30 MAG 2024 · Join us on this episode of the Forgotten Blocks podcast as we sit down with Principal Bahir Hayes, a distinguished Lindback Award winner from the School District of Philadelphia. Principal Hayes opens up about his personal and professional journey, discussing how his early experiences have shaped his commitment to providing better educational opportunities for students. Hayes also delves into his strategies for closing the academic achievement gap and fostering a supportive school environment through vital parent, family, and community engagement.

29 MAG 2024 · Join hosts Quibila Divine and Sylvia Simms and their very special guest, Dr. Tony Watlington, the dynamic superintendent of the Philadelphia School District. From his humble beginnings as a first-generation college graduate to his current role leading one of the nation’s largest school districts, Dr. Watlington's journey is nothing short of inspiring. We dive into his personal passions and explore his ambitious vision for addressing educational disparities. Inspired by his mentor, Dr. Constance E. Clayton, Dr. Watlington is determined to make Philadelphia the fastest-improving large urban school district in the country.

15 APR 2024 · In this special episode of Forgotten Blocks, co-host Quibila Divine explores the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and its impact on low-income students and their families. Quibila highlights the importance of parental engagement, their right to information, and the role of community collaboration in education. 

5 APR 2024 · Join hosts Quibila Divine and Sylvia Simms as they have a special guest, Dr. Sonya Douglas to discuss her impactful book, "Learning in a Burning House: Educational Inequality, Ideology, and (Dis)Integration." In this heartfelt exchange, Dr. Douglass sheds light on the enduring disparities within the U.S. education system, particularly in the context of race and inequality. She underscores the criticality of understanding the historical narrative of desegregation to fully comprehend the present circumstances of black education. With passion, she stresses the necessity of collective action at the community level to uphold the fight for educational equity and justice. The conversation also offers a sneak peek into host Sylvia Simms' upcoming book, "A Parent's Power," where she shares personal experiences with desegregation and reinforces the urgency for educational reform.

10 MAR 2024 · Join hosts Quibila Divine and Sylvia Simms as they discuss revitalizing Philadelphia's schools and communities with special guest Tomás Hanna, Associate Superintendent at The School District of Philadelphia. As Tomás recounts the often overlooked narratives of our city's youth, we're reminded that every block, no matter how forgotten, has a story worth telling—and a future worth fighting for. Join us for an intimate journey through the heart of our city's schools, and the boundless potential that lies within each classroom door.

10 MAR 2024 · Join hosts Quibila Divine and Sylvia Simms as they delve into the crucial legal battle for equitable funding in Pennsylvania's schools. With special guest Deborah Gordon Klehr, Executive Director at the Education Law Center, they will unpack the complexities of this pivotal lawsuit and its potential to revolutionize education in the state. 

18 FEB 2024 · Join hosts Quibila Divine and Sylvia Simms on a heartfelt episode of the Forgotten Blocks podcast as they explore the inspiring story of the Simms family and their youth programs in Philadelphia. With special guests Allegra and La’Skeetia Simms, discover how this remarkable family is bridging educational gaps, nurturing mentorship, and uniting communities through engaging workshops and hands-on learning experiences. Experience firsthand the transformative impact of education and community engagement in neighborhoods working towards a brighter future.

13 FEB 2024 · In this episode of The Forgotten Blocks, hosts Quibila Divine and Sylvia Simms discuss the impact of parental involvement in education with Allegra and La’Skeetia Simms from the Parent Leaders Advisory Network (The PLAN). The sisters share their personal experiences and the importance of parents engaging in their children's learning. They highlight the challenges faced by families and the support provided by The PLAN.

18 DIC 2023 · Meet the Forgotten Blocks podcast hosts Quibila Divine and Sylvia Simms as they give you an introduction to the podcast. Hear about who they are, why they started the podcast, what the Forgotten Blocks are, and help you understand their mission and what they're all about.