APM Job Fair
I speak with Nilda Ruiz, CEO of Asociación Puertorriqueños En Marcha (APM), about their upcoming job fair on February 27th, seeking passionate individuals to join APM’s Pradera adoption and foster care team. 📅 February 27, 2025
⏰ 10 AM – 3 PM
📍 2637 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133
📞 Call: 267-234-7427
Info 🔗 More
The Wilma Theater’s The Half-God of Rainfall
We also explore The Wilma Theater’s regional premiere of The Half-God of Rainfall (Feb. 11 – Mar. 2), a powerful collaboration with the Masculinity Action Project (MAP) focused on unlearning toxic masculinity. Guests include: 🎭 Jess Conda – Wilma’s Director of Education & Community Practice
🎭 Anthony Martinez-Briggs – Lead actor & Teaching Artist
🎭 Dwight Dunston – MAP Community Ambassador, artist, & activist
🎭 Toby Fraser – MAP Community Ambassador, gender-based violence facilitator 🔗 The Wilma Theater | Masculinity Action Project
📲 Follow @TheWilmaTheater, @map_philly, @sterlingduns
Spirit: A New Docuseries Premiering on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity Next, I’m joined by Matt Howley, award-winning director, producer, and partner at The WorkShop Content Studios, to discuss Spirit—a compelling new docuseries following the inspiring journey of the George Washington High School cheer team in Philadelphia. Produced in partnership with Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media, The WorkShop Content Studios, and FreshFly, Spirit highlights resilience, teamwork, and breaking barriers.
📅 Premiere Date: February 27, 2025
📺 Where to Watch:
🔗 Comcast’s Official Announcement
🐦 Twitter (X): @Comcast, @BlackExperience
📷 Instagram: @BlackExperienceOnXfinity
To support the team, visit: George Washington High School Cheer Team
I speak with Nilda Ruiz, CEO of Asociación Puertorriqueños En Marcha (APM), about their upcoming job fair on February 27th, seeking passionate individuals to join APM’s Pradera adoption and foster care team. 📅 February 27, 2025
⏰ 10 AM – 3 PM
📍 2637 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133
📞 Call: 267-234-7427
Info 🔗 More
The Wilma Theater’s The Half-God of Rainfall
We also explore The Wilma Theater’s regional premiere of The Half-God of Rainfall (Feb. 11 – Mar. 2), a powerful collaboration with the Masculinity Action Project (MAP) focused on unlearning toxic masculinity. Guests include: 🎭 Jess Conda – Wilma’s Director of Education & Community Practice
🎭 Anthony Martinez-Briggs – Lead actor & Teaching Artist
🎭 Dwight Dunston – MAP Community Ambassador, artist, & activist
🎭 Toby Fraser – MAP Community Ambassador, gender-based violence facilitator 🔗 The Wilma Theater | Masculinity Action Project
📲 Follow @TheWilmaTheater, @map_philly, @sterlingduns
Spirit: A New Docuseries Premiering on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity Next, I’m joined by Matt Howley, award-winning director, producer, and partner at The WorkShop Content Studios, to discuss Spirit—a compelling new docuseries following the inspiring journey of the George Washington High School cheer team in Philadelphia. Produced in partnership with Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media, The WorkShop Content Studios, and FreshFly, Spirit highlights resilience, teamwork, and breaking barriers.
📅 Premiere Date: February 27, 2025
📺 Where to Watch:
- Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity (Channel 1622)
- Xfinity X1, Flex, and Xumo Stream Box
- Xumo Play (a free ad-supported streaming TV app)
🔗 Comcast’s Official Announcement
🐦 Twitter (X): @Comcast, @BlackExperience
📷 Instagram: @BlackExperienceOnXfinity
To support the team, visit: George Washington High School Cheer Team
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Good morning, and welcome to What's going on? A show
about making a difference in our lives and our communities.
I'm Lorraine Ballad Morrow, premiering on Comcasts Black Experience on Exfinity.
The docu series Spirit follows the George Washington High School
cheer team as they make history at the NCAA High
School Nationals. We'll speak with the director about this inspiring journey.
(00:25):
We'll also explore a unique collaboration. The Wilma Theater and
the Masculinity Action Project have teamed up for The Half
God of Rainfall, a production focused on unlearning toxic masculinity
and redefining manhood. MAP members are creating a podcast series
and music ep inspired by the show's themes. Will tell
(00:46):
you all about it. But first joining me now is
the CEO of APM for Everyone and they are having
a very interesting job fair. And joining us is the
CEO of APM, Nil de Ruase Nilda. Tell us about
this job fair that's coming up on the twenty seventh
of February.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
It's going to be at twenty three sixty seven North
fifth Street. It's our BREDA. It's a subsidiary. This unit
does adoptions and foster care for our children that come
in from DHS. So it's aimed at recruiting passionate people
that want to join a team, a professional team of
people that can help get families temporary families while families
(01:29):
are dealing with issues. So these are case managers and
also supports staff. I mean, we have a lot of
different openings. This job fair is looking for outreach workers,
resource parents, administrative assistant, and we're also looking for an
adoption supervisor. So the children that come from DHS that
(01:49):
get reported for child abuse. APM does the management in
the twenty fourth and twenty six police districts, and this
staff would help us to identify families, to recruit and
identify families that are able to take care of these
children while we work with whatever are the issues that
are with a biological family. If we're not able to
(02:11):
reunite them, then we can put them up for adoptions
and then the adoption unit would them be in charge
of looking for loving, forever families for these children. So
it's very rewarding and very impactful because you get to
really make an impact on these children's lives.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
So another what are the requalifications or what are there
any particular certifications people need in order to apply or
to qualify.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
So the Department of Human Services usually ask for a
bachelor's degree or a master's degree in social services or
social work or the applied sciences, so it could be
in counseling or mental health. That's pretty much all that
you need for the foster parents. We do have a
more intensive case management that requires another certification that DHS provides,
(03:01):
but if you qualify for that, we would send you
to get that qualification with DHS because they're the ones
that qualified the caseworkers for that, and it takes six
to nine weeks and that certification can only happen with
DHS before you can start taking cases before our purposes.
Just a degree in social services or the applied sciences,
(03:25):
and if it's for the supportive staff, you just need
a high school diploma.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Okay, so great. There's a real range of opportunities for
people who are really interested in making a huge difference
in the lives of children. So specifically, the twenty seventh
of February from ten am to three pm, where is
this going to take place? This job there, so.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
It's at twenty three sixty seven North Fifth Street, so
for those that know Tajell Porto Ricano, it's like right
across the street. It's between Huntington and le fifth and Lehi,
just south of Fifth and Lehigh three sixty seven North
fifth Street. Great.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
And if people want more information, where do they go?
Speaker 2 (04:05):
Well, they can call our office or they can go
to our website which is APM Phila like Philadelphia dot org.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Great. And the number we can call.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
Our office two sixty seven two nine six seventy two hundred.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Or you can call two six seven two three four
seven four two seven. Nilda, this is a very important
job fair for a very important series of jobs that
truly will help our kids who need the support that
APM does provide. Nilda Lui, CEO of APM. For everyone,
thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to talk about
our job fair and invite people to come and we
hire anyone that has the passion for this work.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
You're listening to what's going on.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Song Players are Born, Great, Blown.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
Was Born a God.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
The Wilmouth Theatre's regional premiere production of The Half God
of Rainfall by Inowa Ellams is underway at the Wilmouth
Theater and We've got some folks here who are going
to tell us all about it and also about this
very unique community partnership. Joining us is Jess Konda, Director
of Education and Community Practice at the Wilmouth Theater, Anthony Martinez,
(05:26):
Briggs Hothouse, company member and teaching artist at the Wilmath
Theater and lead actor in this production. Dwight Dunstan, Community
Ambassador at Masculine Action Project, a West Philly based facilitator,
hip hop artist, podcast hosted activist, and Toby Frasier, community
Ambassador at the Masculinity Action Project and facilitator in the
(05:49):
movement to end gender based violence since two thousand and nine. So, Jess,
let's begin with you tell us about this play.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
This play is a really exciting epic home on a
play that talks about many many things.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
It talks about the.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
Collision of patriarchy and power as expressed through a story
about Greek gods and Orsia gods with a little bit
of NBA basketball. That's the easiest boiler plate way to
talk about it. But there's layers and layers in this
play relating to care and oppression and how do we
fight back with pain or with love, with softness or
(06:27):
with vengeance. It's a beautiful story, and the Community Practice
Department and the Education Department here at the Wilma are
really putting all of our resources and all of our
love arsenal into this production in particular, So we're really
proud of all the work.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
You have a partnership with the Masculinity Action Project, and
I wonder if Dwight and Toby you can tell us
more about that. Toby tell us more.
Speaker 5 (06:51):
And Dwight definitely. So the Masculinity Action Project has been
around in Philadelphia since about twenty seventeen, and there's some
other events that predate it. We're all about in MAP
is what we call it, reading new ways of what
it means to be a man that don't buy into
the patriarchal norms that so often people think of about
masculinity or manhood and really get folks involved in gender
(07:12):
justice in the city. And so it's been an incredible
experience to partner with the Wilma on The Half God
of Rainfall, a play that really does dive deep into
masculinity in a lot of different formth and fashion.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
So Joy tell us more. You are a community ambassador
at the Masculinity Action Project. Not only that you're a
hip hop artist, podcast host, an activist, tell us more
about your approach with dealing with masculinity and its impact
on society.
Speaker 6 (07:44):
Yeah, as an artist and as a podcast host, one
of the ways that I've gotten to really interact with
this play in conjunction with my role at MAP is
by creating art about the art. So the play itself
is an incredible, moving, powerful, thought provoking play. And as
(08:06):
a hip hop artist, one of the ways that I
went about digesting the themes integrating them into my own life,
my own commitment gender justice, was to make music about
the play. And really my hope is that folks as
they listen to it are reminded of some of the
parts of the play, perhaps they're able to get some
more perspective, integrate some of the themes into their own
(08:30):
experiences their own lives through taking in this music and
then as co hosting the podcast, The Woman Theater Cast,
which is a podcast that's launching along with the play.
We're going to be moving along the length of the
play's production through March eleventh. Toby and I are having
conversations with the director, Lindsay smiling with the dramater with
(08:54):
anyone Ellam's himself when he was here in London, and
really just helping to provide both listeners and attendees to
the play more perspective into into the themes once again
that are that are rich, that are sometimes hard, hard
to be with and sit with. But our hope is
that through these other means of more art and conversations
(09:14):
with the host of brilliant people, that folks are able
to take home more from the play.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
Anthony Martinez Briggs, you are actually the lead actor in
this production of The Half God of Rainfall. As Jess mentioned,
there's references to God's both Greek and Arasha and basketball,
which of course you had me at basketball. So I
wonder if you can elaborate for us, for those who
(09:40):
are planning to come see this play, what this has
meant for you and what are some of the messages
that you, as the actor present in this play.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
Yes, as one of the performers in the play, it's
pretty specific that part of what we're bringing ourselves in
the practice of Grio that there are storytellers as well
as characters that are portrayed by the actors, and as
storytellers one of the big things is that we are
sharing a tale that is in ways cautionary, in ways hopeful,
(10:15):
and in many more ways. And I say this with
full love. MESSI that the path to tread towards perhaps
overthrowing oppression is there might be lots of different opinions
on how to get there, and that the reduction of
harm first has to include the acknowledgment of harm, and
that in and of itself is an active care. So
(10:37):
you know, when I'm performing on the stage, I want
to care for the audience, but I also need to
care for the tale. And sometimes that does mean that
the audience might be uncomfortable. But we will never I
never intend to leave anyone in that space of discomfort
without offering them wealth the full perspective, and any piece
(11:00):
of art is not a full perspective, but just a
microcosm of macro societal issues. I will say, when I
think of art versus entertainment, well, otherwise I'm trying to
remember what the question was.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
I think you answered it beautifully, actually, and I think
that you talk about being uncomfortable, and I think, certainly
when it comes to being able to move forward in life,
it's sometimes very important for us to be comfortable with
being uncomfortable. Jess, you wanted to jump in and say something,
go ahead, Well, I want.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
To frame the partnership because there's so much going on
that I want to make sure it's super clear, because
there's things happening in the ecosystem of the play with
Masculinity Action Projects. In addition to the great work that
they do in the community, there are six members from
the Masculinity Action Project who have actually been attending rehearsals
in real time and giving feedback to the creative team,
(11:55):
which is very new for the WILMA. What we're trying
to do is acknowledge the fact that as theater makers
we don't have the great wisdom on everything. We in
fact need the collective wisdom of our community to make
these plays authentic. So MAP is doing so much. They're
creating a podcast and a music response, as you heard
(12:17):
Dwight talk about. They also trained the WILMA Education Department educators,
and I think a lot of people don't know that
the WILMA does so much educational work in the community.
So we have nine partner schools and eleven classrooms all
over Philadelphia who are seeing this play and who were
(12:38):
trained by map in how to talk about the content
of the play. And I think that's really special that
the community voice is through everything. It's threaded everywhere, and Anthony,
in addition to being a fabulous actor, they also are
a teaching artist doing this work in real time with
students as we speak. So thanks for letting me uplift
(13:00):
all of that.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Wonderful Toby and Dwight. We are living in a particular
time in which toxic misculinity seems to be getting a
lot of support in society. It could be that it's
the loudest bullhorn right now and we're just getting blasted
with it. But I wonder if you could just perhaps
(13:21):
talk about the timeliness of this play and the work
that you're doing. Dwight, I'm going to start with you,
and then Toby.
Speaker 6 (13:28):
I appreciate that question with Rain and I think your
assessment of the times that we're in a spot on.
I think the role of art is going to play
a huge piece in really addressing making space for pivoting
towards a different way of being when it comes to
(13:49):
toxic masculinity. And this play, I know for me has
been you know, really It really has evoked questions in
me to be under the weight of to have those
conversations with other men and masculine folks, to really be
in a stance of deep listening to women and folks
(14:09):
across the gender spectrum in regards to the impact of
toxic masculinity on their lives. And I think on one level,
there's a part of me that wants to go out
and educate and be and have all the facts down
and try and reach the hearts and minds and spirits
of folks. But I know another part of the transformation
of our hearts, minds and spirits is going to be art.
(14:31):
So it's been incredible to be working on this project
at this time.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
Yeah, art is truly a change agent. Toby, what about you?
Speaker 5 (14:39):
Yeah, thank you for that question. And I unfortunately have
to agree that now is a big rise in what
we're seeing around violent masculinity on display and living, a
lot of support in the media and the government and
halls of power. Something that I really appreciated about getting
to witness the rehearsal for the Half God of Rainfall
is that even though there is some viggerical violence hooted
(15:00):
in it, the people who are making that depiction are
really thoughtful and mindful of what it's going to be, like,
what's the tone that we want to set. And that
really resonates for us in the Masculinity Action Project, because
what we're trying to do is not same people. For
my God, myself, I'm a sis man, not shame anyone
for being who we are as people, but try to
unlearn and relearn what it means to show up with
(15:21):
care and love and community. And that's what I see
Lindsay Smiling, the director of The Half God of Rainfall
doing every day on set when we were able to
be there, because that's I think what we really need.
And I know change is hard. I know that often
when I am pushed to change, I can react with defensiveness.
And that's what to me. It seems like it's training
out on the large scale. It's a lot of people
who are being pushed to change and are really scared
(15:43):
of what stepping into a new world could be here
and map We're all about embracing that and embracing each
other along the way so it's less scary to make
those changes.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
I'm so happy that you all exist and that this
play is happening at the Wilmoth Theater from nowto March
the second, and it is really totally on time. And Jess,
if people want more information about tickets or how to
get more info on this play, how do they do that?
Speaker 4 (16:15):
You can visit Walmouth Theater dot org. Also, we're on
Instagram Walmath Theater, lots of stories and inside tidbits from
the show. We'll be circulating there as well.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
And if we want more information about the Masculinity Action Project,
how do you find out more about that?
Speaker 5 (16:33):
Yeah, we'd love to invite people to follow us on Instagram.
We're at map Underscore Philly or at our website Masculinity
Action Project dot com.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
Thank you all for joining us here today. Jess Conda,
Director of Education and Community Practice at the Willmouth Theater,
Anthony Martinez Briggs. They are Hothouse Company member and teaching
artists at the Willmouth Theater and lead actor in the
Willmouth production of The Half God of Rainfall. Dwight Donston,
Community Ambassador at Masculinity Action Project, a hip hop artist,
(17:05):
podcast host and activist. Toby Frasier is a community activist
as well as the Masculinity Action Project, a trainer and
facilitator in the movement and gender based violence since two
thousand and nine. This is an extraordinary partnership. The Wilma
Theater and the Masculinity Action Project partner for the Half
(17:26):
God of Rainfall. Thank you all for joining us. Today Theater,
a scrappie team from North Philadelphia will take the biggest stage.
Speaker 7 (17:36):
We're going off against the best of the.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
Basket Underdog City Underdog Team.
Speaker 7 (17:40):
It's a perfect match.
Speaker 4 (17:41):
People have told us you guys aren't going to win,
but we like to prove people wrong.
Speaker 7 (17:45):
We're going to go on that math do what we do.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
Comcast Black Experience on Exfinity is such a premier. Spirit
a compelling new docu series that follows the inspiring journey
of the George Washington High School cheer team in Philadelphia.
Produced in partnership with four time NBA Champion and two
time MVP Steph Curry's Unanimous Media, The Workshop Content Studios
(18:10):
and Fresh Fly Spirit tells the story of resilience, teamwork,
and breaking barriers. Today we're joined by Matt Holley, He's
award winning director and producer and partner at The Workshop
Content Studios, to talk about the making of Spirit. The
impact of this powerful underdog story and what viewers can
expect when the series premieres exclusively on Comcasts Black Experience
(18:32):
on Exfinity on the twenty seventh. So Spirit follows the
George Washington High School cheer team as they make history
at the NCAA High School Nationals. What inspired you all
to tell their story and what drew you personally to
this project.
Speaker 7 (18:46):
Thanks? First off, Lauren, thanks for having me on. This
is a treat. My initial draw was I'm from this area.
I'm from the area of northeast Philadelphia, so maybe about
ten minutes from where George Washington High School is. And
I remember reading the story of the team in the
Philadelphia inquir on a Sunday and just couldn't stop thinking
(19:07):
about the story the whole day and what it could
look like if cameras were ever around that team. So
that Monday morning, right after the article came out, I
called the school and talked to the assistant principal, who
was great and essentially told me to get in line,
as several other production companies had called them, and I
just said, I understand, it's an incredible story and with
(19:28):
the stakes attached, the stakes me and as you mentioned
the first team from the school district Philadelphia Public League
to go to Nationals. So I just said, Hey, if
I can ever get a chance to meet the team,
meet the coaches, I'll be there in fifteen minutes, you know.
So a couple days later they called and said, hey,
come up and sit in on a practice, and that
kind of kickstarted everything. But I was so drawn the
(19:50):
rane to the story of being an underdog and being
raised on these stories in Philadelphia. We know a lot
about that obviously, and then once you meet the kids,
you just start to start to fall in love.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
It is a classic Philly underdog story, Matt. Unlike a
lot of top tier cheer squads, the g DUB team
didn't have access to all star camps or feeder programs.
How does this impact their journey and what's the message
that their perseverance sends to young athletes facing similar challenges.
Speaker 7 (20:21):
Yeah, what I was most inspired by on a daily
basis was that these kids, you know, they work out
and they practice in a gym that's stiflingly hot. There's
no air conditioning, right, they have to share that gym.
It's broken down into sections, so right next to them
it could be a basketball practice, a wrestling meat, So
they get a little tiny section of a gym, and
(20:43):
they don't have the best mats. They don't have uniforms.
You know, they've been wearing the same uniforms for six
or seven years. The masks that they have, Lorraine, they
had the fundraise for years to get them. So there's
plenty of excuses out there that they could just say,
you know, any day, they could just have an excuse,
but this team never had any excuses. They just showed
(21:03):
up every day and just kind of leaned on each
other to make all this happen. And that was such
a great part of the story. And then to see
them on the biggest stage, to be the first team
to go to Nationals and walk into this arena with
all these teams and schools that maybe don't look like
them and just be inspired to go out and do
great things, which they did. I think it all made
(21:26):
for such a really compelling story.
Speaker 1 (21:28):
Spirit showcases not just the athletic achievement, but also the
personal growth of the cheerleaders. What were some of the
most inspiring transformations that you witnessed while following your journey.
Speaker 7 (21:40):
Yeah, I think there's some pretty incredible stories of these kids,
and I think a lot of times on these type
of projects, the rain the filmmakers get too much credit,
and I think that like, without these kids willing to
share their stories and willing to give you a reason
to root for them even more by the time they compete,
it's not a great series, in my opinion. And when
(22:02):
you have a team captain who's a team captain whose
father was living in a church basement as part of
Philadelphia being a sanctuary city as he fought for immigration status,
or if you have one of the star performers on
the team whose father was murdered and a product of
some of the gun violence that we see here in Philadelphia,
or a brother sister combo on a team who have
(22:23):
been through a lot in a car accident that nearly
ruined their lives. So all these compelling stories they were
able to share with us, which makes it so much
more than just a cheerleading story, because honestly, like a
high school just a high school cheerleading series was always
going to be difficult for us to sell to a platform,
I believe, But when you make it something bigger, and
(22:44):
you make it about these kids, and you make it
about what they're trying to accomplish and achieve. Then it's
something that's more relatable to a larger audience. It's not
just can they tumble or can they land this done?
It's something much bigger and much more important. So their
willingness to share, Lorrain, I think what's the key to
the series?
Speaker 1 (23:01):
Well, it sounds like just the kind of story we
need right now. I wonder if you can talk about
the partnership with Steph Curry's Unanimous Media, the Workshop Content Studios,
and Comcast Black Experience on Exfinity. How did that help
bring spirit to life?
Speaker 7 (23:16):
Yeah, I think with projects like this, Lorraine, it's key
to I always say, like, it's key to build a
support system around these projects, right and what can you
do to elevate the story to get it in front
of as many eyeballs as possible? And for that it's
try to bring in a partner that has a huge following,
that doesn't want to just slap her his name on it,
(23:38):
that wants to be involved. A lot of times in
these projects you get somebody at the tail end come in,
slap their name on it. It looks good in the
press release and they're not involved, but with Steph Curry's company,
Unanimous Media, they said, if we're going to do this,
we want to be involved. We want to look at
rough cuts of these edits, we want to contribute what
we think, you know, they want to have a say.
So that was just great to do that with Unanimous Media.
(24:01):
And it also helps in our business to have a megastar,
a global name like Steph Curry, who just happens to
have over eighty million combined social media followers, so him
being able to get the series out there and tweet
or put it on TikTok saying February twenty seventh on
Black Experience, check it out. It's just a bonus for us.
But right from the beginning, it was just a cold
(24:22):
email that I sent to his company because I know
his company is looking for things to check three boxes
and it's like faith, family, and sports, and he likes
a really inspiring story and I just said, this makes sense.
I pitched it to them and they quickly got on board.
It was, you know, because they fell in love with
the character reels and the sizzle wheels that we were
sending to them. So yeah, he's going to help as
(24:45):
a part of this as an executi producer and will
help you know, I think draw some my balls to
the series.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
And finally, why is it important for audiences to have
access to diverse storytelling platforms like Black Experience on x
MERE and Movie.
Speaker 7 (24:58):
Yeah, I think it's It's huge. I think these stories
are so important And like I said, I really feel
like the kids gave us the mantra for this series
was this idea of proving that we belong, and that
became our kind of through line through all this. This
team is not to prove they belong, that they get
a seat at the table, that they get to go
(25:18):
to the biggest competitions and show their worth and they
don't have to be this overlooked school that doesn't have
this or doesn't have that. So I think proving that
they belong is what these kids their true mission was
and I think they accomplished that tenfold. So having a
platform like Black Experience, which you can watch this four
(25:39):
part series starting on February twenty seventh, is key. To
have a home and someone as supportive as Comcast that
was with us, like every step of this journey to
tell the stories of these kids was.
Speaker 1 (25:50):
All the difference and I lied. I have one more question,
and that is for those who are inspired by spirit,
how can they support the George Washington High School cheer
team and similar underrepresented athletic programs.
Speaker 7 (26:02):
Yeah, I mean I know that they and Comcast has
been great in trying to help the future teams at
George Washington High School. And I know that GW has
a GW Cheer Nation, which is an Instagram handle, and
they're constantly doing fundraisers because when we joined them, Lorraine,
they were the first team to get invited and this
is in the first episode. They were the first team
to get invited to Nationals. So that's great, but they
(26:26):
had this daunting task of how do you find thirty
thousand dollars which is what they thought it was going
to take to get fifteen kids on a flight to
Dallas to stay for four days. That's on a cheer
budget that is literally zero dollars. How do they come
up with that thirty thousand? And they have two dynamic
coaches and Michelle and Veronica that started that ball rolling.
(26:48):
You know, they started doing bucket sales where they're outside
home depots collecting coins and they're doing cupcakes. They're baking
food that got a couple one hundred dollars. Then the story.
The choir wrote a story and had a link to
the GoFundMe page and from there it took off and
they had the money they needed. But that got them
to nationals that year. They constantly need and other schools.
(27:11):
There's GAMPED, there's other great schools in the public league
that are in the same boat. So it's like just
checking their website and being involved in youth sports and
seeing what can I do to help. So maybe somebody
sees this series and as I hope these kids get
to go next year and they go to gwcher Nation,
they're steered to a fundraising page and maybe that five
or ten dollars helps get the next team to Dallas.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
Well, it's exciting and I'm sure everyone will want to
check it out. It's not only a story of the
Black experience, it's a human story and an inspiring story.
Comcast Black Experience on Exfinity will be premiering Spirit, a
compelling new docu series. It follows the inspiring story of
the George Washington High School cheer team in Philadelphia. Thank
(27:53):
you so much, Matt Holly Award winning director and producer
and partner at the Workshop Content Studios. Thank you, thank
you so much for helping make this story come to light.
Speaker 7 (28:03):
Thanks for having me as a treat. We are going
to shatter what people think as a stereotype.
Speaker 4 (28:07):
Cheerleading is Pennsavania George.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
You can listen to all of today's interviews by going
to our station website and typing in Keyword Community. You
can also listen on the iHeartRadio app Keywords Philadelphia Community Podcast.
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at Lorraine Ballard. I'm
Lorraine Ballard Morrow and I stand for service to our
community and media that empowers. What will you stand for?
(28:38):
You've been listening to what's going on, and thank you
Good morning, and welcome to What's going on? A show
about making a difference in our lives and our communities.
I'm Lorraine Ballad Morrow, premiering on Comcasts Black Experience on Exfinity.
The docu series Spirit follows the George Washington High School
cheer team as they make history at the NCAA High
School Nationals. We'll speak with the director about this inspiring journey.
(00:25):
We'll also explore a unique collaboration. The Wilma Theater and
the Masculinity Action Project have teamed up for The Half
God of Rainfall, a production focused on unlearning toxic masculinity
and redefining manhood. MAP members are creating a podcast series
and music ep inspired by the show's themes. Will tell
(00:46):
you all about it. But first joining me now is
the CEO of APM for Everyone and they are having
a very interesting job fair. And joining us is the
CEO of APM, Nil de Ruase Nilda. Tell us about
this job fair that's coming up on the twenty seventh
of February.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
It's going to be at twenty three sixty seven North
fifth Street. It's our BREDA. It's a subsidiary. This unit
does adoptions and foster care for our children that come
in from DHS. So it's aimed at recruiting passionate people
that want to join a team, a professional team of
people that can help get families temporary families while families
(01:29):
are dealing with issues. So these are case managers and
also supports staff. I mean, we have a lot of
different openings. This job fair is looking for outreach workers,
resource parents, administrative assistant, and we're also looking for an
adoption supervisor. So the children that come from DHS that
(01:49):
get reported for child abuse. APM does the management in
the twenty fourth and twenty six police districts, and this
staff would help us to identify families, to recruit and
identify families that are able to take care of these
children while we work with whatever are the issues that
are with a biological family. If we're not able to
(02:11):
reunite them, then we can put them up for adoptions
and then the adoption unit would them be in charge
of looking for loving, forever families for these children. So
it's very rewarding and very impactful because you get to
really make an impact on these children's lives.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
So another what are the requalifications or what are there
any particular certifications people need in order to apply or
to qualify.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
So the Department of Human Services usually ask for a
bachelor's degree or a master's degree in social services or
social work or the applied sciences, so it could be
in counseling or mental health. That's pretty much all that
you need for the foster parents. We do have a
more intensive case management that requires another certification that DHS provides,
(03:01):
but if you qualify for that, we would send you
to get that qualification with DHS because they're the ones
that qualified the caseworkers for that, and it takes six
to nine weeks and that certification can only happen with
DHS before you can start taking cases before our purposes.
Just a degree in social services or the applied sciences,
(03:25):
and if it's for the supportive staff, you just need
a high school diploma.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
Okay, so great. There's a real range of opportunities for
people who are really interested in making a huge difference
in the lives of children. So specifically, the twenty seventh
of February from ten am to three pm, where is
this going to take place? This job there, so.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
It's at twenty three sixty seven North Fifth Street, so
for those that know Tajell Porto Ricano, it's like right
across the street. It's between Huntington and le fifth and Lehi,
just south of Fifth and Lehigh three sixty seven North
fifth Street. Great.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
And if people want more information, where do they go?
Speaker 2 (04:05):
Well, they can call our office or they can go
to our website which is APM Phila like Philadelphia dot org.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Great. And the number we can call.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
Our office two sixty seven two nine six seventy two hundred.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Or you can call two six seven two three four
seven four two seven. Nilda, this is a very important
job fair for a very important series of jobs that
truly will help our kids who need the support that
APM does provide. Nilda Lui, CEO of APM. For everyone,
thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to talk about
our job fair and invite people to come and we
hire anyone that has the passion for this work.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
You're listening to what's going on.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Song Players are Born, Great, Blown.
Speaker 2 (05:00):
Was Born a God.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
The Wilmouth Theatre's regional premiere production of The Half God
of Rainfall by Inowa Ellams is underway at the Wilmouth
Theater and We've got some folks here who are going
to tell us all about it and also about this
very unique community partnership. Joining us is Jess Konda, Director
of Education and Community Practice at the Wilmouth Theater, Anthony Martinez,
(05:26):
Briggs Hothouse, company member and teaching artist at the Wilmath
Theater and lead actor in this production. Dwight Dunstan, Community
Ambassador at Masculine Action Project, a West Philly based facilitator,
hip hop artist, podcast hosted activist, and Toby Frasier, community
Ambassador at the Masculinity Action Project and facilitator in the
(05:49):
movement to end gender based violence since two thousand and nine. So, Jess,
let's begin with you tell us about this play.
Speaker 4 (05:56):
This play is a really exciting epic home on a
play that talks about many many things.
Speaker 3 (06:03):
It talks about the.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
Collision of patriarchy and power as expressed through a story
about Greek gods and Orsia gods with a little bit
of NBA basketball. That's the easiest boiler plate way to
talk about it. But there's layers and layers in this
play relating to care and oppression and how do we
fight back with pain or with love, with softness or
(06:27):
with vengeance. It's a beautiful story, and the Community Practice
Department and the Education Department here at the Wilma are
really putting all of our resources and all of our
love arsenal into this production in particular, So we're really
proud of all the work.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
You have a partnership with the Masculinity Action Project, and
I wonder if Dwight and Toby you can tell us
more about that. Toby tell us more.
Speaker 5 (06:51):
And Dwight definitely. So the Masculinity Action Project has been
around in Philadelphia since about twenty seventeen, and there's some
other events that predate it. We're all about in MAP
is what we call it, reading new ways of what
it means to be a man that don't buy into
the patriarchal norms that so often people think of about
masculinity or manhood and really get folks involved in gender
(07:12):
justice in the city. And so it's been an incredible
experience to partner with the Wilma on The Half God
of Rainfall, a play that really does dive deep into
masculinity in a lot of different formth and fashion.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
So Joy tell us more. You are a community ambassador
at the Masculinity Action Project. Not only that you're a
hip hop artist, podcast host, an activist, tell us more
about your approach with dealing with masculinity and its impact
on society.
Speaker 6 (07:44):
Yeah, as an artist and as a podcast host, one
of the ways that I've gotten to really interact with
this play in conjunction with my role at MAP is
by creating art about the art. So the play itself
is an incredible, moving, powerful, thought provoking play. And as
(08:06):
a hip hop artist, one of the ways that I
went about digesting the themes integrating them into my own life,
my own commitment gender justice, was to make music about
the play. And really my hope is that folks as
they listen to it are reminded of some of the
parts of the play, perhaps they're able to get some
more perspective, integrate some of the themes into their own
(08:30):
experiences their own lives through taking in this music and
then as co hosting the podcast, The Woman Theater Cast,
which is a podcast that's launching along with the play.
We're going to be moving along the length of the
play's production through March eleventh. Toby and I are having
conversations with the director, Lindsay smiling with the dramater with
(08:54):
anyone Ellam's himself when he was here in London, and
really just helping to provide both listeners and attendees to
the play more perspective into into the themes once again
that are that are rich, that are sometimes hard, hard
to be with and sit with. But our hope is
that through these other means of more art and conversations
(09:14):
with the host of brilliant people, that folks are able
to take home more from the play.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
Anthony Martinez Briggs, you are actually the lead actor in
this production of The Half God of Rainfall. As Jess mentioned,
there's references to God's both Greek and Arasha and basketball,
which of course you had me at basketball. So I
wonder if you can elaborate for us, for those who
(09:40):
are planning to come see this play, what this has
meant for you and what are some of the messages
that you, as the actor present in this play.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
Yes, as one of the performers in the play, it's
pretty specific that part of what we're bringing ourselves in
the practice of Grio that there are storytellers as well
as characters that are portrayed by the actors, and as
storytellers one of the big things is that we are
sharing a tale that is in ways cautionary, in ways hopeful,
(10:15):
and in many more ways. And I say this with
full love. MESSI that the path to tread towards perhaps
overthrowing oppression is there might be lots of different opinions
on how to get there, and that the reduction of
harm first has to include the acknowledgment of harm, and
that in and of itself is an active care. So
(10:37):
you know, when I'm performing on the stage, I want
to care for the audience, but I also need to
care for the tale. And sometimes that does mean that
the audience might be uncomfortable. But we will never I
never intend to leave anyone in that space of discomfort
without offering them wealth the full perspective, and any piece
(11:00):
of art is not a full perspective, but just a
microcosm of macro societal issues. I will say, when I
think of art versus entertainment, well, otherwise I'm trying to
remember what the question was.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
I think you answered it beautifully, actually, and I think
that you talk about being uncomfortable, and I think, certainly
when it comes to being able to move forward in life,
it's sometimes very important for us to be comfortable with
being uncomfortable. Jess, you wanted to jump in and say something,
go ahead, Well, I want.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
To frame the partnership because there's so much going on
that I want to make sure it's super clear, because
there's things happening in the ecosystem of the play with
Masculinity Action Projects. In addition to the great work that
they do in the community, there are six members from
the Masculinity Action Project who have actually been attending rehearsals
in real time and giving feedback to the creative team,
(11:55):
which is very new for the WILMA. What we're trying
to do is acknowledge the fact that as theater makers
we don't have the great wisdom on everything. We in
fact need the collective wisdom of our community to make
these plays authentic. So MAP is doing so much. They're
creating a podcast and a music response, as you heard
(12:17):
Dwight talk about. They also trained the WILMA Education Department educators,
and I think a lot of people don't know that
the WILMA does so much educational work in the community.
So we have nine partner schools and eleven classrooms all
over Philadelphia who are seeing this play and who were
(12:38):
trained by map in how to talk about the content
of the play. And I think that's really special that
the community voice is through everything. It's threaded everywhere, and Anthony,
in addition to being a fabulous actor, they also are
a teaching artist doing this work in real time with
students as we speak. So thanks for letting me uplift
(13:00):
all of that.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Wonderful Toby and Dwight. We are living in a particular
time in which toxic misculinity seems to be getting a
lot of support in society. It could be that it's
the loudest bullhorn right now and we're just getting blasted
with it. But I wonder if you could just perhaps
(13:21):
talk about the timeliness of this play and the work
that you're doing. Dwight, I'm going to start with you,
and then Toby.
Speaker 6 (13:28):
I appreciate that question with Rain and I think your
assessment of the times that we're in a spot on.
I think the role of art is going to play
a huge piece in really addressing making space for pivoting
towards a different way of being when it comes to
(13:49):
toxic masculinity. And this play, I know for me has
been you know, really It really has evoked questions in
me to be under the weight of to have those
conversations with other men and masculine folks, to really be
in a stance of deep listening to women and folks
(14:09):
across the gender spectrum in regards to the impact of
toxic masculinity on their lives. And I think on one level,
there's a part of me that wants to go out
and educate and be and have all the facts down
and try and reach the hearts and minds and spirits
of folks. But I know another part of the transformation
of our hearts, minds and spirits is going to be art.
(14:31):
So it's been incredible to be working on this project
at this time.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
Yeah, art is truly a change agent. Toby, what about you?
Speaker 5 (14:39):
Yeah, thank you for that question. And I unfortunately have
to agree that now is a big rise in what
we're seeing around violent masculinity on display and living, a
lot of support in the media and the government and
halls of power. Something that I really appreciated about getting
to witness the rehearsal for the Half God of Rainfall
is that even though there is some viggerical violence hooted
(15:00):
in it, the people who are making that depiction are
really thoughtful and mindful of what it's going to be, like,
what's the tone that we want to set. And that
really resonates for us in the Masculinity Action Project, because
what we're trying to do is not same people. For
my God, myself, I'm a sis man, not shame anyone
for being who we are as people, but try to
unlearn and relearn what it means to show up with
(15:21):
care and love and community. And that's what I see
Lindsay Smiling, the director of The Half God of Rainfall
doing every day on set when we were able to
be there, because that's I think what we really need.
And I know change is hard. I know that often
when I am pushed to change, I can react with defensiveness.
And that's what to me. It seems like it's training
out on the large scale. It's a lot of people
who are being pushed to change and are really scared
(15:43):
of what stepping into a new world could be here
and map We're all about embracing that and embracing each
other along the way so it's less scary to make
those changes.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
I'm so happy that you all exist and that this
play is happening at the Wilmoth Theater from nowto March
the second, and it is really totally on time. And Jess,
if people want more information about tickets or how to
get more info on this play, how do they do that?
Speaker 4 (16:15):
You can visit Walmouth Theater dot org. Also, we're on
Instagram Walmath Theater, lots of stories and inside tidbits from
the show. We'll be circulating there as well.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
And if we want more information about the Masculinity Action Project,
how do you find out more about that?
Speaker 5 (16:33):
Yeah, we'd love to invite people to follow us on Instagram.
We're at map Underscore Philly or at our website Masculinity
Action Project dot com.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
Thank you all for joining us here today. Jess Conda,
Director of Education and Community Practice at the Willmouth Theater,
Anthony Martinez Briggs. They are Hothouse Company member and teaching
artists at the Willmouth Theater and lead actor in the
Willmouth production of The Half God of Rainfall. Dwight Donston,
Community Ambassador at Masculinity Action Project, a hip hop artist,
(17:05):
podcast host and activist. Toby Frasier is a community activist
as well as the Masculinity Action Project, a trainer and
facilitator in the movement and gender based violence since two
thousand and nine. This is an extraordinary partnership. The Wilma
Theater and the Masculinity Action Project partner for the Half
(17:26):
God of Rainfall. Thank you all for joining us. Today Theater,
a scrappie team from North Philadelphia will take the biggest stage.
Speaker 7 (17:36):
We're going off against the best of the.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
Basket Underdog City Underdog Team.
Speaker 7 (17:40):
It's a perfect match.
Speaker 4 (17:41):
People have told us you guys aren't going to win,
but we like to prove people wrong.
Speaker 7 (17:45):
We're going to go on that math do what we do.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
Comcast Black Experience on Exfinity is such a premier. Spirit
a compelling new docu series that follows the inspiring journey
of the George Washington High School cheer team in Philadelphia.
Produced in partnership with four time NBA Champion and two
time MVP Steph Curry's Unanimous Media, The Workshop Content Studios
(18:10):
and Fresh Fly Spirit tells the story of resilience, teamwork,
and breaking barriers. Today we're joined by Matt Holley, He's
award winning director and producer and partner at The Workshop
Content Studios, to talk about the making of Spirit. The
impact of this powerful underdog story and what viewers can
expect when the series premieres exclusively on Comcasts Black Experience
(18:32):
on Exfinity on the twenty seventh. So Spirit follows the
George Washington High School cheer team as they make history
at the NCAA High School Nationals. What inspired you all
to tell their story and what drew you personally to
this project.
Speaker 7 (18:46):
Thanks? First off, Lauren, thanks for having me on. This
is a treat. My initial draw was I'm from this area.
I'm from the area of northeast Philadelphia, so maybe about
ten minutes from where George Washington High School is. And
I remember reading the story of the team in the
Philadelphia inquir on a Sunday and just couldn't stop thinking
(19:07):
about the story the whole day and what it could
look like if cameras were ever around that team. So
that Monday morning, right after the article came out, I
called the school and talked to the assistant principal, who
was great and essentially told me to get in line,
as several other production companies had called them, and I
just said, I understand, it's an incredible story and with
(19:28):
the stakes attached, the stakes me and as you mentioned
the first team from the school district Philadelphia Public League
to go to Nationals. So I just said, Hey, if
I can ever get a chance to meet the team,
meet the coaches, I'll be there in fifteen minutes, you know.
So a couple days later they called and said, hey,
come up and sit in on a practice, and that
kind of kickstarted everything. But I was so drawn the
(19:50):
rane to the story of being an underdog and being
raised on these stories in Philadelphia. We know a lot
about that obviously, and then once you meet the kids,
you just start to start to fall in love.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
It is a classic Philly underdog story, Matt. Unlike a
lot of top tier cheer squads, the g DUB team
didn't have access to all star camps or feeder programs.
How does this impact their journey and what's the message
that their perseverance sends to young athletes facing similar challenges.
Speaker 7 (20:21):
Yeah, what I was most inspired by on a daily
basis was that these kids, you know, they work out
and they practice in a gym that's stiflingly hot. There's
no air conditioning, right, they have to share that gym.
It's broken down into sections, so right next to them
it could be a basketball practice, a wrestling meat, So
they get a little tiny section of a gym, and
(20:43):
they don't have the best mats. They don't have uniforms.
You know, they've been wearing the same uniforms for six
or seven years. The masks that they have, Lorraine, they
had the fundraise for years to get them. So there's
plenty of excuses out there that they could just say,
you know, any day, they could just have an excuse,
but this team never had any excuses. They just showed
(21:03):
up every day and just kind of leaned on each
other to make all this happen. And that was such
a great part of the story. And then to see
them on the biggest stage, to be the first team
to go to Nationals and walk into this arena with
all these teams and schools that maybe don't look like
them and just be inspired to go out and do
great things, which they did. I think it all made
(21:26):
for such a really compelling story.
Speaker 1 (21:28):
Spirit showcases not just the athletic achievement, but also the
personal growth of the cheerleaders. What were some of the
most inspiring transformations that you witnessed while following your journey.
Speaker 7 (21:40):
Yeah, I think there's some pretty incredible stories of these kids,
and I think a lot of times on these type
of projects, the rain the filmmakers get too much credit,
and I think that like, without these kids willing to
share their stories and willing to give you a reason
to root for them even more by the time they compete,
it's not a great series, in my opinion. And when
(22:02):
you have a team captain who's a team captain whose
father was living in a church basement as part of
Philadelphia being a sanctuary city as he fought for immigration status,
or if you have one of the star performers on
the team whose father was murdered and a product of
some of the gun violence that we see here in Philadelphia,
or a brother sister combo on a team who have
(22:23):
been through a lot in a car accident that nearly
ruined their lives. So all these compelling stories they were
able to share with us, which makes it so much
more than just a cheerleading story, because honestly, like a
high school just a high school cheerleading series was always
going to be difficult for us to sell to a platform,
I believe, But when you make it something bigger, and
(22:44):
you make it about these kids, and you make it
about what they're trying to accomplish and achieve. Then it's
something that's more relatable to a larger audience. It's not
just can they tumble or can they land this done?
It's something much bigger and much more important. So their
willingness to share, Lorrain, I think what's the key to
the series?
Speaker 1 (23:01):
Well, it sounds like just the kind of story we
need right now. I wonder if you can talk about
the partnership with Steph Curry's Unanimous Media, the Workshop Content Studios,
and Comcast Black Experience on Exfinity. How did that help
bring spirit to life?
Speaker 7 (23:16):
Yeah, I think with projects like this, Lorraine, it's key
to I always say, like, it's key to build a
support system around these projects, right and what can you
do to elevate the story to get it in front
of as many eyeballs as possible? And for that it's
try to bring in a partner that has a huge following,
that doesn't want to just slap her his name on it,
(23:38):
that wants to be involved. A lot of times in
these projects you get somebody at the tail end come in,
slap their name on it. It looks good in the
press release and they're not involved, but with Steph Curry's company,
Unanimous Media, they said, if we're going to do this,
we want to be involved. We want to look at
rough cuts of these edits, we want to contribute what
we think, you know, they want to have a say.
So that was just great to do that with Unanimous Media.
(24:01):
And it also helps in our business to have a megastar,
a global name like Steph Curry, who just happens to
have over eighty million combined social media followers, so him
being able to get the series out there and tweet
or put it on TikTok saying February twenty seventh on
Black Experience, check it out. It's just a bonus for us.
But right from the beginning, it was just a cold
(24:22):
email that I sent to his company because I know
his company is looking for things to check three boxes
and it's like faith, family, and sports, and he likes
a really inspiring story and I just said, this makes sense.
I pitched it to them and they quickly got on board.
It was, you know, because they fell in love with
the character reels and the sizzle wheels that we were
sending to them. So yeah, he's going to help as
(24:45):
a part of this as an executi producer and will
help you know, I think draw some my balls to
the series.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
And finally, why is it important for audiences to have
access to diverse storytelling platforms like Black Experience on x
MERE and Movie.
Speaker 7 (24:58):
Yeah, I think it's It's huge. I think these stories
are so important And like I said, I really feel
like the kids gave us the mantra for this series
was this idea of proving that we belong, and that
became our kind of through line through all this. This
team is not to prove they belong, that they get
a seat at the table, that they get to go
(25:18):
to the biggest competitions and show their worth and they
don't have to be this overlooked school that doesn't have
this or doesn't have that. So I think proving that
they belong is what these kids their true mission was
and I think they accomplished that tenfold. So having a
platform like Black Experience, which you can watch this four
(25:39):
part series starting on February twenty seventh, is key. To
have a home and someone as supportive as Comcast that
was with us, like every step of this journey to
tell the stories of these kids was.
Speaker 1 (25:50):
All the difference and I lied. I have one more question,
and that is for those who are inspired by spirit,
how can they support the George Washington High School cheer
team and similar underrepresented athletic programs.
Speaker 7 (26:02):
Yeah, I mean I know that they and Comcast has
been great in trying to help the future teams at
George Washington High School. And I know that GW has
a GW Cheer Nation, which is an Instagram handle, and
they're constantly doing fundraisers because when we joined them, Lorraine,
they were the first team to get invited and this
is in the first episode. They were the first team
to get invited to Nationals. So that's great, but they
(26:26):
had this daunting task of how do you find thirty
thousand dollars which is what they thought it was going
to take to get fifteen kids on a flight to
Dallas to stay for four days. That's on a cheer
budget that is literally zero dollars. How do they come
up with that thirty thousand? And they have two dynamic
coaches and Michelle and Veronica that started that ball rolling.
(26:48):
You know, they started doing bucket sales where they're outside
home depots collecting coins and they're doing cupcakes. They're baking
food that got a couple one hundred dollars. Then the story.
The choir wrote a story and had a link to
the GoFundMe page and from there it took off and
they had the money they needed. But that got them
to nationals that year. They constantly need and other schools.
(27:11):
There's GAMPED, there's other great schools in the public league
that are in the same boat. So it's like just
checking their website and being involved in youth sports and
seeing what can I do to help. So maybe somebody
sees this series and as I hope these kids get
to go next year and they go to gwcher Nation,
they're steered to a fundraising page and maybe that five
or ten dollars helps get the next team to Dallas.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
Well, it's exciting and I'm sure everyone will want to
check it out. It's not only a story of the
Black experience, it's a human story and an inspiring story.
Comcast Black Experience on Exfinity will be premiering Spirit, a
compelling new docu series. It follows the inspiring story of
the George Washington High School cheer team in Philadelphia. Thank
(27:53):
you so much, Matt Holly Award winning director and producer
and partner at the Workshop Content Studios. Thank you, thank
you so much for helping make this story come to light.
Speaker 7 (28:03):
Thanks for having me as a treat. We are going
to shatter what people think as a stereotype.
Speaker 4 (28:07):
Cheerleading is Pennsavania George.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
You can listen to all of today's interviews by going
to our station website and typing in Keyword Community. You
can also listen on the iHeartRadio app Keywords Philadelphia Community Podcast.
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at Lorraine Ballard. I'm
Lorraine Ballard Morrow and I stand for service to our
community and media that empowers. What will you stand for?
(28:38):
You've been listening to what's going on, and thank you
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