Africatown Diaspora Festival & PHL250 Celebration
Philadelphia’s Africatown community is preparing for one of the city’s most vibrant cultural celebrations of the summer. On this episode, we welcome Kou Dolo, Communications Director for the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA), to discuss the upcoming Africatown Diaspora Festival and PHL250 Celebration. Taking place on Saturday, June 28, from noon to 8 p.m. along the 5900–6500 blocks of Woodland Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia, this free, family-friendly festival will feature live music, cultural performances, food vendors, merchandise, and a celebration of the rich traditions and contributions of African, Caribbean, and African American communities. Kou shares the vision behind Africatown Philadelphia, the significance of the festival’s theme—"One People • One Cause • One Destiny"—and how the event connects local communities to Philadelphia’s 250th anniversary celebration. We also explore the power of culture, food, music, and community-building in bringing people together. Event Details:
Saturday, June 28, 2026 | Noon–8 PM
5900–6500 Blocks of Woodland Avenue, Southwest Philadelphia
Free and open to the public Learn more:
ACANA: https://www.acanaus.org
Africatown Philadelphia: https://africatownphilly.org Follow:
Instagram: @acanaus | @africatownphilly
Facebook: ACANA  

Vaniece Washington: Overcoming Bullying Through Storytelling
We explore the lasting impact of bullying, the importance of mental health awareness, and the power of storytelling to inspire healing and change. Our guest is Vaniece Washington, author, poet, screenwriter, advocate, and graduate student whose personal experiences with bullying inspired her faith-based book and award-winning screenplay, How I Overcame Middle School. At just 23 years old, Vaniece is using her voice to encourage young people to persevere through adversity and reminding them that they are seen, heard, and valued. During our conversation, she shares her journey from author to aspiring filmmaker, discusses the emotional toll bullying can take on students, and offers practical advice for parents, educators, and school administrators. Vaniece also talks about her advocacy for mental health, her pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Television Studies, and her dream of bringing her powerful story to audiences around the world through film. Learn more:
Vaniece Washington Official Website Follow:
Instagram: @iamvaniece
TikTok: @vibin_wit_vaniece
LinkedIn: Vaniece Washington

Anal Fistula Awareness & New Treatment Options with Dr. Philip Pearson
Anal fistulas affect thousands of people every year, yet many suffer in silence because of the pain, stigma, and embarrassment surrounding the condition. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Philip Pearson, colorectal surgeon, educator, and social media personality known as the “Singing Surgeon,” about the physical and emotional impact anal fistulas can have on patients and families.

Dr. Pearson explains what anal fistulas are, how they develop, and why early diagnosis and treatment are so important. We discuss the challenges associated with traditional treatment options and explore BioHealx, a new minimally invasive bioabsorbable implant designed to treat anal fistulas while preserving continence and reducing the need for repeat procedures. BioHealx received FDA De Novo authorization in 2024 and is offering new hope for patients seeking effective treatment with fewer complications. In addition to discussing advances in colorectal care, Dr. Pearson shares how he uses music and social media to educate the public, reduce stigma, and make difficult health conversations more approachable. Learn more:
https://www.signumsurgical.com
https://www.mainlinehealth.org/find-a-doctor/philip-y-pearson Follow:
Instagram: @signumsurgical
LinkedIn: Signum Surgical

On this edition of *What's Going On *, we focus on two topics that will have a major impact on the lives of Philadelphia-area residents: workers' rights and Philadelphia's historic future. First, we speak with David Stern, founding partner of Stern & Cohen, a firm recently recognized as a 2025 Gold Winner for Philadelphia's Favorite Workers' Compensation Firm. David helps us understand the basics of workers' compensation in Pennsylvania, explains a significant legal issue known as Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), and discusses what injured workers need to know about protecting their rights, securing benefits, and navigating the claims process. Whether you've been injured on the job or simply want to better understand workplace protections, this conversation offers important guidance. Learn more at www.sterncohenlaw.com.

Then, we look ahead to Philadelphia's historic 2026 celebration with Michael Newmuis, Director of Philadelphia 2026, and Deputy Director Tyrone Dixon. As the city prepares to welcome more than half a million visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and America's 250th birthday, our guests discuss how Philadelphia is preparing for this unprecedented moment. We explore opportunities for local businesses, community engagement, public safety, tourism, volunteerism, and how city leaders hope to ensure every neighborhood benefits from the economic and cultural impact of these global events. For more information, visit phila.gov, philadelphia250.us, and visitphilly.com. Follow @PhiladelphiaGov, @VisitPhilly, and @PHL250 on social media for updates on events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved as Philadelphia prepares to take center stage in 2026.

On this edition of Insight, we examine three important issues impacting our communities: justice and accountability, youth empowerment, and the fight against cancer disparities. First, we discuss the growing community movement seeking justice for 19-year-old Wyleek Tinsley, who was fatally shot by Abington Township police officers inside his home on March 6, 2025. Joining us are Wyleek's brother, Jahvonn Brooks and Tyree Wallace, Founder and CEO of Systemic Reformative Change (SRC). They share details about the #JusticeForWyleekTinsley campaign, the family's call for transparency and accountability, ongoing organizing efforts, and broader conversations around police accountability, public trust, and systemic reform. Learn more at www.srcnow.org and follow the campaign using #JusticeForWyleekTinsley. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-systemic-reformative-change-foundation https://www.instagram.com/justiceforwyleek/

Next, we turn our attention to empowering young women with Cheryl Wadlington, founder of Evoluer House and creator of Holistic Me, a free virtual summer workshop series for girls ages 13 to 18. Running June 22 through August 21, the program offers more than 25 workshops focused on wellness, financial literacy, leadership development, personal safety, college preparation, and career readiness. Cheryl discusses the challenges facing teen girls today and how Holistic Me is helping participants build confidence and prepare for the future. For registration and information, visit www.evoluerhouse.org and follow Evoluer House on social media.

Finally, we speak with Dr. Clayton Yates, John R. Lewis Endowed Professor and Director for Translational Health Disparities and Global Health Equity Research at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Yates discusses cancer disparities, groundbreaking research, and the importance of investing in health equity. The conversation comes as WDAS-FM prepares for the 9th Annual Sista Strut 3K Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Stateside Live in Philadelphia. Sista Strut raises awareness about breast cancer in women of color and supports lifesaving research through the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Learn more at www.aacr.org. 

Join us for informative conversations that inspire action, build awareness, and strengthen our communities.

We look ahead to Philadelphia's historic 2026 celebration with Michael Newmuis, Director of Philadelphia 2026, and Deputy Director Tyrone Dixon. As the city prepares to welcome more than half a million visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and America's 250th birthday, our guests discuss how Philadelphia is preparing for this unprecedented moment. We explore opportunities for local businesses, community engagement, public safety, tourism, volunteerism, and how city leaders hope to ensure every neighborhood benefits from the economic and cultural impact of these global events. For more information, visit phila.gov, philadelphia250.us, and visitphilly.com. Follow @PhiladelphiaGov, @VisitPhilly, and @PHL250 on social media for updates on events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved as Philadelphia prepares to take center stage in 2026.

On this episode of What's Going On, we explore two very different but equally important stories about health, healing, and hope. First, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks with Dr. Philip Pearson, colorectal surgeon, educator, and social media personality known as the "Singing Surgeon," about anal fistula, a painful and often misunderstood condition that affects thousands of people each year.

Dr. Pearson discusses the physical and emotional impact of living with anal fistula, why many patients suffer in silence, and how a new minimally invasive treatment called BioHealx is helping patients heal while reducing complications and preserving quality of life. He also shares how he uses music and social media to make difficult health conversations more approachable and reduce stigma around colorectal health. Learn More:
https://www.signumsurgical.com/
https://www.mainlinehealth.org/find-a-doctor/philip-y-pearson https://www.tiktok.com/@drphilippearson Follow:
Instagram: @signumsurgical
LinkedIn: Signum Surgical  

We also spotlight the iHeartMedia Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation Podathon, taking place June 9, raising funds to support life-changing care for children with complex medical, developmental, behavioral, and physical challenges. Dr. Matt McDonald, President and CEO of Children's Specialized Hospital, joins us to discuss the hospital's impact on nearly 45,000 children each year, the growing need for specialized pediatric care, and how community support helps children achieve milestones once thought impossible. Event Details:
iHeartMedia Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation Podathon
June 9, 2026
Goal: Raise $50,000 for the Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation Donate and Learn More:
www.ilovecsh.org
Every donation helps provide specialized care, therapy, innovation, and hope for children and families facing extraordinary challenges.

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.