coming together to honor National Crime Victims' Rights Week April 6-12. We also hear from two women who lost children to gun violence and found healing through these groups. Then, we close out Women’s History Month on Shara in the City with a spotlight on two local women-owned businesses that received a helping hand from their communities after their social media posts went viral. Shara Dae Howard visits Chubby Chicks Cafe and Pure Green Philly. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
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Philadelphia’s teacher shortage | The mayor’s masked ball
22/03/2025 Duración: 53minEach year, Philadelphia schools struggle to fill around 2,000 vacancies, and fewer people are pursuing teaching as a career. How do we incentivize more people to become teachers and solve this crisis? Elevate 215 and around 30 other organizations came together to form the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition to study that question. Executive Director Dr. Stacy Holland joins Racquel Williams to talk about what Philadelphia schools need to thrive, plus how federal cuts to the Department of Education could trickle down locally. If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, you can learn what opportunities are available at teachphl.org. Then, on Shara in the City, we’re walking the red carpet as Racquel joins Shara Dae Howard for the UNCF annual Philadelphia Mayor’s Masked Ball - the organization’s signature fundraiser to help support students through college, and one of the biggest, most glamorous parties in Philly. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/
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Best of Bridging Philly: Dr. Ala Stanford looks back on COVID | New: Joe Frazier’s boxing legacy
15/03/2025 Duración: 46minWhen COVID-19 became a global pandemic five years ago, Dr. Ala Stanford stepped up to help Philadelphians get access to information, testing, care, and later, vaccines. She founded the Black Doctors Consortium, and after her work gained national media attention, then-President Biden appointed her Regional Director of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Last summer, Dr. Stanford published a book, “Take Care of Them Like My Own”. It’s about her personal journey, her work, and the importance of equity and representation in medicine. She talks about all of that with our host, Racquel Williams. This interview originally aired July 27, 2024. Then, on a new Shara in the City, we’re talking to family and friends of Philly’s real life Rocky Balboa, Joe Frazier. Shara Dae Howard heads out to North Philly, where Frazier’s gym is sitting in disrepair on Broad Street and the community is fighting to save it. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy
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Mentors for Philadelphia children | The historic Colonial Theatre
08/03/2025 Duración: 38minWhen children are facing obstacles such as poverty and gun violence, they need consistent, ongoing support from a source they trust. Friends of the Children pairs kids starting at age 4 with paid, professional mentors - or Friends - who stay with them for 12+ years. The organization just opened a Philadelphia branch, partnering with two elementary schools and a community center. Racquel Williams talks with the Philadelphia Executive Director, Dr. Betty Handy. Then, on Shara in the City, we’re heading to Phoenixville, PA to learn about one of the last theaters of its kind - the Colonial Theatre. Shara Dae Howard gets a tour of the venue that was built in 1902 and still screens films and hosts live events. Plus, we hear about its ties to one of the most classic horror films of the 20th century. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Helping families get out of poverty | Volunteering at the Philadelphia Flower Show
01/03/2025 Duración: 47minWhen Harold Barrow’s daughter was born, he was addicted to heroin and living in an abandoned house. ACHIEVEability gave them both a place to live and helped Harold get his GED and bachelor’s degree. Now, Harold is working for ACHIEVEability, helping other families in similar circumstances. Harold and ACHIEVEability’s Executive Director Jamila Harris-Morrison join Racquel Williams to talk about the program. Then, on Shara in the City, we get a behind-the-scenes sneak preview of the Philadelphia Flower Show, as Shara Dae Howard steps in as a volunteer. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Giving people a chance after addiction or incarceration | A Black history art exhibit says farewell
22/02/2025 Duración: 44minBritt James Carpenter is a five-time overdose survivor. After being incarcerated, he found his way to recovery and decided to turn his negative experiences into a source for good. He joins Racquel Williams to talk about his non-profit, Philly Unknown Project, which provides resources to the formerly incarcerated, people experiencing homelessness, and those with substance abuse disorder. Then, on Shara in the City, the founder of The Colored Girls Museum, Vashti Dubois, takes us through one of the most talked about art exhibitions for Black History Month for one last look before its closing. Shara Dae Howard explores “The Time is Always Now” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Talking openly about race | Lloyd Parks remembers The Blue Notes
15/02/2025 Duración: 44minWe are still fighting racism in 2024, but many people find it hard to talk about or even acknowledge. EMBRACING RACE - The Conversation, based in Collingswood, NJ, is taking steps to dismantle racism by gathering people of different backgrounds to talk honestly about it, to better understand what’s really going on. Racquel Williams talks with several members of their core group. And on Shara in the City, Lloyd Parks is the last living member of the famous Philly R&B group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes - and he can still hit those high notes in songs like “I Miss You” and “If You Don’t Know Me by Now”. Shara Dae Howard takes a journey through time to hear Lloyd’s story. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Ya Fav Trashman dreams of a clean city | Remembering Sid Booker
08/02/2025 Duración: 41minTerrill Haigler, a former Philadelphia sanitation worker, rose to local fame through his Instagram @_yafavtrashman, where he’s been raising awareness about illegal dumping. Between hauling gigs, fundraising, and a grant, he was recently able to buy a truck of his own and hire returning citizens to help him clean up the city’s streets. He tells Racquel Williams about growing both his charitable work and his business, and his goal of picking up 500 tons of trash in 2025. Then, on Shara in the City, we drive up Broad Street to the bright pink Shrimp Corner to honor local businessman and community leader Sid Booker, who died late last month at the age of 87. Shara Dae Howard talks with some of Sid’s friends and family about the legacy he left in North Philly. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Chinatown’s fight for their community | A second chance from Gift of Life
01/02/2025 Duración: 41minChinatown residents fought against a new 76ers arena in their neighborhood for two years. Just when they thought they had lost, the Sixers changed course and decided to rebuild where they are in South Philly. Racquel Williams talks with two Chinatown community leaders in the wake of this whiplash, to hear how they feel about the final decision, why this was such an important battle to them, and what Chinatown residents and businesses owners want to see in the Market East corridor now. Then, on Shara in the City, we return to the Awbury Arboretum grief garden to spend more time with those loveable goats. Shara Dae Howard meets a mother who got a second chance at life through Gift of Life Donor Program and her daughter, as they walk through the garden and reflect. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Helping young adults build tech careers | The grief garden at Awbury Arboretum
25/01/2025 Duración: 47minTechnology is a growing field ripe with opportunities, if you know where to look. Hopeworks introduces young adults in Philadelphia and Camden, NJ to tech jobs they might not have known existed, providing training and job experience for people ages 17 to 27, and breaking down barriers to employment like housing insecurity and mental health challenges. Host Racquel Williams talks with Hopeworks CEO Dan Rhoton and a young adult, Aaron Torres, who is launching his career after going through the training program. Then, on Shara in the City, we visit the grief garden at Awbury Arboretum to hear how grief and gratitude go hand-in-hand, and how nature and animals can help you heal. Shara Dae Howard takes a walk through the garden with the Philly Goat Project and our friends at the Gift of Life Donor Program. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Preparing for a second Trump administration | Gender-affirming, sustainable clothes
18/01/2025 Duración: 43minWhen Donald Trump was elected for a second presidential term, the reaction from many marginalized communities was fear - immigrants fearing they’ll be deported, trans and nonbinary people fearing they’ll lose the ability to live as themselves, women fearing they’ll lose access to reproductive health care. Philadelphia is a Democratic city that voted against Trump and has many protections in place, and City Councilmember Rue Landau has initiated hearings to make sure those protections stay in place. She joins host Racquel Williams along with Jasmine Rivera, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, to discuss what the city and local organizations are preparing for ahead of Inauguration Day. Then, on Shara in the City, Sisters Affirming Sisterhood distributes identity affirming clothing to the trans community, and repurposes donated clothes to promote sustainable fashion. Shara Dae Howard visits to help them organize clothes, and learns how to strut on the runway from a ballroom queen. To