Podcasts by Philly Rising: Difference Makers from KYW Newsradio

Peer2You gun violence intervention team has lived through the systemic inequity it aims to help young people navigate from 2023-10-01T22:02:12

As Philadelphia’s gun violence crisis continues to affect young people, a group in West Philly has stepped up to the call to serve, with hopes of saving lives.

The Elevation Project: Helping formerly incarcerated people find new pathways from 2023-08-19T20:49:48

As founder and executive director of the Elevation Project, LaTrista Webb has helped thousands of formerly incarcerated people find new pathwa...

Philly cyclist helping young girls tread transformative paths through the sport from 2023-07-28T17:32:18

Cycling gave Ajoa Abrokwa a level of physical activity that also helped balance her emotions. Through her nonprofit, she’s encouraging young women and girls to get into the sport not just for we...

Formerly incarcerated man and the judge who sentenced him collaborate to help at-risk youth from 2023-07-07T17:06:14

After more than a decade in state prison, Kashif Jones went back into the courtroom to ask for help from the judge who sentenced him. Jones now has his own nonprofit Relentless Community Develop...

Legacy of Hope supporting cancer-affected families in Philadelphia-area from 2023-06-30T19:44:52

Like many Americans, cancer patients struggle to juggle their health and financial hardships. That’s where Legacy of Hope comes in. The organization raises money to move needy Philadelphia famil...

How Amira Williams became the Delaware Valley’s ‘henna therapist’ from 2023-06-23T15:23:19

Amira Williams started her business Henna with a Twist as a hobby, helping women who had lost their hair due to alopecia or cancer. Now, she does henna all over the body and for any occasion. KY...

Philly Rising: Change Our Future's Sneaker Ball from 2023-06-09T18:20:20

Rodney and Erika McLeod’s nonprofit, Change Our Future, is hosting the third annual Sneaker Ball, which raises money, school supplies and kicks for students in the community. They hope to double...

Philly Rising: Criticized, celebrated for extravagance, prom send-offs give kids an escape from trauma from 2023-05-28T22:01:03

Prom “send offs” have become one of the most anticipated events of the year for Philadelphia high schoolers. It’s a time when families and friends turn dreams into reality for their kids. Dedica...

Philly Rising: Mothers in Charge from 2023-05-13T01:11:28

Dorothy Johnson-Speight has been working toward gun violence prevention, education and intervention through her organization, Mothers in Charge, for nearly 20 years. 

Philly Rising : Bringing kids together through 'Work to Ride' from 2023-04-22T21:40:25

On a nice day, the Chamounix Equestrian Center, home to the Work to Ride program, is filled with kids taking horseback riding lessons, as well as dozens of cats, dogs and a billie goat named Yod...

Philly Rising: Advocating for Black birthing equity through ‘Barren Fruit’ from 2023-04-15T19:42:11

Diona Murray has spent the last four years advocating for equity in birthing experiences like access to reproductive health care and resources for Black women through her nonprofit, Barren Fruit...

Philly Rising: Making and sharing sacred space for the fellowship of Ramadan from 2023-04-08T22:52:08

On Sunday, Salim Weldon will host dozens, including those who went to Mecca with him in 2016, for an iftar meal at the Ubuntu fine art gallery in Germantown where they will break fast at sunset....

Philly Rising: Da Smoothie Jawn - educating people one smoothie and conversation at a time from 2023-04-01T19:16:11

 After more than 15 years of working in the health and wellness industry, Ayana Bennett quit her corporate gig to open Da Smoothie Jawn on Girard Avenue. 

“I want to provide education in ...

Empowering girls of color to disrupt intergenerational poverty from 2023-03-17T22:49:11

After a long career in the fashion industry, Cheryl Wadlington switched her style to service. She founded the nonprofit Evoluer House in 2004 to empower young girls of color in Philadelphia.

Philly Rising: Breaking Bread on Broad from 2023-03-11T21:34:08

Breaking Bread on Broad started as a summer meal program for students five years ago, but when the pandemic hit, needs began to change and so too did the organization. 

“We realized that ...

This Philly native is helping women get the tools they need to build their best lives from 2023-03-03T22:47:38

When Monica Miraglio purchased her first home, it was also the groundbreaking of her career in design and construction. She said she did all the projects in the house on her own. 

“I star...

Philly native unwraps Toni Morrison’s creative process in new Princeton exhibit from 2023-02-17T13:37:16

Autumn Womack is an assistant professor of English and African American studies at Princeton University. The Philadelphia native is also a Central High school alumnus, and the scholar’s latest p...

Philly Rising: The Cado Experience helps uplift Black business owners, artists from 2023-02-12T21:46:53

“It’s called the Cado Experience,” said Deborah Charmelus, creator of the Cado Experience. “It’s a day-long Black creative market that brings together more than 50 Black vendors in one space for...

Philly Rising: Felicia Harris-Williams of Gynger Tea House from 2023-02-03T23:10:18

Felicia Harris-Williams has blended her passion for tea, holistic healing and wellness into the perfect brew. The mother of three, and volunteer for the Philadelphia Commission for Women, starte...

Philly Rising: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow from 2023-01-28T22:46:57

Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow is a teacher-turned-best-selling author. KYW Newsradio's Antionette Lee talked with Thompkins-Bigelow about her journey. 

Philly Rising: Dr. Guthrie P. Ramsey from 2023-01-20T02:04:49

Dr. Guthrie P. Ramsey goes by many titles. He’s an author, musician, composer, and a retired professor of musicology. KYW Newsradio's Antionette Lee talked with Ramsey about how he is fostering ...

Philly Rising: ‘I just started cleaning up’ — SW Philly business owner beautifies more than just neighborhoods from 2023-01-14T01:37:36

Hakeem Devore is your everyday guy. He’s the father of a 6-year-old, a business owner, South Philly-born-and-raised, and a concerned community member who saw a need.

Anti-violence nonprofit honored at White House, doubles impact of annual holiday giveaway from 2022-12-16T17:38:47

It’s been a big year for community activist Ryan Harris. The founder of the nonprofit As I Plant This Seed has helped put Philly’s needs on the map th...

Philly Rising: The joy of giving with a humbled heart from 2022-12-09T17:45:51

Nikki Bagby, founder of the Philadelphia nonprofits A Humbled Heart and The International People’s Storehouse, is setting an intention ...

Philly Rising: Moms helping moms from 2022-12-02T15:43:39

Caring for each other is the ethic that runs through the group Philly Moms Helping Moms, which Sharita Jones founded in 2015. Sharita Jones understands the importance of sisterhood. At a young a...

Philly Rising: David Evans picks up civic engagement slack with 'Local Politics First' Instagram from 2022-11-18T17:05:36

A question about road safety in his own neighborhood led this Philadelphia father, realtor and youth basketball coach on a quest to decode the "confusing and overwhelming" inner workings of the ...

8-year-old DJ brings his beats to the ballot box from 2022-11-11T13:24:19

 Eight-year-old Gideon Ansah, who goes by the stage name “Star Jr.,” braved the cold for several hours, bringing beats to the ballot box at a West Philly polling location.

KYW Ne...

8-year-old Leukemia survivor has a message for the Phillies: Never give up from 2022-11-04T12:22:24

Addie Auth and her mom Bernadette know a thing or two about overcoming the odds. At age 4, Addie was diagnosed with T cell lymphoblastic leukemia.

Philly Rising: Souper Mom from 2022-10-28T16:24:23

During the pandemic, Maureen Carreno of Delaware County became known as "Souper Mummum," sharing her soup recipes on Facebook and doing weekly soup drive-bys. The deliveries have ended, but the ...

Philly Rising: Something Different from 2022-10-21T15:49:48

At a gift shop called Something Different by Eric, the goal isn’t making a profit; it’s creating a community.

Philly Rising: YEAH Philly from 2022-10-14T16:53:30

YEAH Philly (Youth Empowerment Advancement Hangout) is one organization out in front of the fight against gun violence in Philadelphia. Executive Director Kendra Van De Water says YEAH Philly ta...

Philly Rising: Perfectly Flawless Foundation from 2022-10-07T17:59:20

Crystal Jackson is the founder of the Perfectly Flawless Foundation, a Philadelphia nonprofit that clothes people in transition. Jackson began her journey in community service by opening up her ...

Muslims Serve offers free meals to Philadelphia’s hungry, no questions asked from 2022-09-30T19:47:43

Abdellah Abdul Qawi is tackling food insecurity in Philadelphia and Camden as director of Muslims Serve, an organization that prepares and serves free meals to those in need. KYW Newsradio's Sab...

Philly Rising: Latinx nonprofit Esperanza builds 'community of opportunity' with hope, promise from 2022-09-23T16:50:51

For decades, nonprofit Esperanza has been dedicated to uplifting Philadelphia’s...

Philly forensic science nonprofit opens doors for women, people of color from 2022-09-16T20:44:18

When Antionette Campbell started her career in forensic science — and even earlier, while studying chemistry at Temple — she didn’t find many people like her in the field. So she did something a...

Philly Rising: One man’s mission to feed people helped serve an entire community and beat back addiction from 2022-09-09T15:47:19

September is National Recovery Month. Darnell Hinton is on a mission all year long to help people in every stage of recovery from addiction. He runs a nonprofit called Listen

Philly Rising: Philadelphia Family Pride builds community for LGBTQ+ parents and kids from 2022-07-01T17:05:53

Philadelphia Family Pride focuses on building a community for LGBTQ+ parents and kids of all ages. It also offers support in challenging times, particularly during the recent overturning of Roe ...

Philly Rising: How Father’s Day Rally Committee advocates for and celebrates Black fatherhood in Philadelphia from 2022-06-17T22:13:46

The Father’s Day Rally Committee has prioritized supporting and celebrating Black fatherhood in Philadelphia for decades. KYW Newsradio's Antionette...

Philly Rising: Building a queer-friendly community of bird-watchers from 2022-06-11T19:56:56

Bird-watching has become a popular hobby during the pandemic. The activity requires little gear, and since it’s outdoors, it’s COVID-safe. That’s part of what led Elise Greenbe...

Philly Rising: Mentor leaders produce mentor leaders from 2022-06-03T21:35:36

Vincent Garrett didn't have a father, growing up. His experiences as a young man drove him to create his nonprofit, Mentor Leaders Produce Mentor Leaders, to do what he can to give young men tod...

Philly Rising: After 30 years, a nun retires — sort of — from the ministry she helped create from 2022-05-21T02:06:20

Sister Ann Provost, a pillar of her North Philadelphia community, is retiring as executive director of Mercy Neighborhood Ministries after 30 years of service to her neighbors. But what will she...

Tech nonprofit fosters a pipeline of STEM equity to careers in engineering from 2022-04-29T16:10:18

Joel Wilson is hacking the diversity issues in STEM fields by creating a pipeline to success. His nonprofit, TechCore2, teaches coding, robotics and other programs to students from kindergarten ...

Philly Rising: Delco judge helps Penn Wood High School group expand student mentorship from 2022-04-25T19:20:53

As a Delaware County District Judge, W. Keith Williams II can sometimes meet young people in the wrong place – inside the courtroom. "It's been my experience that, unfortunately, sometimes...

Philly Rising: Wilmington woman fighting Black maternal mortality from 2022-04-15T12:40:33

Shane Darby experienced homelessness during her first pregnancy and didn’t have a lot of support. Now, she’s building that support system for others. She founded Listen

Philly Rising: Temple alum Adjoa B. Asamoah champions CROWN Act, racial equity from 2022-04-10T21:45:30

Born to activist and organizer parents, it’s no surprise that Adjoa B. Asamoah's path has led her to become a political strategist and a champion of the CROWN Act, which legally bans race-...

Philly Rising: Actor, activist Leo Abelo Perry is part of a 'Dozen,' but 1 of a kind from 2022-03-27T20:44

Leo Abelo Perry is only 9 years old, but he's already made his big break. The Doylestown native stars in the new Disney remake of "Cheaper by the Dozen," and uses his platform to make chang...

Philly Rising: 'Teacher Robi' empowers their students to be their authentic selves from 2022-03-18T13:40:32

Nairobi Colon is a nonbinary art teacher at KIPP Whittier Middle School in Camden. One day, Colon realized they were tired of being called "miss," so they asked students to refer to them simply ...

Philly Rising: Carol Wong, empowering communities through education from 2022-03-11T22:17:34

Nearly 3 decades ago, Carol Wong noticed a need in the Chinatown community. That's when she founded the Chinatown Learning Center.

Philly Rising: Writer, activist Lorene Cary preserves history through storytelling from 2022-03-04T23:47

West Philly native Lorene Cary goes by a number of titles — she's a bestselling author, a playwright, a mother, and a senior lecturer at University of Pennsylvania. Not just during Women's...

Twin doctors from Strawberry Mansion mending the racial gaps in health care from 2022-02-28T16:36

Delana Wardlaw and Elana McDonald are two of a kind: They’re identical twin sisters who are both physicians in Philadelphia. Growing up in Strawberry Mansion, their community inspired them...

Philly Rising: Linda Shockley preserving NJ Black history every day of the year from 2022-02-18T18:20:26

Linda Shockley is dedicated to preserving Black history, not just in the month ...

Philly Rising: Southwest Philly native who is a trailblazer in comics from 2022-02-11T23:31:24

Dr. Sheena Howard is a trailblazer when it comes to documenting Black history through the lens of the comics industry. KYW Newsradio's Antoinette Lee highlights her in this week's "Philly Rising...

Philly Rising: 16-year-old from North Philly charts a path to stardom from 2022-02-06T19:51:37

MyKey Cooper is a 16-year-old from North Philadelphia with a lot of talent and charisma. The multi-talented actor, poet and rapper is on a path to stardom and on a mission to shine a light on hi...

Philly Rising: Testimony Project builds community through personal stories from 2022-02-01T19:35:01

Just a few years ago, Hank Robinson was battling addiction and despair. Now he is in a position to help others meet their needs and overcome the same problems that once held him back.

Philly Rising: 21-year-old entrepreneur opens her own creative studio in Fishtown from 2022-01-21T19:56

Tyler Riddick is a bit of a local celebrity. On the surface, she comes off as a shy, giddy, yet too-cool-for-school 21-year-old, but she’s also a girl-boss in the making. The Germanto...

Philly Rising: North Philly nonprofit fosters young Black girls into leaders from 2022-01-15T01:14

Tawanna Jones-Morrison wants to be "a servant of the community" and help young black girls. KYW Newsradio's Antoinette Lee highlights Jones-Morrison in this week's "Philly Rising"

Philly Rising: Positive rap, positive messages for Philly youth in anti-violence movement from 2022-01-09T22:29

Ant Brown goes by a number of titles — father, community activist, motivational speaker, youth engager and rapper. His style of rap is a little different from the rap culture that's widely...

Philly Rising: North Philly native brings holiday cheer to Hunting Park with 10th annual Christmas banquet from 2021-12-17T21:48

Ryan Harris was born and raised in North Philadelphia, and doesn't want his neighborhood defined by negativity. Through his nonprofit, he's providing a safe haven for children in the neighborhoo...

Philly Rising: Award-winning Black filmmaker teaches teens hurt by gun violence to own their stories from 2021-12-10T18:15

The 5 Shorts Project is a mentorship program that teaches young people of color how to create short films that represent their lived experiences. The goal is to encourage and support independent...

Philly Rising: Bringing a new flavor to 'The Nutcracker' from 2021-12-05T18:31

Chanel Holland has been on a mission to bring ballet to underserved communities since 2017. Now her Chocolate Ballet Company is presenting a new take on a holiday favorite. KYW Newsradio's Antio...

Free turkeys are nice, but everyday staples have more impact, says nonprofit leader from 2021-11-19T19:24:44

Reuben Jones is well known around the City of Brotherly Love for his community service and social justice advocacy. He’s the executive director of Frontline Dads, a nonprofit that mentors ...

Philly Rising: Bucks County’s only domestic violence shelter sees increased demand from 2021-11-05T17:19

A Woman’s Place in Bucks County helps hundreds of survivors in domestic abuse situations — the only organization in the county, according to Director Marianne Lynch. And throughout t...

Philly Rising: Community leader fostering new view on healing — and life from 2021-10-22T20:03

While October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, for Dr. Helena Fontes of the New View Institute, everyday is about supporting survivors and fostering healing throughout Philadelphia. 

Philly Rising: Fighting stigma and finding light for families who experience infant death from 2021-10-15T14:47

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The loss of a pregnancy or an infant is a common struggle for families, but the conversations and support around it are less common. Kristen...

Philly Rising: Black-owned luxury art gallery in Germantown offers visitors the world from 2021-10-01T17:45

Ubuntu is a philosophy rooted in Africa. The word means "humanity unto others." In Philadelphia's Germantown, it is also an immersive fine art experience. "I wanted, when people walked into the ...

Philly Rising: Meeting Afghan crisis with halal relief, one step toward welcoming evacuees from 2021-09-10T14:29:57

Hundreds of evacuees from Afghanistan have been landing at Philadelphia International Airport. Two women from the city’s restaurant community recently made sure a contingent of new arrival...

Philly Rising: Police officers spend summer teaching kids in West Philly 'skills and drills' from 2021-09-04T19:20

Officers Justin Harris and Shamsadeen Baukman of the 18th District have spent almost every Friday at the Christy Rec Center in West Philly, for the past 18 weeks. That’s where they helped ...

Philly Rising: 8-year-old gives people fighting addiction 200 reasons to smile from 2021-08-27T15:04:14

With the help of her mom, 8-year-old Lily Cuticchia organized a bake sale and raised more than $2,000 over the summer. She used the money to create care packages to give to substance abuse patie...

Philly Rising: Camp Excellence helps the whole kid by making healthy lifestyles fun from 2021-08-20T20:26

As distance learning has become the norm, the coronavirus pandemic has been hard for a lot of kids. Through her summer camp, Jiana Murdic is making healthy and wholistic living more accessible a...

Philly Rising: Camp Excellence helps the whole kid by making healthy lifestyles fun from 2021-08-20T20:26

As distance learning has become the norm, the coronavirus pandemic has been hard for a lot of kids. Through her summer camp, Jiana Murdic is making healthy and wholistic living more accessible and ...

Philly Rising: Academy of Music's first Black head usher retires at age 66 from 2021-08-06T11:23

Cornell Wood is a pillar of Philadelphia's art history. He was a teenager when he started working as an usher at the Academy of Music in 1973. He stood out then, not only because of his age. KYW...

Philly Rising: Charisse McGill is trailblazing the food and beverage industry with more than French toast bites from 2021-07-30T20:25

Known for her French toast bites, Charisse McGill is the first Black woman to own and operate a food truck at Spruce Street Harbor, and the first Black woman to create a beer in the state. KYW News...

Philly Rising: Charisse McGill is trailblazing the food and beverage industry with more than French toast bites from 2021-07-30T20:25

Known for her French toast bites, Charisse McGill is the first Black woman to own and operate a food truck at Spruce Street Harbor, and the first Black woman to create a beer in the state. KYW N...

Philly Rising: A mother channels her grief to ensure son a legacy of giving, not violence from 2021-07-23T13:26:06

Nydisha Williams is not letting the legacy of her deceased son end with a random act of violence. As she continues to reckon with her grief, while keeping her son’s light, kindness and exc...

Philly Rising: Honoring a garden's ties to the past ensures Black generations of the future from 2021-07-09T18:08:43

The weekly farmer's market, near the corner of 54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard in Southwest Philly's Kingsessing neighborhood, is special for a few reasons. They sell food grown just around ...

North Philly woman fights poverty through financial literacy from 2021-07-02T17:09

Once homeless, North Philly native Crystal Evans turned her life around by teaching herself financial literacy. She has since dedicated her time to helping others overcome generational poverty. ...

Philly Rising: Urban Creators now recruiting 'peacemakers' to offer harm-reduction service from 2021-06-25T17:30

The Urban Creators headquarters near 11th and Dauphin streets was once a dumping area, littered with trash and unwanted belongings. Today, it’s an escape from the North-Central Philadelphi...

Philly Rising: Making mental health treatment more accessible, normal for Black men from 2021-06-18T16:50:34

Following a pandemic year filled with grief, job loss and racial unrest, a ment...

Philly Rising: Eco-friendly beauty truck advocates for holistic hair care from 2021-06-11T11:15

Abena Timazee has had to pivot her business a lot during the pandemic, and now she’s going in a different direction: She launched a first-of-its-kind, eco-friendly beauty truck to share he...

Philly Rising: It takes more than a roof and 4 walls to fight LGBTQ youth homelessness from 2021-06-04T17:36

Joe Lynch encounters the story often: A young person thrown out of their house by family members for being LGBTQ. Since 1973, Valley Youth House has fought youth homelessness by providing a foun...

Philly Rising: Woman's message to community ravaged by gun violence: 'We are great people' from 2021-05-28T11:37:44

Though gun violence has drawn a lot of attention to Southwest Philadelphia recently, that should not be what defines her community, says Phyllis Walker. For decades, she and her neighbors have b...

Philly Rising: Black-owned popsicle company starts summer with free kicks, healthy treats from 2021-05-21T12:20:45

During the holy month of Ramadan, it’s said that good deeds are multiplied by 10. Ramadan has ended, but for Salim Weldon, also known as "Good Deed" Salim, the giving is still going.

Philly Rising: This chemist rebounded from a lab spill with a plan for better women's PPE from 2021-05-14T12:04

After recovering from a lab accident, chemist Beau Wangtrakuldee discovered that PPE appropriate to women's shapes and sizes did not exist. So she started a company to address that need. KY...

Philly Rising: Gym owner knocks out city’s youth gun violence crisis through boxing from 2021-05-07T11:01:06

 Maleek Jackson has overcome many obstacles to get where he is today. The South Philly native is now teaching others to roll with the punches at his boxing gym in Northern Liberties, but he...

Philly Rising: 21-year-old turns pandemic furlough into thriving menswear business from 2021-04-23T15:29:34

Less than a year ago Evan Harris was furloughed from his retail job at Men’s Warehouse. Now, at 21 years old, he owns of a menswear business in downtown Trenton, New Jersey. 

Philly Rising: Rutgers law student bridging gaps for Latinx communities from 2021-04-16T11:36

At age 24, Jenise Rivera is already breaking barriers and bridging gaps. She is the first in her Puerto Rican family to graduate from college. In May, she’ll also be the first to graduate ...

Philly Rising: Nonprofit creates community oasis where young people can be safe from 2021-04-09T11:03

As the city continues to grapple with record-breaking gun violence and more young lives being lost to bullets, Rickey Duncan's team is working toward solutions.

Philly Rising: Day care center meets needs of whole families from 2021-03-26T11:58

Damaris Alvarado-Rodriguez and her family moved to Philadelphia after the 9/11 attacks. Expecting a place of refuge, they found challenges with neighbors struggling to embrace diversity. That&rs...

Philly Rising: Alexa makes gun violence activist Jamira Burley a household name from 2021-03-12T18:52

Jamira Burley is a West Philadelphia native whose anti-violence work with young ...

Philly Rising: Teaching young people how to 'recode' their lives with Hopeworks from 2021-03-05T19:46

Through the pandemic, Alia Sutton-Bey has been uplifting the lives of local youth by teaching them how to "recode" their own lives and earn what she calls a livable wage.

Philly Rising: 'Concrete Cowgirl' on a mission to keep legacy of Black riders alive from 2021-02-26T22:55:29

Erin Brown has spent decades preserving the culture of the urban Black cowboy, sharing her love of equestrian experiences with her community.

Philly Rising: High school robotics team beats pandemic blues with international win from 2021-02-19T15:46

It’s only February, and already the robotics team at the Academy at Palumbo High School in South Philadelphia is having a historic year. The Robogriffins won the CoderZ Pro League world ch...

Philly Rising: 6-year-old author inspiring confidence in kids with self-love coloring books from 2021-02-12T17:26

"I am amazing. I am courageous. I am dynamic." Ka'Mya Shanelle hopes her published coloring books, filled with self-love affirmations, will inspire other children with confidence.

Philly Rising: Blazing trails for Black and brown women in conservation science from 2021-02-05T13:05

Corina Newsome is a Philly Native making national waves in wildlife conservation. Her career today has set her on a path more monumental than she imagined for herself growing up.

Philly Rising: Vegan journey from the Holy Land to Pennsport brings comfort food in pandemic from 2021-01-29T14:01:07

Highschool sweethearts Bryon and Natasha Dockett used to sleep under the I-95 br...

Philly Rising: Delco woman turns 'Souper' Mom during pandemic from 2021-01-22T12:53:54

Maureen Carreno has become known as the "Souper" Mom for giving away more than 5,000 quarts of soup at her Delaware County home through the coronavirus pandemic.

Philly Rising: Street band brings moments of joy to chaotic times from 2021-01-15T13:47:47

Through the chaos of a global pandemic and a contentious presidential election, Snacktime Philly brass band cheers on the city, while urging support for local musicians.

Philly Rising: Paris Fitness owner celebrates anniversary during pandemic from 2021-01-08T13:10

Paris Fit, inspired by Noel Davis' own physical rehabilitation, helps clients cope with ailments through physical fitness and employs young people to keep them off the street. During the pandemi...

Philly Rising: Brighter Days from 2020-12-18T11:57

Paoli high school junior Hita Gupta, who started the nonprofit Brighten A Day with her allowance in April, has raised $30,000 to bring smiles to senior citizens' faces around the world.

Philly Rising: A 'masks tree' grows in Kensington from 2020-12-04T14:03

Philadelphia grandmother Darlene Burton has given away hundreds of masks in her community to curb COVID-19 by hanging them from a tree in front of her house.

Philly Rising: Community Fridge from 2020-11-20T14:12

The instructions are simple: Take what you need, and leave what you don’t. Though the refrigerators on the sidewalk in a couple of South Philly neighborhoods may seem odd to some passersby...

Philly Rising: Elmo, a drum and a dream from 2020-11-13T09:15

Tony Royster is the brain and soul behind "Philly Elmo" and Positive Movement Entertainment. Many people have seen social media videos of someone in a big, red, hard-to-miss costume le...

Philly Rising: Rebuilding the Block from 2020-10-23T08:15

After a day of demonstrating the killing of George Floyd, Alexis Akarolo says she felt called to help support Black-owned businesses suffering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, magni...

Philly Rising: The Big Cleanup from 2020-10-16T06:45

The Big Cleanup started with Gianni Lee bringing a group of artists and influencers together for a conversation following the George Floyd uprising.

Philly Rising: Game on from 2020-10-09T08:15

Paya Williams works with teenagers around Philadelphia neighborhoods struggling with a health crisis on top of the coronavirus pandemic. As the city faces record gun violence, many of the t...

Philly Rising: 2 teens work to change ‘culture of voting’ — even though they’re too young to vote from 2020-10-02T14:57:56

Samyah Smalley and Sofia Cavicchia are both 17-year-old students at Central High School. Although they’re both not yet old enough to vote in the upcoming election, that hasn’t stoppe...

Philly Rising: Using creative expression to heal trauma from 2020-09-11T07:30

Ava Rajappa, a creative 10-year-old who lives in Virginia,  is helping kids in the Philadelphia area facing homelessness, food insecutiry and mental illness by giving them artistic tools to help he...

Philly Rising: At laundromats, nonprofit connects single moms to resources from 2020-09-04T08:45

Nonprofit SistaTalk has become a connector for single mothers in Philadelphia during the pandemic after founder Adam McNeil devised a way to help meet several needs through one essential service: l...

Philly Rising: Beyond the Curriculum from 2020-08-21T11:50:14

Carlos Aponte teaches history at an alternative high school in Fairhill, one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Aponte founded the nonprofit We Love Philly to help...

Philly Rising: 'Ya fav trashman' uses Instagram to show the ins and outs of the job from 2020-08-14T13:58

Like many things, COVID-19 has complicated normal routines for trash collection. But it’s also festered an even larger waste problem for neighborhoods, creating a lot of “trash talk&...

Philly Rising: 'Fab Five’ popularity boosts North Philadelphia man's heroism from 2020-08-07T11:44

Tyreek Wanamaker’s "North Philadelphia story" on a recent episode of Netflix's "Queer Eye" has inspired people around the world during trying times. His newfound popularity has helped his ...

Philly Rising: To raise money for organizations fighting inequality, artist creates pet portraits from 2020-07-17T07:15

Normally, Cat Parker would be doing photography and web design for the ballet school she works at. However, as she found herself mostly unemployed and stuck at home, she felt a calling to do someth...

Philly Rising: Baking for Social Change from 2020-07-10T07:45

Chris Donnay’s day job used to be teaching math and computer science at a K-12 school in Bryn Mawr. Lately, he’s been using those complex skills to measure up ingredients instead of grades.

Philly Rising: Amid COVID-19 restrictions, miniature therapy horse still able to spread joy from 2020-07-03T18:35

A 5-year-old miniature horse that usually spends time with patients at a Philadelphia hospital gave some Philly kids a much needed pick-me-up in West Philadelphia. KYW’s Antionette Lee has...

Philly Rising: To honor pandemic health care workers, there's power in flowers from 2020-06-26T07:30

Usually this time of the year, Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill is booked with back-to-back events, but the coronavirus changed all that. So Timothy Farrell decided to stay busy by deliver...

Philly Rising: How one man went from managing a hotel to selling homemade desserts during pandemic from 2020-06-19T08:00

There’s much to love about Jerry Rice. Not to be confused with the Hall-of-Famer football legend, this Rice is more well-known for his big personality and lavish homemade desserts. KY...

Philly Rising: 2 Black businesswomen show Black Lives Matter is more than a moment from 2020-06-12T09:00

In recent weeks, brands and businesses in Philadelphia and around the world have released statements, taken actions, and collected money to convey their stance on racial justice. Two Black business...

Philly Rising: In West Philadelphia, businesses spared from riot damage give free meals to community from 2020-06-05T07:00

In light of the recent looting in West Philadelphia, many businesses in the area have been closed and boarded up. But a few places were spared from damage, and they’re trying to be a beacon of hope...

Philly Rising: With virtual reality and a sandbox, senior care center brings the beach to one resident from 2020-05-29T08:00

At the Arden Courts: Memory Care facility in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a program that helps residents get a wish or special moment fulfilled has helped over 4,000 residents including 85-year-old ...

Philly Rising: For students missing prom, Philly teacher offers free ‘pull up prom’ photo sessions from 2020-05-22T08:00

KYW’s Antionette Lee reports on a teacher who is reinventing prom memories for her students. 

Philly Rising: Kensington pharmacist offers helping hand with free delivery of medications from 2020-05-15T08:30

Richard Ost has operated the Philadelphia Pharmacy in Kensington for nearly 40 years. The pandemic has made an already important part of the community even more essential — especially for t...

Philly Rising: By word of mouth, Northeast Philly store owner finds job for his non-essential employees from 2020-05-08T08:00

Spike’s Trophies (of Northeast Philly) has been around for nearly half a century…providing the awards & hardware for the city’s most popular sporting events like the Broad...

Philly Rising: Syreeta Scott keeps salon workers paid, while waiting for relief from 2020-05-01T06:45

Syreeta Scott founded Duafe Holistic Hair Care in North Philadelphia nearly 20 years ago. During the coronavirus pandemic, her business is on pause. "The moment this happened I started applying for...

Philly Rising: Delco woman spearheads Facebook group to raise money to feed essential workers from 2020-04-24T08:00

It all started with one Facebook post. Dayna Cavanagh of Delaware County asked people to chip in to help send lunch to her mother’s hospital department on the frontlines of COVID-19. Read ...

Philly Rising: How one catering business went from almost closing down to preparing meals for essential workers, families from 2020-04-17T08:00

Alan Brody, owner of Bryce’s Catering Company in Wynnewood, says most of his employees have been with the company for a long time. But, like many other business owners in similar situation...

Philly Rising: Gregory Cooke from 2020-02-28T06:45

Gregory Cooke is a historian and filmmaker who's been on a decade-long mission to get a group of women their overdue honor and recognition — 600,000 Black "Rosie the Riveters."

Philly Rising: Danni Lewis from 2020-02-14T08:00

Danni Lewis doesn’t need Valentine’s Day to spread love — that’s what she does every day. She hand-writes inspirational messages on colorful cutouts shaped like hearts and passes them out to people...

Philly Rising: 'Geography Lady' teaches kids about the world from 2020-01-31T06:45

Alycia Larson is known to hundreds of kids across Philadelphia as the “geography lady.” She’s like a modern-day Ms. Frizzle, but instead of a magic school bus, she carries around a “magic” ...

Philly Rising: Temple student living with disability defies stereotypes and limitations from 2020-01-24T07:45

"My disability is not a curse, it’s not a handicap. It’s a gift," says Shawn Aleong, who has cerebral palsy. The Temple University student has made a name for himself by using his voice to advocate...

Philly Rising: Building sisterhoods and strengthening communities with Shanon Skipworth from 2020-01-17T07:00

In her non-profit, You're Beautifully Made, Shanon Skipworth has found her reason, and her calling. She began by mentoring girls from ages 10-18, teaching them self-esteem, etiquette, job readin...

Philly Rising: From archaeologist to fitness studio owner, a look at Noel Davis' journey from 2020-01-10T12:07

Noel Davis' childhood dream was always to become an archaeologist. Eventually, that dream came true. The Rutgers graduate was able to take her love of digging overseas for excavating projects in...

Philly Rising: Local sustainable clothing line puts compassion into fashion from 2019-12-13T09:00

Kimberly McGlonn, the founder of the sustainable clothing line Grant Blvd, is on a mission to change the way we consume fashion. While the cost of fashion is more affordable to Americans today, ...

Philly Rising: Beyond the Bars uses music to break cycles of violence and incarceration from 2019-12-10T13:15

Beyond the Bars began as a free music program for juveniles in correctional facilities. It was created to offer an outlet for creativity and expression to those who needed it, and along the...

Philly Rising: Insta-famous shelter cat shines light on more who need homes from 2019-11-22T11:00

Back in August, the Morris Animal Refuge tweeted a picture of a 26-pound cat that broke the internet and stole tens of thousands of hearts. Now Sarah and her husband Chris are the lucky couple w...

Philly Rising: Documenting the power of community in "Expanding Sanctuary" from 2019-11-14T07:15

When Kristal Sotomayor began filming her documentary last year, she had no idea that she would be recording history. "I started this film with a camera, and that was it...and I had to borrow the...

Philly Rising: 'A Cape for Candy' from 2019-11-07T11:36:43

Ella Stevens and Whimsy Mark-Ockerbloom are two teens with a big sense of humor, but they’ve accomplished something pretty serious that could have a positive impact for many people who are...

Philly Rising: Belmont Voices concert brings the showstopper out of students from 2019-10-31T08:00

Part of a West Philadelphia community is in for a treat every quarter at Belmont Charter School, where students from second to seventh grade get to explore their creativity by putting on a conce...

Philly Rising: With paint, brushes, and a ladder, Morris Jones finds way to give back to community from 2019-10-24T08:00

Morris Jones has been a pillar in his community for decades, and people, businesses, and organizations have asked him to do storefront paintings and wall murals to beautify the area. KYW Newsrad...

Philly Rising: 'Kids Can' Make A Difference from 2019-10-10T05:00

KYW's Antionette Lee introduces us to a 13-year-old who brings life to the saying "small, but mighty."

Philly Rising: Coming Soon from KYW Newsradio from 2019-10-09T13:10:34

Watch this space for the newest podcast from KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia.