Bridging Philly

Quakers are known as abolitionists, but early Quakers in Barbados were slaveholders. Because of that, the members of Green Street Friends Meeting in Germantown felt they have a debt to pay for the wealth inequity that has built up over generations. They’ve committed to giving $50,000 per year for ten years in the form of homeownership grants to Black families in the community. Racquel Williams talks with the head of their reparations committee and co-director of reparationWorks, Lucy Duncan, about how this works and why the group decided to take reparations into their own hands.

Then, on Shara in the City, “Survivor” comes to Philly! The original reality show held an open call for its 53rd season, and Shara Dae Howard stopped by to see who thinks they’re up for the challenge.

More younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer, but better treatments and early detection have helped increase survival rates. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Racquel Williams checks in on where we are in the fight to end breast cancer with Dr. Ana Maria Lopez, an oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center, and Lynne Alston, a breast cancer survivor, advocate with the Hugs for Hope Foundation, and founder of the HUGS Around America Foundation. We discuss life experiences in the “pink sister circle”, how to know your body, and when to get screened.

Then, on Shara in the City, Mural Arts is celebrating some of the original graffiti artists in Philadelphia who helped spread the street art movement. Shara Dae Howard checks out their “Construction of Style” exhibition, learns some street art history, and talks with the graffiti OGs.

Books are a great way for people in prison to improve their literacy, expand their options for when they get out, or simply pass the time . But prison libraries are often limited, if they have libraries at all. Books Through Bars was started to address this problem by sending books to people who request them in prisons. Racquel Williams talks with three volunteers about the history of the organization and why books are valuable for people who are incarcerated.

Then - you can smell the Wyck house and grounds from down the street. It’s home to one of the nation’s oldest original rose gardens, plus a wide variety of historic artifacts from nine generations of one of Philly’s most impactful families. Shara Dae Howard visits to discover the stories hidden in the attic and to see what’s in bloom.

The goal of a comedian is to make you laugh, even when their own life isn’t so funny. How do they turn their hardships into jokes, and how does that feel for them? Racquel Williams talks with three local comedians - Monique Latise, Ms. Darkchild, and Shanell Renee - about the challenges they’ve faced in their careers, especially as Black female comedians, and why it’s worth taking a leap of faith to pursue your dreams.

Then, on Shara in the City, we hit up the longest running drag show in Philly at Bob & Barbara’s. Shara Dae Howard meets the host and some of the performers, including one drag king being honored with a citation from the city.

Whether it’s someone masquerading as a familiar company to get you to click a malicious link or an offer to save on your mortgage that looks too good to be true, there are a million ways for bad actors to take your money, identity, and data. How can you protect yourself and your assets in the age of AI, with an economic crisis brewing? Racquel Williams talks with Rob D'Ovidio, a Drexel professor who specializes in the intersection of crime and technology, along with Tamar Hoffman, an attorney in the Housing and Consumer Rights Unit at Community Legal Services, to find out what the most common scams are these days, how to spot them, and what to do if you accidentally fall for one.

Then, on Shara in the City, it’s time to finally tackle those home projects before the weather gets too cold. Shara Dae Howard gets a lesson in home repair from Beth at DIY HIP Chicks, who’s empowering women with the most important tools - knowledge and confidence.

A cancer diagnosis is the beginning of a scary, overwhelming journey that takes a toll on the patient as well as their loved ones. For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation gives cancer patients and their families time to breathe and heal together through travel and “staycation” respite experiences. Founder Marci Schankweiler joins Racquel Williams to talk about the power of respite and their new respite center, Pete’s Dream - a vision of Marci’s husband, Pete, who died of cancer 27 years ago this month.

Then, Shara Dae Howard checks in at VisionLink to hear about their latest efforts to help people with vision loss find independence and community, and to try out some of their new gadgets, like Meta AI glasses.

This episode originally aired on May 30, 2026.

This week, we’re focusing on youth mental health with two creative ways for kids to express themselves and connect. First, PA State Rep. Gina Curry is hosting her fifth annual Inspi-HER'd Field Day, where girls in grades 4-8 can participate in outdoor games, workshops, and activities designed for mental, physical, and relational wellness. Racquel Wiliams talks with Rep. Curry, her Chief of Staff, Cintia Isles, and Rep. Curry’s daughter, Rowan, who inspired the start of this annual event.

Then, on Shara in the City, we visit a space for kids started by 10-year-old author Kalie Mapp-Hayes. Shara Dae Howard sits in on a workshop at Kreate Your Kourage Foundation and hears from the youth themselves about how art is helping them work through their emotions.

Some people have a picture in their minds when they think of a Jewish person . But, as with most cultural groups, there’s a wide range of diversity within the Jewish community. Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media is showcasing that diversity in their “Unapologetically Jewish” social media contest. This year’s eight finalists include a rapper, a comedian, and even a burlesque dancer. Racquel Williams talks with PJFM's program manager, Beth Becker, and a former finalist, Sarah Pasternak, about the contest and what it means to be "unapologetically Jewish”.

Then, we’re heading to Fairmount Water Works on Shara in the City. Shara Dae Howard learns all about how they help preserve Philadelphia’s aquatic ecosystems and checks out their new project where turtles get to soak up the sun.