In this episode of What’s Going On, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Tonya McClary, Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), about strengthening trust, transparency and accountability between law enforcement and the communities they serve. McClary explains how CPOC investigates police misconduct, assists residents with the complaint process and protects their rights. She also discusses the Mere Encounter Project, the “Free to Leave” campaign and community workshops that help Philadelphians understand their rights during police interactions.  

Then, as the nation marks 25 years since the September 11 attacks, Loraine speaks with Clifford Chanin, Executive Vice President and Museum Director of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. With more than 100 million Americans now too young to remember that day, Chanin discusses how the Museum preserves the stories of victims, survivors, families and first responders; educates a new generation; acknowledges the continuing health consequences of 9/11; and carries forward its enduring legacy of courage, service and unity. He also previews the special exhibition, In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11-Inspired Service, opening September 12, 2026.  

CPOC Resources Website: phila.gov/CPOC
Know Your Rights—Free to Leave: phila.gov/FreeToLeave
Phone: 215-685-0891
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @PHLCPOC
Facebook: PHLCPOC  

Learn more about the 9/11 Memorial & Museum at 911memorial.org.
Facebook at National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

In this episode of Insight, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Tonya McClary, Executive Director of Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC), about building trust, transparency and accountability between law enforcement and the communities they serve. McClary explains how CPOC investigates police misconduct, assists residents with the complaint process and helps protect their rights. She also discusses the Mere Encounter Project, the “Free to Leave” campaign and upcoming community workshops designed to help Philadelphians understand their rights during police interactions.  

The episode also features Carl E. Singley, a distinguished attorney, educator and civil-rights advocate who participated in the historic Selma-to-Montgomery march and heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak at Brown Chapel AME Church. Singley reflects on growing up under Jim Crow, breaking barriers as Temple University Law School’s first African American and youngest dean, and carrying the fight for justice into his legal career.

He also shares his perspective on voting rights, affirmative action, DEI and whether hard-won civil-rights gains are being rolled back. Singley is also a founding member and leading voice of the Ona Judge Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, multiracial alliance dedicated to preserving the true history of slavery at the President’s House in Philadelphia. Through its “Who Is Ona Judge?” public-awareness initiative, the coalition honors Ona Judge, who escaped enslavement by George and Martha Washington on May 21, 1796, and works to ensure that her courage and the stories of others who liberated themselves are not erased. The coalition’s advocacy helped establish May 21 as Ona Judge Day in Philadelphia.

CPOC Resources Website: phila.gov/CPOC
Know Your Rights—Free to Leave: phila.gov/FreeToLeave
Phone: 215-685-0891
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @PHLCPOC
Facebook: PHLCPOC

Ona Judge Coalition Resources Website: WhoIsOnaJudge.org
Instagram: @WhoIsOnaJudge
Ona Judge Day: May 21

Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati presents her monthly segment, “VLS Journeys,” featuring Kimberly A. Lloyd, President and CEO of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC). Lloyd discusses her leadership journey, OARC’s work and the Second Annual Uptown Rhythm Festival, formerly known as Night Market on Ogontz Avenue.   The festival takes place Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 4–9 p.m., along Ogontz Avenue from East Tulpehocken Street to Middleton Street. The celebration will feature more than 40 food trucks and vendors, local businesses and live entertainment from Breakwater, Urban Guerilla Orchestra, Ladies of SKYY, DJ Diamond Kuts and DJ Superfli. The evening will be hosted by Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller and WDAS-FM’s Patty Jackson. Follow OARC on Instagram at @oarcphilly and on Facebook at Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation.  

Then, for “What Is Philadelphia Reading?”, Vanesse welcomes Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal for a conversation about books, leadership and the importance of reading. Learn more about the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office and its community programs at www.PhillySheriff.com.

Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ history, the fight against human trafficking and support for North Korean escapees are featured on this episode of Insight.

Colleen Murphy of the Philadelphia Visitor Center introduces the free Out & About Fridays series at the Philly Pride Visitor Center, 1139 Locust Street. Upcoming programming includes Plantie Mame, a family-friendly plant swap with “Positivity Pots,” Saturday, September 12, from noon–2 p.m. Learn more at phlvisitorcenter.com or follow @PHLVisitorCenter.

Trial lawyer and author Mike Papantonio discusses his legal thriller Inhuman Trafficking and the real-world exploitation and corporate accountability that inspired it. Order the book at Amazon and visit mikepapantonioauthor.com. If you or someone you know may be experiencing trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, text 233733, or visit humantraffickinghotline.org. In Philadelphia, call New Day to Stop Trafficking at 267-838-5866. Call 911 in an emergency.

Finally, Philadelphia Youth Network/iHeartMedia student producer Hannah Kim speaks with Catherine Dawkins of Connect: North Korea about helping North Korean escapees rebuild their lives through education, wellness and community support. Visit connectnorthkorea.org or follow @connectnorthkorea on Instagram.

The 11th Annual World Heritage City Celebration Philadelphia takes its place on the world stage as Global Philadelphia Association prepares for the 11th Annual World Heritage City Celebration. Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Zabeth Teelucksingh, President of the Global Philadelphia Association, about Philadelphia’s distinction as America’s first World Heritage City and the cultural, educational and business events that connect the region to the world.

This year’s celebration takes place during America’s 250th anniversary and will honor 6abc Chief Meteorologist Cecily Tynan with the Distinguished Journalism Globy Award.

11th Annual World Heritage City Celebration
Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Crystal Tea Room, Wanamaker Building, Philadelphia

Discover the celebration and Global Philadelphia’s year-round calendar of cultural, business and international events at GlobalPhiladelphia.org.

Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal explains the new Philadelphia Sheriff’s Auction Search Platform, designed to make Sheriff Sale property information easier to find and understand. She discusses how the tool works, what prospective buyers should know before bidding and how it supports her office’s broader modernization and transparency efforts. Property research begins at PhillySheriff.com; registration and bidding take place through Bid4Assets.  

Then, award-winning filmmaker and producer Robert “Bob” Lott reflects on his extraordinary journey from designing nearly 200 buildings as an architect to pioneering Black music television and documenting African American history and the African Diaspora. His life and legacy are celebrated in Architect of Vision: The Life Story of Robert “Bob” Lott.

Web & Social

• Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office: PhillySheriff.com
• Instagram: @PhillySheriff
• Facebook: Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office

Website: TMGI Films ·        
Bob Lott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn profile ·        
Full documentary: Watch Architect of Vision on Vimeo

On this edition of What’s Going On, we spotlight three organizations creating opportunity, strengthening families and investing in the next generation.

First, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Peggy Dolan, Founder of the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund, and Danielle Griffith, Executive Director, as the organization celebrates 50 years of helping families caring for children with serious illnesses and disabilities. Since its founding, the Fund has helped more than 50,000 families and paid more than $10 million in essential bills. The conversation also explores new initiatives including ExchangeABLE, which redistributes adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, and Unity Sports, an inclusive soccer program pairing children with disabilities with student-athlete buddies.

The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund will mark its milestone anniversary with Foodies & Philanthropy, Thursday, October 9, 2026, at Lilah in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. Proceeds benefit families served by the Fund.  

Next, iHeartMedia intern Logan Perzi speaks with Justin Halladay, Founder of Project Béisbol, a nonprofit using baseball and softball to empower underserved young people across Latin America. Since 2008, Project Béisbol has reached more than 20,000 young athletes in eight countries through equipment donations, coaching, educational opportunities, leadership development and international exchange programs. The conversation looks at how sports can become a pathway to education, confidence, leadership and positive social change.  

Finally, guest host Gilberto Gonzalez, host of Pulso Comunitario on Rumba 106.1, speaks with Eva Porter, member and former president, and Krystal Ortega, board member of LULAC Greater Philadelphia Council #20010, about the organization’s work supporting Latino students and families and its upcoming 2026 Scholarship Banquet. The LULAC Greater Philadelphia Scholarship Banquet takes place Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Laborers’ Local Union 57, 506 N. 6th Street in Philadelphia. The event honors students pursuing both college and skilled-trade pathways while celebrating the families, educators and community leaders supporting their success.
WEB & EVENT INFO Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund
Website: dolanfund.org
Instagram: @dolanfund
Facebook: @fb.kadmf
LinkedIn: Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund

Project Béisbol
Website: projectbeisbol.org

LULAC Greater Philadelphia Council #20010
2026 Scholarship Banquet
Thursday, August 27, 2026 | 5:30–8:00 p.m.
Laborers’ Local Union 57, 506 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Tickets and registration available through the LULAC Greater Philadelphia Eventbrite page.

In this episode of Insight, Loraine Ballard Morrill explores Alzheimer’s and its disproportionate impact on Black families, children’s mental health, and one man’s extraordinary journey from surviving gun violence to helping fathers and families thrive.

Alzheimer’s Association — Amba Kasongo
Amba Kasongo, Programs Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, discusses the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, warning signs, brain health, caregiver support and why Black Americans face a disproportionate impact from the disease.Kasongo also previews the Fourth Annual Black/African American Caregiver Symposium, featuring expert speakers, brain-health information, legal planning resources and a caregiver panel.
EVENT: Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 10:45 a.m.–3 p.m. | Philadelphia
WEB: alz.org/delval | Events: alz.org/delval/events
24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900 | Instagram/Facebook: @alzsepa

Child Guidance Resource Centers — Lisa Roberts Cadorette
As Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC) celebrates 70 years, CEO Lisa Roberts Cadorette discusses the growing mental and behavioral health challenges facing children and families, including anxiety and trauma, and how CGRC is working to expand access to compassionate, evidence-based care.CGRC marks its anniversary with “Inspiring Healing & Hope – A Celebration of 70 Years.”
EVENT: Thursday, September 10, 2026 | The Ivy at Ellis Preserve, Newtown Square, PA
WEB: https://cgrc.org/

Fathership Foundation — Dr. Jonathan Wilson Jr.
In a powerful on-site conversation, Dr. Jonathan Wilson Jr., founder of the Fathership Foundation, shares his remarkable story of surviving being shot four times and left wheelchair-bound—and how that experience inspired a mission to strengthen fathers, families and communities.Founded in 2013, the Fathership Foundation provides fatherhood and parenting support, community education, workforce development, education and vocational training to help families build stronger futures and greater economic stability.
WEB: www.fathershipfoundation.org

Barbers Who Care — Mike Monroe
 For 17 years, Barbers Who Care has been helping Philadelphia children head back to school looking good, feeling confident and ready to learn. In this episode of Insight, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Mike Monroe, barber and Advisory Board Member of Barbers Who Care, about the organization’s 17th Annual Free Haircut & Educational Resource Fair and why the barber chair can be such a powerful place for mentorship, connection and community. Taking place Sunday, August 23, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the West Philadelphia YMCA, this year’s event is expected to serve more than 300 children and families with free haircuts for young people ages 5–17, bookbags, school supplies, giveaways and a wide range of educational, health and community resources. Monroe shares how Barbers Who Care has served more than 3,500 young people over its 17-year history and explains why a fresh haircut can help build a child’s confidence at the start of a new school year. He also discusses the special relationship barbers can develop with young people and the role barbershops have long played as trusted gathering places in the Black community. This year’s fair expands its offerings with Big Smiles/Delta dental screenings, Barbershop Books, West Philly Reading Captains and the Child ID Program, along with other resources for families. The event is supported by celebrity barbers from across Philadelphia, host sponsor West Philadelphia YMCA and major sponsor UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.

EVENT INFORMATION 17th Annual Barbers Who Care Free Haircut & Educational Resource Fair
Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
West Philadelphia YMCA
5120 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139 Admission and services are free. Haircuts and children’s dental screenings require parental or guardian consent.
WEB & SOCIAL Website: BarbersWhoCare.org
Instagram: @barberswhocareinc
Facebook: Barbers Who Care Inc.


Germantown Avenue Food Truck Festival
Food, culture, fitness and community come together when the Germantown Avenue Food Truck Festival returns for its second year on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1–6 p.m. along the 5400 block of Germantown Avenue, between School House Lane and Coulter Street. In this episode, we’re joined by Bruce Rush, Co-Chair of the Food Truck Festival Committee, and Keith Ellison, President of The Achievement Foundation, to preview this free, family-friendly celebration presented by The Achievement Foundation, the charitable arm of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

With the theme “Flavor, Fitness & Festivities—A Celebration of Food, Culture & Healthy Living,” the festival will feature more than a dozen food trucks serving everything from soul food and seafood to vegan dishes, tacos, desserts and frozen treats. Visitors can also enjoy live music and dance, fitness and wellness activities, a Kids Fun & Games Village, the Black Art Pavilion curated by October Gallery, a 360 photo booth, community resources, giveaways and more.

Entertainment includes the Dobbins High School Mighty Mustangs Band, West Philadelphia High School Dance Showcase, Germantown Friends School Dance Troupe, Max the 4th, Estilo Dance Studio, Will Ellsworth and Batala Philly, along with line dancing, a Kappa Alpha Psi step show and wellness activities. We also talk with Rush and Ellison about why the festival is about much more than great food—it's an opportunity to support local entrepreneurs, showcase Germantown's rich culture, promote healthy living and bring neighbors together.
EVENT DETAILS
Germantown Avenue Food Truck Festival
Saturday, September 12, 2026
1:00–6:00 p.m.
5400 block of Germantown Avenue
School House Lane to Coulter Street
Philadelphia, PA
Admission: FREE; food and beverages are pay-as-you-go.
WEB & SOCIAL
Website: GermantownFoodFest.org
Social: @germantownfoodfest ABOUT THE ACHIEVEMENT FOUNDATION

The Achievement Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through education, service and leadership. Its work supports scholarships, youth mentoring, education and community outreach while providing space for the Kappa League Guide Right Program, the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and other nonprofit partners serving the Germantown community.

On this edition of  What’s Going On, we celebrate compassion, creativity, and the next generation of changemakers.   First, we spotlight the extraordinary nurses whose care extends far beyond medicine. Koleen Cavanaugh, Chief Marketing Officer at Independence Blue Cross, joins us along with the three recipients of the 2026 Celebrate Caring Sunshine Awards: Sarah Bruno of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Ian Montgomery of Virtua Marlton Hospital, and Madison Schmus of Penn Medicine. Now in its eighth year, Independence Blue Cross’s Celebrate Caring campaign recognizes nurses across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware who go above and beyond for their patients and communities.

We hear the inspiring stories behind this year’s honorees—from bringing comfort and dignity to children experiencing trauma and serious illness, to advancing patient safety and nursing innovation, to delivering healthcare directly to people experiencing homelessness, chronic illness, and substance use disorders. The winners also share what inspired them to become nurses and what keeps them committed to compassionate care.
Connect:
Independence Blue Cross — Celebrate Caring

🌈 SpeakOUT: Transgender Athletes and Decriminalizing HIV
For our monthly SpeakOUT segment, attorney and LGBTQIA+ advocate Angela Giampolo, founder of Giampolo Law Group and widely known as the Philly Gay Lawyer, returns to discuss the controversy over transgender athletes in women’s basketball. Angela also discusses a PA Senate Bill signed into law eliminating Pennsylvania's outdated 1995 statute that automatically elevated misdemeanor prostitution charges to a third-degree felony if the individual was knowingly HIV-positive.

Learn More

• Giampolo Law Group: https://www.giampololaw.com

Follow Angela Giampolo

• Instagram: @yourgaylawyer
• Facebook: Philly Gay Lawyer
• TikTok: @Gaylawyer