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Season 2 of Love + Grit kicks off with love and positive energy. Hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin welcome Tommy and Codie Elaine Oliver, the power couple behind Black Love Inc. After Philly native Tommy met Codie Elaine at a film festival, the two poured their passion for storytelling into a multimedia company and digital platform that’s worked with Viola Davis, Tia Mowry and other celebrities to tell dynamic stories of love that often go overlooked, including their Doula Dads series featuring Sterling K. Brown. The positive vibes continue with Crystal Streets, a jeweler and diamond concierge (and proud Central High School grad from Mt. Airy!) — who works with ethically sourced materials and healing crystals to make sure stars like Rihanna, Jay-Z and Mariah Carey look — and feel — stunning.
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This episode kicks off with Hakim’s Bookstore owner Yvonne Blake and a discussion about community building. She runs the shop — one of the oldest African American bookstores in the country — that her father opened in West Philadelphia in 1959. Then, the hosts catch up with Will Toms and Dave Silver, two multi-talented Philadelphians making names for themselves and making space for Black creators. The pair, who made Forbes’ 2021 30 Under 30 list, founded studio/shop/production house/event space REC Philly to put the city’s creative economy into the hands of makers. Their grant-funded #BlackMusicCity project helps Black creators pursue their goals. Tune in to hear how these passionate Philadelphians are creating real, sustainable change by sharing knowledge and resources.
On this episode of Love + Grit, meet two women making a monumental impact on the arts and education. Kimberly McGlonn’s sustainable clothing line and West Philadelphia storefront Grant Blvd sources reclaimed fabrics manufactured exclusively in Philadelphia and supports people who were previously incarcerated — one of the social issues the doctor of philosophy (and Jenkintown Borough council member!) is most passionate about. Hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin also welcome Dyymond Whipper-Young, a Temple University graduate and arts educator who most recently made national headlines for creating the biggest drawing in the world made by one person as part of the Crayola IDEAworks exhibit at The Franklin Institute. Hear more from these two inspiring guests making waves during Women’s History Month and beyond.
Debra Powell-Wright has a long history in Philadelphia of elevating Black, Brown and African-descended women’s voices. As the founder of the city’s first female spoken word ensemble, a published essayist and social justice artist, Powell-Wright is credited with building a sisterhood. She joins the Love + Grit hosts to talk about her career and her latest work, For Women: In Tribute to Nina Simone, a collection of short stories and poems. In keeping with the theme of community and healing, hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin also welcome Kiki Aranita. The Poi Dog Philly founder brought local Hawaiian cooking to Philadelphia, but had to close her beloved restaurant in the face of COVID-19. She recounts her story about pivoting to ecommerce as a way to support herself and continue sharing her history.
If there’s one thing you need to know about Philly’s food scene it’s that the space is full of people who use their culinary talents to give back. Look no further than Michael Carter and Muhammad Abdul-Hadi of Down North Pizza. Their North Philadelphia pizza-and-wings joint serves delicious, inventive pies and exclusively employs formerly incarcerated individuals as part of its mission to reduce recidivism rates in Black communities. Dustin Vitale also knows a thing or two about using food for good. The middle school history teacher turned his love of cheesesteaks into a Philly-wide effort to help his mom achieve something big. He chats with hosts Justin, Rachel and Laiya in this episode all about two things Philadelphia does best: food and community.
Poet, recording artist and native Philadelphian Ursula Rucker has created a legacy for herself in print, in the studio and even in augmented reality. Whether she’s leading vocals for DJ King Britt, collaborating with The Roots or releasing her own book of haikus, Rucker is always advancing the city’s arts and culture scene. She’s now the virtual reality host of OverTime, an augmented reality app from public art and history studio Monument Lab, which allows users to tour portions of Philadelphia using just their phones. On the musical side of things, Orrin Evans continues to make Philly proud. The City of Brotherly Love-raised jazz pianist has more than 25 albums to his credit, his own record label and a focus on helping young, innovative musicians. Any Philly music history lesson is incomplete without Rucker and Evans.
Dine Latino Restaurant Week is a way for Philadelphia — and all who visit — to support the growth of local businesses and taste the flavors of Colombian, Mexican, Dominican and other cultures. More than 20 restaurants offer deals for the spring 2021 edition of Restaurant Week, and the guests on this episode have dedicated their careers to supporting the work of Philadelphia’s Latinx communities and food businesses. Jennifer Rodríguez, President & CEO of Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, shares details of the many incredible restaurants serving authentic Latin flavors and discusses her work advocating for the 22,000 Latinx-owned business in the Greater Philadelphia region. One of those restaurants is Sazon, Chef Judy Suzarra-Campbell’s Venezuelan spot that makes amazing arepas as part of an almost entirely gluten-free menu.
Two inspiring creators representing Latinx communities join this episode of Love + Grit to discuss their work, their influences and the challenges of turning major artistic experiences into virtual events. Nayara Lopes got her start in Brazil before eventually moving to Philadelphia to join the Pennsylvania Ballet, where the first soloist has starred in The Nutcracker and Cinderella, and is currently filming a new season of original performances for digital audiences. Also going virtual this year: the 10th annual Philadelphia Latino Film Festival, led by Marángeli Mejía Rabell. The Puerto Rican-born arts and culture organizer and cofounder of AFROTAINO has turned PHLAFF into an international event that elevates U.S.-based Latinx and Latin American stories.
Philly’s music scene is one of love, authenticity and community, with people like Kenny Gamble, Dyana Williams and Patti LaBelle supporting and producing unforgettable beats created in the City of Brotherly Love. Today’s hitmakers keep it real. West Philly’s Beano French and North Philadelphia’s Brianna Castro join the Love + Grit hosts in this episode to talk about their burgeoning music careers as Philly — and the nation — celebrates Black Music Month. Both artists are part of the Love + Grit Concert Series Presented by VISIT PHILADELPHIA®, an original series streamed exclusively on BlackStream Live, a new Twitch channel delivering curated live programming focused on Black culture, premiering June 1, 2021.
As the birthplace of a new nation, Philadelphia sees independence not just as a single day, but a full season that bridges the celebrations of Juneteenth and July 4th. The guests on this episode of Love + Grit have devoted their careers to centering the stories of African Americans and the African Diaspora. Ivan Henderson is the vice president of programming at The African American Museum in Philadelphia who has curated Juneteenth events that will join the City of Philadelphia’s 2021 celebration of freedom and liberty. Kamau Ware brings the Black Gotham multimedia project to Philly, joining a series of walking tours, events and art collections that aim to celebrate the history and culture of African American and Black communities in Philadelphia.
Ask anyone to name the most iconic Philadelphians and Questlove is at the top of the list. The West Philly native is the drummer for The Roots and musical director of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon; cofounder of digital music and media platforms Okayplayer and OkayAfrica; a James Beard Award-nominated cookbook author; plant-based cheesesteak maker and more. He joins Love + Grit to talk about his career, health and his latest project, Summer of Soul, debuting in theaters and on Hulu on July 2, 2021. With the new film comes a new look: A dramatic weight loss that Questlove attributes in part to better sleeping and breathing. Tune in for a rare discussion of the music icon’s deeply personal journey.
You can’t talk about Philly’s hip-hop scene without mentioning Lady B and Bri Steves. These two women are essential to the city’s place in the music industry. One of the first female rappers, Lady B recorded her first single, To the Beat, Y’all, in 1979. The “Godmother of Hip-Hop” has been blazing trails ever since as a performer, DJ and podcaster, paving the way for stars like Bri Steves. At just 26, East Falls native and Temple University grad Steves has already opened for H.E.R., Mary J. Blige, Pharrell and Kendrick Lamar, and landed a BET nomination for her song ANTI QUEEN. Her debut album drops July 30, 2021.
The BlackStar Film Festival, also known as “Black Sundance,” is the nation’s premier fest for Black, Brown and Indigenous filmmakers. And it’s centered in Philly! On this episode of Love + Grit, hear from local directors screening their work at the 2021 festival. West Philly neighbors and respected filmmakers Raishad M. Hardnett and Aidan M. Un teamed up to produce a short film about Harriett’s Bookshop in Fishtown for the 10th annual festival’s “Stories in Place” series about small businesses. And Nasya Jenkins discusses her short documentary From Digital Divide to Digital Equity about Philly activists leading the fight for digital equity in education.
This episode’s guests are two women inspired by their children to build thriving Philadelphia businesses. Charisse McGill combined her farmers market expertise and inspiration from her daughter to launch Lokal Artisan Foods. As the first Black woman to vend at Spruce Street Harbor Park and the first Black woman in Pennsylvania with her own craft beer, she’s just getting started. When Tina Dixon Spence could not find a baby store that matched her son’s burgeoning style, she created Buddha Babe, a luxury design studio focusing on accessories for babies, toddlers and the home (and kids parties). She fearlessly launched her Mt. Airy brick-and-mortar amidst a pandemic and aims to make the shop a staple in neighborhoods across the city.
David and Aaron Cabello were delivering for Uber Eats and Caviar in Center City when they saw a hole in the market. They created Black and Mobile and became the first delivery service based in Philadelphia to partner with and highlight Black-owned businesses. Live music is back and the Vice President of Business Development and Operations at Live Nation Urban, Brandon Pankey, is working to build the industry back in the most inclusive way. From his Meet the Execs series on BlackStream Live to launching his own network, APEX, and not to mention producing Philly’s favorite picnic (yes — The Roots one), Brandon is on a mission and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
— Photo by B. Morillo for WHYY / Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a salsa song dedicated to Philly’s Latinx neighborhoods and a sip of the city’s first Latinx-distilled whiskey. Strivers’ Row Distillery, based in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, is owned and operated by Brooklyn ex-pat and the Al Día 40-Under-40-nominated Francisco Garcia. Also on the episode: Alba Martínez, who after a 12-year run at a top financial firm and 23 years dedicated to law, human services and government, is ready to use her expertise to fuel two of her passions: the financial wellness of women and minorities and Latinx arts. Her new salsa song “La Gua Gua 47” pays homage to SEPTA’s 47 bus route.
— Photo courtesy Love City Brewing / Photo courtesy Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises (HACE)
Contributing to Philadelphia’s business community is a conscious effort for the two women featured on this episode. Tess Hart brought her mission to life in the Spring Arts District when she co-founded Triple Bottom Brewing, dedicated to putting people, the planet and profit on equal footing. In Centro de Oro’s Business District, Maria N. Gonzalez manages a $100 million budget for commercial and housing development. As president of the Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises (HACE), she’s charged with making sure the district’s Good Lands 2025 plan, aimed at providing a road map for the revitalization of the surrounding neighborhoods, is executed.
— Photos courtesy of Mural City Cellars / Jennifer Zavala
Jennifer Zavala kicked off Philadelphia’s birria taco craze with a graffiti truck and a pop-up shop at Underground Arts. Tune in to hear from the South Philly-based owner of Juana Tamale as she prepares for her brick-and-mortar opening later this year on Passyunk Ave. In Kensington, Nicholas Ducos and Francesca Galarus have opened the city’s first independently owned urban winery with the goal of making wine more affordable and accessible. Hear about how Nicholas’ sommelier skills and Francesca’s eye for arts and love of community has helped Mural City Cellars bloom into a welcoming destination for good wine and chill vibes.
When it comes to visual arts in Philadelphia, Michelle Angela Ortiz is a local legend. Her work has been presented in all forms — on canvas, lightboxes, building walls and now TV screens with her first documentary, “Las Madres de Berks.” The New York Times recently shouted out the Moore College of Art grad with South Philly roots for her work in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s New Grit exhibition. Also featured in The New York Times and on this episode of the podcast is Kensington-born Roberto Lugo, known as “The Ghetto Potter.” Roberto is reinventing the idea of fine China and will install a mural in honor of The Roots’ Black Thought on the Clay Studio building opening in Olde Kensington in spring 2022.
— Photo courtesy Trey Brown / Photo courtesy Mz. Icar
This episode features 15-year-old — yes 15-year-old —Trey Brown. The founder of SPERGO, a trendsetting streetwear and lifestyle brand, turned his passion for design and community into a six-figure company in only three years. One of the most sought-after youth speakers in the country, Brown has been featured on a billboard in Times Square, opened up two stores, received a key to the city and just received a deal on ABC’s Shark Tank. Also on this episode is Mz. Icar, the woman behind a dope (and anonymous) art collective creating works that celebrate women, global Blackness and play. Comprised primarily of Black women artists specializing in different media, this collective’s work has been recognized by the art community’s most elite and is part of the Love + Grit Storefronts Project.
— Photo courtesy Khalil Munir / Photo by Tricia Pompilio
Khalil Munir is a performer, educator and author who has defied the odds and equips his students with the tools to do the same. His first book, The Crown is Yours, is inspired by the challenges he faced growing up with dyslexia, a disorder he turned into “his superpower.” Also on this episode is Natalie Pompilio, talking about her new book, This USED to be Philadelphia. A former reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Daily News, Pompilio has harnessed her Philly knowledge to write several books, and her newest is sure to open your eyes to the city’s best-kept secrets.
On this week’s episode, we talk to PHILADANCO’s Dr. Joan Myers Brown, a true dance pioneer. After founding the Philadelphia Dance Company in 1970, she went on to create the International Association of Blacks in Dance and the International Conference of Black Dance Companies. As she steps down (but not away) from her role at PHILADANCO, she reflects on her achievements and the impact she has made on the dance community globally. Also on the show: Ben “BoxWon” Barnes-McGee, who will take break dancing to the 2024 Olympics for the first time ever with the help of the World Dance Sport Federation’s Breaking for Gold USA. This West Philadelphia native is a four-time world champion b-boy and founder of a Bred2Burn, a hip-hop dance education and development mentorship program.
Dr. Janice Johnson Dias and Ellen Yin have been sources of inspiration for women and girls, giving them spaces to grow and develop their skills to succeed in the face of adversity. Johnson Dias, the mother of the 16-year-old activist and writer Marley Dias, talks about her new book “Parent Like It Matters: How to Raise Joyful, Change-Making Girls.” Wharton graduate, Ellen Yin, who owns High Street Hospitality Group, is one of the leading forces behind the Sisterly Love Collective (an alliance of women restaurateurs and food entrepreneurs responsible for the Sisterly Love Food Fair). Her most recent ghost kitchen concept, The Wonton Project is inspired by a family recipe and benefits local non-profits combating social issues close to her heart.
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