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: Battle Over Voting in PA and Philly...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Cherri Gregg takes a look at what’s happening in Pennsylvania when it comes to voting. Ben Geffen, lawyer for Public Interest Law Center joins Donnell Drinker who runs Election Protection for ACLU of Pennsylvania, Abu Edwards, co-founder of Millennials in Action, Todd Polinchock, Republican State Rep from Bucks County and Pat Christmas, Policy Director for Committee of Seventy. The Patriot Home Care Changemaker of the week is PhillyVoting.org. Co-founders Jonathan Lovitz and Jason Evans are guests. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
31 min
252
Flashpoint: A nationwide ban on evictions for n...
Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the Trump Administration’s ban on evictions through the end of the year. Rasheedah Phillips, managing attorney of housing policy at Community Legal Services, joins Dr. Vincent Reina, a professor at UPenn in the Department of City and Regional Planning and Sheryl Sitman, private landlord and Real Estate Investment Consultant, for an in-depth discussion of this very sensitive topic. Our Patriot Home Care Changemaker of the week is the B PHL Festival.  Executive director Michelle Hisstand is guest. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
34 min
253
Flashpoint: Back to School Tips; Helping Those ...
This weekend on Flashpoint we are giving tips for parents prepping to send their kids back to school. Philadelphia School District Superintendent Dr. William Hite lays out the plan. Then host Cherri Gregg speaks with a panel of experts including Rochelle Graham, owner of The Omega 4 Homeschool, Dr. Robin Cooper, CASA President, Marvin Dutton of Marvins Education Services and Haniyyah Sharp Brown, school district mother of two. Our Patriot Home Care change maker is the “Wardrobe.” The organization helps folks dealing with clothing insecurity. Executive Director Sheri Cole is guest. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
46 min
254
Flashpoint: Impact of virtual DNC: Did Dems suc...
Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the impact of the Democratic National convention.  Christine Jacobs of Represent Pennsylvania joins Larry Ceisler of Ceisler Media, Brittany Smalls, Pennsylvania Coordinator for Black Voters Matter Fund and Neha Mujherjee, a student at Brown University who wrote an opinion for the Philadelphia Inquirer.Finally- the Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is Cycle to Vote. Co-founder Greg Burton is guest. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
40 min
255
Flashpoint: Youth take on stopping gun violence...
Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about how to stop the shooting in Philadelphia. Guests include John Solomon of Endangered Kind, Ant Brown, activist and recording artist and Dana Williams AKA Philly’s motivation. Newsmaker is Rev Leah Daughtry, CEO of the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Finally- the Patriot Homeware changemaker is Community Fridge Project. Guest is CEO of Mama Tee’s Dr. Michelle Nelson.   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
65 min
256
Flashpoint: Community Solutions to Gun Violence...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about gun violence in Philadelphia. Guests including Philadelphia Police Inspector Derrick Wood, Robert Warner, Director of Cure Violence Philadelphia and Serita Lewis, Youth Advocate and Founder of UrbanSeek.  Newsmaker is Philadelphia Housing Authority; CEO Kelvyn Jeremiah is a guest. Finally- the Patriot Homeware changemaker is Gift of Life Donor Program. Guest is CEO Howard Nathan. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
42 min
257
Flashpoint: The Future of the Civil Rights Move...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the future of the civil rights movement in the age of Black Lives Matter. Guests are Shira Goodman of ADL, Kenneth Huston, PA NAACP and Michael Coard, civil rights attorney. Newsmaker is attorney Kevin Mincey of Mincey Fitzpatrick Ross. The Patriot Homeware changemaker is Matthew George. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
47 min
258
Witness to Change: A Flashpoint Special
KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Cherri Gregg  hosts the special, which will feature the diverse voices of KYW Newsradio who have covered the events of recent weeks from both in front of and behind the mic. Black journalists will also share their experiences and perspectives with the goal of understanding issues of systemic racism and how this flashpoint will shape the future of Philadelphia and beyond. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
53 min
259
Flashpoint: A look at institutionalized racism ...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about institutionalized racism. Rev Mark Kelly Tyler, pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church and co-chair of the Board of POWER joins Dr. Charles Gallagher, chair of the sociology and criminology departments at La Salle University, Stacey Hawkins, a professor at Rutgers Law School and an expert in diversity law and Erika Almiron, social justice advocate with Mijente. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is Detective Lamont Hudson, private security agent who helped guard businesses in Port Richmond save merchandise from looters. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
41 min
260
Flashpoint Extra: Defunding police defined
Days after protests erupted across the country in the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd— cities like Minneapolis and even Philadelphia are talking about defunding police departments…but the term is packed with emotion and numerous meanings. Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg speaks with activists, those in criminal justice and more about what the term means. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
10 min
261
Flashpoint: When protests turn to riots; Brown ...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg takes a look at the rage behind the destruction that erupted in Philadelphia and beyond alongside protests for justice for George Floyd.  She asks the burning questions about the nation's history of dissent and how the latest round of protests is sparking change.  Pennsylvania Commission on Human Relations Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter joins Frank Meeink, former skinhead, author and speaker, Ralph Young, Temple University history professor and expert on dissent in America and Rev Pamela Williams, Pastor of Ark of Refuge Tabernacle Church in this riveting discussion. The newsmaker of the week is Jeff Brown, owner of Brown ShopRite who discusses effort to rebuild and reopen following looting. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is Christine Ramos Carr, owner of 3M Printing. Her company is giving our free Black Lives Matter posters See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
60 min
262
Flashpoint Extra: Counterterrorism expert expla...
Reports have surfaces about individuals vandalizing neighborhoods just before unrest and looting begins following George Floyd Protests.  As KYW Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg explains they are not protesters. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
21 min
263
Flashpoint: New protocols for businesses post-...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the re-opening of businesses throughout the region. What will the new business protocols look like? Dr. Larry Caplin, CEO of DOCS Health (https://docs.health/) and healthcare logistics expert, joins Sharon Dietrich, an attorney with Community Legal Services, Inc. (https://clsphila.org/) and Shanna and Angel Huff, co-owners of Simp's Cafe/ Convenience Store in Montgomery County (https://simps.ueniweb.com/). The newsmaker of the week is Prisons Commissioner Blanche Carney discusses the challenges of the pandemic behind the wall and how access to testing will inform their move toward a new normal within the jails. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is #WeArePhilly. Creator and restaurateur Rob Wasserman is guest. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
57 min
264
Flashpoint: COVID19 Hurts the City’s Budget, Bu...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the Mayor's proposed budget for Philadelphia. Sharon Pinkenson, executive director for the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, joins Controller Rebecca Rhynhart and Danny Simmons of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. The newsmaker of the week is a Pennsylvania primary. Philadelphia City Commissioner Omar Sabir is guest. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is the Lupus Foundation, Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter. Chief Executive Officer, Cindy Messerle, discusses their advocacy in covid19 crisis. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
38 min
265
Flashpoint: When they reopen, will people show ...
Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the mass anxiety many Americans feel during the re-opening of the country. ER doctor and covid19 survivor Dr. Jill Baren joins Dr. Steven Rosenberg, a psychotherapist and behavioral specialist, Ihsan Hines, CEO & Founder of My Brother's Keeper Cares and Brittany Bronson, who has experienced anxiety throughout pandemic. The newsmakers of the week are the cases of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. Civil right attorney Ben Crump who represents both the Arbery and Taylor families discusses the cases. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker of the week is Milton Hershey senior Nathaniel Boyd. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
50 min
266
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
267
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
268
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
269
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
270
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
271
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
272
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
273
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
274
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
275
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