Lehigh Valley Discourse

This week's Lehigh Valley Discourse falls a day before the start of Ramadan, so the show focuses on Islam and the importance of the holy month for Muslims.

John Pearce welcomes archaeologist, author, and Northampton Community College professor Edward Henning to discuss the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution in the Lehigh Valley.

Host Alan Jennings speaks to the leaders of two national groups who are working to reinvest funds into low-income neighborhoods and fight poverty.

Alan Jennings talks with Congresswoman Susan Wild (PA-07) via phone about the Lehigh Valley's COVID-19 response including the stimulus package recently passed by congress and how that will help area residents.

Host John Pearce discusses suicide prevention with guests Allison Frantz, Coordinator of Lehigh County's Suicide Prevention Task Force, and Richard Orlemann, Deputy Director of Lehigh County's Mental Health Administration.

So, what is a food co-op? And who is behind the current initiative to start the Bethlehem Food Co-Op? Host Sally Handlon sits down with Jenn Dize and Joe Klinkhoff as they define this venture, discuss the committed volunteers, and outreach efforts that are occurring.

Host Alan Jennings welcomes guest Marci Lesko, Executive Vice President of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, to discuss unmet needs in the Lehigh Valley and the issues the United Way is confronting.

Host Greg Capogna talks with Jill Pereira, Vice President of Education at the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, and Angela Zanelli, PBS39 Campaign Director for Lehigh Valley Reads, about the new children's literacy initiative.

Host John Pearce talks with Rev. Dr. James Jackson, pastor and professor, about "Understanding the Black Church and the African-American Experience in the USA."

Host Alan Jennings takes another look at the non-profit Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley with gang member-turned-activist Hasshan Batts along with two gang members who are now working with Batts' organization: Jose Rivera and Keify McNear.