Community College of Philadelphia’s Rhythm and RISE Celebration
This week on Insight, we're celebrating 60 years of transforming lives through education at the Community College of Philadelphia. Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Dr. Alycia Marshall, the College's seventh president, about the institution's lasting impact on Philadelphia, its commitment to student success, workforce development, and the opportunities it continues to create for generations of students.

The conversation also previews Rhythm and RISE, a special 60th Anniversary celebration taking place on June 9. The event will showcase the creativity and talent of CCP students through live performances, culinary experiences, visual arts, and hospitality demonstrations while honoring one of Philadelphia's most beloved icons, Patti LaBelle, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn how Community College of Philadelphia is preparing students for careers, strengthening the city's workforce, and building a brighter future for Philadelphia. Event Details
Rhythm and RISE: CCP 60th Anniversary Celebration
June 9, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Athletics Center at Community College of Philadelphia Learn More:
Community College of Philadelphia Rhythm and RISE – 60th Anniversary Celebration Follow CCP:
Instagram: @CCPedu
X: @CCPedu
Facebook: Community College of Philadelphia
LinkedIn: Community College of Philadelphia


Saving the Cecil B. Moore Library
For generations, the Cecil B. Moore Library has been a cornerstone of North Philadelphia, providing access to education, technology, workforce resources, cultural programming, and community connection. As discussions continue about the library's future, residents and advocates are raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and ensuring community voices remain central to redevelopment decisions. On this episode of Insight, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with community advocates Brother Z, Robin Barber, Siobhan Neitzel, and Cierra Freeman of the Campaign to Save the Cecil B. Moore Library about the importance of preserving this historic institution and the upcoming town hall, Community Voice. Community Development. They discuss concerns surrounding renovation delays, potential relocation conversations, community oversight, and what a true "library of the future" could look like for North Philadelphia residents.
Event Details
Community Voice. Community Development.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
5:30 PM
Church of the Advocate
1801 W. Diamond St.
Learn More:
Campaign to Save the Cecil B. Moore Library: tinyurl.com/CBMLibrariesAreLife/


Young Voices, Big Dreams
Loraine Ballard Morrill welcomes a group of inspiring students from the University YES Academy in Detroit during their visit to iHeartMedia Philadelphia Hosted by WDAS FM's Frankie Darcell. The students share their hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the future while discussing the importance of education, mentorship, leadership, and believing in themselves. From career goals to community impact, these young leaders offer thoughtful perspectives on the challenges facing their generation and the opportunities they hope to create for themselves and others. Their visit provided a unique opportunity to learn about careers in media, communications, and broadcasting while exploring the power of storytelling to inform, inspire, and connect communities. Hear directly from the next generation of changemakers as they discuss what motivates them, what success means to them, and how they plan to make a difference in the world.
 Learn More: University YES Academy    

 This week on Insight, guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambatti explores two fascinating stories rooted in Philadelphia’s culture, history, and creativity. First, Vanessa speaks with artist and cultural historian V. Shayne Frederick about Pepperpot, a multimedia, multidisciplinary performance project celebrating the history of the traditional spicy tripe and vegetable stew made famous by Black street vendors in colonial Philadelphia. The project debuted as part of the citywide What Now: 2026 arts festival and uses storytelling, performance, music, and history to examine food, culture, and Black Philadelphia's enduring legacy. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.showpass.com/pepperpot/.  

Then, for her monthly feature What Is Philadelphia Reading?, Vanesse sits down with celebrity stylist and entrepreneur Syreeta Scott, founder of Duafe Hair Salon. Known for her work with high-profile clients and her commitment to beauty, wellness, and community empowerment, Syreeta shares the books that are inspiring her, shaping her perspective, and sparking conversations throughout Philadelphia. Learn more about Duafe Hair Salon at https://www.duafehairsalon.com/.

We  highlight the next generation of women leaders with Himakshi Shastri, Vice President of Philanthropy for Wharton Women at the University of Pennsylvania, discussing how students are providing pro bono consulting support to nonprofits across Philadelphia and New York City.
Learn more at  Wharton Women.
Follow on social media:
Instagram @whartonwomen,
TikTok @wharton.women,
X @WhartonWomenUG,
Wharton Women Facebook, and Wharton Women LinkedIn.

We discuss homeownership and financial empowerment with  Ernest L. Campbell Sr., Mortgage Retail Sales Senior Manager and Executive Director of Residential Lending at Wells Fargo, along with Abraham Reyes Pardo, Vice President of the Office of Housing and Diversion Services for the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia ahead of the free Homebuyer Fair on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Esperanza Arts Center in Philadelphia, featuring housing resources, counseling, and raffles up to $1,000.
Register at Wells Fargo/Urban League Homebuyer Seminar & Fair.
Learn more at Urban League of Greater Philadelphia and Wells Fargo Home Lending.
Follow on Instagram: @urbanleaguephila and @wellsfargo.

We also highlight the next generation of women leaders with Himakshi Shastri, Vice President of Philanthropy for Wharton Women at the University of Pennsylvania, discussing how students are providing pro bono consulting support to nonprofits across Philadelphia and New York City.
Learn more at  Wharton Women.
Follow on social media:
Instagram @whartonwomen,
TikTok @wharton.women,
X @WhartonWomenUG,
Wharton Women Facebook, and Wharton Women LinkedIn.

And finally, producer Maddie Mickelberg separates fact from hype around today’s protein diet craze with Alissa Smethers, PhD, RD, LDN, Assistant Professor of Instruction and MPH in Nutrition Program Director at the Temple University College of Public Health. 

This week on Insight, we’re focusing on building stronger communities through homeownership, fatherhood, and education.

First, Ernest L. Campbell Sr., Mortgage Retail Sales Senior Manager and Executive Director of Residential Lending at Wells Fargo, along with Abraham Reyes Pardo, Vice President of the Office of Housing and Diversion Services for the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia discuss the upcoming Homebuyer Fair and resources to help families achieve homeownership and build generational wealth. The free event takes place Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Esperanza Arts Center in Philadelphia, with raffles, counseling, and lending resources available. Register at Admission is free, but registration is required. Attendees can enter raffles to win prizes up to $1,000.
Register at Wells Fargo/Urban League of Philadelphia Homebuyer Seminar and Fair
Learn more at Urban League of Greater Philadelphia and Wells Fargo Home Lending.
Follow on Instagram: @urbanleaguephila and @wellsfargo.

We also discuss fatherhood, healing, and reentry with Lori Daisy Goins, Executive Director of FACT Experience; Cameron Brown, Director of Marketing and Promotions; and Muscle, board member for FACT Experience, ahead of the 2026 Fatherhood Symposium on Saturday, June 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Vare Recreation Center. Together, they share how reconnecting fathers and families can help break cycles of violence and incarceration while creating spaces for healing and hope.
Learn more about FACT Experience at FACTExperience.com, register at 2026 Fatherhood Symposium Eventbrite Page, and follow @factexperience.

And finally, we talk about the growing teacher retention crisis with Adia Hagans-Paige of Belmont Charter Network, exploring educator burnout, teacher pipeline programs, and strategies schools can use to better support and retain teachers across Philadelphia. Learn more at Belmont Charter Network.

We explore the rich history, culture, and flavors of Somalia through food and storytelling. Joining us is Somali-born writer, chef, and recipe developer Ifrah F. Ahmed, author of the new cookbook Soomaaliya. Through more than 70 recipes, Ifrah shares the traditions, resilience, and global influences that have shaped Somali cuisine for generations — from fragrant xawaash spice blends and spiced teas to goat stews, rice dishes, seafood, and sweet pastries. We’ll discuss preserving culinary traditions, the role food plays in identity and migration, and why Somali cuisine deserves a larger place on the global stage.
Event Information:
Free Library of Philadelphia presents an evening with Ifrah F. Ahmed
📍 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia
📅 Wednesday, June 3, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Learn more: Free Library of Philadelphia
Follow Ifrah: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ifahmed

Today, we’re taking a flavorful journey to Jamaica through food, culture, and storytelling. Joining us is celebrated chef, three-time Chopped champion, and culinary ambassador Chef Andre Fowles, whose new cookbook, My Jamaican Table: Vibrant Recipes from a Sun-Drenched Island, shares more than 100 recipes inspired by the warmth, resilience, and rich traditions of Jamaica. From authentic jerk cooking and curry goat to modern Caribbean-inspired creations, Chef Fowles discusses how food reflects history, culture, and community — and why preserving culinary traditions matters. We also talk about his inspiring journey from Kingston to becoming one of the most recognized Jamaican chefs in the world, along with his commitment to giving back through community and recovery efforts in Jamaica. My Jamaican Table: Vibrant Recipes from a Sun-Drenched Island was published by Artisan Books on March 10, 2026. Learn more:
• My Jamaican Table by Andre Fowles Follow on social media:
• Instagram: @cheffowles

 World Ovarian Cancer Day & OCRA 
May 8 marked World Ovarian Cancer Day, a global effort to raise awareness about one of the most difficult cancers to detect early. Today, we’re joined by Audra Moran, President and CEO of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the world’s largest organization dedicated to advancing ovarian and gynecologic cancer research while supporting patients and caregivers through education, advocacy, and critical resources. We discuss the warning signs and risk factors associated with ovarian cancer, the importance of understanding family history and genetic testing, and how women can advocate for their health in medical settings. Audra also shares details about OCRA’s groundbreaking Community Accelerated Research Exchange and “Living Lab,” an innovative initiative designed to transform how patient experiences inform cancer research in real time.
Learn more:
• Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)
 Follow on social media:
• Instagram: OCRA Instagram
• X/Twitter: OCRA X/Twitter

 Injection Drug Use & Infectious Disease Crisis
This week on Insight, we’re discussing a growing public health crisis tied to injection drug use and the serious infections impacting individuals, families, and healthcare systems across Philadelphia. From hepatitis and HIV to life-threatening heart and skin infections, medical experts across the region are working together to develop compassionate, evidence-based solutions rooted in prevention, harm reduction, and community care.

Joining us is Dr. Jessica Meisner, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Pennsylvania and SANA Clinic Medical Director at Prevention Point Philadelphia. Dr. Meisner discusses the rise in severe infections connected to injection drug use, the dangers posed by substances like xylazine and medetomidine, the importance of reducing stigma, and the collaborative efforts underway among healthcare institutions across the region.

We also highlight the soldout INSPIIRE Symposium taking place Friday, May 29, 2026, from 8 AM to 5 PM at the John Morgan Building, Reunion Auditorium, at the University of Pennsylvania. The symposium brings together clinicians, researchers, social workers, advocates, and people with lived experience to focus on infectious complications related to substance use disorders through collaborative, community-informed strategies. 
For more information, visit:

• Prevention Point Philadelphia
 Follow on social media:
• Instagram: @preventionpointphilly
• X/Twitter: @PPPhilly


Black Farmers Co-Op Anniversary Celebration
We’re also talking about food justice, sustainability, and the importance of preserving Black agricultural traditions and land ownership. Joining us is Executive Director Dr. Carol Simonsand Stephanie James, Assistant Director to discuss the 4th Anniversary Celebration of the Black Farmers Co-op — “From Soil to Soul: Honoring our Ancestors, Feeding Our Future.” We explore the movement for food sovereignty, cooperative economics, and the ways farming connects culture, health, environmental justice, and economic opportunity in communities across Philadelphia and beyond.

Dr. Simons shares why protecting Black farmers and Black-owned land remains critically important and how the Black Farmers Co-Op is empowering communities through sustainable agriculture and education. The Black Farmers Co-Op 4th Anniversary Celebration takes place Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Environmental Center, 700 Cobbs Creek Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19143. The family-friendly event will feature community activities, education, food, music, and opportunities to learn more about sustainable farming and local food systems.
 For more information, visit:

• Website: https://blackfarmerscoop.org/

Mexican Cultural Center Philadelphia Today, we’re celebrating culture, community, and the growing impact of the Mexican Cultural Center Philadelphia. Joining us is Araceli Guenther, Board Chair of the organization, to reflect on the recent Friends of Mexico Awards Luncheon and discuss the vision for the future — including plans for a permanent cultural home and upcoming programs that will continue highlighting the rich contributions of Mexican and Hispanic communities throughout the region.

For more than 30 years, the Mexican Cultural Center Philadelphia has preserved and shared Mexican arts, culture, and traditions across Greater Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Delaware. As Philadelphia prepares for major global events like America’s 250th anniversary and the FIFA World Cup, MCC is helping ensure Mexican and Hispanic voices, culture, and stories remain an important part of the region’s future.
Learn more:
• Mexican Cultural Center Philadelphia
Follow on social media:
• Instagram: @mccphilly