WURD Radio

Brother Shomari is the WURD Radio host of “Groundings", where he aims to help spread wisdom and knowledge to the listening audience. He joined Dr. Peterson to discuss the MOVE bombing that happened on the 6200 block of Osage Avenue 41 years ago.

Chris Norwood joined Dr. Peterson for this week's Critical Commentary segment for an in-depth discuss about Philadelphia's decision to close 17 schools.

Dr. Deshawnda Williams is a licensed clinical social worker, community advocate, and candidate for Northwest Philadelphia’s 200th Legislation District, a seat that Representative Chris Rabb is currently in. She joined Dr. Peterson to discuss the slow pace of the funding the formula process, how she plans on supporting small businesses and job growth, and what actions she plans to advocate for.

Chris Johnson is a candidate for Northwest Philadelphia’s 200th Legislation District, a seat that Representative Chris Rabb is currently in. He joined Dr. Peterson to discuss his plans to support small businesses and job growth, investing in public schools, and the sluggish process of funding the formula.

Dr. Peter Grinspoon joins the show. He is a primary care physician and talks to us about Cannabis for seniors, and what every patient should know. As well as how to buy cannabis without getting overwhelmed

On the 41st anniversary of the MOVE bombing, Temple journalism professor Linn Washington joins us to talk about his experience covering the tragedy, as a reporter.

Tyler Jordan Wesley is an actor who plays one of the leading roles in the musical, “The Outsiders”. This musical is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1967. It’s built around the main characters, Ponyboy Curtis, and his best friend Johnny Cade, and their family of Greaser “outsiders”, who dream about who they want to become in a world that will never accept them. Tyler Jordan Wesley is a Texas State University alumnus from Hopkins, South Carolina. A few of his Texas State productions include: Rent (Roger), Into The Woods (Jack), and Guys and Dolls (Bennysouthstreet). Regional Credits: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Drifter). Tyler attended the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities and was a YoungArts 2021 Finalist. Tyler joins the program to further talk about the context behind this musical, and to talk about his favorite parts of being in the musical.

Anderson “Drew” Boyd is an award-winning writer, director, producer, and editor. He is the author of The Lease of Nature. This book speaks on the dynamics of the organ trafficking industry. The plot of this book is based in 2019 America, where doctors Maya Copeland and Zhong Jian are on the verge of revolutionizing medicine with 3-D printed heart transplants—a breakthrough that could save countless lives, including Maya's beloved. But their miracle threatens the profits of the "Red Market," the brutal organ trafficking empire controlled by the Triad's ruthless leader, The Golden Mirror. As these criminal syndicates evolve from local gangs into high-tech, corporate-style operations, the novel exposes the dangerous "wild west" that emerges when technology outpaces law. Anderson joins the show to further talk about the context of his book, and to also go into further detail about the organ trafficking industry in America.

Mike Cogbill is a Candidate in PA's State Senate District 4 Race. Mike has a background in organizing and community outreach, and is running on a platform of progressive tax reform. He describes himself as representing the values of a “progressive community.” Cogbill was born in North Philadelphia, spending his early years living around the corner of North 25th and West Cambria streets. When his mother would work overnight shifts for SEPTA, Cogbill would stay with his aunt, now Councilmember Cindy Bass, at her house in Mt. Airy. Cogbill joins the show to further discuss his platform for PA's State Senate District 4 Race.

Professor Hawkins is a frequent writer and sought-after speaker on the issue of employment law and diversity. She’s served on the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group and the Pennsylvania Bar Association Commission, and has worked as director of diversity for major law firms.

3 Congressional District Candidate Forum post show with Host of The Source with Joann Bell on WURD Radio.

Co-Hosts: Solomon Jones, WURD host of “Wake Up With WURD”; and Joann Bell, WURD host of “The Source with the Black Women’s Leadership Council” Candidates: State Representative Chris Rabb — represents Philadelphia’s 200th House District Dr. Ala Stanford — Pediatric surgeon and founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium Senator Sharif Street — represents Pennsylvania's 3rd Senatorial District

On this edition of "Ready Set Grow", Keshia Butler-Thomas joins the show. She is an Adjunct Professor at the College of Business and Leadership at Eastern University. She tells us how small businesses can prepare for the increased tourism in Philadelphia during 2026. "Ready Set Grow" is Sponsored by Visit Philadelphia

Jimmy James is the first in his family to graduate from high school and pursue & earn a college degree. James’ great-great-grandmother was enslaved, and he lived his early life in segregation of the late Jim Crow-era South. Four decades later, having put himself through an HBCU and rising through the executive ranks at ExxonMobil, James embarked on his journey to play the 100 greatest golf courses in the United States in a single year. He joined Dr. Peterson to discuss his book, "Playing From The Rough: A Personal Journey through America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses".

Hailey Gibbs is the Associate Director of Early Childhood Policy at the Center for American Progress. In 2018 the Center for American Progress published its original, unprecedented nationwide analyses of child care deserts, finding 51% of Americans lived in an area characterized by extremely low supply of licensed care. Eights years later, CAP’s updated findings reveal that an estimated 46% of children under the age of 6 still live in a child care desert — suggesting marginal improvement in post-pandemic licensed supply. Hailey joined Dr. Peterson for this week's Center for American Progress segment to discuss the Center for American Progress’ new analysis of child care deserts.

Gralin and Sara Hughes are the owners of MultiVerse, a bookstore in Chestnut Hill that specializes in comics, sci-fi, horror, fantasy and speculative fiction. They joined Dr. Peterson for the Ready, Set, Grow: Doorfront to Storefront segment to discuss their bookstore and how they are driving more foot traffic to this summer.

Lawyer and critical race theorist Dr. Tim Golden joins the show. He talks to us about fight over Black votes that has made its way to Tennessee

Activist and MOVE Family member Mike Africa, Jr. and local gospel artist Jermaine Dolly join the show to talk about a new nonprofit, MOVE Reimagined. As well as an upcoming event, moderated by Solomon Jones.

Kyle Carter is the CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (aka “NAMI”), an organization that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illnesses and their families through support, education, and advocacy. On Friday, May 15, the inaugural H.E.A.L. Conference (Health, Equity, Advocacy, and Learning) will convene nonprofit leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, advocates, government officials, and changemakers for a dynamic day of dialogue, collaboration, and action around one of the most urgent issues facing Philadelphia today: mental health access and equity. Kyle joins the show to further discuss NAMI's HEAL Conference event.

Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. is the 126th president of the National Medical Association: the largest and oldest organization representing the interests of Black physicians and their patients in the United States. Dr. Mitchell joins the show to talk about the Cuban fuel blockade, a long-standing economic embargo that the United States has imposed on Cuba for fuel. Because of this, Cuba’s healthcare system is currently experiencing severe strain driven by an intensifying energy crisis linked to restrictions on fuel access. Hospitals and clinics are facing persistent power outages, disrupting life-saving services such as neonatal care, dialysis, chemotherapy, and surgical procedures. More than 96,000 patients are currently awaiting surgeries, including thousands of children, as the system is forced to delay care due to limited operational capacity. Fuel shortages are also impairing ambulance services, the transportation of healthcare workers, and the distribution of essential medicines. As physicians committed to health equity and global health justice, the NMA calls for the immediate removal of elements of the blockade that have led to the humanitarian and health impacts affecting the people of Cuba. On April 15, Dr. Mitchell joined a webinar hosted by the National Medical Association to further discuss how to resolve this matter.

Ben Tinsley is a French teacher based in Colombia, South America. A teacher of almost 2 decades and a lifelong student, Ben has dedicated his professional and personal life to the pursuit of substantive diversity, equity, and belonging in education. In the classroom, he has had the opportunity to work with teachers and schools around the world to develop curricula that center Black Indigenous Communities of Color and other historically marginalized peoples. Ben joins the show to continue teaching small French words and phrases to WURD listners.

On this episode Tech Life Steph is joined by Donavan West, Director of the Mayor’s Business Roundtables with the City of Philadelphia and an economic, business, community and workforce development strategist. He shares details on the City of Philadelphia’s Second Annual Philadelphia Business Summit & Expo, coming up May 17th through 19th. Tech Life Steph later convers ways that tech can be used to help organize the home for moms via AI chat models.

On this 2026 Mother's Day Special episode of On The Record with Ernest Owens, the host, Ernest decides to open the lines to callers to have dialogue about the upcoming May 19th election, the recent decision to close 19 public schools in Philadelphia, and Chris Raab's controversial vote against sex trafficking legislation.

Katherine Gilmore Richardson is a Democratic politician and at-large member of the Philadelphia City Council. Gilmore Richardson was first elected to an at-large seat in 2019, becoming the youngest Black woman to serve on the city council. She joins the show to talk about the state of women's economics, and to also discuss the recent Philadelphia City Council session that took place on May 7th, 2026.

Evlondo Cooper is a Media Matters Climate and Energy Senior Researcher. He joins the show to talk about his new study analyzing how national broadcast and cable news networks covered Earth Day 2026. Cooper found that much of the coverage focused on feel-good nature segments and individual consumer choices, while avoiding deeper conversations about corporate responsibility, government policy, and the industries driving climate harm. He also discussed who is most impacted.

Lou Rodriguez is the Founder of Rodriguez Consulting. Rodriguez Consulting was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the SBA Eastern Pennsylvania Entrepreneurial Success of the Year during National Small Business Week. The Philadelphia-based infrastructure firm supports water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation projects that shape daily life in local communities. Their workforce program, Rodriguez University, highlights how green jobs and infrastructure careers can create opportunities for Black and Brown residents. He joined the show to further discuss this award recognition, as well as his business.

On May 7th, 2026, WURD hosted its Philly Tech Week Panel discussion, moderated by WURD host Stephanie "Tech Life Steph" Humphrey. The panelists included Vania Abdul, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of 360 Advertising and Communications, Rashied Amon, Owner of SOOK Vinyl and Vintage in Mt. Airy, Ted Paris, Senior Vice President and Head of Analytics, Intelligence and AI at TD Bank, and Jonathan Todd, Director of Social Impact at FIFA World Cup 2026 Philadelphia. In this panel discussion, the panelists discussed a variety of tech & business-related conversations, as it pertains to the advancements of AI, the importance of building a strong and authentic digital presence for your business' website, customer retention strategies, and much more.

WURD radio presents the 6th Annual Penn Medicine Nurses Week Community Day, a live event hosted at Malcolm X Park by regular WURD radio guest host and talent, Roxi Fab.

WURD radio presents the 6th Annual Penn Medicine Nurses Week Community Day, a live event hosted at Malcolm X Park by regular WURD radio guest host and talent, Roxi Fab.

WURD radio presents the 6th Annual Penn Medicine Nurses Week Community Day, a live event hosted at Malcolm X Park by regular WURD radio guest host and talent, Roxi Fab.

WURD radio presents the 6th Annual Penn Medicine Nurses Week Community Day, a live event hosted at Malcolm X Park by regular WURD radio guest host and talent, Roxi Fab.

WURD radio presents the 6th Annual Penn Medicine Nurses Week Community Day, a live event hosted at Malcolm X Park by regular WURD radio guest host and talent, Roxi Fab.

Ernest Crim III is an emmy-nominated producer, public teacher, and antiracist educator who uses Black historical narratives to empower and educate through a culturally equitable lens. He is a former high school history educator of 12 years, now advocates for social justice issues, and teaches Black History to the world through social media with a platform that reaches millions of people each month. He joined Dr. Peterson to discuss a recent news coverage about ethnic studies and its impact on GPA outcomes for Black and Latino students, and the recent footage of Philadelphia students displaying reading and comprehension skills.

Fab 5 Freddy is a pioneer artist, filmmaker, hip-hop icon, and author of his new memoir: “Everybody’s Fly: A Life of Art, Music and Changing the Culture”. “Everybody’s Fly” is a 326-page book that chronicles his pivotal role as a graffiti artist, “Yo! MTV Raps” host and bridge between New York City’s underground and mainstream culture. He joined Dr. Peterson to discuss his memoir “Everybody’s Fly” and his upcoming book talk event at the Barnes Foundation on Friday, May 8th at 6:00 PM.

Rhae Lynn Barnes is the Assistant Professor of American Cultural History at Princeton University, Fellow at the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University, and co-founder of the history education website: ushistoryscene.com. She joined Dr. Peterson to discuss her new book: “Darkology: Blackface and the American way of Entertainment”, a groundbreaking history that chronicles how blackface dominated American society culturally, financially and racially for nearly two centuries.

WURD radio presents the 6th Annual Penn Medicine Nurses Week Community Day, a live event hosted at Malcolm X Park by regular WURD radio guest host and talent, Roxi Fab.

Amy Cohen is an educator, historian, and writer. After 20 years of teaching social studies, she became Director of Education for History Making Productions. Amy Cohen is a contributing writer for Hidden City Philadelphia, and joined Dr. Peterson to discuss her new book: Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape, and her recent news coverage of Dinah Day!

Chris Norwood joined Dr. Peterson for this week's Critical Commentary segment to discuss the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the Voting Rights Act, his response to a caller's question regarding using tax money to build sports stadiums, and discuss the Million Man March.

Masta Ace is a rapper, producer, playwright, lead member of the hip-hop collective Juice Crew and 2025 Lifetime Achievement Popkiller Award winner! Master Ace has been extremely vocal recently regarding the shutdowns of Paul Robeson and Lankenaue Environmental Science Magnet high schools and joined Dr. Peterson to share his thoughts on the Philadelphia school closures.

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier represents the third Councilmanic District. She joins us to talk about a ballot measure to make the Office of Youth Ombudsperson permanent. It’s on the May 19th ballot for voters to decide.

Adam Geer is Philadelphia’s chief public safety director. “The city invested in community violence interrupters to reduce crime. Now it’s training them, too.”

Dr. Delana Wardlaw is one half of the Twin Sister Docs. She Joins us to talk about Three people who died aboard a cruise ship from hantavirus. What is it, and how can we avoid contracting the disease?

Denee Bynum joins the show. She is the owner of Banana Nana Pudding. Denee tells us about how her business started while we explore the best sweets in Philadelphia.

Illeana 'Illy' Kirven is an actress and singer who is one of the leads in the classic musical, "Chicago". Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids." Kirven joined CHICAGO for the show’s 25th-anniversary tours of South Korea and North America. Illy was seen in the North American tour for two seasons and on the 25th Anniversary International Tour in South Korea. Kirven joins the show to further discuss her role in Chicago.

Herdyne Mercier is a licensed clinical social worker, certified grief coach, and leading voice in emotional resilience. Herdyne is the host of the Redefining Grief podcast, founder of the nonprofit L.I.V.E., and a sought-after speaker on grief and healing. Alongside her husband, Dr. Jameson Mercier, she co-leads Mercier Wellness and Consulting, where they support individuals, couples, and families working through grief and unresolved trauma. Herdyne joins the show to talk about how a person can navigate grief from the loss of a romantic partner.

Shanita Alvarez-Crawley is the assistant director for Postpartum Support International, an organization whose mission is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. Shanita joins the show to talk about raising awareness about perinatal mental health disorders, and why removing the stigmas surrounding these disorders and save lives.

Rashied Amon is the owner and curator behind SOOK Vinyl and Vintage, a Mount Airy based record and vintage shop focused on rare vinyl, music ephemera, and culturally significant apparel. Through SOOK, Rashied specializes in jazz records and archival music artifacts while creating retail and pop-up experiences that connect collectors, listeners and the broader music community. He joined Dr. Peterson to discuss his participation in WURD Radio’s Ready, Set, Grow: Digital Business Foundations event this Thursday, and how he has grown his business.

Kerry Woodward is the Executive Director of Philadelphia Financial Scholars, a non profit organization dedicated to enhancing financial literacy and entrepreneurship education for Philadelphia high school students. She joined Dr. Peterson to discuss the Pennsylvania Legislature Act that requires students in high school to take a personal finance course to graduate and its impact.

Dr. Talitha LeFlouria is an Associate Professor in the Department of History and Fellow in Southern History at the University of Texas, and author of “Searching for Jane Crow: Black Women and Mass Incarceration in America from the Auction Block to the Cell Block”. Dr. Talitha LeFlouria is an award-winning historian whose work centers around Black women’s lived experiences within systems of punishment, labor and resistance. She joined Dr. Peterson to discuss her book, "Searching for Jane Crow: Black Women and Mass Incarceration in America from the Auction Black to the Cell Block".

Angelique Hinton is the Executive Director of PA Youth Vote, a nonpartisan collaboration of students, educators and organizations working to elevate student voices and empower Pennsylvania youth as civic actors. In 2020, Ms. Hinton became a Regional Organizer for “My School Votes”, a part of Michelle Obama’s organization “When We All Vote”, whose mission is to reduce the age and race gap in voting. In 2024, she was the Philadelphia Eagles “Change Maker” award winner. She joined Dr. Peterson to discuss what PA Youth Vote is doing to engage young people to vote in the midterm elections on May 19th.