WURD Radio

On April 29th, 2025, Reality Check host, Tonya Pendleton, hosted a panel on her show that covered the issues and challenges a lot of HBCUs currently face in light of the current political administration's anti-DEI policies being instilled in multiple institutions across the nation. Tonya featured three HBCU presidents on the panel: Dr. Brenda A. Allen of Lincoln University, Dr. Tony Allen of Delaware State University, and Dr. Walter Kimbrough of Talladega College.

On the panel, these HBCU presidents talk about how enrollment, funding, and courses are affected by anti-DEI policies. They also weigh in on their biggest concerns with this current political administration, what they're doing in their schools to make sure they continue to thrive, what is at stake for HBCUs as a whole, and much more.

Ernest Crim III is an Anti-Racist Educator and hate crime survivor who uses (Black) historical narratives to empower and educate families and train educators through an equitable lens.

Ernest joins the show to further talk about the importance of Black teachers in America. He also gives his take on Philadelphia Eagles star, Saquon Barkley, golfing with Donald Trump prior to the Eagles visiting the White House, Shedeur Sanders dropping to the 5th round in the NFL draft, and much more.

Damon McWhite is the director of partnerships at an organization called, “Coded by:”: a non-profit organization that equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead in tech and innovation. Their vision is to be a catalyst for the leaders of the world’s most impactful tech companies.

Damon joins the show to further talk about the role he plays in Coded By:, and to also talk about what people can expect from Philly Tech Week: an event that brings together tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, innovators, and the curious minds of Philadelphia and beyond.

Gloria J. Browne-Marshall is the author of a new book "A Protest History of the United States." This book explores 500 years of protest and resistance in US history—and what the unsung heroes of social movements past can teach us about navigating our chaotic world.

Gloria joins the show to talk about the context of her book, especially as it pertains to the protesting and resistance of African Americans in various movements, and what we can learn from the resistance from those movements in today’s day and age.

Ashley Carter and Jasmine Westbrooks-Figaro are the co-founders of an organization called the “EatWell Exchange Inc.” EatWell Exchange Inc. is a nonprofit organization that uses nutrition & education to decrease health disparities in low socioeconomic communities. They guide people in communities that are considered food deserts to make positive lifestyle changes while respectfully maintaining their culture.

They both join the show to debunk myths in regard to the health of 'soul food', to talk about how body image can affect one' mental health, basic nutrition tips, and much more.

Councilmember Isaiah Thomas joins Dr. Peterson as they discuss the ongoing situation where SEPTA faces a potential "death spiral” of service cuts & fare increases. Councilmember Thomas also delves into the alarming rates of young teens who are committing auto theft in Philadelphia, and what can be done to put a stop to these joyrides.

This week's guest for the Tuesday Teach-In segment is with activist and educator Ismael Jimenez. Jimenez and Dr. Peterson discuss the importance of media like comic books and hip hop and how they shaped the growth and development of the youth.

Author Richard Kreitner joins Evening WURDs to talk about his newly released book - Fear No Pharaoh: American Jews, the Civil War, and the Fight to End Slavery. Host Dr. Peterson had an honest conversation about the American Jews during the Civil War, those who were for slavery and those wishing to abolish it.

Diona Murray joins the show. She is the founder of Barren Fruit. Diona talks to us about National Infertility Awareness Month. Why is it critical for Black women, especially, to have safe spaces to share their reproductive health journeys?

Olympic Swimmer, Cullen Jones joins the show. May is Water Safety Month. Diversity in aquatics

is needed to increase access to swimming pools and highlight the historical barriers that have prevented many Black and underserved communities from learning to swim.