Bridging Philly

From KYW Newsradio 103.9 FM in Philadelphia, Bridging Philly connects our communities to the issues that matter to you. Host Racquel Williams examines the most critical issues facing underserved communities in the Philadelphia region, with insight from experts and regular people making a difference. And KYW reporter Shara Dae Howard explores Philadelphia's hidden gems on Shara in the City. Produced by Sabrina Boyd-Surka. Presented by Gift of Life Donor Program.

Listen live on KYW Newsradio Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm & 7:30pm and Sundays at 5:30am.

News Commentary
251
Flashpoint Extra: Growing Calls for Citywide Ap...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Cherri Gregg speaks to former Mayor Wilson Goode, Mike Africa, Jr. and others regarding the possibility of a citywide apology for the 1985 MOVE Bombing ahead of the 35th anniversary of the tragedy. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
12 min
252
Flashpoint: Class of 2020 grieves graduations, ...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the impact of mass cancellation of graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020 because of covid19. Psychotherapist Andrea Egert joins recent and soon to be graduates of the class of 2020 Jena Meile, Steven Scott Bradley and Aniya Mack.  The newsmaker of the week is the Philadelphia School District. Dr. William Hite, superintendent, discusses digital learning program   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
47 min
253
Flashpoint: Impact of COVID-19 on political cam...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the impact of covid19 crisis on political campaigns and the 2020 Election. Christine Jacobs, executive director of Represent PA joines Mustafa Rashed, president and CEO of Bellevue Strategies and Darisha Parker, Pennsylvania State Rep candidate for 198th district in this robust discussion. The newsmaker of the week is the voting. This week, Committee of Seventy launched, We Vote, a campaign designed to shift voting culture and encourage voters to sign up for a mail in ballot in Pennsylvania. CEO oDavid Thornburg, explains.  The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is the NaturAll Club. Muhga Eltigani, CEO, is guest. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
50 min
254
Flashpoint: Continue COVID-19 lockdown or is it...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about recent efforts to reopen American amid the covornavirus pandemic.  Pa State Rep and Minority Whip Jordan Harris joins family physician Jennifer Caudle and Derrick Lee, owner of D&J Costumes in Northeast Philadelphia. The newsmaker of the week is the Black Doctor COVID19 Consortium. "Twinsisterdocs" Dr. Elana McDonald and Dr. Delana Wardlaw explain why they stepped up to volunteer. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is the Colin DiPasquale, a Moorestown High freshman who started an effort he calls #SeniorSerenades.   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
52 min
255
Flashpoint Extra: DJ Jazzy Jeff has a message a...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Cherri Gregg talks to Philly native and Grammy Award winning artist DJ Jazzy Jeff about his battle with COVID-19. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
17 min
256
Flashpoint Extra Exclusive: Former Pa. Rep. Mo...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Cherri Gregg talks to former Pa. Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell. She is one of hundreds of inmates who are not being tested before getting sent home early from Philadelphia jails in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
24 min
257
Flashpoint: Mask culture in #COVID-19 world, Bi...
This week on Flashpoint: Host and KYW Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the impact of the new mandatory masking order that goes into effect in Pennsylvania on April 19th. Civil Rights Lawyer James Funt of Greenblatt, Pierce, Funt and Flores joins psychotherapist Amy Morin who has written about the psychology of masking and Isaiah Thomas, At-Large Member of Philadelpia City Council. The newsmakers of the week are all the celebrities seeking release from prison because of the coronavirus crisis. Spokesperson for actor Bill Cosby Andrew Wyatt is guest. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is South Jersey DJ Rhyno. Ryan O'Connell launched #FeedtheFrontLines. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
50 min
258
Flashpoint: Impact of COVID-19 crisis on mental...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the impact of the coronvirus crisis on mental health. Psychotherapist Hider Shabaan psychotherapist joins Felicia Roche, a suicide awareness advocate and author of Unraveled and Melissa Hopely Rice a motivational mental health speaker and author of The People You Meet in Real Life. The newsmaker of the week is the racial disparity with covid19 deaths.  Dr. Calvin Johnson  principal of Altre Strategic Solutions Group, LLC and former Secretary of Health in Pennsylvania discuses. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is the #ColoringPhillyWithHope. Owner of Florescio Events and That Balloon Girl, Jacelyn Florescio, is guest. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
48 min
259
Flashpoint Extra: Philly church disregards coro...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Cherri Gregg talks to Reverend Herbert Lusk, Pastor of Greater Exodus Baptist Church says his church will be open on Easter, despite CDC and state guidance discouraging in person faith services. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
17 min
260
Flashpoint: Coronavirus behind the wall, covid1...
Host and KYW Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about coronvirus behind the wall. How can stakeholders reduce prison populations while keeping the public safe. Keir Bradford-Grey, Chief Defender, Defender Association of Philadelphia joins Pennsylvania Rep Austin Davis (D- Allegheny County) and Jennifer Riley, State Director, Marsy's Law of Pennsylvania. The newsmaker of the week is the CARES Act and SBA Disaster Relief.  Ashley Bell, Region Four Administrator for the Small Business Administration and White House Policy Advisor for Entrepreneurship & Innovation provides details on how small businesses can get disaster relief and payroll support loans and grants. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is the Doorstep Deliveries Program By ICNA Relief. Outreach Coordinator, Razin Karu, is guest.   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
44 min
261
Flashpoint Extra-Chuck Styles: Documenting soci...
A couple of weeks ago  DJ DNice made history - when he hosted an all day  party on Instagram Live. Over 100-thousand people from around the world jammed for hours. To this fedora wearing DJ four hours in #clubquarantine. Well, a Philly artist named Chuck Styles has created an image of DNice that is sure to become iconic  but,  the image titled "LIVE HEALING"  is just one part of his series that documents life during this COVID-19 quarantine and social distancing.  Chuck's story and energy is amazing. Please check out my interview with the one and only Chuck Styles in this Flashpoint Extra podcast. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
20 min
262
Flashpoint: Is racism, individualism and classi...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions over American's "ism's" - racism, individualims, classism and capitalism- that are making it difficult or the country to stop the spread of the coronavirus.  Dr. Charles Gallagher, chair of the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department at LaSalle University joins Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a family physician and associate professor at Rowan University and John Chin, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Chinese Development Corporation. The newsmaker of the week is Shalena Broaster-Johnson.  She and her new husband, Odell Johnson, made headlines when they got married on March 19th, amid shelter in place orders. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is the Take it to the Streets Program.  Organizers Charlotte Greer-Brown, founder of The Elite 30 joins Yani Williams, founder of Your AOK Foundation are guests.   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
42 min
263
Flashpoint Extra: Pa. mail in ballots, upcoming...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Cherri Gregg talsk to Pennsylvania Secretary of Commonwealth Kathy Bookvar about mail in ballots, the upcoming primary and changes to state licensing due to coronavirus restrictions. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
22 min
264
Flashpoint: Coping with coronavirus lockdown, c...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions over how to cope during the coronavirus lockdown. How do you follow the restrictions and stay sane? Dr. Carolyn Cannusico, director of research at the UPenn Medicine's Center for Public Health Initiatives and Dr. Frank Farley, Professor of Psychological Studies in Education at Temple University give advice. The newsmaker of the week is liability due to covid19 restrictions. Former Philadelphia City Solicitor Shelley Smith, who is an attorney at Archer and Greiner and is a member of their coronavirus task force, provides and insight. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is group of Temple Students that is not letting coronavirus restrictions stop their efforts to promote participation in the US Census. Temple Professor David Brown, joins student Campaign leader Lauryn Edmondson. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
33 min
265
Flashpoint: Women's History Month: On who's sou...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg celebrates Women's History Month. She asks the burning questions about the shoulders on which many women stand. Newly elected Philadelphia City Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson's polical career began 20 years ago when then Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown visited her high school. Now she fills her at large seat. The newsmaker of the week is Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller who discusses her ministry's effort to take on human trafficking. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is Juwan Adams, who has signed up thousands for #BeTheMatch as he battles cancer. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
30 min
266
Flashpoint: Anatomy of PA's Latino voting block...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions on the anatomy of the Latino vote. Rafael Collazo National Director of Political Affairs at Unidos US and host of the Found in Translation Podcast joins Michelle Myers, Community and political reporter for Al Dia and Michael Toledo CEO of Centro Hispano.  The newsmaker of the week is the coronavirus that is burning up headlines. Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley discusses the city's roll out of protocols to stop the spread of the disease.   The Patriot Homecare Changemaker is EndoMarch.  Pennsylvania representative for the organization, Beth Kovacs, is guest.   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
48 min
267
Flashpoint: War over safe injection sites, Rend...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions over the battle to open the nation's first safe injection site. Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, 2nd Dist., joins Anthony Giordano, founder and president of Stand Up South Philly and Take Our Streets Back #Unite and James Gitto, a South Philadelphia resident who is the President and Zoning Chair of West Passyunk Neighbors. The newsmaker of the week is Safe House. Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who is on the non-profit's Board of Directors is guest. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker is Vision 2020.  Program director Joyce Lewandowski is guest.   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
54 min
268
Flashpoint: How To Tell Story When Legacy is Co...
This week on Flashpoint: Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about how to tell the story of one's life when the legacy is complicated. Journalist and professor Linn Washington, reputation management expert and Temple University professor Gregg Feistman and author and blogger Feminista Jones discuss. The newsmaker of the week is ACLU of Pennsylvania and New York Times Magazine reporter and creator of the 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah Jones and ACLU of Pa executive director, Reggie Shuford, discuss the upcoming celebration. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker is UrbnSeek, a company that focuses on Funlanthropy. Founder Serita Lewis discusses their new Game Changers program. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
53 min
269
Flashpoint Encore: An enduring love story
Encore of interview with newsmakers Debbie and Michael Africa Sr. The couple joined the MOVE organization in the 1970s and were part of the MOVE9 involved in the Rizzo-era altercation with Philadelphia Police. They, along with seven others, were sentenced to 30 to 100 years in prison for the August 8, 1978 shootout that ended with the death of Philadelphia Police officer James Ramp. Many have questioned the facts of that day, blaming the death of the officer on "friendly fire." After many years of working for their freedom, Debbie and Mike were paroled in June and October 2018, after spending roughly 40 years in prison. During their incarceration, the married couple stayed in contact. They renewed their vows with their children in April of 2019. Debbie and Mike discuss their enduring love story, how Debbie gave birth in a prison cell and the new life they are building today. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
27 min
270
Flashpoint Extra: Book about a love affair with...
Flashpoint Host Cherri Gregg speaks with Faye Coleman, the author of "August With Love," a new book that tells the story of a love affair between the late August Wilson, a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright known for his impactful stories about the Black experience. Coleman shares love letters Wilson wrote to her mother Pat, during the 1960s. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
22 min
271
Flashpoint: Love Show: Overcoming infidelity, r...
Host and KYW Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the rise in infidelity. Guests include attorney Alycia Kinchloe, priviate investigator Alexander Soutos, therapist George James and Ashlei Perry, who is polyamorous. The newsmakers of the week are Debbie and Michael Africa Sr. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker is Kyle Hoffman, a professional cuddler.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
65 min
272
Flashpoint: Diversity & inclusion, saving Camde...
Host and KYW Newsradio communityaffairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about diversity and inclusion as we kick off Black History Month. Sulaiman Rahman, founder of Diverse Force joins Jennifer Rodriguez of Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Rutgers Law professor Stacy Hawkins who specializes in diversity law and Charles Gallagher an expert on ethnicity who is a professor at La Salle University. The newsmaker of the week is the MLK House in Camden. Investigator and activist Patrict Duff, who is the force behind the effort, explains the latest push to save it. Finally, the Patriot Home Care changemaker of the week is Black History Untold, an identity series created by award winning journalist Sofiya Ballin. This year's installment is titled, "Revolution." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
51 min
273
Fashpoint Extra: Hoping to save others, family ...
A Philadelphia woman who's 15 year old daughter fell victim to a human traffickers- is sharing their family's story. Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg speaks with Nicole and Jenay Brooks who are coming out of the shadows- with the hope they'll save others. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
34 min
274
Flashpoint Extra: Kobe Bryant inspires
The ripple effect of the impact and influence of the late Kobe Bryant is still being felt across Philadelphia. A local man who spent time as a kid playing basketball with the NBA giant before he was in the NBA shares his memories. Flashpoint Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg speaks with Tasheed Carr, founder of Born Leaders Family. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
15 min
275
Flashpoint: Hair & identity, truancy or asbesto...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about hair and identity after Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley revealed that she has alopecia and is bald.  Syreeta Scott, owner of Duafe Holistic Haircare joins Lori Tharps author of Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair and Chinere Wright, a hair stylist who suffers from alopecia. The newsmaker of the week is asbestos. Stephanie Marrero, a mother with three children enrolled at the Richmond School, opted to take her children out of schools and has kept them home until the Philadelphia School District deals with the issue. Finally, the Patriot Home Care changemaker of the week is The Church of Christian Compassion    See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
51 min