The “Right2ReadPhilly” Campaign offers support and resources so busy families can do fun things together that are proven to help kids become strong readers. One is promoting The Freedom Schools Alphabet Song – a phonics base song founded by Black teachers at the Freedom Schools movement of the sixty’s Civil Rights era. I speak to Dr. Heseung Song, President and CEO of Mighty Engine, Elaine Wells, Founder, Global Thinking Initiatives. She’s also a West Philly Reading Captain and Tiny Trekkers Leader. Also joining us is Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development.  
https://www.right2readphilly.org/
https://thecenterblacked.org/

You see it every morning on the news. the overnight shooting. The police tape, the bullets encircled by chalk on the ground. New studies show coverage of gun violence can re-traumatize survivors. Two new studies published in Preventive Medicine Reports and BMC Public Health led by corresponding author Jessica H. Beard, MD, MPH, FACS, Associate Professor of Surgery in the Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care and Director of Trauma Research at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, more closely examine how reports of community firearm violence are framed on local television news in Philadelphia and the downstream effects of that coverage on the general public’s perception of the issue.

The Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting has created  “Better Gun Violence Reporting: A Toolkit for minimizing Harm.

I adopted by son Christopher in 1992 and I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful it’s been being an adoptive mom. I was able to manage the extensive costs but there are countless potential parents who simply can’t afford adoption. We’ll tell you about  wonderful nonprofit called Help us Adopt. First HelpUsAdopt.org, founded in 2007, is a national 501(c)(3) adoption grant program. HelpUsAdopt.org was founded by Becky and Kipp Fawcett as a response to their own personal adoption experience. I speak to Rebecca Snyder Fawcett about the organization that’s made adoption more feasible for all families. ​
https://www.helpusadopt.org/    

 You see it every morning on the news. the overnight shooting. The police tape, the bullets encircled by chalk on the ground. New studies show coverage of gun violence can re-traumatize survivors. Two new studies published in Preventive Medicine Reports and BMC Public Health led by corresponding author Jessica H. Beard, MD, MPH, FACS, Associate Professor of Surgery in the Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care and Director of Trauma Research at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, more closely examine how reports of community firearm violence are framed on local television news in Philadelphia and the downstream effects of that coverage on the general public’s perception of the issue. The Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting has created  “Better Gun Violence Reporting: A Toolkit for minimizing Harm.

Shine the Light on Sickle Cell is an annual community awareness campaign to celebrate World Sickle Cell Awareness Day on June 19 as proclaimed by the United Nations in 2008 and to advocate for a universal cure. Shine the Light on Sickle Cell is led by a collaborative of 34 nonprofit, community-based organizations in the Northeast United States whose aim is to increase awareness of Sickle Cell Disease and advocate for treatments and better outcomes for individuals with the disease. Learn more at Shine the Light on Sickle Cell. #shinethelightonsicklecell. To tell us more I speak to Zemoria Brandon - Chair of the Shine the Light on Sickle Cell campaign. https://wepsicklecell.org/sinerge/shine-the-light/ http://www.sicklecelldisorder.com/    

The “Right2ReadPhilly” Campaign offers support and resources so busy families can do fun things together that are proven to help kids become strong readers. One is promoting The Freedom Schools Alphabet Song – a phonics base song founded by Black teachers at the Freedom Schools movement of the sixty’s Civil Rights era. I speak to Dr. Heseung Song, President and CEO of Mighty Engine, Elaine Wells, Founder, Global Thinking Initiatives. She’s also a West Philly Reading Captain and Tiny Trekkers Leader. Also joining us is Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development.  
https://www.right2readphilly.org/
https://thecenterblacked.org/  

I speak to Media activist and PHILLY TRUCE Cofounder Mazzie Casher (aka Grand Agent) about his new single "Can't Say Love Enough" which has  taken the iconic Lift Every Voice and Sing, injected it with the soulful vibes of Philly International session players, and amped it up with beats that slap - hard. Dropping on National Gun Violence Awareness Day (June 7th) to highlight the urgency of the moment, with a  chorus that rivals the legendary "What The World Needs Now", a song that defined the Vietnam Era, "Can't Say Love Enough" is set to be the anthem of 2024. http://soulspazm.ffm.to/cantsayloveenough

Together with Forum Philly, the Penn Museum is hosting its inaugural Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 15—ahead of the official holiday—and admission is free for everyone. (Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm)  This family-friendly celebration marks the importance of June 19, 1865, commemorating the emancipation of all enslaved people in the United States. In consultation with our community partner, Forum Philly, the Penn Museum's goal is to co-create an event that is accessible, educational, and impactful. To tell us more I speak to Philly Forum Founding President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Malcolm T. Byrd 
VISIT https://www.penn.museum/calendar TO REGISTER AND GET MORE INFORMATION
 www.forumphilly.org @forum.philly  

Another important Juneteenth event  -  the African American Children’s Book Project (AACBP) is proud to present Juneteenth - Celebrating Literary and Artistic Freedom. This special program, moderated by AACBP founder Vanesse J. Lloyd-Sgambati, will feature award-winning author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and documentary producer Donna Limerick. Together, they will explore the literary and artistic achievements of Black Americans since the Emancipation Proclamation, and the life and legacy of Mae Reeves (1912-2016), a renowned hat designer, successful entrepreneur, and community activist. Free books will be distributed at the event that takes Place Saturday June 15th at 1 pm at the Athenaeum of Philadephia  219 S. 6th Street, Philadephia, PA 19106.
Juneteenth: Celebrating Literary and Artistic Freedom

I speak with  Angela Wade about  what was lost when gun violence took her extraordinary son’s life. Joseph Emanuel Daniels III was recognized as a gifted mentor and coach who was first a volunteer at a basketball program at his son's school, which led to his hire as a coach and mentor.  He was killed Dec. 7, 2019.  Angela is featured in a documentary called “The Second Trauma” about how episodic reporting of gun violence can retraumatize survivors produced by the Philadephia Center for Gun Violence Reporting and the Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting. Angela Wade has already established a non-profit in her son's name.  JEDIII  will provide a haven for children to use conflict resolution effectively.
JEDIII
https://thesecondtrauma.net/about/
https://www.pcgvr.org/
https://templelogancenter.org/

Interfaith Philadelphia, is a  nonprofit whose mission is to equip individuals and communities for interfaith engagement, builds collaborative relationships and stands in solidarity with our diverse neighbors.  I speak to Abby Stamelman Hocky, Executive Director of Interfaith Philadelphia about the organization and how its celebrating it’s 20-year anniversary.  
 https://www.interfaithphiladelphia.org/
 https://www.interfaithphiladelphia.org/2024dtu-awards  

On June 8th there will be a  special concert celebrating the newly inaugurated Marian Anderson Hall! Music.  Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin commands the stage, leading The Philadelphia Orchestra alongside a constellation of guest stars including GRAMMY Award–winning vocalists Audra McDonald and Angel Blue and the acclaimed jazz pianist Marcus Roberts. These phenomenal performers join GRAMMY®, Emmy®, and Golden Globe® Award–winning and Academy Award®–nominated artist, actor, and producer Queen Latifah, who will host the evening honoring the memory of the great contralto, civil rights icon, and Philadelphian Marian Anderson. I speak to Marcus Roberts about his extraordinary career and what Marian Anderson’s legacy means to him.
 Marcus’ website: https://www.marcusroberts.com/
Concert page: https://www.philorch.org/performances/our-season/events-and-tickets/2023-2024-season/verizon-hall/great-stages-concert/    

I Speak to Joanna Otero Cruz, Executive Director and President of Women Against Abuse talks about the services provided by the organization individuals experiencing intimate partner abuse.  They are hosting 2024 Dish It Up where citizens can  enjoy a night of delicious food from Philadelphia's top women chefs, all while raising money for a crucial cause! THURSDAY, JUNE 6TH 6 to 9 pm, with VIP reception beginning at 5 pm Vie, 600 N Broad St, Philadelphia https://www.womenagainstabuse.org/events/dish-it-up https://www.womenagainstabuse.org/
 24 hours hotline 1.866.723.3014

Blues Babe Foundation (BBF) was founded by GRAMMY Award winning artist and entertainer, Jill Scott, in 2002 to nurture college-bound students of color, artistically and academically.  I speak to Interim Executive Director Aisha Winfield and scholarship recipient Temple student Kyla Gordon about what the organization means to young people. https://bluesbabefoundation.org/  

On June 8th there will be a  special concert celebrating the newly inaugurated Marian Anderson Hall! Music.  Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin commands the stage, leading The Philadelphia Orchestra alongside a constellation of guest stars including GRAMMY Award–winning vocalists Audra McDonald and Angel Blue and the acclaimed jazz pianist Marcus Roberts. These phenomenal performers join GRAMMY®, Emmy®, and Golden Globe® Award–winning and Academy Award®–nominated artist, actor, and producer Queen Latifah, who will host the evening honoring the memory of the great contralto, civil rights icon, and Philadelphian Marian Anderson. I speak to Marcus Roberts about his extraordinary career and what Marian Anderson’s legacy means to him.
Marcus’ website: https://www.marcusroberts.com/
Concert page: https://www.philorch.org/performances/our-season/events-and-tickets/2023-2024-season/verizon-hall/great-stages-concert/  

I speak with  Angela Wade about  what was lost when gun violence took her extraordinary son’s life. Joseph Emanuel Daniels III was recognized as a gifted mentor and coach who was first a volunteer at a basketball program at his son's school, which led to his hire as a coach and mentor.  He was killed Dec. 7, 2019.  Angela is featured in a documentary called “The Second Trauma” about how episodic reporting of gun violence can retraumatize survivors produced by the Philadephia Center for Gun Violence Reporting and the Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting.
https://thesecondtrauma.net/about/
https://www.pcgvr.org/
https://templelogancenter.org/

Guest Host Vanesse Lloyd- Sgambati speaks to Frances Hoover , the Executive Director of Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in East Fairmount Park.  Vanesse also speaks to music and radio icon Dyana Williams for her feature "What is Philadelphia Reading?"
https://www.smithplayground.org/
Social media handles
Instagram- smithplayground
Facebook- Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
Twitter-@SmithPlayground Linkedin: Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse  

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month – a good time to get a “Check Up from the Neck Up.”  I speak to Malik Gray, Program Analysis Supervisor at Department of Behavioral Health about a free online survey to check on your mental wellbeing and resources for those seeking help. https://healthymindsphilly.org/mental-health-awareness-month-988/    

Philadephia has the highest poverty rate of the nation’s big cities. The GreenLight Fund Philadelphia  is addressing this issue by finding community-based organizations making a difference and supplying them support to tackle economic and racial inequities, remove barriers and life individuals and families out of poverty. I speak to The GreenLight Fund Philadelphia’s Executive Director Felicia Rinier about their approach and the organizations they’re currently supporting. greenlightfund.org
 Hopeworks - Launched in 2022, focus area: digital equity
The Fountain Fund- Launched in2023, Focus Area: economic support for returning citizens
Single Stop - Launched in 2013, Focus Area: Degree Completion/Access to Benefits
Year Up - Launched in 2013, Focus Area: Youth Career Readiness
Center for Employment Opportunities - 2015, Focus Area: Early Literacy
ParentChild+ - Launched in 2016, Focus Area:
Compass Working Capital - Launched in 2018, Focus Area: Assets Building    

Angela Giampolo of Giampolo Law Group and Philly Gay Lawyer joins me for our monthly feature Speak OUT about issues related to the LGBTQIA+ community and how they related to us all. This month we discuss the increased numbers of anti-LGBTIA+ legislation.  We also discuss Angela’s Caravan of Hope which provides free legal help in communities where LGBTIA+ legal help is lacking.  It’ll be back on the road next year – but this year will be offering help virtually.
https://www.phillygaylawyer.com/
https://giampololaw.com/
https://www.caravanofhope.lgbt/