From KYW Newsradio 103.9 FM in Philadelphia, Bridging Philly connects our communities to the issues that matter to you. Host Racquel Williams examines the most critical issues facing underserved communities in the Philadelphia region, with insight from experts and regular people making a difference. And KYW reporter Shara Dae Howard explores Philadelphia's hidden gems on Shara in the City. Produced by Sabrina Boyd-Surka. Presented by Gift of Life Donor Program.
Listen live on KYW Newsradio Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm & 7:30pm and Sundays at 5:30am.
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The Trump administration has ramped up deportation efforts, saying they want to stop criminals from coming into our country illegally, but many people who are trying to go through the legal process of immigration and have no criminal history have found themselves detained by ICE, even when they’re following every rule. To get a better understanding of the legal process, the barriers, and whether or not a legal status actually means protection, Racquel Williams talks with Blanca Pacheco and Peter Pedemonti, co-directors of New Sanctuary Movement, and Sarah Paoletti, Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Transnational Legal Clinic.
Then, on Shara in the City, it’s all about “The Blob”. Shara Dae Howard attends Blobfest, the annual celebration in Phoenixville that commemorates the 1958 sci-fi horror flick and the scene that was filmed at The Colonial Theatre.
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Lewy body dementia | The history of the Ohio House
Saturday, July 12, 2025 • Duration 44:56
Lewy body dementia affects over a million people in the United States, but many people don’t know much about it. It’s difficult to diagnose and often misdiagnosed. A new documentary called “Facing the Wind” shines a light on Lewy body dementia, both living with it and caring for someone who has the disease. Racquel Williams talks with Philadelphia filmmaker Tony Heriza and Linda Szypula, who lives in Plymouth Meeting and whose journey caring for her husband is featured in the film.
Scribe Video Center is hosting a screening of “Facing the Wind” on September 18.
Listen to Linda’s podcast, “Lewy Body Roller Coaster”, here.
Then, on Shara in the City, we visit one of Fairmount Park’s oldest buildings - the Ohio House, which dates back to the centennial World’s Fair in 1876. Shara Dae Howard takes a tour and learns about the building’s deep history.
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Best of Bridging Philly: Mentors for children | The historic Colonial Theatre
Saturday, July 5, 2025 • Duration 38:17
When children are facing obstacles such as poverty and gun violence, they need consistent, ongoing support from a source they trust. Friends of the Children pairs kids starting at age 4 with paid, professional mentors - or "Friends" - who stay with them for 12+ years. The organization recently opened a Philadelphia branch, partnering with two elementary schools and a community center. Racquel Williams talks with the Philadelphia Executive Director, Dr. Betty Handy.
Then, on Shara in the City, we’re heading to Phoenixville, PA to learn about one of the last theaters of its kind - the Colonial Theatre. Shara Dae Howard gets a tour of the venue that was built in 1902 and still screens films and hosts live events. Plus, we hear about its ties to one of the most classic horror films of the 20th century, which they’re about to celebrate with Blobfest, July 11-13.
This episode was originally released on March 8, 2025.
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Planning America’s 250th birthday bash | A new speakeasy in Northern Liberties
Saturday, June 28, 2025 • Duration 39:53
As Philadelphia prepares for the 4th of July, the city is also looking ahead to 2026, when our city will be at the center of America’s semiquincentennial celebrations. Racquel Williams talks with the city’s 2026 Director, Michael Newmuis, about the festivities that will be going on all year and what goes into planning them.
Then, on Shara in the City, a new speakeasy hidden behind a soda machine is the talk of the town. Shara Dae Howard visits the new Northern Liberties hot spot for Japanese fusion food and cocktails, Newsroom Philly.
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Trans advocates on their experiences with gender-affirming care
Saturday, June 21, 2025 • Duration 43:08
The United States Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee law banning some gender-affirming care for minors, and 26 other states have passed similar laws. Here in Philadelphia, Penn Medicine recently announced that they will no longer provide gender-affirming surgeries for people under 19. To get a better understanding of why some people want or need these procedures, Racquel Williams listens to personal experiences from Jasper Liem, Executive Director of The Attic Youth Center; mothasistah, an Attic staff member and parent of a transman; Naiymah Sanchez, a trans woman who works for the ACLU of PA; and Dr. Avra Laarakker, Gender Affirming/Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with Jefferson Pride Care at Jefferson Einstein Hospital.
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Juneteenth at the African American Museum | Hometown hero Quinta Brunson
Saturday, June 14, 2025 • Duration 38:17
Juneteenth celebrates the day the last enslaved people in America found out they were free. Today, people of all cultures celebrate across the country on June 19th, and the African American Museum in Philadelphia especially does it big. Host Racquel Williams talks with the museum’s staff about the musical performances, exhibits, and more that you can see at their Juneteenth block party.
Then, on Shara in the City, a beloved Philly star comes back to town. Quinta Brunson, creator of “Abbott Elementary”, recently received a key to the city and revealed a mural at the school that inspired the show: her alma mater, Andrew Hamilton School. Shara Dae Howard went to the ceremony and talked with Quinta about how it feels to be back home after such huge success.
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Black dandies: fashion as resistance | Trolley tour of women-owned businesses
Saturday, June 7, 2025 • Duration 52:54
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.
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Arts funding in crisis | Dancing at any age
Saturday, May 31, 2025 • Duration 47:21
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.
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Jewish American Heritage Month | Philadelphia Voices of Pride LGBTQ+ choir
Saturday, May 24, 2025 • Duration 43:46
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”.
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Support for minority-owned small businesses | Gardening with MOVE Legacy Director, Mike Africa, Jr.
Saturday, May 17, 2025 • Duration 42:26
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.
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