Listen to Loraine on Insight on Sundays 6-7am + keep up on her latest news updates here!Full Bio
What's Going On: "Unforgettable", Green Street Friends Camp, Little Smiles
Insight Pt 2: Black Men’s Wellness Day Philadelphia, Green Street Friends Camp, Little Smiles
Health, education, and compassion are at the heart of this episode of Insight with Loraine Ballard Morrill, as we highlight three organizations making a powerful difference in our communities.
Black Men’s Wellness Day Philadelphia
Black men face some of the most significant health disparities in the United States, including higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and limited access to preventative care. The African American Male Wellness Agency is working to change that by bringing free health screenings, health education, and vital resources directly into the communities that need them most. One of their signature initiatives is Black Men’s Wellness Day, a growing national movement that brings together families, health providers, community leaders, and thousands of participants for a day focused on saving lives and building healthier futures.
In Philadelphia, the next Black Men’s Wellness Day will take place: Saturday, June 6, 2026
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Temple University Campus
1816 North 15th Street, Philadelphia
Joining the conversation are Tayanah Scott, Community Engagement Manager for the African American Male Wellness Agency, and Executive Director Dymiere Finch, who discuss the impact of this initiative and the importance of preventive care and community health. Websites
African American Male Wellness Agency:
https://aawellness.org National Center for Urban Solutions:
https://ncusolutions.com Event Information:
https://aawellness.org/philadelphia-pennsylvania/ Social Media
Follow African American Male Wellness Agency on:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Greene Street Friends School – Summer Friends Camp
Summer is just around the corner, and many families are searching for meaningful opportunities for young children while school is out. Greene Street Friends School in Germantown is offering Summer Friends Camp, a joyful and supportive experience designed especially for children ages 3 to 5. The camp blends outdoor play, arts and crafts, themed activities, and experiential learning in a nurturing environment rooted in Quaker values of community, inclusion, and curiosity. Joining us are Michelle Holland, Head of School; Darien Headen, Associate Head of School; and Nicole Fisher, Director of Auxiliary Programming, who oversees Summer Friends Camp. They also discuss a new opportunity for families to receive financial support through the Youth Access to Opportunities Grant.
Summer Friends Camp
June 15 – August 7, 2026
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Greene Street Friends School – Lower School
20 West Armat Street
Philadelphia, PA Camp Registration
https://schools.procareconnect.com/form/601d9c11-6fdc-49c4-babe-c308fff2b85d Youth Access to Opportunities Grant (YAOG)
Lottery Opens: March 2, 2026
Lottery Closes: March 27, 2026 More Information:
https://www.csfphiladelphia.org/youth-access-program/ Website:
https://www.greenestreetfriends.org Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenestreetfriends
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenestreetfriendsschool/
Little Smiles – Bringing Joy to Children in Hospitals
For families with children undergoing serious medical treatment, hospital stays can be long and emotionally difficult. The nonprofit Little Smiles is working to bring moments of joy and normalcy to children and their families across the Delaware Valley. From “Junk Food Runs” that transform hospital hallways into pizza-and-candy celebrations to game nights at Ronald McDonald Houses, the organization creates meaningful experiences that lift spirits during incredibly challenging times.
One of their signature events is the Stars Ball, happening April 11, where children receiving treatment are treated like celebrities with red carpet arrivals, autographs, and a magical evening dedicated entirely to celebrating them. Joining us is Steve Grandizio, Executive Director of Little Smiles, to talk about the impact of these moments of joy.
Website:
https://littlesmilespa.org
Social Media
Face
Black Men’s Wellness Day Philadelphia
Black men face some of the most significant health disparities in the United States, including higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and limited access to preventative care. The African American Male Wellness Agency is working to change that by bringing free health screenings, health education, and vital resources directly into the communities that need them most. One of their signature initiatives is Black Men’s Wellness Day, a growing national movement that brings together families, health providers, community leaders, and thousands of participants for a day focused on saving lives and building healthier futures.
In Philadelphia, the next Black Men’s Wellness Day will take place: Saturday, June 6, 2026
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Temple University Campus
1816 North 15th Street, Philadelphia
Joining the conversation are Tayanah Scott, Community Engagement Manager for the African American Male Wellness Agency, and Executive Director Dymiere Finch, who discuss the impact of this initiative and the importance of preventive care and community health. Websites
African American Male Wellness Agency:
https://aawellness.org National Center for Urban Solutions:
https://ncusolutions.com Event Information:
https://aawellness.org/philadelphia-pennsylvania/ Social Media
Follow African American Male Wellness Agency on:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Greene Street Friends School – Summer Friends Camp
Summer is just around the corner, and many families are searching for meaningful opportunities for young children while school is out. Greene Street Friends School in Germantown is offering Summer Friends Camp, a joyful and supportive experience designed especially for children ages 3 to 5. The camp blends outdoor play, arts and crafts, themed activities, and experiential learning in a nurturing environment rooted in Quaker values of community, inclusion, and curiosity. Joining us are Michelle Holland, Head of School; Darien Headen, Associate Head of School; and Nicole Fisher, Director of Auxiliary Programming, who oversees Summer Friends Camp. They also discuss a new opportunity for families to receive financial support through the Youth Access to Opportunities Grant.
Summer Friends Camp
June 15 – August 7, 2026
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Greene Street Friends School – Lower School
20 West Armat Street
Philadelphia, PA Camp Registration
https://schools.procareconnect.com/form/601d9c11-6fdc-49c4-babe-c308fff2b85d Youth Access to Opportunities Grant (YAOG)
Lottery Opens: March 2, 2026
Lottery Closes: March 27, 2026 More Information:
https://www.csfphiladelphia.org/youth-access-program/ Website:
https://www.greenestreetfriends.org Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenestreetfriends
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenestreetfriendsschool/
Little Smiles – Bringing Joy to Children in Hospitals
For families with children undergoing serious medical treatment, hospital stays can be long and emotionally difficult. The nonprofit Little Smiles is working to bring moments of joy and normalcy to children and their families across the Delaware Valley. From “Junk Food Runs” that transform hospital hallways into pizza-and-candy celebrations to game nights at Ronald McDonald Houses, the organization creates meaningful experiences that lift spirits during incredibly challenging times.
One of their signature events is the Stars Ball, happening April 11, where children receiving treatment are treated like celebrities with red carpet arrivals, autographs, and a magical evening dedicated entirely to celebrating them. Joining us is Steve Grandizio, Executive Director of Little Smiles, to talk about the impact of these moments of joy.
Website:
https://littlesmilespa.org
Social Media
Face
Insight Pt. 1: Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter Presents "Unforgettable"
Alzheimer’s disease continues to impact millions of families across the country. Here in our region alone, hundreds of thousands of older adults are living with Alzheimer’s while loved ones step in every day as caregivers. Raising awareness about the early warning signs, the importance of diagnosis, and the need for greater participation in research is critical—especially in communities that have historically been underrepresented.
In this episode, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Amba Kasongo, Programs Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, about a powerful initiative using storytelling to spark important conversations about brain health and dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association is presenting Unforgettable, a live theatrical production that brings the realities of Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving to the stage in a deeply moving and engaging way.
The performance will take place Saturday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. at William Penn Charter School’s Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts. The event runs until approximately 4:15 p.m. and attendance is free, but registration is required. Listeners can register and learn more at www.unforgettableplay.com.
For additional resources, support, and information about Alzheimer’s programs in the region, follow the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter https://www.alz.org/delval
Instagram: @Alzdelval
Join us for this important conversation about awareness, community, and the power of storytelling in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
In this episode, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Amba Kasongo, Programs Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, about a powerful initiative using storytelling to spark important conversations about brain health and dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association is presenting Unforgettable, a live theatrical production that brings the realities of Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving to the stage in a deeply moving and engaging way.
The performance will take place Saturday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. at William Penn Charter School’s Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts. The event runs until approximately 4:15 p.m. and attendance is free, but registration is required. Listeners can register and learn more at www.unforgettableplay.com.
For additional resources, support, and information about Alzheimer’s programs in the region, follow the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter https://www.alz.org/delval
Instagram: @Alzdelval
Join us for this important conversation about awareness, community, and the power of storytelling in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
What's Going On: Clean Air, Climate Policy & Our Families, Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers — A Final Home Season
🎙️Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers: Echo and Flame — A Final Home Season
We’re joined by Katie Moore-Derkits, Executive Director of Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers — one of the nation’s premier Asian American contemporary dance companies. This spring, KYL/D presents its final home season in Philadelphia: Echo and Flame / Fenghuang Awakens, March 27–28 at the Mandell Theater at Drexel University. The program is a powerful reflection on healing, transformation, and collective renewal through movement, ritual, and community. Inspired by the myth of the Fenghuang — often described as the Chinese phoenix — this culminating season honors decades of artistic innovation while embracing renewal and rebirth.
The world premiere, Fire Ritual Dance / Fenghuang In Us, marks Kun-Yang Lin’s 110th creative work, alongside 17 Moves / In Memory of Gus, a tribute to the late Gus Solomons Jr., celebrating resilience, friendship, and legacy. As KYL/D closes this chapter in Philadelphia, this performance invites audiences to reflect on the power of art as healing — and on what it means to rise, transform, and begin again.
Learn more and purchase tickets:
🌐 https://www.kyld.org/ Follow Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers:
📲 Instagram: @kyldancers
📲 Facebook: Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers
📲 LinkedIn: Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers
🎙️Clean Air, Climate Policy & Our Families
Today we’re talking about clean air, climate policy, and what it all means for our families. Joining us is Patrice Tomcik, Senior National Field Director for Moms Clean Air Force, where she leads national field programs, campaigns, and operations. Moms Clean Air Force partners with Environmental Defense Fund to advocate for strong environmental protections that safeguard children’s health. Patrice’s advocacy began when gas wells were permitted to be fracked just a half mile from her children’s schools in southwestern Pennsylvania — a moment that transformed her into a national voice for clean air protections.
In this episode, we break down what the “Endangerment Finding” means, why it’s under legal challenge, and how climate and air pollution policies directly affect families — especially in urban communities.
Learn more:
🌐 Environmental Defense Fund: https://www.edf.org/ Follow Environmental Defense Fund:
📲 X: https://x.com/envdefensefund
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/environmental_defense_fund
📲 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnvDefenseFund/
📲 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@environmental_defense_fund
Follow Moms Clean Air Force:
🌐 https://www.momscleanairforce.org/
📲 Instagram: @momscleanairforce
📲 Facebook: Moms Clean Air Force
We’re joined by Katie Moore-Derkits, Executive Director of Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers — one of the nation’s premier Asian American contemporary dance companies. This spring, KYL/D presents its final home season in Philadelphia: Echo and Flame / Fenghuang Awakens, March 27–28 at the Mandell Theater at Drexel University. The program is a powerful reflection on healing, transformation, and collective renewal through movement, ritual, and community. Inspired by the myth of the Fenghuang — often described as the Chinese phoenix — this culminating season honors decades of artistic innovation while embracing renewal and rebirth.
The world premiere, Fire Ritual Dance / Fenghuang In Us, marks Kun-Yang Lin’s 110th creative work, alongside 17 Moves / In Memory of Gus, a tribute to the late Gus Solomons Jr., celebrating resilience, friendship, and legacy. As KYL/D closes this chapter in Philadelphia, this performance invites audiences to reflect on the power of art as healing — and on what it means to rise, transform, and begin again.
Learn more and purchase tickets:
🌐 https://www.kyld.org/ Follow Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers:
📲 Instagram: @kyldancers
📲 Facebook: Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers
📲 LinkedIn: Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers
🎙️Clean Air, Climate Policy & Our Families
Today we’re talking about clean air, climate policy, and what it all means for our families. Joining us is Patrice Tomcik, Senior National Field Director for Moms Clean Air Force, where she leads national field programs, campaigns, and operations. Moms Clean Air Force partners with Environmental Defense Fund to advocate for strong environmental protections that safeguard children’s health. Patrice’s advocacy began when gas wells were permitted to be fracked just a half mile from her children’s schools in southwestern Pennsylvania — a moment that transformed her into a national voice for clean air protections.
In this episode, we break down what the “Endangerment Finding” means, why it’s under legal challenge, and how climate and air pollution policies directly affect families — especially in urban communities.
Learn more:
🌐 Environmental Defense Fund: https://www.edf.org/ Follow Environmental Defense Fund:
📲 X: https://x.com/envdefensefund
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/environmental_defense_fund
📲 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnvDefenseFund/
📲 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@environmental_defense_fund
Follow Moms Clean Air Force:
🌐 https://www.momscleanairforce.org/
📲 Instagram: @momscleanairforce
📲 Facebook: Moms Clean Air Force
Insight Pt. 2: EMIR Healing Center, Clean Air, Climate Policy & Our Families
🎙️ Designing for Healing in Germantown
Today’s conversation is about community care, healing, and lasting impact. Determined by Design® has launched its first social impact campaign in partnership with EMIR Healing Center, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit supporting families impacted by homicide. Together, they are transforming EMIR’s new Germantown space into a restorative environment rooted in advocacy, dignity, and trauma-informed healing. This effort goes beyond interior design. It’s about creating a permanent home for care — a space intentionally designed to restore, support, and uplift families working to break cycles of violence.
Joining us: Kia Weatherspoon, Founder and President of Determined by Design®, a nationally recognized leader in Design Equity®. Through her work, she has impacted more than 6,500 families and is redefining design as a standard of care — not a luxury. Chantay Love, Co-Founder and President of EMIR Healing Center, who transformed personal tragedy into a nationally respected model for restorative justice, advocacy, and trauma-informed healing.
Learn more and support the campaign:
🌐 https://www.determinedbydesign.com/
🌐 https://emirphilly.org/ Additional campaign details are available through their Fractured Atlas page. Follow their work:
📲 Determined by Design® – Instagram & LinkedIn: @determinedbydesign
📲 EMIR Healing Center – Instagram & Facebook: @emirphilly
Episode 2: Clean Air, Climate Policy & Our Families
Today we’re talking about clean air, climate policy, and what it all means for our families. Joining us is Patrice Tomcik, Senior National Field Director for Moms Clean Air Force, where she manages national field programs, campaigns, and operations.
Moms Clean Air Force partners with Environmental Defense Fund to advocate for strong environmental protections that safeguard children’s health. Patrice first became involved in environmental advocacy when gas wells were permitted to be fracked just a half mile from her children’s schools in southwestern Pennsylvania — a moment that transformed her into a national leader for clean air protections.
In this episode, we break down what the “Endangerment Finding” means, why it’s under legal challenge, and how climate and air pollution policies directly affect families — especially in urban communities.
Learn more:
🌐 Environmental Defense Fund: https://www.edf.org/ Follow Environmental Defense Fund:
📲 X: https://x.com/envdefensefund
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/environmental_defense_fund
📲 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnvDefenseFund/
📲 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@environmental_defense_fund
Follow Moms Clean Air Force:
🌐 https://www.momscleanairforce.org/
📲 Instagram: @momscleanairforce
📲 Facebook: Moms Clean Air Force
Today’s conversation is about community care, healing, and lasting impact. Determined by Design® has launched its first social impact campaign in partnership with EMIR Healing Center, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit supporting families impacted by homicide. Together, they are transforming EMIR’s new Germantown space into a restorative environment rooted in advocacy, dignity, and trauma-informed healing. This effort goes beyond interior design. It’s about creating a permanent home for care — a space intentionally designed to restore, support, and uplift families working to break cycles of violence.
Joining us: Kia Weatherspoon, Founder and President of Determined by Design®, a nationally recognized leader in Design Equity®. Through her work, she has impacted more than 6,500 families and is redefining design as a standard of care — not a luxury. Chantay Love, Co-Founder and President of EMIR Healing Center, who transformed personal tragedy into a nationally respected model for restorative justice, advocacy, and trauma-informed healing.
Learn more and support the campaign:
🌐 https://www.determinedbydesign.com/
🌐 https://emirphilly.org/ Additional campaign details are available through their Fractured Atlas page. Follow their work:
📲 Determined by Design® – Instagram & LinkedIn: @determinedbydesign
📲 EMIR Healing Center – Instagram & Facebook: @emirphilly
Episode 2: Clean Air, Climate Policy & Our Families
Today we’re talking about clean air, climate policy, and what it all means for our families. Joining us is Patrice Tomcik, Senior National Field Director for Moms Clean Air Force, where she manages national field programs, campaigns, and operations.
Moms Clean Air Force partners with Environmental Defense Fund to advocate for strong environmental protections that safeguard children’s health. Patrice first became involved in environmental advocacy when gas wells were permitted to be fracked just a half mile from her children’s schools in southwestern Pennsylvania — a moment that transformed her into a national leader for clean air protections.
In this episode, we break down what the “Endangerment Finding” means, why it’s under legal challenge, and how climate and air pollution policies directly affect families — especially in urban communities.
Learn more:
🌐 Environmental Defense Fund: https://www.edf.org/ Follow Environmental Defense Fund:
📲 X: https://x.com/envdefensefund
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/environmental_defense_fund
📲 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnvDefenseFund/
📲 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@environmental_defense_fund
Follow Moms Clean Air Force:
🌐 https://www.momscleanairforce.org/
📲 Instagram: @momscleanairforce
📲 Facebook: Moms Clean Air Force
Insight Pt. 1: Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati - VLS Journeys
🎙️ VLS Journeys: Women Stepping Out on Faith
VLS Journeys is our monthly feature with guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati exploring travel, books, art, and entertainment. In celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode highlights women who understand the power of stepping out on faith and trusting their creative vision.
🌸 In Bloom at the Philadelphia Flower Show
Our first guest is Nya Mooze, Creative Director of floral and event design studio Simply Nia. This year, she makes a solo juried presentation at the 197th award-winning Philadelphia Flower Show — the nation’s largest and the world’s longest-running horticultural event.
Nya first participated in the show as part of Black Girl Florists, a national organization supporting, celebrating, and elevating Black women in the floral industry. Now, she steps forward with her own exhibit, Nature’s Embrace, inspired by this year’s theme: Rooted: Origins of American Gardening, honoring the people, places, and traditions that have shaped gardening in the United States as America approaches its 250th anniversary. Drawing from her upbringing in Buffalo, New York, Nya’s installation explores heritage, memory, and connection — reminding us that gardens are more than beautiful spaces; they are living reflections of our roots.
Learn more about Simply Nia:
🌐 https://www.simplynia.com/
📲 Instagram: @simplynia
📧 simplydesignnyc@gmail.com Learn more about the Philadelphia Flower Show:
🌐 https://theflowershow.com/
📲 Instagram: @phsonline
📚 "What Is Philadelphia Reading?
For the monthly feature “What is Philadelphia Reading?” Vanesse is also joined by illustrator, curator, and professor Robyn Phillips-Pendleton, whose work spans national and international exhibitions. She co-curated the powerful exhibition Imprinted: Illustrating Race, organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum. Now on view at the Delaware Art Museum through March 1, 2026, Imprinted examines how printed images — from 1590 to today — have shaped racial attitudes in the United States. Featuring more than 200 works, the exhibition challenges viewers to confront how illustration and visual culture influence identity, power, and perception.
Learn more:
🌐 Delaware Art Museum: https://delart.org/
🌐 Norman Rockwell Museum: https://www.nrm.org/
📲 Delaware Art Museum Instagram: @delartmuseum
📲 Norman Rockwell Museum Instagram: @normanrockwellmuseum
VLS Journeys is our monthly feature with guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati exploring travel, books, art, and entertainment. In celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode highlights women who understand the power of stepping out on faith and trusting their creative vision.
🌸 In Bloom at the Philadelphia Flower Show
Our first guest is Nya Mooze, Creative Director of floral and event design studio Simply Nia. This year, she makes a solo juried presentation at the 197th award-winning Philadelphia Flower Show — the nation’s largest and the world’s longest-running horticultural event.
Nya first participated in the show as part of Black Girl Florists, a national organization supporting, celebrating, and elevating Black women in the floral industry. Now, she steps forward with her own exhibit, Nature’s Embrace, inspired by this year’s theme: Rooted: Origins of American Gardening, honoring the people, places, and traditions that have shaped gardening in the United States as America approaches its 250th anniversary. Drawing from her upbringing in Buffalo, New York, Nya’s installation explores heritage, memory, and connection — reminding us that gardens are more than beautiful spaces; they are living reflections of our roots.
Learn more about Simply Nia:
🌐 https://www.simplynia.com/
📲 Instagram: @simplynia
📧 simplydesignnyc@gmail.com Learn more about the Philadelphia Flower Show:
🌐 https://theflowershow.com/
📲 Instagram: @phsonline
📚 "What Is Philadelphia Reading?
For the monthly feature “What is Philadelphia Reading?” Vanesse is also joined by illustrator, curator, and professor Robyn Phillips-Pendleton, whose work spans national and international exhibitions. She co-curated the powerful exhibition Imprinted: Illustrating Race, organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum. Now on view at the Delaware Art Museum through March 1, 2026, Imprinted examines how printed images — from 1590 to today — have shaped racial attitudes in the United States. Featuring more than 200 works, the exhibition challenges viewers to confront how illustration and visual culture influence identity, power, and perception.
Learn more:
🌐 Delaware Art Museum: https://delart.org/
🌐 Norman Rockwell Museum: https://www.nrm.org/
📲 Delaware Art Museum Instagram: @delartmuseum
📲 Norman Rockwell Museum Instagram: @normanrockwellmuseum
What's Going On: Gift of Life Organ Donation, Black History is American History
Every year, thousands of families are given a second chance at life because someone said “yes” to organ donation. In 2025, the Gift of Life Donor Program reached a historic milestone — coordinating 1,955 organ transplants, the most in U.S. history. That includes record-setting numbers of kidney, liver, and heart transplants, reinforcing our region’s leadership in lifesaving innovation.
Joining us is Rick Hasz, Jr., President and CEO of Gift of Life, to talk about what these achievements truly mean for families across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. We discuss the groundbreaking technologies transforming transplantation, the urgent need for donors, and why this conversation is especially critical in Philadelphia’s Black community, where residents are disproportionately affected by organ failure. More than 100,000 people nationwide are still waiting for a lifesaving organ.
Behind every number is a name, a family, and a future hanging in the balance. If you’ve ever considered becoming a donor — or starting the conversation with your loved ones — this episode is for you.
🔗 Connect & Learn More
🌐 Website: www.donors1.org
📸 Instagram: @donors1
📘 Facebook: Gift of Life Donor Program
💼 LinkedIn: Gift of Life Donor Program
Because saying “yes” can mean someone else gets to keep living. James Baldwin once wrote, “History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us.”
Today, we’re talking about what it really means to teach history — all of it. In a compelling opinion piece, veteran educator Sharif El-Mekki challenges us to reconsider how Black history is taught in our schools — not as a sidebar and not confined to a single month — but as an essential and inseparable part of the American story. Sharif is the founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, a national organization committed to rebuilding the Black teacher pipeline and ensuring that classrooms reflect the diversity and brilliance of the students they serve. He is also co-organizer of the “Still We Teach. Still We Rise.” summit, which focuses on strengthening educator diversity and advancing inclusive, high-quality education nationwide.
In this conversation, we explore why erasing, minimizing, or oversimplifying any part of our shared history doesn’t just harm one community — it diminishes civic understanding for everyone. We discuss what it looks like to teach history honestly, expansively, and in a way that prepares every student for a complex and interconnected future.
🔗 Learn More & Connect
🌐 Website: https://thecenterblacked.org
📸 Instagram: @centerblacked
🐦 X (Twitter): @centerblacked
📘 Facebook: Center for Black Educator Development Because when we tell the full story, we strengthen the future.
Preserving Black history must start in the classroom
Joining us is Rick Hasz, Jr., President and CEO of Gift of Life, to talk about what these achievements truly mean for families across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. We discuss the groundbreaking technologies transforming transplantation, the urgent need for donors, and why this conversation is especially critical in Philadelphia’s Black community, where residents are disproportionately affected by organ failure. More than 100,000 people nationwide are still waiting for a lifesaving organ.
Behind every number is a name, a family, and a future hanging in the balance. If you’ve ever considered becoming a donor — or starting the conversation with your loved ones — this episode is for you.
🔗 Connect & Learn More
🌐 Website: www.donors1.org
📸 Instagram: @donors1
📘 Facebook: Gift of Life Donor Program
💼 LinkedIn: Gift of Life Donor Program
Because saying “yes” can mean someone else gets to keep living. James Baldwin once wrote, “History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us.”
Today, we’re talking about what it really means to teach history — all of it. In a compelling opinion piece, veteran educator Sharif El-Mekki challenges us to reconsider how Black history is taught in our schools — not as a sidebar and not confined to a single month — but as an essential and inseparable part of the American story. Sharif is the founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, a national organization committed to rebuilding the Black teacher pipeline and ensuring that classrooms reflect the diversity and brilliance of the students they serve. He is also co-organizer of the “Still We Teach. Still We Rise.” summit, which focuses on strengthening educator diversity and advancing inclusive, high-quality education nationwide.
In this conversation, we explore why erasing, minimizing, or oversimplifying any part of our shared history doesn’t just harm one community — it diminishes civic understanding for everyone. We discuss what it looks like to teach history honestly, expansively, and in a way that prepares every student for a complex and interconnected future.
🔗 Learn More & Connect
🌐 Website: https://thecenterblacked.org
📸 Instagram: @centerblacked
🐦 X (Twitter): @centerblacked
📘 Facebook: Center for Black Educator Development Because when we tell the full story, we strengthen the future.
Preserving Black history must start in the classroom
Insight Pt. 2: Gift of Life Organ Donation, Black History is American History
Every year, thousands of families are given a second chance at life because someone said “yes” to organ donation. In 2025, the Gift of Life Donor Program reached a historic milestone — coordinating 1,955 organ transplants, the most in U.S. history. That includes record-setting numbers of kidney, liver, and heart transplants, reinforcing our region’s leadership in lifesaving innovation.
Joining us is Rick Hasz, Jr., President and CEO of Gift of Life, to talk about what these achievements truly mean for families across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. We discuss the groundbreaking technologies transforming transplantation, the urgent need for donors, and why this conversation is especially critical in Philadelphia’s Black community, where residents are disproportionately affected by organ failure. More than 100,000 people nationwide are still waiting for a lifesaving organ.
Behind every number is a name, a family, and a future hanging in the balance. If you’ve ever considered becoming a donor — or starting the conversation with your loved ones — this episode is for you.
🔗 Connect & Learn More
🌐 Website: www.donors1.org
📸 Instagram: @donors1
📘 Facebook: Gift of Life Donor Program
💼 LinkedIn: Gift of Life Donor Program
Because saying “yes” can mean someone else gets to keep living. James Baldwin once wrote, “History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us.”
Today, we’re talking about what it really means to teach history — all of it. In a compelling opinion piece, veteran educator Sharif El-Mekki challenges us to reconsider how Black history is taught in our schools — not as a sidebar and not confined to a single month — but as an essential and inseparable part of the American story. Sharif is the founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, a national organization committed to rebuilding the Black teacher pipeline and ensuring that classrooms reflect the diversity and brilliance of the students they serve. He is also co-organizer of the “Still We Teach. Still We Rise.” summit, which focuses on strengthening educator diversity and advancing inclusive, high-quality education nationwide.
In this conversation, we explore why erasing, minimizing, or oversimplifying any part of our shared history doesn’t just harm one community — it diminishes civic understanding for everyone. We discuss what it looks like to teach history honestly, expansively, and in a way that prepares every student for a complex and interconnected future.
🔗 Learn More & Connect
🌐 Website: https://thecenterblacked.org
📸 Instagram: @centerblacked
🐦 X (Twitter): @centerblacked
📘 Facebook: Center for Black Educator Development Because when we tell the full story, we strengthen the future.
Preserving Black history must start in the classroom
Joining us is Rick Hasz, Jr., President and CEO of Gift of Life, to talk about what these achievements truly mean for families across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. We discuss the groundbreaking technologies transforming transplantation, the urgent need for donors, and why this conversation is especially critical in Philadelphia’s Black community, where residents are disproportionately affected by organ failure. More than 100,000 people nationwide are still waiting for a lifesaving organ.
Behind every number is a name, a family, and a future hanging in the balance. If you’ve ever considered becoming a donor — or starting the conversation with your loved ones — this episode is for you.
🔗 Connect & Learn More
🌐 Website: www.donors1.org
📸 Instagram: @donors1
📘 Facebook: Gift of Life Donor Program
💼 LinkedIn: Gift of Life Donor Program
Because saying “yes” can mean someone else gets to keep living. James Baldwin once wrote, “History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us.”
Today, we’re talking about what it really means to teach history — all of it. In a compelling opinion piece, veteran educator Sharif El-Mekki challenges us to reconsider how Black history is taught in our schools — not as a sidebar and not confined to a single month — but as an essential and inseparable part of the American story. Sharif is the founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, a national organization committed to rebuilding the Black teacher pipeline and ensuring that classrooms reflect the diversity and brilliance of the students they serve. He is also co-organizer of the “Still We Teach. Still We Rise.” summit, which focuses on strengthening educator diversity and advancing inclusive, high-quality education nationwide.
In this conversation, we explore why erasing, minimizing, or oversimplifying any part of our shared history doesn’t just harm one community — it diminishes civic understanding for everyone. We discuss what it looks like to teach history honestly, expansively, and in a way that prepares every student for a complex and interconnected future.
🔗 Learn More & Connect
🌐 Website: https://thecenterblacked.org
📸 Instagram: @centerblacked
🐦 X (Twitter): @centerblacked
📘 Facebook: Center for Black Educator Development Because when we tell the full story, we strengthen the future.
Preserving Black history must start in the classroom
Insight Pt. 1: 2026 UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball – Philadelphia
On this episode, we’re joined by Richard Snow, Regional Development Director for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), to talk about one of Philadelphia’s most anticipated philanthropic evenings — the 2026 UNCF Philadelphia Mayor’s Masked Ball. Taking place Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Downtown Marriott Hotel (12th & Market Streets, Center City Philadelphia), this elegant and impactful fundraiser opens its doors at 6 p.m., with the program beginning at 7 p.m.
Hosted by UNCF Philadelphia and Mayor Cherelle Parker, the Mayor’s Masked Ball is a signature celebration supporting scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
This year’s event will honor NFL star Saquon Barkley and Philadelphia’s own The Roots with a special Semiquincentennial Legacy Award, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Beyond the glamour and masks lies a powerful mission: investing in students, expanding access to higher education, and strengthening the future of our communities.
🎭 Event Details
• Event: UNCF Philadelphia 2026 Mayor’s Masked Ball
• Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
• Time: Doors open 6 p.m. | Program begins 7 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Marriott Hotel, 12th & Market Streets, Philadelphia 🌐 Website: https://uncf.org/PhiladelphiaMMB
📱 Social: @UNCF
Join us as we explore the mission behind the masks — and how one unforgettable evening can change the trajectory of a student’s life.
Hosted by UNCF Philadelphia and Mayor Cherelle Parker, the Mayor’s Masked Ball is a signature celebration supporting scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
This year’s event will honor NFL star Saquon Barkley and Philadelphia’s own The Roots with a special Semiquincentennial Legacy Award, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Beyond the glamour and masks lies a powerful mission: investing in students, expanding access to higher education, and strengthening the future of our communities.
🎭 Event Details
• Event: UNCF Philadelphia 2026 Mayor’s Masked Ball
• Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
• Time: Doors open 6 p.m. | Program begins 7 p.m.
• Location: Downtown Marriott Hotel, 12th & Market Streets, Philadelphia 🌐 Website: https://uncf.org/PhiladelphiaMMB
📱 Social: @UNCF
Join us as we explore the mission behind the masks — and how one unforgettable evening can change the trajectory of a student’s life.
What's Going On: Kisses for Kyle, SpeakOUT with Angela Giampolo
Today we’re joined by Sharon Snyder, Executive Director of Kisses for Kyle—and Kyle’s mom—along with Jessica Baskin, Community Outreach Specialist and a direct beneficiary of the organization’s support.
As Kisses for Kyle celebrates its 25th year of service, Sharon reflects on a journey born from love, loss, and an unwavering promise to her son. What began as one mother’s mission has grown into a powerful lifeline for families facing childhood cancer—providing financial assistance, emotional support, holiday programs, family-centered events, and a compassionate community during some of life’s most difficult moments.
In this conversation, we talk about the organization’s remarkable growth—now serving more than 700 families annually through 40 programs—and the recent completion of its largest holiday season yet, supporting 377 families and more than 900 children. Sharon also shares the vision behind Kyle’s Korner, a new gathering space designed to give families comfort, connection, and respite.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or learning about Kisses for Kyle for the first time, this episode is a reminder of the power of community, legacy, and love in action.
Connect with Kisses for Kyle 🌐 Website: https://kissesforkyle.org
📸 Instagram: @kissesforkyle
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kissesforkyle
To donate, volunteer, or learn more about supporting families facing childhood cancer, visit their website or follow them on social media for upcoming events and initiatives.
In this month’s SpeakOUT segment, our ongoing feature exploring LGBTQIA+ issues and their intersection with the broader population, we’re joined by Angela Giampolo, founder of Giampolo Law Group and author of the Philly Gay Lawyer blog.
Angela breaks down the Heritage Foundation’s latest national initiative, “Saving America by Saving the Family,” which focuses on reshaping federal policy to promote marriage and increase birth rates. The proposal includes marriage “bootcamps,” direct financial incentives for newlyweds, and reversing welfare policies that supporters argue discourage marriage.
We examine what a “family-centric” federal policy approach could mean in practice—particularly for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families whose structures may not align with traditional definitions of the nuclear family.
What are the legal implications? Who benefits—and who could be excluded? And how might these proposals impact marriage equality, reproductive rights, and diverse family models across the country?
As always, SpeakOUT explores not just policy—but how those policies intersect with real lives, real families, and the broader American community.
📚 Learn more:
Learn more & connect with Angela Giampolo / Giampolo Law:
Angela Giampolo / Giampolo Law Group 🌐 Website: https://www.giampololaw.com
📸 Instagram: @giampololaw
🐦 X (Twitter): @PhillyGayLawyer
📘 Facebook: Giampolo Law Group For more information on “Saving America by Saving the Family,” visit the Heritage Foundation website.
As Kisses for Kyle celebrates its 25th year of service, Sharon reflects on a journey born from love, loss, and an unwavering promise to her son. What began as one mother’s mission has grown into a powerful lifeline for families facing childhood cancer—providing financial assistance, emotional support, holiday programs, family-centered events, and a compassionate community during some of life’s most difficult moments.
In this conversation, we talk about the organization’s remarkable growth—now serving more than 700 families annually through 40 programs—and the recent completion of its largest holiday season yet, supporting 377 families and more than 900 children. Sharon also shares the vision behind Kyle’s Korner, a new gathering space designed to give families comfort, connection, and respite.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or learning about Kisses for Kyle for the first time, this episode is a reminder of the power of community, legacy, and love in action.
Connect with Kisses for Kyle 🌐 Website: https://kissesforkyle.org
📸 Instagram: @kissesforkyle
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kissesforkyle
To donate, volunteer, or learn more about supporting families facing childhood cancer, visit their website or follow them on social media for upcoming events and initiatives.
In this month’s SpeakOUT segment, our ongoing feature exploring LGBTQIA+ issues and their intersection with the broader population, we’re joined by Angela Giampolo, founder of Giampolo Law Group and author of the Philly Gay Lawyer blog.
Angela breaks down the Heritage Foundation’s latest national initiative, “Saving America by Saving the Family,” which focuses on reshaping federal policy to promote marriage and increase birth rates. The proposal includes marriage “bootcamps,” direct financial incentives for newlyweds, and reversing welfare policies that supporters argue discourage marriage.
We examine what a “family-centric” federal policy approach could mean in practice—particularly for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families whose structures may not align with traditional definitions of the nuclear family.
What are the legal implications? Who benefits—and who could be excluded? And how might these proposals impact marriage equality, reproductive rights, and diverse family models across the country?
As always, SpeakOUT explores not just policy—but how those policies intersect with real lives, real families, and the broader American community.
📚 Learn more:
Learn more & connect with Angela Giampolo / Giampolo Law:
Angela Giampolo / Giampolo Law Group 🌐 Website: https://www.giampololaw.com
📸 Instagram: @giampololaw
🐦 X (Twitter): @PhillyGayLawyer
📘 Facebook: Giampolo Law Group For more information on “Saving America by Saving the Family,” visit the Heritage Foundation website.