Forgotten Blocks

In this powerful episode of The Forgotten Blocks Podcast, host Quibila Divine sits down with Jennifer Pitt, Executive Director of the ELECT Program at the School District of Philadelphia. Together, they dive deep into how schools can support pregnant and parenting teens—offering resources that help young families succeed both in the classroom and in life. From free diapers and car seats to flexible academic accommodations and emotional support, Jennifer shares how the ELECT program is breaking cycles and building futures for Philly’s youngest parents.🎧 If you care about education, equity, or empowering the next generation—this is a must-listen.

In this episode of The Forgotten Blocks Podcast, host Quibila Divine delves into the pressing issues facing low-income communities. She is joined by Joe Willard from HopePHL, a dedicated advocate working to address systemic challenges like education inequality, homelessness, food insecurity, health disparities, and incarceration. Together, they discuss solutions to uplift underserved communities and the policies that can drive meaningful change. Tune in for an insightful discussion on education as a tool for empowerment and breaking cycles of poverty.

In this episode of the Forgotten Blocks Podcast, hosts Quibila Divine and Allegra Simms are joined by Akil Parker, author of "How to Use All This Math." They discuss the crucial role of math education in empowering underserved communities. Parker shares his journey from being a high school math teacher to starting his tutoring business, "All This Math," emphasizing the importance of a conceptual understanding of math. The episode delves into the challenges faced by students in math education, including negative experiences and the complexities of new math methods. They highlight the community's role in supporting students' learning and stress the need to educate parents to help their children succeed in math. With practical strategies and accessible resources like Parker's YouTube channel and book, this episode provides valuable insights and tools for parents and educators to foster math proficiency in their communities. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.