WURD Radio

Anuj Gupta of The Welcoming Center joins the show. He talks to us about the 2025 Solas Awards. As well as the importance of uplifting immigrants and their stories. The role immigrants play in shaping our city’s future, and why now more than ever, it’s important that we continue to invest in immigrants.

Reporter Steve Volk of Spotlight Pa joins the show. He talks to us about a shocking story of what happens to millions in social security funds meant for foster children.

State Representative Andre Carroll joins the show to talk about the town hall meeting held in the aftermath of the shooting at Lonnie Young Recreation Center.

​Meredith D. Clark, Ph.D., is an American journalist and scholar whose work focuses on the intersections of race, media, and power. She is currently an associate professor in the School of Journalism and the Department of Communication Studies at Northeastern University, where she also serves as founding director of the Center for Communication, Media Innovation and Social Change.

She is also the author of the book: "We Tried to Tell Y'all: Black Twitter and the Rise of Digital Counternarratives". In this book, Dr. Clark explores how Black Twitter emerged as a powerful platform for Black Americans to share their stories, challenge mainstream media narratives, and build community. She joins the show to further talk about the context of her book, and to talk about how 'Black Twitter' has been a catalyst in the Black Community.

Isaac Avilucea is a reporter for Axios Philadelphia and a frequent contributor to the show, where he gives WURD listeners pertinent updates on trending news stories.

Isaac joins the show to talk about to give me insight on the arson incident at Governor Shapiro's home, the Philadelphia 76ers Fans declining attendance at games, and much more.

Kathia Woods is a regular entertainment correspondent on Reality Check. She is a Philadelphia Tribune contributor, and an entertainment reporter with her own show, "Cup of Soul Show" on YouTube.

Kathia joins the show to talk about director Ryan Coogler's new movie, Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan. This film is about two twin brothers, who are World War I Veterans, who attempt to open up a juke joint in their hometown. But, their venture takes a dark turn as they confront a supernatural threat in the form of vampires. This film will be released in theaters on April 18th, 2025.

Kathia also talks about Viola Davis' new movie on Amazon Prime, G20. In this action thriller, Viola Davis plays President Danielle Sutton of the United States. The plot centers around a high-stakes crisis that unfolds during the G20 summit in Cape Town, South Africa.

Community Outreach Manager for Keystone First Maya Stewart and Viviane Redding, Site Manager for The Wardrobe - a group which provides clothing for professional and casual use, join Dr. Peterson to share about a program that provides professional clothing and business casual attire for job search and interviews to help Medicaid members move to employment and independence. Maya and Vivian also promote their Prom Expo Saturday April 19th from 10am to 2pm; an event that gives prom attire for young men and women who may not be able to afford it.

Host Dr. Peterson down with founder and president of Reflection Point Dr. Ann Smith as they sit down to discuss and reflect on Nikki Giovanni's poem "Bay Leaves". This conversation further balloons to a open dialogue about how special certain dishes are representative of culture and traditions.

This week commentary with cousin Chris focuses on president Trump's controversial decision to cut all aid funding to South Africa and how this decision will affect South Africa politically and socially. Dr. Peterson and cousin Chris further discuss Trump's executive orders directed at Harvard and the president of Harvard's response to the news.

Host Dr. James Peterson sits down with Dr. Brian Peterson, Director of the Makuu Black Culture Center, and professor of The History of Women and Men of African Descent course at the University of Pennsylvania. They discuss the current black experience at University of Pennsylvania under the Trump administration as well as retaliatory Federal funding cuts coming to UPenn.