WURD Radio

Jessica Grider is the School Library Media Specialists at Park Hill School District in Kansas City, Missouri.

A 2022 “Teacher of the Year” finalist in Missouri and with more than 15 years of teaching experience, Ms. Grider is a dedicated high school librarian committed to fostering literacy, equitable access to diverse literature, and inclusive education practices — which includes curating collections that reflect diverse perspectives, sponsoring a thriving romance book club for teen girls, and collaborating with educators to promote meaningful literacy initiatives.

She joins Dr. Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss her perspective on education.

Chris Norwood joins Dr. Peterson for this week's Critical Commentary with Chris Norwood on Evening WURDs to discuss the war between Israel & Iran, and more.

Pennsylvania State Representative Napoleon Nelson was elected to represent the 154th Legislation District (located in Montgomery County, including Cheltenham Township, Jenkintown and Springfield Township) in November 2020.

Representative Nelson is the current chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, serves on the Appropriations, Children & Youth, and Education committees, and founded the Chairs of Emerging Technologies Caucus.

He joins Dr. Peterson to discuss the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, water rates going up and the effects of federal funding cuts.

Erika Barber is the Director of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program at Center in the Park: a nationally accredited senior community center located in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood.

Erika joins the show to talk about what the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Entails at Center in the Park, and how it positively impacts the community.

Dyana Williams is a producer, artist development coach, journalist, founder of the International Association of African American Music, and co-founder of Black Music Month. Dyana joins the show to talk about the importance of Black Music Month, the significance of Juneteenth, Philadelphia being declared an official music city, and much more.

Grammy nominated R&B Artist Tony Terry Joins the show. He talks to us about his role in the upcoming stage play from The Paul Williams Theatrical Group, "The Diary of Black Men: How

Do You Love a Black Woman"

Robin Wiessmann, CEO & Executive Director of Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), joins the show to talk about the CONVERGENCE House Party. Taking place during National Homeownership Month, this grassroots, citywide initiative spans four neighborhood events across Philadelphia. The “House Party” format blends home-buying education, community engagement, and direct access to resources—all designed to help Black, Hispanic, and low-to-moderate-income residents overcome systemic barriers to homeownership.

Pinky Cole is the owner and operator of Slutty Vegan based in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2023, Ms. Cole was added to Time magazine 100 Next list, and has penned two Amazon bestsellers on workplace management and women in law.

She joined Dr. Peterson to discuss "Blueprint to Empire," a national entrepreneurial brunch tour coming to Philadelphia this Sunday, June 22nd. It is designed to empower the next generation of business leaders.

TaDarius Johnson is a dual-credit 11th grade U.S. History Teacher committed to preserving the power of Black memory, resistance and place. He's the founder of Build on Holy Ground, an oral history project that honors the voices of Black elders and sacred spaces across the south and creator of Pap-In-The-Trap, a platform that channels unapologetic truth-telling into education, media and movement work. Guided by the belief that “everyone is a historian of something,” Mr. Johnson’s work bridges past and present to equip future generations with legacy, language and liberation.

He joins Dr. Peterson for this week's Tuesday teach-in to discuss his 11th grade U.S. History course, the Gentleman's League and more.

Jordyn Jay is the founder and executive director of the BTFA (Black Trans Femmes in the Arts) Collective and the executive producer of BTFA Productions– a worldwide movement that seeks to produce and preserve the artistic innovations and creations of Black trans femmes and address systemic inequality through advocacy and action.

Jordyn joins the show to talk about the initiatives of the Black Trans Femmes in the Arts (BTFA) Collective, and to also shine a light on the activity taking place in the Black Trans Art Community!