BLACKOUT: Reinventing Black Media in the Digital Age

As the only African-American talk radio station in Pennsylvania, 900AM-WURD is THE voice of the community – and we want to stay that way. Join us on Monday, April 22, 2013 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the Free Library for our next WURD Speaks event, BLACKOUT: Reinventing Black Media in the Digital Age.

 

900AM-WURD has partnered with Wilco Electronics and Philly Tech Week to bring BLACKOUT to life. It will feature a conversation with Federal Communications Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, the FCC’s only African-American woman.

 

We will also hold a roundtable discussion between Black media experts and 3 longstanding local Black media companies; The Philadelphia Tribune, Wilco Electronics and 900AM-WURD. We will explore topics like: the importance of independent Black media; the lack of Black media ownership; the digital divide; and the changing landscape of media overall and what it means for our community.

 

Roundtable participants include:

 

• Robert W. Bogle, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Tribune
• Mignon Clyburn, FCC Commissioner
• William Crowder, Managing Director of DreamIt Ventures & Lead Advisor of the Comcast Ventures
• Brigitte Daniel, Executive Vice President of Wilco Electronic Systems
• Sara Lomax-Reese, President & General Manager of 900AM-WURD
• Navarrow Wright, CTO Interactive One

 

 

Event information at-a-glance:

 

Monday, April 22, 2013

5:30pm – 7:30pm

 

BLACKOUT: Reinventing Black Media in the Digital Age

 

Free Library of Philadelphia

Montgomery Auditorium

1901 Vine Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103.

 

Admission is FREE but you MUST RSVP below or call 215-425-7875.

 

***CLICK to RSVP***

 

 

SPONSORS:

 

BLACKOUT is presented by Universal Companies and sponsored by Wilco Electronics, PECO, Comcast/NBC, Sugar House Casino and Philly Tech Week

Sisters Speak: Examining the Impact of Race, Culture, and History on Body, Mind & Spirit

WURD Speaks is an exciting interactive event series produced by 900AM-WURD. These powerful community outreach events engage local thought leaders, nationally renowned speakers and the community-at-large on a range of topics that directly affect the African-American community.  The mission of each WURD Speaks symposium is to provide a thoughtful analysis of critical issues as well as dynamic community engagement.

900AM-WURD’s 2013 interactive event series continues with Sisters Speak: Examining the Impact of Race, Culture and History on the Body, Mind and Sprit.” Because this event is taking place at the close of Women’s History Month, we will feature a panel of powerful Black women that specialize in behavioral health and emotional well-being in the African-American community.

Panelists:

Ruth King, M.A. - recognized international authority on emotional wisdom and author of “Healing Rage” (Penguin Group, 2007), which became an O Magazine Nugget July ‘07.

Robin L. Smith, Ph.D. - national television personality, author of “Hungry – The Truth About Being Full,” #1 best-selling author of “Lies at the Altar – The Truth About Great Marriages” (Hyperion Books, 2006), contributing author of “The Audacity of Faith”, an ordained minister, and licensed psychologist.

Yaba Blay, Ph.D. – teacher and scholar of Africana Studies and Women’s & Gender Studies at Drexel University and Director of the (1)ne Drop project. www.1nedrop.com


Beverly Toporowski, MD. - Energy Medicine Healer/Counselor and Family Medicine Physician

Join us on Saturday March 30, 2013 from 3pm – 5pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center when we will partner with the Black History and Cultural Showcase for this once in a lifetime event!

Please be mindful that while the actual showcase is FREE, WURD's Sisters Speak panel  is a ticketed event.

Tickets to the show:

Students: $5

WURD Members: $8

General Admission: $10

PRINT PARKING DISCOUNT VOUCHER HERE!!!

*****CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS*****

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the station at 215-425-7875 or email at 900AMWURD@wurdradio.com.

WURD Speaks Featuring "The Mountaintop" & Black Power Babies

First WURD Speaks event of 2013!!!

Join WURD at The Philadelphia Company for an amazing 2-in-1 Black History Month experience. The first part of this WURD Speaks event is a viewing of the award winning play, The Mountaintop by Katori Hall and directed by Patricia McGregor. Immediately following the play, there will be a captivating discussion titled Black Power Babies: An Intergenerational Discussion Exploring Living the Legacy of a Movement.

The Mountaintop

WINNER – LONDON’S OLIVIER AWARD FOR BEST NEW PLAY AND BROADWAY HIT! Memphis – April 3, 1968. A gripping re-imagining of the events taking place the night before the assassination of Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After delivering his magnificent and memorable “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, an exhausted and defeated Dr. King retires to Room 306 at the Lorraine Motel where he encounters a mysterious and spirited stranger as an epic storm rages outside.

Black Power Babies

An Intergenerational Discussion Exploring Living the Legacy of a Movement
Black Power Babies are the children of men and women active in the black power movement of the 60s -70s that are now leaders in all aspects of society – business, arts, politics, academia, and beyond. Join us as we have multiple parent-child pairs that will give personal accounts and insight on the movement and it’s lasting effects on the world. This panel discussion will immediately follow “The Mountaintop” performance. Black Power Babies is a Sun In Leo Production that had it's debut in Brooklyn, NY

This panel discussion will be hosted by 900AM WURD's very own, Michael Coard!

Panelists include:

Dr. Molefi Asante, Founder of the MKA Institute

Lois and Bumi Fernandez - Founder and Producer of the Odunde Festival and Odunde365

Ras Baraka, Newark City Councilman

Muhammida el Muhajir, Creator of "Black Power Babies"

Marvin X - Leader of the Black Arts Movement, West

VIP Reception

After the eye-opening experience of “The Mountaintop” and the riveting WURD Speaks discussion on Black Power Babies, we will have a VIP reception where you can unwind with food and cocktails. You’ll have the chance to talk with family, friends and those involved with the production about your experience viewing The Mountaintop and Black Power Babies! If you would like to attend, please purchase the VIP Admission & Reception ticket for $75.

*****PLEASE READ*****

Things to keep in mind:

-Admission tickets grant you access to The Mountaintop performance and the WURD Speaks Symposium immediately following
-WURD MEMBERS, PLEASE CALL THE STATION BETWEEN 9-5 TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS!!!
-VIP Admission tickets grant you access to The Mountaintop performance, WURD Speaks Symposium and VIP reception with food and cocktails
-Tickets to this particular performance and event are only available through WURD and not the Philadelphia Theater Company
-Seating assignments will be given out within a week of your ticket purchase
-This is by far one of the best Black History experiences in Philadelphia

We look forward to seeing you there!!!

Excellence and Equity --Securing Our Future

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TO WURD SPEAKS EXCELLENCE AND EQUITY SYMPOSIUM!!

Topics to be Explored:

Creating a "System of Great Schools" - Public Education in Urban America

Promising Trends and Models of Success  - Locally and Nationally

Demanding Excellence - Advocacy and Accountability

Where Community Action Makes the Difference

The Philadelphia Plan - Dr. Hite and Beyond

Closing the Gap and Remove the Barriers

Money and Education – The Voucher Debate

Excellence and Equity --Securing Our Future

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TO WURD SPEAKS EXCELLENCE AND EQUITY SYMPOSIUM!!

Topics to be Explored:

Creating a "System of Great Schools" - Public Education in Urban America

Promising Trends and Models of Success  - Locally and Nationally

Demanding Excellence - Advocacy and Accountability

Where Community Action Makes the Difference

The Philadelphia Plan - Dr. Hite and Beyond

Closing the Gap and Remove the Barriers

Money and Education – The Voucher Debate

Generation Next: Conversations and Performances by Philadelphia's Next Generation of Artists and Music Industry Professionals

State of Mind II : The Impact of Race, Culture and History on Mind, Body and Spirit

Save the date:

April 7, 2012 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1pm-3pm

A conversation with three of the Nation's Most Powerful Voices on Behavioral Health and Emotional Well-Being:

Dr. Joy DeGruy "Post Truamtic Slave Syndrome"

Therman Evans, M.D. "From Purpose to Promise Driven"

Robin L. Smith "Lies At The Altar – The Truth About Great Marriages"

Ruth King "Healing Rage"

Dr. Joy Agela DeGruy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, a master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), a master’s degree in Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Social Work Research. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Research at Portland State University and is a member of the International faculty for London’s Department of Health. With over twenty years of practical experience as a professional in the field of social work, she gives practical insight into various cultural and ethnic groups that form the basis of contemporary American society. Dr. DeGruy’s workshops also go far beyond the topic of cultural sensitivity and diversity; she provides specialized work in areas of mental health and ecological resilience. Her clients have included academic institutions such as Oxford University, Harvard University, Columbia University, Fisk University, Smith College, Morehouse College and the University of Chicago, International Faculty of London Department of Health to name a few. She has also presented to federal and state agencies such as The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Probation and Parole agencies, Juvenile Justice Judges Association and Police departments. She has worked with major corporations and companies such as Nordstrom’s and Nike, the NBA Rookies Camp, and with the G-CAPP program based in Atlanta, Georgia. Recently, Dr. DeGruy released, “A Time for Healing”, The Post traumatic Slave Syndrome: “Study Guide.”

As a physician, Dr. Therman E. Evans has an extensive and impressive background that has contributed and led him to his current leadership position. He is the founder and CEO of Whole Life Associates, a graduate of Howard University undergraduate (BS) and medical school (M.D.), the former Vice President and Corporate Medical Director of Cigna Insurance and Healthcare Corporation, as well as the National Health Director and Washington Bureau Chief for Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Operation Push. Additionally, he studied and achieved his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in theology from the United Christian College of New York. Dr. Evans has published over 30 articles in various health journals and newspapers, including the Journal of the American Medical Association, The New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the National Medical Association, The Los Angeles Times, HealthQuest, Ebony Magazine, Washington Post and Black Collegian Magazine. For 10 years he hosted a two-hour radio show called “Lifeline” in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Evans was appointed in 1998 and formally installed as Pastor of Morning Star Community Christian Center on July 25, 1999. As the Senior Pastor, he has brought the message of “wholeness” in mind, body, and spirit to the dynamic and growing membership and ministries of the Morning Star congregation. Likewise, he has established healing through outreach services that positively increase self-reliance, health and well being to an economically and socially depressed community.

State of Mind II : The Impact of Race, Culture and History on Mind, Body and Spirit

Save the date:

April 7, 2012 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1pm-3pm

A conversation with three of the Nation's Most Powerful Voices on Behavioral Health and Emotional Well-Being:

Dr. Joy DeGruy "Post Truamtic Slave Syndrome"

Therman Evans, M.D. "From Purpose to Promise Driven"

Robin L. Smith "Lies At The Altar – The Truth About Great Marriages"

Ruth King "Healing Rage"

Dr. Joy Agela DeGruy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, a master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), a master’s degree in Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Social Work Research. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Research at Portland State University and is a member of the International faculty for London’s Department of Health. With over twenty years of practical experience as a professional in the field of social work, she gives practical insight into various cultural and ethnic groups that form the basis of contemporary American society. Dr. DeGruy’s workshops also go far beyond the topic of cultural sensitivity and diversity; she provides specialized work in areas of mental health and ecological resilience. Her clients have included academic institutions such as Oxford University, Harvard University, Columbia University, Fisk University, Smith College, Morehouse College and the University of Chicago, International Faculty of London Department of Health to name a few. She has also presented to federal and state agencies such as The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Probation and Parole agencies, Juvenile Justice Judges Association and Police departments. She has worked with major corporations and companies such as Nordstrom’s and Nike, the NBA Rookies Camp, and with the G-CAPP program based in Atlanta, Georgia. Recently, Dr. DeGruy released, “A Time for Healing”, The Post traumatic Slave Syndrome: “Study Guide.”

As a physician, Dr. Therman E. Evans has an extensive and impressive background that has contributed and led him to his current leadership position. He is the founder and CEO of Whole Life Associates, a graduate of Howard University undergraduate (BS) and medical school (M.D.), the former Vice President and Corporate Medical Director of Cigna Insurance and Healthcare Corporation, as well as the National Health Director and Washington Bureau Chief for Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Operation Push. Additionally, he studied and achieved his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in theology from the United Christian College of New York. Dr. Evans has published over 30 articles in various health journals and newspapers, including the Journal of the American Medical Association, The New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the National Medical Association, The Los Angeles Times, HealthQuest, Ebony Magazine, Washington Post and Black Collegian Magazine. For 10 years he hosted a two-hour radio show called “Lifeline” in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Evans was appointed in 1998 and formally installed as Pastor of Morning Star Community Christian Center on July 25, 1999. As the Senior Pastor, he has brought the message of “wholeness” in mind, body, and spirit to the dynamic and growing membership and ministries of the Morning Star congregation. Likewise, he has established healing through outreach services that positively increase self-reliance, health and well being to an economically and socially depressed community.

WURD Speaks: Rise Up Singing: The State of Black Arts

JOIN 900AM-WURD FOR OUR BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION WHERE WE HIGHLIGHT THE RICH CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC PRESENCE IN PHILADELPHIA.

Are We There Yet?

Navigating the New Economy, Racial Politics & Election 2012” will shed light on our current economic reality — where we are, how we got here and where we’re going — while examining how the economy, jobs & racial politics will impact the upcoming election.

This powerhouse panel of experts will share their knowledge in this arena and participate with regional business experts in an innovative interactive small group discussion segment called “Lightning Rounds: Fast and Furious Finance Tips.”

Doors Open at 5:00PM
Event Starts at: 5:30PM
V.I.P Reception Immediately Following from 8:00-9:00PM

About WURD SPEAKS
WURD Speaks is an exciting interactive event series that engages local thought leaders, nationally renowned speakers and the community-at-large on a range of topics that directly impact the African-American community. WURD Speaks was launched in 2007 with a program titled “Change: Reflections and Conversations on Barack Obama’s Presidency.” Since then, other events have examined the connection between racism, stress and chronic disease; economic empowerment strategies; the power of poetry, rap, hip-hop and spoken word as mediums for education and social change; race and the criminal justice system; social activism and environmental justice; and most recently, 900AM-WURD produced “State of Mind: The Impact of Race, Culture and History on Body, Mind and Spirit.”

We are the World: Forging Connections Throughout the Diaspora - An Evening with Nontombi Naomi Tutu

Join WURD when we host Nontonmbi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu

This intergenerational event will highlight Ms. Tutu's recent "Sister's Sojourn" to South Africa. During this 10-day

journey, Ms. Tutu guided a group of women through South Africa examining the struggles, barriers and triumphs African women from across the globe experience.

A powerful women's and human rights activist, Ms. Tutu will share the linkages between the quest for equality and justice for women in South Africa with her sisters in America.

Change Symposium: Reflections and Conversations on Obama's Presidency

Join WURD when we host Nontonmbi Naomi Tutu, daughter of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu

This intergenerational event will highlight Ms. Tutu's recent "Sister's Sojourn" to South Africa. During this 10-day

journey, Ms. Tutu guided a group of women through South Africa examining the struggles, barriers and triumphs African women from across the globe experience.

A powerful women's and human rights activist, Ms. Tutu will share the linkages between the quest for equality and justice for women in South Africa with her sisters in America.

Health & Healing: How Are You Feeling?

The WURD Speaks Health and Healing event is an afternoon designed to make you smarter, stronger and of course healthier. Divided into two main components, the program will start off with a screening of “The Deadliest Disease In America,” a highly acclaimed documentary that explores racism in health care, what to do about it and how to report it. This will be followed by an interactive roundtable discussion with a panel of health experts who will offer strategies on how to live disease, pain and stress-free while creating energy, balance and vibrancy in your life.

And Justice For All?

This WURD Speaks symposium will engage a conversation between Harvard University professor Charles Ogletree, and legal scholar Michelle Alexander as they examine the criminal justice system’s devastating effect on the African-American community.    Both presenters have recently published highly acclaimed books on this topic. Professor Ogletree’s “The Presumption of Guilt,” uses last year’s arrest of Harvard scholar, Henry Louis Gates, as the fertile ground to explore “race, class and crime in America.”   And Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow” challenges the notion that, with the election of an African-American president, we have moved into a post-racial society.  In fact, it’s just the opposite, she argues: “Jim Crow and legal racial segregation has been replaced by mass incarceration as a system of social control (More African Americans are under correctional control today… than were enslaved in 1850).”

Light at the End of the Tunnel: Surviving a Down Economy

Join 900AM-WURD when it hosts “Light at the End Tunnel: Surviving a Down Economy.”This interactive symposium will explore the impact, intricacies and opportunities associated with the current economic landscape. A powerhouse panel of experts will provide practical strategies for thriving during difficult economic times. We will introduce a new feature called “Lightning Rounds: Fast and Furious Finance Tips,” where our panelists will team up with some of the nation's leading business experts for supercharged small group discussions with participants. So bring your questions, ideas and business cards. Sign up now. Space is limited!