Bridging Philly

Throughout history, barriers have been put up between African Americans and water. Segregated swimming pools, violence and discrimination against Black folks who try to swim in public pools - all of this was documented in the “POOL” exhibit that was on display at Fairmount Water Works from 2022-2023 and has now been transformed into a mobile exhibit. Racquel Williams sits down with a few of the folks behind the exhibit and a legendary Philadelphia swim coach to discuss the history, as well as how to overcome a fear of water and learn to swim. Then, Shara Dae Howard gets a behind-the-scenes golf cart tour of the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, where up to 15,000 people per day are expected to watch the World Cup games from now through July 19. Learn more about: Habithèque - www.habitheque.com Diversity in Aquatics - www.diversityinaquatics.org PDR Swimming for Success - www.instagram.com/pdrswimming FIFA Fan Festival - www.phillyfwc26.com/fifa-fan-fest

Black educators are navigating classrooms where their presence is shrinking and the history they teach is being challenged. Racquel Williams talks with Sharif El-Mekki, founder and CEO of The Center for Black Educator Development, and Ismael Jimenez, Director of Social Studies Curriculum for the School District of Philadelphia, about the 100-year legacy of Black History Month and the undeniable impact of Black teachers in the classroom. Plus, they tell us about their partnership on the Blackprint 20 summit earlier this month, which opened discussion on best practices for teaching Black history. Then, on Shara in the City, we're celebrating a victory for the legacy of Philadelphia's own boxing legend Smokin' Joe Frazier, whose statue is officially relocating from South Philly to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Shara Dae Howard talks with a relative of Frazier’s about the grassroots fight to make this happen, plus Frazier’s connection to the late Jesse Jackson.

As we’re seeing ICE activity increased, DEI efforts rolled back, LGBTQ+ protections removed, and historical exhibits about slavery taken down, many are concerned that we are moving backwards in terms of civil rights. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission handles complaints and upholds civil rights laws here in the commonwealth. Racquel Williams speaks with them about what they’re hearing from the community and how they’re trying to bring people together to fight for equal rights for all. Then, Shara Dae Howard visits Face to Face, a neighborhood community center and safe haven for Germantown individuals and families experiencing poverty. They’ve seen even more need lately with the bitter cold and changes to SNAP benefits. Shara talks with staff, volunteers, and neighbors who say they found a healing community when they walked through the doors.

Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati started the African American Children’s Book Project to inspire young readers and uplift Black authors. Their upcoming book fair on February 7 will feature award-winning authors, book giveaways, and more. Racquel Williams talks with Vanesse and one of the authors being featured at the book fair, Carole Boston Weatherford, about the importance of representation in children’s literature and the Philadelphia history being told in many of these books. Then, Shara Dae Howard heads to Chestnut Hill’s Woodmere Museum, known for its outdoor opulence in art and architecture. She gets an up-close look at a new addition and finds out why the Woodmere creates an experience that’s unique from Philly’s other art museums.

When Harold Barrow’s daughter was born, he was addicted to heroin and living in an abandoned house. ⁠ACHIEVEability⁠ gave them both a place to live and helped Harold get his GED and bachelor’s degree. Now, Harold is working for ACHIEVEability, helping other families in similar circumstances. Harold and ACHIEVEability’s Executive Director Jamila Harris-Morrison join Racquel Williams to talk about the program. Then, on Shara in the City, we visit ⁠Project HOME⁠ to learn about how they are fighting to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Shara Dae Howard meets the founder, Sister Mary Scullion, along with the current CEO, Donna Bullock, and takes a tour of one of their housing units in Fairmount. The ACHIEVEability interview was originally released on March 1, 2025. Shara in the City at Project HOME was originally released on August 23, 2025.