Loraine Ballard Morrill

Loraine Ballard Morrill

Listen to Loraine on Insight on Sundays 6-7am + keep up on her latest news updates here!Full Bio

What's Going On: New Hope Summer Series, Mütter Museum: Trusted Messengers Exhibition, MadCo Creates

Insight Pt. 2: Fathers Day Rally Committee Gala, 13th Daddy Daughter Dance, Activism in Camden

🎙️ Honoring Fatherhood with Bilal Qayyum
Today we’re joined by Bilal Qayyum, co-founder and president of the Father’s Day Rally Committee (FDRC)—an organization that has uplifted and empowered Black fathers and mentors for over three decades.
We’ll discuss the 28th Annual Gerald Wright Fatherhood Awards Ceremony & Dinner, a signature event celebrating men who have stepped up for their children, families, and communities through love, mentorship, and leadership.
 🗓️ Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
🎟️ Tickets: Purchase at Ticketleap
🔗 Website: fathersrally.com
📱 Instagram: @fdrc_inc
📘 Facebook: Father's Day Rally Committee
Join us for a powerful conversation about fatherhood, healing, and what it truly means to show up.


🎙️ Celebrating the Father-Daughter Bond with Joel Austin
In this episode, we spotlight Joel Austin, founder and CEO of Daddy University Inc., the nation's longest-running male parenting organization. Joel is a passionate advocate for fatherhood education, offering support and training that empowers men to become engaged, present, and impactful parents.
We’ll explore the upcoming 13th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance: Enchanted Forest Gala—a magical evening celebrating the unique bond between fathers and daughters.
🗓️ Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: The Arts Ballroom, 1324 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA
🎟️ Tickets: Purchase at Eventbrite 🔗 Website: daddyuniv.com
📱 Instagram: @daddyuniversityinc
📘 Facebook: Daddy University Inc. Don’t miss this joyful celebration of fatherhood, family, and unforgettable memories.


🎙️ Grassroots Leadership with Habiba Soudan
But first, we speak with Habiba Soudan, a passionate community activist working to create lasting, positive change in Camden, New Jersey. From grassroots advocacy to family empowerment, Habiba’s efforts reflect her unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and community uplift.
To learn more or get involved, call 856-541-4894 and ask to speak with Corinne Bradley-Powers.  

Insight Pt. 1: VLS Journeys with Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati

Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati Presents: A Conversation with E.B. Lewis Guest host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati highlights an exciting upcoming event presented by the Library Association in Philadelphia, featuring the renowned illustrator E.B. Lewis. With more than 70 acclaimed children’s books to his name—including Coming On Home Soon, The Other Side, and Preaching to the Chickens—Lewis has received prestigious honors such as the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and a Caldecott Honor. Known for his captivating watercolor artistry, E.B. Lewis brings history and emotion to life on the page. He is also the featured subject in Vanesse’s monthly segment, What is Philadelphia Reading?

🗓️ Date: [Insert Date]
📍 Location: [Insert venue at the Library Association in Philadelphia]
🕒 Time: [Insert Time] Join us for an inspiring conversation about art, storytelling, and the transformative power of books—perfect for educators, librarians, families, and book lovers of all ages. 🔗 Website: www.eblewis.com
📸 Instagram: @eblewis_watercolors
👍 Facebook: E.B. Lewis Studio

SpeakOUT with Angela Giampolo: Transgender Military Ban

⚖️ SpeakOUT with Angela Giampolo
In our monthly SpeakOut segment, we welcome back Angela Giampolo, founder of Giampolo Law Group and creator of the Caravan of Hope, a national initiative delivering free legal services to underserved LGBTQ+ individuals across the U.S.
Angela, a nationally recognized LGBTQ+ legal expert and advocate, brings us timely insights into the Defense Secretary’s recent decision to eliminate transgender military personnel and what this means for service members, civil rights, and broader LGBTQ+ inclusion in federal policy.

🔗 Learn more: giampololaw.com
📸 Instagram: @yourgaylawyer
🐦 Twitter/X: @phillygaylawyer
💼 LinkedIn: Angela D. Giampolo  

What's Going On: United for Safety: Gun Violence Prevention, Philly Pride 365: March & Festival, SpeakOUT with Angela Giampolo

🛑 United for Safety: Gun Violence Prevention Event
Tiiu Lutter, Board Member at Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC), joins us to share details about the upcoming United for Safety: Gun Violence Prevention Event, taking place on Friday, June 7 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 2000 Old West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. This impactful event brings together families, advocates, and service providers to stand united against gun violence and promote healing, awareness, and action.
Tiiu also highlights CGRC’s vital mission to support mental health, emotional well-being, and family stability through compassionate, culturally competent behavioral health services.
🔗 Learn more: www.cgrc.org
📱 Facebook: @ChildGuidanceResourceCenters
📸 Instagram: @childguidanceresourcecenters
💼 LinkedIn: Child Guidance Resource Centers


🏳️‍🌈 Philly Pride 365: March & Festival
We’re also joined by Arun Prabhakaran, Executive Director of the Urban Affairs Coalition, and Jeremy Williams, Event Producer for Philly Pride 365, to talk about the 2025 Philadelphia Pride March and Festival, happening on Sunday, June 1.
With this year’s theme, “Philly L.U.V. – Legacy, Unity, and Visibility,” the celebration features expanded programming, a 600-foot progress pride flag, inclusive wellness zones, youth and family spaces, and more — all designed to honor LGBTQIA+ history and promote connection and visibility across our communities.
🔗 Event details: phillypride365.org/pride-weekend
📲 Instagram: @phillypride365 | @uacoalition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/phillypride365 | facebook.com/urbanaffairscoalition


⚖️ SpeakOUT with Angela Giampolo
In our monthly SpeakOut segment, we welcome back Angela Giampolo, founder of Giampolo Law Group and creator of the Caravan of Hope, a national initiative delivering free legal services to underserved LGBTQ+ individuals across the U.S.
Angela, a nationally recognized LGBTQ+ legal expert and advocate, brings us timely insights into the Defense Secretary’s recent decision to eliminate transgender military personnel and what this means for service members, civil rights, and broader LGBTQ+ inclusion in federal policy.
🔗 Learn more: giampololaw.com
📸 Instagram: @yourgaylawyer
🐦 Twitter/X: @phillygaylawyer
💼 LinkedIn: Angela D. Giampolo  

Insight Pt. 2: United for Safety: Gun Violence Prevention, Community Baby Showers with Maternity Care Coalition, 50th Annual ODUNDE Festival

🎯 Gun Violence Prevention & Mental Health Support
Tiiu Lutter, Board Member at Child Guidance Resource Centers (CGRC), discusses the upcoming United for Safety: Gun Violence Prevention Event, happening Friday, June 7 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 2000 Old West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. This impactful gathering promotes awareness, healing, and community action in the face of gun violence. Tiiu also highlights CGRC’s mission to support mental and emotional well-being across the region.


🌐 www.cgrc.org
📱 Facebook: @ChildGuidanceResourceCenters
📸 Instagram: @childguidanceresourcecenters
💼 LinkedIn: Child Guidance Resource Centers
 
🍼 Community Baby Showers with Maternity Care Coalition
Samia Bristow, Vice President of Programs at Maternity Care Coalition (MCC), joins to discuss MCC’s series of free Community Baby Showers, offering gifts, support, and resources to new and expectant families.

📍 Bucks County – Wednesday, June 5 | 12:00–3:00 PM
Silver Lake Nature Center, 1306 Bath Rd, Bristol, PA

📍 Chester County – Friday, June 14 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Melton Arts & Education Center, 501 E. Miner St, West Chester, PA
🔗 www.maternitycarecoalition.org
📲 Instagram & Facebook: @maternitycarecoalition
💼 LinkedIn: Maternity Care Coalition
 
🌍 50th Annual ODUNDE Festival
Oshunbumi Fernandez-West, CEO, and Adeniyi Ogundana, COO of the ODUNDE Festival, preview the 50th anniversary celebration happening Sunday, June 8 on South Street in Philadelphia. This iconic African American cultural festival draws over 500,000 attendees and celebrates the richness of the African Diaspora through music, dance, cuisine, and tradition.
🌐 odundefestival.org
📲 Instagram: @odundefestival
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/ODUNDEFestival
🐦 Twitter/X: @ODUNDEFestival

Insight Pt. 1: Philly Pride 365: March & Festival

Arun Prabhakaran, Executive Director of the Urban Affairs Coalition, and Jeremy Williams, Producer of Philly Pride 365, preview the 2025 Philadelphia Pride March and Festival on Sunday, June 1. This year’s theme, “Philly L.U.V. – Legacy, Unity, and Visibility,” highlights expanded programming, a 600-foot progress pride flag, and inclusive spaces for all.

🌐 phillypride365.org/pride-weekend
📲 Instagram: @phillypride365 | @uacoalition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/phillypride365 | facebook.com/urbanaffairscoalition

What's Going On: World Heritage Week Events, Change Our Future, Coach Dick Vermeil -2025 Coach’s Private Reserve Dinner

As part of World Heritage Week, The Literary Café Books and Events, Global Philadelphia, and the Free Library of Philadelphia are proud to present two unforgettable literary experiences celebrating stories that span continents, cultures, and personal triumphs. Joining me are:

Annette A. Anthony, author of Always Enough: A Global Food Memoir, who takes readers on a flavorful global journey rooted in Black girl culinary identity.

Butch Meily, author of From Manila to Wall Street, whose inspiring story of international journalism and leadership highlights what it means to thrive on the global stage.

📚 Literary Event Details: Always Enough: A Global Food Memoir | Booktalk & Tasting
📅 May 20, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
🔗 globalphiladelphia.org/events/always-enough-global-food-memoir-booktalk-tasting-event From Manila to Wall Street | Booktalk with Butch Meily
📅 May 21, 2025
🕡 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
🔗 globalphiladelphia.org/events/manila-wall-street-booktalk-butch-meily Explore the full schedule of World Heritage Week events at www.globalphiladelphia.org.

We’re also highlighting a dynamic community initiative led by Rodney and Erika McLeod, co-founders of Change Our Future—a youth development nonprofit committed to breaking down barriers in underserved communities. Through leadership, literacy, wellness, and advocacy programs, they empower young people to become agents of change. Join them for the 5th Annual Sneaker Ball, a celebration of fashion, fun, and philanthropy:
📅 Friday, June 6, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
🎟️ Tickets & Info: www.changeourfuture.org
📲 Follow @changeourfuturefund on Instagram and Facebook

And we’re honored to be joined by legendary former Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil, who returns as host of the 2025 Coach’s Private Reserve Dinner, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia. Enjoy an elegant evening of wine, fine dining, and generosity—supporting vital mentorship and safe spaces for Philly’s youth.
📅 Wednesday, May 22, 2025
📍 The Union League of Philadelphia
🎟️ Learn more and get tickets: www.bgcphila.org
📲 Follow @bgcphila on Instagram and Facebook

Insight Pt. 2.: World Heritage Week Events, Change Our Future, Coach Dick Vermeil -2025 Coach’s Private Reserve Dinner

As part of World Heritage Week, The Literary Café Books and Events, Global Philadelphia, and the Free Library of Philadelphia are proud to present two unforgettable literary experiences celebrating stories that span continents, cultures, and personal triumphs. Joining me are:

Annette A. Anthony, author of Always Enough: A Global Food Memoir, who takes readers on a flavorful global journey rooted in Black girl culinary identity.

Butch Meily, author of From Manila to Wall Street, whose inspiring story of international journalism and leadership highlights what it means to thrive on the global stage.

📚 Literary Event Details: Always Enough: A Global Food Memoir | Booktalk & Tasting
📅 May 20, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
🔗 globalphiladelphia.org/events/always-enough-global-food-memoir-booktalk-tasting-event From Manila to Wall Street | Booktalk with Butch Meily
📅 May 21, 2025
🕡 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
🔗 globalphiladelphia.org/events/manila-wall-street-booktalk-butch-meily Explore the full schedule of World Heritage Week events at www.globalphiladelphia.org.

We’re also highlighting a dynamic community initiative led by Rodney and Erika McLeod, co-founders of Change Our Future—a youth development nonprofit committed to breaking down barriers in underserved communities. Through leadership, literacy, wellness, and advocacy programs, they empower young people to become agents of change. Join them for the 5th Annual Sneaker Ball, a celebration of fashion, fun, and philanthropy:
📅 Friday, June 6, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
🎟️ Tickets & Info: www.changeourfuture.org
📲 Follow @changeourfuturefund on Instagram and Facebook

And we’re honored to be joined by legendary former Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil, who returns as host of the 2025 Coach’s Private Reserve Dinner, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia. Enjoy an elegant evening of wine, fine dining, and generosity—supporting vital mentorship and safe spaces for Philly’s youth.
📅 Wednesday, May 22, 2025
📍 The Union League of Philadelphia
🎟️ Learn more and get tickets: www.bgcphila.org
📲 Follow @bgcphila on Instagram and Facebook

Insight Pt. 1: Trinity Health PACE-An Alternative to Nursing Homes

Today we’re joined by Dan Drake, President and CEO of Trinity Health Continuing Care, to talk about an innovative and compassionate model of senior care—Trinity Health PACE. PACE, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, helps older adults remain in their homes while receiving high-quality, nursing-home-level care. With a strong presence in the Delaware Valley under the names Mercy LIFE and Trinity Health PACE, this program delivers medical, social, and transportation support for seniors and their caregivers.
Learn more at TrinityHealthPace.org.