Loraine Ballard Morrill

Loraine Ballard Morrill

Listen to Loraine on Insight on Sundays 6-7am + keep up on her latest news updates here!Full Bio

What's Going On: Gift of Life Organ Donation, Black History is American History

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  

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.

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.

Insight Pt. 2: SEPTA Resources for Entrepreneurs, PHL School Superintendent Tony Watlington on the Facilities Master Plan

This episode features two timely conversations impacting our region—from small business growth to public education.

First, we spotlight BAILS, a one-stop resource event for entrepreneurs happening Tuesday, February 18th at SEPTA Headquarters.
BAILS stands for Banking, Bonding, Accounting, Insurance, Legal Matters, and Social Media, bringing trusted experts together to help small businesses protect, scale, and sustain their operations. Joining us are Rochelle Culbreath, Senior Outreach Specialist with the BAILS team, and Jennifer Gardella, PhD, CEO of The Gardella Group, who previews what attendees will learn about building visibility and authentic engagement through social media. Learn more:
🌐 BAILS / SEPTA DBE: https://www.septa.org/dbe
🌐 The Gardella Group: https://www.thegardellagroup.com
🌐 Your Social Media Hour: https://www.yoursocialmediahour.com
🔗 LinkedIn (Jennifer Gardella): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergardella
SEPTA on social:
X & Instagram: @septaphilly
Facebook: @iseptaphilly
LinkedIn: SEPTA

We also speak with Tony B. Watlington Sr., Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, about the District’s newly released Facilities Master Plan. The long-term proposal includes major investments in school modernization and accessibility, while also calling for school closures, consolidations, and reassignments—raising serious concerns among families and communities. Superintendent Watlington addresses those concerns and explains how the District aims to balance equity, efficiency, and trust moving forward.

Facilities Master Plan resources for families:
🔗 Main Hub: https://www.philasd.org/fpp/
🔗 Proposed Plan Details: https://www.philasd.org/blog/2026/01/22/proposedfacilitiesmasterplan/
🔗 Facilities Data Dashboard: https://www.philasd.org/blog/2025/09/10/announcing-the-facilities-planning-process-data-dashboard/
🔗 Community Meetings & Updates: https://www.philasd.org/blog/tag/facilities-planning-process/
🔗 Community Resource: https://www.phillyschoolsplan.space/  

Insight Pt. 1: Child Guidance Resource Centers - “Bridging the Gap: Better Health for Every Neighbor,”

We’re talking about healthcare equity and making sure every neighbor has access to quality care. Joining us is Sarah Messina, LMFT, Director of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Prevention at Child Guidance Resource Centers. She’s a featured panelist at “Bridging the Gap: Better Health for Every Neighbor,” a free community awareness event happening Saturday, February 28th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Watkins Avenue Senior Center in Upper Darby. For more information, visit www.cgrc.org and follow @childguidanceresourcecenters on social media

What's Going On: SEPTA Resource for Businesses Event, PHL School Superintendent Tony Watlington on the Facilities Master Plan

This episode features two timely conversations impacting our region—from small business growth to public education.

First, we spotlight BAILS, a one-stop resource event for entrepreneurs happening Tuesday, February 18th at SEPTA Headquarters.
BAILS stands for Banking, Bonding, Accounting, Insurance, Legal Matters, and Social Media, bringing trusted experts together to help small businesses protect, scale, and sustain their operations. Joining us are Rochelle Culbreath, Senior Outreach Specialist with the BAILS team, and Jennifer Gardella, PhD, CEO of The Gardella Group, who previews what attendees will learn about building visibility and authentic engagement through social media. Learn more:
🌐 BAILS / SEPTA DBE: https://www.septa.org/dbe
🌐 The Gardella Group: https://www.thegardellagroup.com
🌐 Your Social Media Hour: https://www.yoursocialmediahour.com
🔗 LinkedIn (Jennifer Gardella): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergardella
SEPTA on social:
X & Instagram: @septaphilly
Facebook: @iseptaphilly
LinkedIn: SEPTA

We also speak with Tony B. Watlington Sr., Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, about the District’s newly released Facilities Master Plan. The long-term proposal includes major investments in school modernization and accessibility, while also calling for school closures, consolidations, and reassignments—raising serious concerns among families and communities. Superintendent Watlington addresses those concerns and explains how the District aims to balance equity, efficiency, and trust moving forward.

Facilities Master Plan resources for families:
🔗 Main Hub: https://www.philasd.org/fpp/
🔗 Proposed Plan Details: https://www.philasd.org/blog/2026/01/22/proposedfacilitiesmasterplan/
🔗 Facilities Data Dashboard: https://www.philasd.org/blog/2025/09/10/announcing-the-facilities-planning-process-data-dashboard/
🔗 Community Meetings & Updates: https://www.philasd.org/blog/tag/facilities-planning-process/
🔗 Community Resource: https://www.phillyschoolsplan.space/  

Insight Pt. 2: LaVeta and Solomon Jones: a Valentine's Day Love Story

As we head into Valentine’s Day, we’re pausing to reflect on the endurance of love—what it looks like over time, through change, challenge, and growth. Joining us today are longtime Philadelphia journalist, radio personality, and nationally syndicated columnist Solomon Jones, and his wife LaVeta Jones, Community Initiative Specialist for the Philadephia Police Department, for a thoughtful and intimate conversation about marriage, partnership, and what it truly takes to build a love that lasts. Together, they share reflections on how their relationship began, how it has evolved, and the lessons they’ve learned about commitment, resilience, and choosing each other—again and again.

Insight Pt. 1: LaVante’ N. Dorsey, author Crushed After a Breakup

Joining us today is LaVante’ N. Dorsey, therapist, author, and Founder & CEO of LaVante’ N. Dorsey & Associates. She’s the author of Crushed After a Breakup, a compassionate, practical guide for navigating heartbreak, grief, and emotional healing—especially during the Valentine’s season. LaVante’ shares why breakups can hurt physically, common post-breakup pitfalls, how to process grief without getting stuck, and one actionable step listeners can take today to begin healing.

Web, Book & Socials
🌐 Website: www.lavantedorsey.com
📘 Book: Crushed After a Breakup (available on Amazon)
📸 Instagram: @lavantedorsey
📘 Facebook: LaVante’ N. Dorsey
💼 LinkedIn: LaVante’ N. Dorsey, LCSW

What's Going On: African American Children's Book Fair

We’re celebrating the power of storytelling, art, and imagination with four extraordinary creators featured at the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair, happening Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Joining us are Gordon C. James, award-winning illustrator and recent recipient of the American Library Association’s Robert F. Sibert Medal; Ibi Zoboi, bestselling and multi-award-winning author of young adult and children’s literature; Frank Morrison, acclaimed author-illustrator known for his dynamic, movement-filled artwork; and Nikki Grimes, a legendary voice in children’s and young adult literature whose work spans poetry, picture books, and novels for readers of all ages. Together, we talk about creativity, representation, the importance of seeing yourself in books, and why the African American Children’s Book Fair continues to be a cornerstone for families, educators, and young readers across the region. Meet our guests:

Gordon C. James
Website: https://www.gordoncjames.com
Instagram: @gordoncjamesfineart
Ibi Zoboi
Website: https://www.ibizoboi.net
Instagram: @ibizoboi
Frank Morrison
Website: https://www.frankmorrison.art/
Instagram: @frankmorrison
Nikki Grimes
Website: https://www.nikkigrimes.com
Instagram: @poetrynikki  

Event Details – African American Children’s Book Fair
📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026
1:00–4:00 PM
📍 Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia
🎟️ Free and open to the public African American Children’s Book Fair
African American Children’s Book Fair
Website: https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/
Instagram: @aamericanchildrensbookfair
Facebook: African American Children’s Book Fair  

Founded by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, this beloved annual event features dozens of award-winning authors and illustrators, book signings, family activities, and affordable books for children from preschool through young adult. Because a book opens up a world of opportunities.