Bridging Philly

Being in nature can be both physically and mentally rejuvenating. Collie Turner, founder of Heroic Gardens, grew up around plants and chose horticulture as a way to give back to veterans. Racquel Williams talks with her and Salome Hall, a Navy veteran and founder of Sisters Affirming Sisterhood who has found community and healing through Heroic Gardens' programs.

Then, Shara Dae Howard explores the mysteries of The House of Magic, a theater/museum/library dedicated to the wonder magicians have brought us throughout history.

Philadelphia is at the heart of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, so there’s no better time to look at some of our city’s unique history. First, Racquel Williams talks with two producers of a docuseries highlighting women who made important contributions to the founding of America, but whose stories have been hidden. “For the Common Good: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation” is a partnership between The National Society of the Colonial Dames in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and You’ll Never Forget Productions.

Then, Shara Dae Howard explores one of Old City’s hidden gems: the American Philosophical Society library, home to some of the rarest historical documents and artifacts in American history, as well as Benjamin Franklin's personal library.

A group of Philadelphia school parents from across the city have come together to make a powerful movement supporting all students in the district. Lift Every Voice first fought to get nurses in every school, and most recently, they achieved a major win when the district created a new wellness policy ensuring that teachers won’t withhold things like bathroom breaks and recess as punishment. Racquel Williams talks with two parent members about how they made their case and won, and how they plan to continue speaking up for students.

Then, Shara Dae Howard heads to West Philly to visit a new cafe run by two women, one from India and the other from Philly. They combine a commitment to their community with curated Indian tea at Chai Nashta Cafe.

A new report from Children First called “Pa’Lante – State of Hispanic Children” shows that Hispanic children in Philadelphia are not receiving equitable access to things like education and health care. Racquel Williams talks with representatives from Children First about their initiative based on this report, bringing people together from across the city to support Hispanic children and help them use their unique skills and experiences to thrive.

Then, Shara Dae Howard visits the African American Museum in Philadelphia to get a peek at their “Afrofuturism in Costume Design” exhibit, highlighting the work of Ruth E. Carter - including “Black Panther”, "Do the Right Thing", and “Sinners”, which is nominated for 16 Oscars this year.

As kids, work, and life get hectic, it’s easy to lose the connection in marriage. Rev. Kahlil Carmichael, senior pastor of Live Well Church in New Jersey, wrote a book called “Restore Us” to help married couples have tough conversations and return to the foundation of their relationship: each other. He talks with Racquel Williams about what often goes wrong in marriages and how to get back to “us”.

Then, on Shara in the City, we visit an art experience in development - the Ministry of Awe, opening March 14 inside a renovated 19th century bank. Shara Dae Howard explores the visual, performance, and immersive art coming to Old City.

Food insecurity is an ongoing problem, especially with recent changes to SNAP benefits and the economy. Mark Wainwright founded It Takes a Village to Feed One Child in 2017 to provide meals to families in need. They’ve since partnered with many local organizations to expand on the types of holistic enrichment they can offer, from education to financial literacy. Racquel Williams talks with Mark and Dr. Corinne Green, Executive Director of one of their partner organizations, Mighty Writers.

Then, on Shara in the City, Shara Dae Howard returns to The Colored Girls Museum as they celebrate 10 years of honoring Black history and culture in their own unique, theatrical way. 

Black educators are navigating classrooms where their presence is shrinking and the history they teach is being challenged. Racquel Williams talks with Sharif El-Mekki, founder and CEO of The Center for Black Educator Development, and Ismael Jimenez, Director of Social Studies Curriculum for the School District of Philadelphia, about the 100-year legacy of Black History Month and the undeniable impact of Black teachers in the classroom. Plus, they tell us about their partnership on the Blackprint 20 summit earlier this month, which opened discussion on best practices for teaching Black history.

Then, on Shara in the City, we're celebrating a victory for the legacy of Philadelphia's own boxing legend Smokin' Joe Frazier, whose statue is officially relocating from South Philly to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Shara Dae Howard talks with a relative of Frazier’s about the grassroots fight to make this happen, plus Frazier’s connection to the late Jesse Jackson.

The Lighthouse has been a neighborhood hub, hosting programs and events for the North Philly community, since 1893. They pride themselves on bringing people together and showcasing different cultures - which makes them the perfect partner for Cantina La Martina to host their annual La Tamalada festival, celebrating a Mexican tradition centered around tamales. Racquel Williams learns more about the festival, happening on February 15, and what else The Lighthouse has to offer.

Then, on Shara in the City, we visit the Greene Street Friends School, where Mural Arts just unveiled a mural honoring abolitionist and suffragist Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Shara Dae Howard talks with the artist, community members, and students about what Harper’s legacy means to them.

As we’re seeing ICE activity increased, DEI efforts rolled back, LGBTQ+ protections removed, and historical exhibits about slavery taken down, many are concerned that we are moving backwards in terms of civil rights. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission handles complaints and upholds civil rights laws here in the commonwealth. Racquel Williams speaks with them about what they’re hearing from the community and how they’re trying to bring people together to fight for equal rights for all.

Then, Shara Dae Howard visits Face to Face, a neighborhood community center and safe haven for Germantown individuals and families experiencing poverty. They’ve seen even more need lately with the bitter cold and changes to SNAP benefits. Shara talks with staff, volunteers, and neighbors who say they found a healing community when they walked through the doors.

When young people age out of the foster care system at age 18, they often don’t have a place to go. In South Jersey, young women who can’t afford their own place or college yet, or who just need some support, can go to Unique Sistas Transitional House, recently established by Yolanda Stephenson. Racquel Williams talks with Yolanda and their Housing and Community Development Manager, Tracy Harris, about the challenges these young women face and how Unique Sistas helps.

Then, on Shara in the City, we visit the William Way Center's art exhibit, "The Tangle I've Gotten Into", on display at Imperfect Gallery while the center is under renovation. Shara Dae Howard speaks with artist and Philly LGBTQ+ community icon Arleen Olshan, who helped form the foundation of Philly’s LGBTQ+ activism.