Nafees Norris is the first Black student accepted into Thomas Jefferson University’s Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering Master’s Program, former cell culture scientist, and the founder of Nafees Innovations.

Nafees Innovations is an education nonprofit that was founded in 2024 and has since partnered with schools and organizations like University City Science Center, B+ Labs to offer more than 150 interactive workshops for more than 2,000 students.

Nafees joined Dr. Peterson for this week's Citizen WURD segment to discuss the Citizen of the Week article.

Article Link: https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/citizen-of-the-week-nafees-norris/

E. Bernard Alexander is the author of Rise Above Anything, and serves as Program Coordinator with Black Men Heal and host of Kings Corner. Ihsan Hines is the Founder and President of My Brother's Keeper Cares, motivational speaker and performing artist. They joined Dr. Peterson to discuss September being Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the collaborative live podcast supporting event with Affirmations for Black Men and Black Men Heal called “A Room for Black Men to Exhale” at Plant and People next Tuesday, September 29th.

Kirk Whalum is a Saxophonist, and Grammy Award winner. Gerald Veasley is a West Philadelphia born and raised bass guitarist and U.S. Billboard top contemporary jazz album artist. They joined Dr. Peterson to discuss the life and legacy of John Coltrane, who turns 100 on September 23rd, and their “Jazz Under the Stars” event in celebration of Coltrane 100.

Dr. Melissa Nelson is the Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Her professional work focuses on Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM), suicide prevention and postvention, and school-based behavioral health systems. She joined Dr. Peterson for this week's Tuesday Teach-in segment to discuss National Suicide Prevention Month.

Dr. Eniola Ajayi is the Education Director for the Philadelphia Education Center, a newly opened K–8 school by Merakey located at 3240 N. Hancock St., Philadelphia, PA 19140.

Merakey is a developmental, behavioral health, and education provider offering a breadth of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country.

In coordination with the Chamber of Commerce, Merakey’s Education Center in Philadelphia will host a ribbon-cutting and open house to celebrate the new school on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 2 – 5 PM. The event will be an opportunity for members of the community, elected officials, and local school districts to meet the staff, tour the school, and learn more about the services provided.

The school offers autism support, emotional support, and therapy services. Dr. Ajayi has over 15 years of experience in special education (grades K–12) with a specialty in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She oversees daily operations and 9 staff members.

Dr. Ajayi joined the show to talk about Merakey’s opening of the new Philadelphia Education Center.

Najwa Haamen is the owner of Petals and Wax, an independently owned candle-making company that sells an array of scents. Petals and Wax makes hand-poured candles from three ingredients — all natural soy wax, pure essential oils, and dried flower petals and buds. But Najwa will tell you the candles aren't really the point. "If you can't get to the spa," she says, "carve out the space yourself." The brand exists to help people make room to rest in lives that don't offer much of it.

On Oct. 4th, they will be hosting an event, “Brunch by the Candlelight”. This event will include a 7-minute massage reset, custom mocktails, a 7-dish brunch spread, a signature exclusive candle, and much more. It will take place on North Broad Street & West Wyoming Avenue on Sun, Oct 4, from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Najwa joins the show to talk about what ‘Brunch by the Candlelight’ will entail.

Laura Dunn is a Highway Safety Specialist for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Laura is an accomplished state and federal program manager with extensive work in program development, management, and implementation, with over 15 years of experience.

Laura joins the show to talk about some of the mistakes parents make in regard to putting their children in car seats.

Senator Art Haywood joins the show. He represents the fourth senatorial district, which includes parts of northwest Philadelphia and Montgomery county. He talks to us about a Hazing incident at Cheltenham High School, involving a sophomore football player

Dr. Delana Wardlaw and Dr. Elana McDonald are board certified physicians, and they are twins. They join the show to talk about the measles outbreak that’s affected nearly 800 people in Pennsylvania.

Councilman Isaiah Thomas is serving his second term on City Council, was voted Majority Whip by his colleagues, and currently serves as the Chair of the Education Committee. He joined Dr. Peterson to discuss the Driving Equity legislation, in regards to ending the traffic stops that promote discrimination, and the Driving Equity University Engagement Tour stop at Community College of Philadelphia happening September, 22nd at 10:00 AM with former Obama Administration White House Social Secretary Deesha Dyer, and Philadelphia City Councilwoman Kendra Brooks.