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Philadelphia Community Podcast

Philadelphia Community Podcast

Written by: WDAS (WDAS-FM)
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About this listen

 Each week, Loraine Ballard Morrill speaks to community leaders and groups in the Philadelphia region about topics affecting our local communities and upcoming events. Insight airs Sunday on WDAS FM 6-7 am and 7-7:30 am on Power 99. What's Going On airs Sundays on Q102, ALT 104.5, and 1480 Breakthrough Radio.Copyright WDAS (WDAS-FM) Social Sciences
Episodes
  • What's Going On: African American Children's Book Fair

    What's Going On: African American Children's Book Fair
    Jan 28 2026
    We’re celebrating the power of storytelling, art, and imagination with four extraordinary creators featured at the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair, happening Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Joining us are Gordon C. James, award-winning illustrator and recent recipient of the American Library Association’s Robert F. Sibert Medal; Ibi Zoboi, bestselling and multi-award-winning author of young adult and children’s literature; Frank Morrison, acclaimed author-illustrator known for his dynamic, movement-filled artwork; and Nikki Grimes, a legendary voice in children’s and young adult literature whose work spans poetry, picture books, and novels for readers of all ages. Together, we talk about creativity, representation, the importance of seeing yourself in books, and why the African American Children’s Book Fair continues to be a cornerstone for families, educators, and young readers across the region. Meet our guests:

    Gordon C. James
    Website: https://www.gordoncjames.com
    Instagram: @gordoncjamesfineart
    Ibi Zoboi
    Website: https://www.ibizoboi.net
    Instagram: @ibizoboi
    Frank Morrison
    Website: https://www.frankmorrison.art/
    Instagram: @frankmorrison
    Nikki Grimes
    Website: https://www.nikkigrimes.com
    Instagram: @poetrynikki

    Event Details – African American Children’s Book Fair
    📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026
    ⏰ 1:00–4:00 PM
    📍 Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia
    🎟️ Free and open to the public African American Children’s Book Fair
    African American Children’s Book Fair
    Website: https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/
    Instagram: @aamericanchildrensbookfair
    Facebook: African American Children’s Book Fair

    Founded by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, this beloved annual event features dozens of award-winning authors and illustrators, book signings, family activities, and affordable books for children from preschool through young adult. Because a book opens up a world of opportunities.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Insight Pt. 2: African American Children's Book Fair

    Insight Pt. 2: African American Children's Book Fair
    Jan 28 2026
    We’re celebrating the power of storytelling, art, and imagination with four extraordinary creators featured at the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair, happening Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Joining us are Gordon C. James, award-winning illustrator and recent recipient of the American Library Association’s Robert F. Sibert Medal; Ibi Zoboi, bestselling and multi-award-winning author of young adult and children’s literature; Frank Morrison, acclaimed author-illustrator known for his dynamic, movement-filled artwork; and Nikki Grimes, a legendary voice in children’s and young adult literature whose work spans poetry, picture books, and novels for readers of all ages. Together, we talk about creativity, representation, the importance of seeing yourself in books, and why the African American Children’s Book Fair continues to be a cornerstone for families, educators, and young readers across the region. Meet our guests:

    Gordon C. James
    Website: https://www.gordoncjames.com
    Instagram: @gordoncjamesfineart
    Ibi Zoboi
    Website: https://www.ibizoboi.net
    Instagram: @ibizoboi
    Frank Morrison
    Website: https://www.frankmorrison.art/
    Instagram: @frankmorrison
    Nikki Grimes
    Website: https://www.nikkigrimes.com
    Instagram: @poetrynikki

    Event Details – African American Children’s Book Fair
    📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026
    ⏰ 1:00–4:00 PM
    📍 Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia
    🎟️ Free and open to the public African American Children’s Book Fair
    African American Children’s Book Fair
    Website: https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/
    Instagram: @aamericanchildrensbookfair
    Facebook: African American Children’s Book Fair

    Founded by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, this beloved annual event features dozens of award-winning authors and illustrators, book signings, family activities, and affordable books for children from preschool through young adult. Because a book opens up a world of opportunities.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Insight Pt. 1: Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati - African American Children's Book Fair

    Insight Pt. 1: Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati - African American Children's Book Fair
    Jan 28 2026
    Guest host Vanesse Lloyd Sgambati previews one of Philadelphia’s most beloved literary traditions—the 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair, taking place Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Joining Vanesse is Renée Watson, Caldecott Honor–winning and New York Times bestselling author, whose powerful stories center joy, identity, and the lived experiences of young people. Renée is one of the many acclaimed authors and illustrators who will be appearing at this year’s free, family-friendly event.

    For her monthly feature, “What Is Philadelphia Reading?” Vanesse also speaks with Jaylene Clark Owens, an author and educator who will be attending the Book Fair and whose work uplifts Black history, culture, and intergenerational storytelling. Together, they discuss the importance of representation in children’s literature, the magic of meeting authors face-to-face, and why the African American Children’s Book Fair continues to be a cornerstone for families, educators, and young readers across the region.

    Featured Authors Renée Watson
    Website: https://www.reneewatson.net
    Instagram: @ https://www.instagram.com/harlemportland/#
    Jaylene Clark Owens
    Website: https://www.jayleneclarkowens.com
    Instagram: @jayleneclarkowens

    Event Details – 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair 📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026
    ⏰ 1:00–4:00 PM
    📍 Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia
    🎟️ Free and open to the public African American Children’s Book Fair
    Website: https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/
    Instagram: @aamericanchildrensbookfair

    The African American Children’s Book Fair features dozens of award-winning authors and illustrators, book signings, family activities, and a wide selection of affordable books for children from preschool through young adult. Because a book opens up a world of opportunities.
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
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