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
376
Flashpoint Newsmakers: Women candidates for Phi...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg chats with two women candidates for Philadelphia Sheriff. Rochelle Bilal, President of the Guardian Civic League and Malika Rahman, former Deputy Sheriff Detective. Both have vowed to take on embattled incumbent Sheriff Jewell Williams. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
18 min
377
Flashpoint Changemaker: Project 440
The changemaker of the week is Project 440, a Philadelphia based non-profit that engages and inspires young musicians. Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg interviews Philadelphia Orchestra bassist and Executive Director Joseph Conyers, and supporter Ken Hutchins. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
8 min
378
Flashpoint Extra: Therapy Townhall
A Philadelphia-based therapist will hold a townhall session to treat trauma in the same neighborhood where an 8-year-old boy was struck in the face by a stray bullet in November. He'll use hip hop to connect with the attendees. Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg sat down with Ronald Crawford of Honesty Hurts. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
21 min
379
Flashpoint Extra: Philly man says 'Empire' prod...
The Philadelphia man who sued writer producer Lee Daniels over the hit Fox TV series "Empire" is taking his claim to the US Supreme Court. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg sat down with Clayton Prince Taskley about his copyright appeal. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
30 min
380
Flashpoint: Telling stories behind homicide stats
Host and KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg presents the changemaker of the week. It is The Philadelphia Obituary Project, a non-profit that tells the stories of the lives behind the homicide statistics. Founder and executive director Cletus Lyman is a guest. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
6 min
381
Flashpoint: Treating student loan debt
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg talks to newsmaker of the week. Sonia Lewis aka "The Student Loan Doctor" has experienced success and made national headlines helping thousands deal with their student loan debt. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
16 min
382
Flashpoint: A song banned on the radio?? Has me...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions in the debate segment about the Me Too Movement. Has it lost its way? Dr. Monique Howard, Executive Director of Women Organized Against Rape joins Temple Professor Gregg Feistman who is an expert in public relations and reputation management and Christine Flowers, an attorney and conservative radio talk show host and columnist. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
30 min
383
Flashpoint Extra: Incarcerated Portraits
A Philadelphia non-profit that works with ex-offenders has teamed up with photographers to provide free holiday portraits for families with loved ones who are incarcerated. KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg spoke with Center for Returning Citizens Founder, J. Jondhi Harel and photographers Kyle Cassidy and Hadiyah Gaiters. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
8 min
384
Flashpoint: Analysis of Pres. Trump's #firstste...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform bill supported by President Donald Trump. Jordan Harris, Pa. State Rep- 186th Dist., Jules Epstein, law professor at Temple University and Sameerah Shabazz, policy director at Ardella's House walk us through the issues from a local perspective. Our newsmaker of the week is Stephanie Sena, a professor at Villanova University and founder of the Student Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia. She is currently working on a project to build tiny homes for the homeless. Our changemaker of the week is Fred's Footsteps, a non-profit that provides grants to families with ill or injured children. Executive Director Christine DiBona Lobley appears on the show. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
49 min
385
Flashpoint Extra: World AIDS Day
December 1st is World AIDS Day, a time when the world unites in the fight against AIDS and supports those living with HIV. KYW Newsradio's Community Affairs reporter and Flashpoint Host Cherri Gregg sits down with Philadelphia FIGHT CEO Jane Shull regarding a recent Health Department advisory reporting an uptick in new HIV infections amoing IV drug users. NOTE: The Philadelphia Department of Health has said it is too early to conclude that their area is experiencing a new trend in HIV infection. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
19 min
386
Flashpoint: Economy of giving, award winning Ca...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the economy of giving. November kicks of what is known as the "Season of Giving." Dr. Keith Leaphart, Founder of Philanthropos...The Giving Company, Jeff Hornstein, Executive Director of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia and Sharmain Matlock Turner, CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition provide insights on this very timely topic. Then, our newsmaker of the week is Sam Katz, a businessman, former candidate for Philadelphia Mayor and now filmmaker who founded History Making Productions. Finally, our changemaker of the week is MenzFit, an organization that helps men in need get back to work. Founder and executive director Rhonda Willingham was the guest. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." -------   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
40 min
387
Flashpoint: Dismantling white supremacy, how vo...
Host and KYW Newsradio cmmunity affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about white supremacy. Chad Dion Lassiter, race relations expert and executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission on Human Relations, joins UPenn Political Science Professor Rogers Smith and Frank Meeink, speaker and authoer of "Autobiography of a Recovery Skinhead" in a very insightful discussion on this topic. During our newsmaker segment, we chat with Marian Schneider, president of Verified Voting, how votes are counted after Election Day. Finally, our changemaker of the week is The Charles Foundation, a non-profit working to end gun violence by giving hope to individuals on both sides of the gun. Founder Movita Johnson-Harrell discuss their latest Thanksgiving season effort. Flashpoint airs on KYW Newsradio every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
57 min
388
Flashpoint: The emotional toll of a drama ridde...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the emotional toll divisive political messaging has had on voters. Psychologist Frank Farley, Political Communication expert David Pallent and POWER voter engagement coordinator Kendra Cochran were guests. Newsmaker is Bishop Patricia Davenport, the first African American woman elected Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America., which is 96 percent white. Finally, changemaker of the week is Bebashi Transition to Hope, a non-profit founded in 1985 to help people of color dealing with HIV and AIDS. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
48 min
389
Flashpoint Extra: Camden Billboard
Controversy over an innovative billboard project that would have provided funding for non-profits in the City of Camden will continue. Earlier this week the city's mayor vetoed the project despite zoning board approval. More from Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
10 min
390
Flashpoint Extra: Voting rights warrior Bernice...
A North Philadelphia woman who once marched on the front lines for voting rights in Alabama will be casting her ballot tomorrow. As KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg explains, Mrs. Bernice Jordan has an election day reminder. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
20 min
391
Flashpoint: The battle against hate after synag...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about how to deal with hate in the aftermath of the massacre at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Robin Burstein, Senior Associate Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League, Naomi Adler, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and Derek Grant, Co-Director of Security for Sharon Baptist Church weigh in. During our newsmaker segment, Franklin and Marshall Pollster Terry Madonna discusses the recent polls surrounding the Mid-term election. Our changemaker of the week, Desiree Peterkin-Bell, local chair of United State of Women, discusses Galvanized Pennsylvania. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
46 min
392
Flashpoint: Women who work! The politics and po...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about Women Who Work before a live studio audience at the KYW Newsradio Broadcast Center. During our first discussion, we look at women in politics. Honorable Christina Tartaglione, the Democratic State Senator representing Pennsylvania's Second Senatorial District, Jasmine Sessoms, founder of She Can Win, Dr. Dana Brown, executive director of the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics and Christine Flowers, an attorney and conservative columnist and radio host at 1210 WPHT. Our second panel discussion includes commentary from Rue Landau, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, Amal Bass, a staff attorney at the Women's Law Project, Farah Jimenez a Republican who is President and CEO of the Education Fund and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, an at-large member of Philadelphia City Council. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
59 min
393
Flashpoint: The fight for inmate rights, iBreas...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections recent policy changes that ban shipment of books to inmates and new processes for mail. Su Ming Yeh, managing attorney at the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, Dr. Brian O'Neill, criminal justice radio host and West Chester University associate professor, and Michael Wilson a former juvenile lifer who spent nearly 47 years behind bars discuss various aspects of the new policies. The Newsmaker of the week is Mihir Shah, CEO of UE Life Sciences, the licensee of the technology behind iBreastExam. Finally, the Changemaker of the week is Rush Arts Philadelphia, a non-profit founded by Danny Simmons. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
43 min
394
Flashpoint: Pot stigma is down as suburban arre...
Host and KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about cannabis. Decriminalization and growing acceptance of marijuana is giving Philadelphia area residents the false impression that the drug is legal everywhere. So it's no surprise, arrests are up in the Philadelphia suburbs and in New Jersey. Marijuana activist and writer Chris Goldstein, criminal defense attorney Gary Lamanno, Co-owner of medical marijuana dispensary Steve O and DACO director Cherron Perry-Thomas dig into the issue of how to avoid arrest and cash in on cannabis. The Newsmaker of the week is City Solicitor, Marcel Pratt. Finally, the Changemaker of the week is Lupus Foundation of America Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter. More on the 27th Annual Lupus Loop is HERE:  Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
52 min
395
Flashpoint: When art claps back against develop...
Host and KYW Newsradi community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the what happens when development clashes with public art. Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts of Philadelphia, Andrew Goodman, Director of Community Engagement at the New Kensington Community Development Corporation and Claudia Smith Sherrod, a community activist and former leader of South Philadelphia H.O.M.E.S. weigh in on this important discussion during Mural Arts Month. The Newsmaker of the week is Mayor Jim Kenney who discusses his strategy for protecting Philadelphia's diverse immigrant population and his reasons for it all. All of this, as the Philadelphia International Unity Cup gears up for its Championship Game on Saturday October 13th. The Changemaker of the week is AIDS Fund Philly. Robb Reichard, executive director, discusses the non-profits revised mission. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
45 min
396
Flashpoint Extra: #VoteThatJawn
The ballot box opens this November 6th. KYW Newsradio's Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg sat down with writer and lecturer Lorene Carey about the student driven #VoteThatJawn initiative. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
15 min
397
Impact of Kavanaugh hearing on mid-terms & cour...
Host and KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the impact of the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. What will be the impact of the hearings on the mid-term elections? What about politics? Will it leave a stain on the nation's highest court? Linda Dale Hoffa, a former federal prosecutor who spent two years serving as counsel for the Senate Judiciary committee joins Larry Ceisler, politcal strategist and principal of Ceisler Media and Issue Advocacy and Christa Hayburn, a sex assault survivor and spokesperson for Women Organized Against Rape for this riveting discussion. The Newsmakers of the week are Philadelphia School Board's youngest new members- Julia Frank and Alfredo Practico. Finally, the Changemaker of the week is Mongomery County Commission on Women and Families. Vice Chair and spokesperson Teresa Harris discusses the organization's effort to empower and support organizations that advocate for women. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
31 min
398
Flashpoint Extra: Cosby's new life behind the wall
Bill Cosby began his three to ten year prison sentence last night when he was checked into a state correctional facility in Montgomery County. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg spoke to two men (Haywood "Red Dog" Fennell and J. Jondhi Harrell) who spent a collective 75 years behind the wall to find out what Cosby's new life will be like.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
38 min
399
Flashpoint: Impact of "Knowledge Discrimination...
Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about a knowledge discrimination. If you've never heard of it, it's the phenomenon that occurs when employers ignore experience, intellect, non-traditional education and hidden credentials. Tens of millions of adult Americans are under-employed and underpaid because they do not possess a four-year college degree. In addition, individuals who do not attend more prestigious colleges are many times unable to fully capitalize on their education. The impact is extensive, especially on people of color and at risk communities and impact economic mobility. Is it time for educators and employers level the playing field? How can American open the door to a forgotten segment of the workforce?. Panelists this week include Dr. Peter Smith, a professor at University of Maryland University College and author of Free-range Learning in the Digital Age, Manuel Gonzalez Canche, associate professor in the Graduate School of Education at University of Pennsylvania, Camella Smith, a quasi volunteer at Career Link Maturity Works who has two associate degrees and Vincent Thompson,a veteran journalist and communications professional who went to college but never got a degree. The Newsmaker of the week is Abraham El aka Brother I.B., a community photographer who was brutally beaten and robbed earlier this month. In this "GoFundMe done right" story, the community rallied around El and raised thousands in days allowing him to get back to doing the thing he loves most. For more on Brother IB CLICK HERE:  Finally, the Changemaker of the week is Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Dr. Lorina Marshall Blake discusses the non-profit's new multimedia campaign to help promote recovery from opioid addiction. #SomeoneYouKnow tells the story of scores of individuals who have struggled with opioid abuse. The goal is to decrease the stigma and give hope. The Someone You Know Conference will take place on October 16th at the Kimmel Center. To register: http://www.ibxfoundation.org/htdocs/custom/conference/index.html. To watch the videos for #SomeoneYouKnow CLICK HERE:  Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
43 min
400
Flashpoint Extra: Wilson Goode, Sr., former may...
City Council approved a resolution in June that would name a section of North 59th Street after Philadelphia's first black mayor, Wilson Goode, Sr. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg lays out the story, including an interview with Goode. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
29 min