Flashpoint

According to a 2020 report from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's Maternal Mortality Review Committee, half of the city's 26 pregnancy-related deaths could have been prevented. Between 2013 and 2018, 73% of pregnancy-related deaths in Philadelphia were Black women. This week Bridging Philly held a group discussion Dr. Elana McDonald from Twin Sister Docs on Maternal Equity and the actions needed to prevent Black women and infants from dying during childbirth. The Newsmaker of the week highlights therapist, doula, and CEO of Oshun Family Center, Saleemah McNeil, and her ongoing study with Temple University on how having support from Black doulas, mental health services, and lactation experts can improve heart health outcomes for pregnant Black women and raising awareness of birth trauma amongst Black women. 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

For the first since the Supreme Court’s founding in 1790, a Black woman could sit on the bench. This week on Bridging Philly we highlight Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and her process into the Supreme Court. Former judge Renee Cardwell Hughes joins in the discussion to give her reaction to judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and discuss the struggle of trying to break glass ceilings. The Newsmaker of the week is Tracey L. Gordon. She’s the Register of Wills for the city but spent much of her career as a community advocate and decided to go this route to affect change within the communities for which she was previously advocating. The Philly Rising Changemaker is a former Temple Graduate and now Crown Act Champion, Adjoa B. Asamoah. 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

As we end Women's History Month, this week's Bridging Philly episode focuses on women working in male dominated industries. We highlight Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and the work she has done in the city and the solutions the Philadelphia Police Department has for the uptick on gun violence and carjackings in the Philadelphia area. Our Newsmaker of the week is Councilmember Cindy Bass of District 8 and her goal during her term as the Chair of City Council's Committee on Parks, Recreational, and Cultural Affairs of safer community spaces and neighborhoods. The Philly Rising Changemaker introduces Nairobi Colon, a Camden teacher sharing her journey as a nonbinary trailblazer on social media platforms educating those on nonbinary pronouns and reminding students to be who they are. 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

This week Bridging Philly focuses on bridging the gap between the Asian and Black communities in Philadelphia. After a series of tragic incidents during the pandemic. Romana Lee-Akiyama, Director, Office of Public Engagement, Jeanette Bavwidinsi, Director, Office of Youth Engagement and Rob Buscher of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia and Japanese American Citizens League, speak on their efforts in speaking to both communities through their Black and Gold series held by the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement. Our Newsmaker of the week highlights Dr. Esther HioTong Castillo and her efforts in launching the Support the Chinese Immigrant Families Wellness Initiative. Our Philly Rising Changemaker honors Philly local Carol Wong and her work in educating and empowering immigrant and Asian-American communities. 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

This week Bridging Philly invited Honorary Consul of Ukraine, Iryna Maur, and President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Philadelphia Branch, Eugene Luciw to give their perspective on the conflict in Ukraine. Hear how you can connect with the Philadelphia Ukrainian community and help in aiding families in Ukraine. The Newsmaker of the week highlights two volunteers at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center in Jenkintown. Hear their efforts to collect aid and donations. The Philly Rising Changemaker honors Linda Shockley for Women's Month, of the Lawnside Historical Society, and her dedication to preserving and maintaining Black History, such as the historical Peter Mott House in Lawnside.   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

Black History Month honors the history makers who made a difference in this country and in the community, but what happens when the month is over. This week Bridging Philly speaks with Executive Director of Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Chad Dion Lassiter, he shares his expertise with civil rights, diversity, and inclusion as well as how to keep the conversation on Black history going. The Newsmaker of the week highlights the Claybourne-Napier family and their efforts to create a movie that depicts a Black fairy tale, 'The Rainbow Prince', inspired by their 10-year-old daughter, Marea. The Claybourne-Napier family did complete the film and showcased it at schools during Black History Month. The Philly Rising Changemaker is honoring Women History Month, this week is a West Philly native, author, educator, and activist, Lorraine Carey. Carey uses her writing and storytelling to connect youth with history and legacies. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.

This week Bridging Philly is closing out Black History Month by highlighting Temple University's effort to unravel systemic oppression through advocacy, education, and scholarship. Assistant Professor, Civil Rights Attorney, and now led Director of the Anti-Racism Research Center, Timothy Welbeck, speaks on some of the toughest topics of racism and some solutions the research center is working to change in the community. The Bridging Philly Newsmaker of the week is Gwen Ragsdale, curator of the Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery. Ragsdale speaks on the importance of children learning their history, and hear her family's direct connections with Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Massacre. Our Philly Rising Changemaker highlights two twin doctors making changes in the medical field and the community. TwinSisterDocs, Dr.Delana Wardlaw, and Dr. Elana McDonald on their efforts to serve those in underserved black and brown communities through quality service and education on health, while building a pipeline for diversi

This week Bridging Philly discussed The NAACP annual Convention with Atlantic City NAACP Chapter President Kaleem Shabazz. Shabazz shares how this year's convention is going to focus and cater to the youth, issues within law enforcement, and Black businesses. Our newsmaker of the week is Helen Gym, who joined the Philadelphia City Council in 2016 since then Gym has led a human rights agenda focusing on Philly's youth and as chair of Council's Children and Youth Committee, she has made public schools a priority. Gym speaks about the positive benefits of the new ABC show created by Philly native Quinta B called Abbot Elementary, has in focusing on inner-city school districts and reinforcing teachers in the public schools. The Philly Rising Changemaker honors Linda Shockley, of the Lawnside Historical Society, and her dedication to preserving and maintaining Black History, such as the historical Peter Mott House in Lawnside. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyi

This week Bridging Philly holds a group discussion focusing on the rich history of the National Panhellenic Council of Philadelphia inviting Visit Philly's chief innovation and global diversity officer, Rachel Ferguson to discuss their Black History Month initiative highlighting prominent members of the Black organizations and some of their favorite places in Philadelphia. The Newsmaker of the week is Melvin Payne, President of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc efforts in keeping the legacy of the men and women, black and white through conversations, education, and scholarships in honor of the airmen. The Philly Rising Changemaker highlights Dr. Sheena Howard and her new comic "BLAM! Black Lives Always Mattered' which profiles Black leaders in history and will be distributed to Black students throughout Philadelphia. 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://podcastchoi

With the National Black HIV/AIDs Awareness Day coming February 7th, this week KYW's Racquel Williams sits with the Health Resource and Services Administrations, Dr. Laura Cheever on their efforts to raise awareness on HIV/ AIDs and the stigma impacting the community of colors. The Newsmaker of the week highlights Self Inc's President and COO, Mike Hinson, Jr. Self Inc, is the largest provider for emergency housing services for the homeless in Philadelphia. Mike Hinson Jr, is also an HIV/AIDS educator and civil rights advocate. Hinson shares his work in keeping marginalized communities at the forefront of priorities for policymakers throughout Philadelphia. The Philly Rising Changemaker caught up with Mykey Cooper, a 16-year-old star in the making, from North Philadelphia with many talents including acting, rapping, entertainer, and named one of the youngest writers for the Jimmy Fallon kid show.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

This week Bridging Philly focuses on Philly's small art organizations relying on relief funds to survive while catering to their communities. The senior vice president at the Esperanza Arts Center, Bill Rhoads, shares how the local North Philly organization is surviving on relief funds while catering to the Hispanic community in the area and his concerns on ongoing funding for other BIPOC- serving organizations like his own. The NewsMaker honors Ann Ishi of the Asian Arts Alliance and her efforts to bridge the black, brown, and Asian communities since taking the position of Executive Director. Ishi also shares the organization's new events for this year's Black History Month. The Philly Rising Changemaker highlights the Testimony Project and their effort to encourage individuals to open up and share their life testaments from mental health to drug addictions to help others learn and grow on their paths. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-poli

January is Human Trafficking Awareness month this week. Bridging Philly highlights two local organizations working to combat sex trafficking in Philadelphia and supporting women and children who experienced and overcame sexual exploitation. Alea Cummings, a trauma-focused therapist with the Philadelphia Children's Alliance, shares the warning signs of child victims of trafficking and the services involving trauma control her organizations offer for families in need. You will also hear from Carla Clanagan, the program director of The Well, a community for women recovering from sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and sex trafficking. Clanagan shares the mission of The Well Program and the steps Philadelphia needs to take to prevent human trafficking. Our Newsmaker of the week is Heather LaRocca, head of the New Day's Anti-trafficking Taskforce for the Salvation Army. She works closely with the Philadelphia Police Department & DA's office, offering intensive, comprehensive mobile case management to survivors en

This week Bridging Philly highlights some helping heroes just in time for Martin Luther King Day. After the devastating fire killing 12 people including 8 children in the Fairmount community, one organization sprang into action to help support the families involved in the Fairmount fire. Children First Pa's Executive Director joins Bridging Philly to share both how they raised money and provided services to the families, and their inspiration to carry on the bigger fight for health, equity, and opportunity for every child. Our News Maker highlights Todd Bernstein, founder and director of the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service which will be held virtually at Girard College January 17th. KYW’s Shara Dae Howard spoke with Bernstein about the significance of the event and the impact it is meant to have on the Philadelphia community. Our Philly Rising Change Maker is Dr. Tawanna Jones-Morrison who is an educator and school psychologist by trade. Her passion for girls' wellness and empowerment l

This week Bridging Philly launched its first episode focusing on managing debt, specifically Student Loans. Last year, U.S. Student Loan Debt totaled 1.6 trillion. The Biden Administration temporarily paused federal student loan payments for another until May 1, 2022. Bridging Philly invites Student Loan Doctor LLC's founder Sonia Lewis, to discuss tips on monthly budgeting and services her company offers to prevent student loan debt, such as affordable repayment plan selections, consolidation, and money management. Our Bridging Philly Newsmaker, Representative Darisha Parker of the 198th Legislative District, shares her efforts encouraging President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to eliminate student loan debt affecting HBCU graduates. The Philly Rising Changemaker highlights Ant Brown, an anti-violence activist and local rap artist spreading a positive message to Philly Youth through his program, The ABRO Experience. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.a

Out with the old and in with the new! This week Flashpoint ends the year discussing goal setting and the importance of self-awareness. Local clinician and author Deana Davis joins KYW's Racquel Williams, Antionette Lee, and Shara Dae Howard, giving tips on making realistic, attainable goals and healthily coping with failure. Reiki Master, Tarot Mystic, and founder of Rooted Alchemy Co., Eboni La'Che, join the ladies to discuss healing and give a little insight on what to expect in 2022 through intuitive readings. 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

This week Flashpoint brings back Northwest Victim Services Executive Director Melany Nelson and court and community advocate Wendell Louissaint to update us on their victim services and resources since the uptick of gun violence in the city. The Newsmaker this week highlights a Delco native and Temple graduate, Lydia Peterson, who is set to debut her first film “Walking On.” Her film is already being compared to movies like Love and Basketball. She says her mission is to “tell stories we want to see.” The Philly Rising Changemaker of the week presented by Patriot Homecare is the Chocolate Ballerina Company. Their mission is to illustrate the experiences and successes of African American culture through dance that will inspire change. This month, the community-based dance company took the stage performing Philly's first all-black cast performance of ' The Nutcracker....dipped in Chocolate.' To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn m

This week Flashpoint invited the Philadelphia Citywide Coalition Project's Co-Founder Charlotte Brown and Dr. Deshawnda Williams to discuss their ongoing prevention and intervention strategies against gun violence through their pop-up event. The Pop-Up Community Resource Center is held weekly from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and plans to provide job application services, Tech and Business opportunities, and community resources. For more information, please email info_pccp@aol.com. The Flashpoint Newsmaker highlights Lynette Medley and her daughter Nya's efforts in delivering period supply care packages to women and girls across the Delaware Valley. Medley also runs sexuality empowerment nonprofit, No More Secrets, Mind Body Spirit Inc. and this past year opened The Spot, a 2,500 square-feet "menstrual hub" in Germantown, the first of its kind in the nation. The Philly Rising Changemaker is Ryan Harris, founder of "As I Plant This Seeds," created a haven for at-risk youth in Hunting Park, where they could get an ed

This week Flashpoint meets up with the Ertz Family Foundation to hear their latest project initiative with the Grace and Peace Community Fellowship building. Executive Director Lisa Ertz and Program Director Manager Kiersten Ferguson tell us how the House of Hope Project plans to develop and implement critical resources and services to the North Philadelphia community. Our Newsmaker of the week is the founder of Urban Kings & Queens, Inc. Haneef Hill is bringing together communities from across Philadelphia and surrounding areas, and he’s using sports and education to do it. The Philly Rising Changemaker highlights Shameka Sawyer, an award-winning local filmmaker and founder of 5 Shorts Project whose goal is to create spaces to teach Philly youth who faced hurt by gun violence to own their stories through her organization 5 Shorts Project. 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://podcastcho

This week Flashpoint rides out with Erin Brown, also known as The Concrete Cowgirl, and the Executive Director of Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy, on the meaning of Horsemanship and how today's youth can benefit from equestrian programs. The newsmaker of the week is Danny Kilson, owner of 410 Specialties, deals in BMW automobiles and is one of few men of color in the industry to do so, but his work educating black youth to bridge that gap within the world of luxury automotive technicians is how he's making a name for himself in the Philadelphia area. The Philly Rising Changemaker of the week presented by Patriot Homecare is the Chocolate Ballerina Company. Their mission is to illustrate the experiences and successes of African American culture through dance that will inspire change. This month, the community-based dance company plans to take the stage performing Philly's first all-black cast performance of ' The Nutcracker....dipped in Chocolate.' To learn more about listener data and our privacy practice

This week Flashpoint is recapping the best of our segments from earlier this year. The podcast dives into a deep discussion on the community relationship with and trust in media. Many news outlets' have been criticized for how reporters report on crime, and specifically on gun violence. With local news outlets reporting the 400th homicide this year, we wanted to discuss ways media can improve their reporting on crime while maintaining their mission to serve the public with facts. We hear from a community leader and founder of the Young Chances Foundation, KYW Newsradio's Brand Manager and Program Director, and lastly, Jessica Beard, a trauma surgeon at Temple University Hospital and Director of the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting. The newsmaker of the week is Angela Anderson, a Master’s level Therapist with a background in Child psychology who now works in Philadelphia public schools helping students cope with the pressures of school, home, and peers. The Philly Rising Changemaker of the week p