Yvonne Blake runs one of the most legendary bookstores on the east coast, Hakim’s Book Store. Hakim’s is the first and oldest African American Bookstore in Philadelphia and on the East Coast. It was established in 1959. Yvonne’s father Dauwd Hakim, is the founder of the bookstore.

Yvonne joins the show to further talk about the role she plays in running the bookstore, and the significance of the bookstore.

Dr. Peterson discusses on Evening WURDs the importance and history of Olaudah Equiano from the 18th century.

Olaudah Equiano, who was also known as Gustavus Vassa was a writer and abolitionist. According to his memoir, he was from the village of Essaka in present day southern Nigeria. Enslaved as a child in West Africa, he was shipped to the Caribbean and sold to a Royal Navy officer. He was sold twice more before purchasing his freedom in 1766.

As a freedman in London, Equiano supported the British abolitionist movement, in the 1780s becoming one of its leading figures. Equiano was part of the abolitionist group the Sons of Africa, whose members were Africans living in Britain. His 1789 autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, sold so well that nine editions were published during his life and helped secure passage of the British Slave Trade Act 1807, which abolished the slave trade. The Interesting Narrative gained renewed popularity among scholars in the late 20th century and remains a useful primary source.

Dr. Peterson discusses on Evening WURDs the civil war and reconstruction in the 19th century.

Historian Lonnie G. Bunch III from the Smithsonian Institution identifies 1877 as the year when all the gains of the Civil War, for Black people, began to be erased. As Jim Crow took hold, African-Americans found their constitutional freedoms curtailed.

After the Civil War, the Reconstruction era brought about hope and change in the form of citizenship and equality in America. Black men were given the right to vote, and in 1870, Hiram Revels became the first African American in the U.S. Congress when he was elected to represent Mississippi in the Senate. What followed included more than 2,000 Black office holders serving at every level of America’s political system. Sadly, this progress was short-lived. Black men were denied access to the ballot box and the rights they were granted at the start of the Reconstruction period slowly diminished. In result, a Black presence in Congress was completely eradicated by 1901, and it would take a full generation for it to be restored. In this clip you hear of African-American achievements in the political system that were systematically overturned.

Civil War Clip Credit: Smithsonian Channel

Reconstruction Clip Credit: “Reconstruction: The Vote” with Henry Louis Gates, from the Black History in Two Minutes podcast

Dr. Peterson discusses the 17th century on Evening WURDs with Chris Norwood. They both listen to a clip on Point Comfort to share their thoughts and discuss more on Point Comfort.

Renter United OnePA, Tyreece Rogers and Theresa Howell, and Shawmar Pitts, co-director of Philly Thrive, about how Philadelphia is making a $20 million investment to support climate-resilient home repairs for both homeowners and renters. The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) will receive $10 million for its Built to Last program, which helps homeowners make critical repairs to improve energy efficiency, safety, and climate resilience. Another $10 million will fund a proactive inspection program through the Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) to ensure rental properties meet safety and climate-readiness standards. This investment aims to provide long-term solutions for housing stability, protect vulnerable residents, and strengthen Philadelphia’s response to climate challenges.

Stephanie Thomas is the Secretary of the State of Connecticut. With a distinguished 30-year career advising and problem-solving for nonprofit organizations, running her own business, and serving as a State Representative of the 143rd District (Norwalk, Wilton, Westport), Secretary Thomas brings a unique blend of business expertise and a passion for civics to public service.

Sec. Thomas joins the show to discuss the fight to protect Black voting and civil rights against a hostile administration, the role Black women play in protecting elections, and how Democratic Secretaries of State will serve as the last line of defense for democracy.

Philadelphia's 7th District City Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada joined Ernest Owens to discuss President Trump's immigration controversy and the local implications.

Jack Lynch is the president of Main Line Health: a not-for-profit health system serving portions of Philadelphia and its western suburbs.

Jack joins the show to further discuss the various health care disparities that exist in the healthcare industry. He also gives his take on what he believes could improve Black people’s experience in health care.

For the "Critical Commentary" segment, Dr. Peterson and Chris Norwood focuses their conversation on the 20th century. The conversation includes clips regarding:

Ida B. Wells

Clip Description: Ida B. Wells "A Red Record" accounts lynchings in the US - clip from New York Public Libraries Treasures.

Clip Credit: Cheryl Beredo of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture as she explores “A Red Record,” an account of lynchings in the United States, by journalist Ida B. Wells from 1895.

All-Black Towns Living the American Dream

Clip Description: All-Black Towns Living the American Dream (i.e. Tulsa, Oklahoma and other all-black towns in America that had black mayors & government, black owned businesses, etc.)

Clip Credit: National Geographic

African American Higher Education

Clip Description: African American Higher Education during this time period.

Clip Credit: Henry Louis Gates Jr. from his podcast “Black History in 2 minutes”

react and talk about African Americans participating in higher education during this time period

Lydia Gottesfeld is the Managing Attorney of Community Legal Services’ Health and Independence Unit. Community Legal Services (CLS) is an organization that provides free civil legal assistance to more than one million low-income Philadelphians

Lydia joins the show to talk about public benefits, examine different types of proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ), and explain how cuts will hurt Philadelphians.