WURD Radio

V. Shayne Frederick is a vocalist and pianist. He has electrified TEDx, NPR, and countless stages, including a recent starring soloist spot with the Philadelphia Orchestra, continual residencies at high end restaurants, upscale hotels, and more.

He joins the show to talk about his career as a musician, and his upcoming performance at the Lancaster Jazz Arts Festival in Philadelphia.

Toussaint Jeanlouis is an actor, puppeteer, teaching artist, and movement specialist from Houston, based in New York City. Jeanlouis is perhaps best known for his powerful performance as Richard Parker the tiger (as well as hyena and cook) in the national Broadway tour of Life of Pi, where he masterfully combines puppetry, voice work, and movement to channel animal characters.

Toussaint joins the show to further discuss his role as Richard Parker in Life of Pi, and he also talks about Life of Pi's Philadelphia premiere at the Academy of Music.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison was sworn in as the People’s Lawyer January of 2019, with the job to help Minnesotans afford their lives and live with dignity, safety and respect; and prides his values of generosity and inclusion.

He joined guest hosts Dr. Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to discuss discuss discuss his legal efforts opposing the unconstitutional executive actions taken by President Trump and his administration. He spoke in detail about several lawsuits currently underway. In addition, Attorney General Ellison offered a concise yet powerful historical overview of civil rights in America—tracing the arc from the 19th century through the 20th century—to underscore the urgency of the civil rights challenges we face today.

Councilwoman Kendra Brooks is the first Working Families Party member elected to Philadelphia City Council in history. Now in her second term, she serves as Minority Leader of City Council - where she has been an outspoken voice for reproductive freedom, housing justice, public schools and taxing the rich to fund community resources like parks, libraries, public transit and health services.

She joined guest hosts Dr. Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to discuss the current state of elections for the Democratic Party after the New York mayoral race, the District Counsel 33 strike and the Local Progress conference.

Regina Hairston is the President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware which supports, advocates for and elevates African American-owned businesses and professions across the region.

She joins guest hosts Dr. Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to share details of the upcoming State of the Chamber Tour, which starts in Harrisburg next Wednesday, July 23rd.

State Senator Vincent Hughes is one of Pennsylvania’s leading Democratic voices on local, state, and national issues. First as a State Representative and now as a State Senator, he has fought tirelessly for investments and progress in education, affordable housing, healthcare, gun violence prevention, mental health, voting rights, and much more.

He joined guest hosts Dr. Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to discuss civil rights and more.

Senator Sharif Street was elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2016, and represents the 3rd Senatorial District of Philadelphia, which encompasses a population of over 240,000.

Senator Street currently serves on various committees, including Democratic Chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, and a member of the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission.

He joined guest hosts Dr. Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to discuss the status of the state budget and other current political topics.

Councilman Isaiah Thomas is serving in his second term on City Council, was voted Chip by his colleagues, and serves on several committees including as the Chair of the Education Committee, the Legislative Oversight Committees and is the Vice Chair of the Children and Youth Committee.

He joined guest hosts Dr. Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to discuss his upcoming City Hall Youth Leadership Summit and the acquisition of Philadelphia’s WNBA team coming in 2030.

Congresswoman Summer Lee represents Pennsylvania’s 12th district, which includes Pittsburgh and other areas in Western Pennsylvania. She is the first Black woman to be elected to Congress from Pennsylvania.

Throughout her time in office, Congresswoman Lee has worked to get money out of politics, advance environmental justice, and advocate for criminal legal reform.

She joins guest hosts Dr. James Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to discuss the Student Loan Bill, and the lack of Federal aid and how that may affect students.

P.O.C. sits down with Zarinah Lomax from The Apologues Center - a fashion and art exhibit, which opened this past Monday, July 14th. Zarinah explores how the Apologues Center helps tell stories of victims of sexual abuse, gun violence survivors and those effected by substance abuse via art and fashion.