Bridging Philly

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Black dandies: fashion as resistance | Trolley tour of women-owned businesses Jun 07, 2025

Show notes

Some Black men stand out for their sense of style - Sammy Davis Jr., Prince, Colman Domingo. They’re all part of a deep historical culture of Black dandyism, where fashion is rooted in resistance and used to counter stereotypes. This year’s Met Gala theme and an ongoing exhibition titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” highlight Black dandyism. Host Racquel Williams talks with two Philly fashion experts about the dandy movement, the runway looks, and some tips for men who want to elevate their own style - Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste, a designer and professor at Philly area colleges including Thomas Jefferson University, and Jamel Workman, founder of Dandy Headdress.

Then, on Shara in the City, we hop on board a very special trolley to inspire and empower women. The Deeply Rooted Trolley Tour, organized by Harriett’s Bookshop and hosted by Starfire, visits women-owned businesses across the city. Shara Dae Howard takes a ride and hears about their next event, a Juneteenth “family reunion” trip.

Arts funding in crisis | Dancing at any age May 31, 2025

Show notes

The Trump administration has been cutting back on the arts, closing federal organizations and cancelling grants that supported local cultural centers across the country. Host Racquel Williams speaks with three arts organizations that are feeling the impacts here in Philadelphia: Esperanza Arts Center, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.

Then, on Shara in the City, we put on our dancing shoes at Second Chance Dance Studio, where adults are re-discovering their love of dance. Shara Dae Howard sits in on a rehearsal and learns a few moves herself.

Jewish American Heritage Month | Philadelphia Voices of Pride LGBTQ+ choir May 24, 2025

Show notes

May is Jewish American Heritage Month - or JAHM - and The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History here in Philadelphia has been at the center of the national efforts to celebrate and educate about Jewish American history and culture. Host Racquel Williams talks with Emily August, The Weitzman’s Director of JAHM, and Dan Tadmor, President and CEO, about how everyone can fight antisemitism and honor Jewish American heritage all year long.

Then, on Shara in the City, warm up those vocal chords - we’re visiting Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ all-voices choir, Philadelphia Voices of Pride. Shara Dae Howard stops by a rehearsal as the choir prepares for their upcoming performance of “Considering Matthew Shepard”.

Support for minority-owned small businesses | Gardening with MOVE Legacy Director, Mike Africa, Jr. May 17, 2025

Show notes

Women and BIPOC entrepreneurs often struggle to find the capital to get their businesses off the ground and to stay in business, facing various systemic barriers. Finanta is a Philly-based non-profit that supports entrepreneurs with loans, advice, and local connections. Host Racquel Williams speaks with Finanta’s President & CEO, Daniel Betancourt, and a participant in their Affinity Group Lending program, Saundra Gilliard, Founder and CEO of Femininely Free.

Then, on Shara in the City, we catch up with Mike Africa, Jr. after the 40th anniversary of the MOVE bombing. Shara Dae Howard visits Mike in his garden to talk about his family’s history with MOVE and how he’s trying to memorialize those lost in the bombing.

Best of Bridging Philly: A space for teens in South Philly | Smith Memorial Playground May 10, 2025

Show notes

Pennsylvania’s funding for after-school care ends when children turn 13, and many parents are concerned about where their teens can go after school and in the summer. Caring People Alliance⁠ runs a teen program and opened a new center last year at their South Philadelphia Boys & Girls Club where teens can go to get a meal, play basketball, make music and art, and have a safe space to talk and learn. We speak with Branon Gilmore, VP of CPA’s Boys & Girls Club Movement, Jewel Felder-James, Director of Teen Programming, and Alphonso Cobbs, a participant in the teen program.

And on Shara in the City, Shara Dae Howard re-discovers the joy of play at the historic ⁠Smith Memorial Playground⁠.

This episode was originally released on June 29, 2024.

The silent struggle of infertility | Improving life with vision loss May 03, 2025

Show notes

One in six women worldwide experience infertility, but it’s a topic we still struggle to talk about. Diona Murray was given a less than a 1% chance of conceiving - but she beat the odds and had a daughter. During her journey, she launched Barren Fruit to help other women experiencing infertility know that they don’t have to go through this alone. Diona joins host Racquel Williams to talk about the grief that comes with fertility challenges and how her faith helped her find hope.

Then, on Shara in the City, Shara Dae Howard visits VisionLink - a local organization in Center City that is working to improve accessibility for those with vision loss in the Philadelphia region with new skills, technology, and much more.

Doing good after prison | Black + Asian food fusion Apr 26, 2025

Show notes

Everyone makes mistakes, especially in their youth. If a mistake lands you in prison or convicted of a crime, it can haunt you for the rest of your life - but many people are fighting to turn their lives around after a conviction. As a returning citizen, Shuja Moore started a nonprofit called Do Moore Good to help others on the reentry path and to encourage youth to achieve their full potential. He recently made a documentary called “Pardon Me” about the process and significance of getting pardoned. Host Racquel Williams talks with Shuja and two women who have been through the pardon process to reclaim their names and build better lives.

You can find help getting a pardon and other legal resources through Community Legal Services.

Then, on Shara in the City, Black Dragon Takeout in West Philly has been getting a ton of buzz for its fusion of soul food with the aesthetics of Chinese takeout. Shara Dae Howard stops by to hear how this idea formed, and to decide if their wings live up to the hype.

The dismantling of DEI | Kids in the Kitchen Apr 19, 2025

Show notes

President Trump has been using executive orders to roll back DEI efforts federally, but those three letters are easily misunderstood. Host Racquel Williams talks with two experts in the field: Stefanie Christmas, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Inizio, and Keva White, President/CEO of VIP Community Services and co-host of the Race to Social Justice podcast. They discuss what DEI programs actually do, why diversity in the workplace is important, how the term has gotten such negative connotations, and their advice for how businesses should think about these executive orders.

And then on Shara in the City, let’s get cooking! The Junior League of Philadelphia has rolled out their annual cooking program that educates youth on food insecurity and has them whipping up some fancy recipes. Shara Dae Howard dons her chef hat for the day with Kids in the Kitchen.

Black Maternal Health Week | Philly Jazz Month Apr 12, 2025

Show notes

Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than white women, but Pennsylvania legislators and advocates are fighting to improve maternal health outcomes. Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, and host Racquel Williams speaks with three women who are helping to organize events, raise awareness, and bring change to our health care system: State Representative Gina Curry, Co-Chair of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus; Jenné Johns, President of Once Upon A Preemie; and Saleemah McNeil, Founder of Oshun Family Center.

Then, on Shara in the City, we’re highlighting Jazz Month in the Philadelphia region. Shara Dae Howard talks with a local jazz expert about some of the great musical history in our area and where the best performances will be this month. Original music by V. Shayne Frederick.

When white supremacy divides a family | Philly’s dodgeball community Apr 05, 2025

Show notes

In an extremely divisive era of politics, is it possible to reconcile with family members whom you disagree with, and whose beliefs you might even feel are dangerous? Gabriel Jason Dean wrote a play, “RIFT, OR WHITE LIES”, based on his experience with his brother, who joined a white supremacist gang in prison. He joins us along with Philadelphia native Frank Meeink, author of "Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead", who is giving a talkback at the show. They both speak with Racquel Williams about what draws people to white supremacist groups and what it takes to leave.

See “RIFT, OR WHITE LIES” presented by InterAct Theatre Company now through April 27.

Then, on Shara in the City, we get to know Philly’s thriving dodgeball community. Shara Dae Howard is rolling up her sleeves and getting on the court to see what all the hype is about.

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