What's Going On: Africatown Diaspora Fest, Philadelphia Orchestra & Ensemble Arts, SpeakOUT

Africatown Diaspora Festival & PHL250 Celebration Africatown Diaspora Festival & PHL250 CelebrationPhiladelphia’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 DetailsSaturday, June 28, 2026 | Noon–8 PM5900–6500 Blocks of Woodland Avenue, Southwest PhiladelphiaFree and open to the public Learn MoreACANA: https://www.acanaus.orgAfricatown Philadelphia: https://africatownphilly.org FollowInstagram: @acanaus | @africatownphillyFacebook: 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 Morewww.philorch.orgwww.ensembleartsphilly.org FollowInstagram: @philorch | @ensembleartsphillyFacebook: @philorch | @ensembleartsphillyThreads: @philorch | @ensembleartsphillyTikTok: @philorch | @ensembleartsphillyLinkedIn: The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts SpeakOUT: Pride, Progress, and the Future of Marriage EqualityFor 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 Morehttps://www.giampololaw.comhttps://www.caravanofhope.org FollowInstagram: @yourgaylawyerFacebook: Philly Gay LawyerTikTok: @Gaylawyer