This week on Insight, we spotlight three powerful stories that celebrate opportunity, culture, and community engagement across Philadelphia.

First, as Philadelphia prepares to host Major League Baseball's 96th All-Star Game, we speak with Kenny Johnson, Community Engagement Manager for the Philadelphia Phillies, about the HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball. Co-created by Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., the event showcases 50 of the nation's top HBCU baseball student-athletes while celebrating the rich legacy and future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Kenny shares how this exciting event kicks off MLB All-Star Week and highlights the Phillies' commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community impact.
⚾ HBCU SWINGMAN CLASSIC
 📅 Friday, July 10, 2026 🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA
🎟️ Tickets available through MLB All-Star Week and the Philadelphia Phillies
 🌐 MLB All-Star Week: https://www.mlb.com/all-star
🌐 Phillies All-Star Information: https://www.mlb.com/phillies
📸 Instagram: @phillies
📘 Facebook: Philadelphia Phillies
🐦 X: @Phillies

Next, we welcome Dr. Stacy Holland, Executive Director of Elevate 215, to discuss the first year of Apply Philly Charter's new Rank and Match enrollment system. Designed to simplify the charter school application process for Philadelphia families, the new system resulted in nearly 11,000 students receiving school offers this year. Dr. Holland explains how the process works, what the results reveal about family preferences, and how the initiative aims to make school choice more transparent and equitable.
🎓 APPLY PHILLY CHARTER
🌐 Website: https://www.elevate215.org
📸 Instagram: @elevate_215
💼 LinkedIn: Elevate 215

We head to Southwest Philadelphia for a preview of the Africatown Diaspora Festival and PHL250 Celebration. Kou Dolo, Communications Director for the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA), joins us to discuss this free, family-friendly festival celebrating the cultures, traditions, and contributions of African, Caribbean, and African American communities. Featuring live music, cultural performances, food vendors, art, and community engagement, the festival promises a vibrant day of unity under the theme "One People • One Cause • One Destiny."
 
 🌍 AFRICATOWN DIASPORA FESTIVAL & PHL250 CELEBRATION
📅 Sunday, June 28, 2026 🕛 Noon – 8:00 PM
📍 5900–6500 Blocks of Woodland Avenue Southwest Philadelphia
🎟️ Free and open to the public
🌐 ACANA: https://www.acanaus.org
🌐 Africatown Philadelphia: https://www.africatownphilly.org
📸 Instagram: @acanaus
📸 Instagram: @africatownphilly
📘 Facebook: ACANA

Finally - an editorial about the FCC's move to challenge the TV licence of 6ABC and what that means for all of us.

Join us as we explore how sports, education, and culture are helping to build stronger communities and create opportunities for the next generation throughout Philadelphia and beyond.

On this episode of Insight, we sit down with J. Jondhi Harrell, a nationally recognized community activist, reentry advocate, and Executive Director of the TCRC Community Healing Center. Through innovative programs focused on food rescue, conflict resolution, and support for formerly incarcerated individuals, TCRC is helping tackle some of Philadelphia’s most pressing challenges—food insecurity, community violence, and the long-term effects of mass incarceration. Harrell shares his extraordinary journey from spending 25 years incarcerated to becoming a leading voice for healing, justice, and community empowerment. We discuss the realities facing Philadelphia families today, the importance of restorative approaches to public safety, and how communities can create pathways to hope, opportunity, and lasting change.

Learn how TCRC is transforming lives through service, compassion, and community-driven solutions—and discover ways you can get involved in building a stronger Philadelphia. Learn More:

• Website: TCRC Community Healing Center
• Instagram: @tcrcphilly
• Facebook: TCRC Community Healing Center Facebook

#Insight #JJondhiHarrell #TCRC #CommunityHealing #FoodJustice #ViolencePrevention #Reentry #Philadelphia #CommunityEmpowerment #SocialJustice #PublicAffairs #LoraineBallardMorrill

Africatown Diaspora Festival & PHL250 Celebration Africatown Diaspora Festival & PHL250 Celebration
Philadelphia’s Africatown community is preparing for one of the city’s most vibrant cultural celebrations of the summer. In 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, cultural 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 discuss the power of culture, music, food, and community-building in bringing people together across generations and backgrounds. 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 

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts: Connecting Communities Through the Arts We’re joined by Andrea Garcia, the new Vice President of Communications for The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. Andrea brings more than a decade of experience in corporate, government, and nonprofit communications, including leadership roles with the City of Los Angeles and Comcast. Now she is helping shape the communications strategy for one of Philadelphia’s most iconic cultural institutions as it continues to expand its impact both locally and globally. Andrea discusses her professional journey, the importance of inclusive storytelling, and the many ways The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts engage communities throughout the region through music, education, and cultural programming. We also get a preview of the exciting 2026-27 season and learn how the organization is working to reach new audiences while honoring its world-class artistic legacy. Learn More
www.philorch.org
www.ensembleartsphilly.org Follow
Instagram: @philorch | @ensembleartsphilly
Facebook: @philorch | @ensembleartsphilly
Threads: @philorch | @ensembleartsphilly
TikTok: @philorch | @ensembleartsphilly
LinkedIn: The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts 

SpeakOUT: Pride, Progress, and the Future of Marriage Equality
For our monthly SpeakOUT feature, we focus on issues affecting LGBTQIA+ communities and their impact on society as a whole. This month, we welcome back Angela Giampolo, founder of Giampolo Law Group and widely known as Philly Gay Lawyer. As Pride Month celebrations continue, Angela reflects on the progress that has been made for LGBTQIA+ rights while also highlighting challenges that remain. We discuss an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case that could have significant implications for marriage equality, what is at stake for families across the country, and how individuals can become informed, engaged, and involved in protecting civil rights. Angela also offers practical ways listeners can support LGBTQIA+ communities year-round. Learn More
https://www.giampololaw.com
https://www.caravanofhope.org Follow
Instagram: @yourgaylawyer
Facebook: Philly Gay Lawyer
TikTok: @Gaylawyer

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.