Flashpoint

Kelson Williams is a regular 12-year-old - he loves Marvel and playing outside with his friends - but he’s living with cerebral palsy. He has a medical support dog, Gus, but insurance wouldn’t cover the $15,000 for Gus’s training. So Kelson and his family turned to Help Hope Live, a nonprofit that helps fundraise for medical costs, and they raised so much that they are now working toward a stretch goal to get Kelson a new wheelchair. Racquel Williams talks with Kelson, his mother Stephanie, and Melanie Johnson, Client Services Coordinator at Help Hope Live. Then, on Shara in the City, we talk with a music legend - Rev. Joe Williams, the last living member of the gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds. Shara Dae Howard visits him in North Philly to hear about how he got to sing with the group that he admired for years. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Philly’s 9th Street Market may be known as the Italian Market, but the vendors there aren’t just Italian. Immigrants have come from many countries for 100 years and found opportunity and community in the neighborhood. Racquel Williams visited the market and talked with Michelle Angela Ortiz, who created Our Market Project to share the stories of the people who make the market what it is through art and a walking tour. Then on Shara in the City, Scribe Video Center put on the first North Philadelphia History Festival this July, showcasing films and multimedia exhibits that celebrate the neighborhood and the impacts of the African American and Puerto Rican communities. Shara Dae Howard went to the festival to see what it’s all about. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia is taking on the teacher shortage and summer learning loss at the same time. Their summer and weekend programs give middle schoolers the opportunity to go beyond their classroom learning in a way that’s fun and engaging, led by college students training to become teachers. Racquel Williams talks with Michelle Palmer, the Executive Director of Breakthrough’s Philadelphia chapter; Najah Spruill, a former student who went on to train and then teach with Breakthrough; and Marissa Tice, a single mom of two children in the program. Then, on Shara in the City, we’re treating ourselves to a little something sweet at Reading Terminal Market. Shara Dae Howard visits Sweet Nina’s to learn about the local business and taste their wide array of banana pudding flavors. 00:00 Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia 22:05 Shara in the City: Sweet Nina's To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your a

When you’re going through a difficult time, sometimes a simple act of kindness can mean everything. Lasagna Love is building a movement based on that kindness, where volunteers make and deliver lasagna for neighbors in need. Racquel Williams talks with their Executive Director, Andria Larson, and the Volunteer State Director for Pennsylvania, Jazmyne Walker. Then, on Shara in the City, we’re learning all about the trees and plants around Philadelphia. Shara Dae Howard takes a walk with a local arborist to find out what’s in bloom. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration has ramped up deportation efforts, saying they want to stop criminals from coming into our country illegally, but many people who are trying to go through the legal process of immigration and have no criminal history have found themselves detained by ICE, even when they’re following every rule. To get a better understanding of the legal process, the barriers, and whether or not a legal status actually means protection, Racquel Williams talks with Blanca Pacheco and Peter Pedemonti, co-directors of New Sanctuary Movement, and Sarah Paoletti, Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Transnational Legal Clinic. Then, on Shara in the City, it’s all about “The Blob”. Shara Dae Howard attends Blobfest, the annual celebration in Phoenixville that commemorates the 1958 sci-fi horror flick and the scene that was filmed at The Colonial Theatre. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices.

Lewy body dementia affects over a million people in the United States, but many people don’t know much about it. It’s difficult to diagnose and often misdiagnosed. A new documentary called “Facing the Wind” shines a light on Lewy body dementia, both living with it and caring for someone who has the disease. Racquel Williams talks with Philadelphia filmmaker Tony Heriza and Linda Szypula, who lives in Plymouth Meeting and whose journey caring for her husband is featured in the film. Scribe Video Center is hosting a screening of “Facing the Wind” on September 18. Listen to Linda’s podcast, “Lewy Body Roller Coaster”, here. Then, on Shara in the City, we visit one of Fairmount Park’s oldest buildings - the Ohio House, which dates back to the centennial World’s Fair in 1876. Shara Dae Howard takes a tour and learns about the building’s deep history. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://p

When children are facing obstacles such as poverty and gun violence, they need consistent, ongoing support from a source they trust. ⁠Friends of the Children⁠ pairs kids starting at age 4 with paid, professional mentors - or "Friends" - who stay with them for 12+ years. The organization recently opened a Philadelphia branch, partnering with two elementary schools and a community center. Racquel Williams talks with the Philadelphia Executive Director, Dr. Betty Handy. Then, on Shara in the City, we’re heading to Phoenixville, PA to learn about one of the last theaters of its kind - the ⁠Colonial Theatre⁠. Shara Dae Howard gets a tour of the venue that was built in 1902 and still screens films and hosts live events. Plus, we hear about its ties to one of the most classic horror films of the 20th century, which they’re about to celebrate with Blobfest, July 11-13. This episode was originally released on March 8, 2025. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.co

As Philadelphia prepares for the 4th of July, the city is also looking ahead to 2026, when our city will be at the center of America’s semiquincentennial celebrations. Racquel Williams talks with the city’s 2026 Director, Michael Newmuis, about the festivities that will be going on all year and what goes into planning them. Then, on Shara in the City, a new speakeasy hidden behind a soda machine is the talk of the town. Shara Dae Howard visits the new Northern Liberties hot spot for Japanese fusion food and cocktails, Newsroom Philly. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee law banning some gender-affirming care for minors, and 26 other states have passed similar laws. Here in Philadelphia, Penn Medicine recently announced that they will no longer provide gender-affirming surgeries for people under 19. To get a better understanding of why some people want or need these procedures, Racquel Williams listens to personal experiences from Jasper Liem, Executive Director of The Attic Youth Center; mothasistah, an Attic staff member and parent of a transman; Naiymah Sanchez, a trans woman who works for the ACLU of PA; and Dr. Avra Laarakker, Gender Affirming/Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with Jefferson Pride Care at Jefferson Einstein Hospital. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Juneteenth celebrates the day the last enslaved people in America found out they were free. Today, people of all cultures celebrate across the country on June 19th, and the African American Museum in Philadelphia especially does it big. Host Racquel Williams talks with the museum’s staff about the musical performances, exhibits, and more that you can see at their Juneteenth block party. Then, on Shara in the City, a beloved Philly star comes back to town. Quinta Brunson, creator of “Abbott Elementary”, recently received a key to the city and revealed a mural at the school that inspired the show: her alma mater, Andrew Hamilton School. Shara Dae Howard went to the ceremony and talked with Quinta about how it feels to be back home after such huge success. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some Black men stand out for their sense of style - Sammy Davis Jr., Prince, Colman Domingo. They’re all part of a deep historical culture of Black dandyism, where fashion is rooted in resistance and used to counter stereotypes. This year’s Met Gala theme and an ongoing exhibition titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” highlight Black dandyism. Host Racquel Williams talks with two Philly fashion experts about the dandy movement, the runway looks, and some tips for men who want to elevate their own style - Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste, a designer and professor at Philly area colleges including Thomas Jefferson University, and Jamel Workman, founder of Dandy Headdress. Then, on Shara in the City, we hop on board a very special trolley to inspire and empower women. The Deeply Rooted Trolley Tour, organized by Harriett’s Bookshop and hosted by Starfire, visits women-owned businesses across the city. Shara Dae Howard takes a ride and hears about their next event, a Juneteenth “family reunion” trip. To learn mo

The Trump administration has been cutting back on the arts, closing federal organizations and cancelling grants that supported local cultural centers across the country. Host Racquel Williams speaks with three arts organizations that are feeling the impacts here in Philadelphia: Esperanza Arts Center, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Then, on Shara in the City, we put on our dancing shoes at Second Chance Dance Studio, where adults are re-discovering their love of dance. Shara Dae Howard sits in on a rehearsal and learns a few moves herself. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May is Jewish American Heritage Month - or JAHM - and The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History here in Philadelphia has been at the center of the national efforts to celebrate and educate about Jewish American history and culture. Host Racquel Williams talks with Emily August, The Weitzman’s Director of JAHM, and Dan Tadmor, President and CEO, about how everyone can fight antisemitism and honor Jewish American heritage all year long. Then, on Shara in the City, warm up those vocal chords - we’re visiting Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ all-voices choir, Philadelphia Voices of Pride. Shara Dae Howard stops by a rehearsal as the choir prepares for their upcoming performance of “Considering Matthew Shepard”.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Women and BIPOC entrepreneurs often struggle to find the capital to get their businesses off the ground and to stay in business, facing various systemic barriers. Finanta is a Philly-based non-profit that supports entrepreneurs with loans, advice, and local connections. Host Racquel Williams speaks with Finanta’s President & CEO, Daniel Betancourt, and a participant in their Affinity Group Lending program, Saundra Gilliard, Founder and CEO of Femininely Free. Then, on Shara in the City, we catch up with Mike Africa, Jr. after the 40th anniversary of the MOVE bombing. Shara Dae Howard visits Mike in his garden to talk about his family’s history with MOVE and how he’s trying to memorialize those lost in the bombing. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pennsylvania’s funding for after-school care ends when children turn 13, and many parents are concerned about where their teens can go after school and in the summer. Caring People Alliance⁠ runs a teen program and opened a new center last year at their South Philadelphia Boys & Girls Club where teens can go to get a meal, play basketball, make music and art, and have a safe space to talk and learn. We speak with Branon Gilmore, VP of CPA’s Boys & Girls Club Movement, Jewel Felder-James, Director of Teen Programming, and Alphonso Cobbs, a participant in the teen program. And on Shara in the City, Shara Dae Howard re-discovers the joy of play at the historic ⁠Smith Memorial Playground⁠. This episode was originally released on June 29, 2024. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One in six women worldwide experience infertility, but it’s a topic we still struggle to talk about. Diona Murray was given a less than a 1% chance of conceiving - but she beat the odds and had a daughter. During her journey, she launched Barren Fruit to help other women experiencing infertility know that they don’t have to go through this alone. Diona joins host Racquel Williams to talk about the grief that comes with fertility challenges and how her faith helped her find hope. Then, on Shara in the City, Shara Dae Howard visits VisionLink - a local organization in Center City that is working to improve accessibility for those with vision loss in the Philadelphia region with new skills, technology, and much more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone makes mistakes, especially in their youth. If a mistake lands you in prison or convicted of a crime, it can haunt you for the rest of your life - but many people are fighting to turn their lives around after a conviction. As a returning citizen, Shuja Moore started a nonprofit called Do Moore Good to help others on the reentry path and to encourage youth to achieve their full potential. He recently made a documentary called “Pardon Me” about the process and significance of getting pardoned. Host Racquel Williams talks with Shuja and two women who have been through the pardon process to reclaim their names and build better lives. You can find help getting a pardon and other legal resources through Community Legal Services. Then, on Shara in the City, Black Dragon Takeout in West Philly has been getting a ton of buzz for its fusion of soul food with the aesthetics of Chinese takeout. Shara Dae Howard stops by to hear how this idea formed, and to decide if their wings live up to the hype. To learn m

President Trump has been using executive orders to roll back DEI efforts federally, but those three letters are easily misunderstood. Host Racquel Williams talks with two experts in the field: Stefanie Christmas, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Inizio, and Keva White, President/CEO of VIP Community Services and co-host of the Race to Social Justice podcast. They discuss what DEI programs actually do, why diversity in the workplace is important, how the term has gotten such negative connotations, and their advice for how businesses should think about these executive orders. And then on Shara in the City, let’s get cooking! The Junior League of Philadelphia has rolled out their annual cooking program that educates youth on food insecurity and has them whipping up some fancy recipes. Shara Dae Howard dons her chef hat for the day with Kids in the Kitchen. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad

Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than white women, but Pennsylvania legislators and advocates are fighting to improve maternal health outcomes. Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, and host Racquel Williams speaks with three women who are helping to organize events, raise awareness, and bring change to our health care system: State Representative Gina Curry, Co-Chair of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus; Jenné Johns, President of Once Upon A Preemie; and Saleemah McNeil, Founder of Oshun Family Center. Then, on Shara in the City, we’re highlighting Jazz Month in the Philadelphia region. Shara Dae Howard talks with a local jazz expert about some of the great musical history in our area and where the best performances will be this month. Original music by V. Shayne Frederick. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com

In an extremely divisive era of politics, is it possible to reconcile with family members whom you disagree with, and whose beliefs you might even feel are dangerous? Gabriel Jason Dean wrote a play, “RIFT, OR WHITE LIES”, based on his experience with his brother, who joined a white supremacist gang in prison. He joins us along with Philadelphia native Frank Meeink, author of "Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead", who is giving a talkback at the show. They both speak with Racquel Williams about what draws people to white supremacist groups and what it takes to leave. See “RIFT, OR WHITE LIES” presented by InterAct Theatre Company now through April 27. Then, on Shara in the City, we get to know Philly’s thriving dodgeball community. Shara Dae Howard is rolling up her sleeves and getting on the court to see what all the hype is about. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoic