WURD, Philly Hosting Billy Preston Screening Event for Black History Month
Philadelphia urban talk outlet WURD Radio announces it is hosting its signature Black History Month event on Monday (2/23) with an exclusive screening of the documentary film, Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It. Th event takes place at the Barnes Foundation and will include a live panel discussion with the film’s director and special guests. WURD says, “With Jeffrey Lurie, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as an executive producer, and Paris Barclay directing, the
documentary explores the extraordinary life and career of Billy Preston, one of the most influential yet often overlooked musicians in modern music history. Barclay is widely known for his prolific, award-winning work directing major television series, including ‘NYPD Blue,’ ‘The West Wing,’ ‘Sons of Anarchy,’ and ‘ER,’ bringing both historical insight and emotional depth to Preston’s story.” WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Many people know Billy Preston’s music without knowing Billy Preston’s story. His work is woven into some of the most recognizable music ever recorded, yet his life and legacy are not widely understood. This is exactly why we celebrate Black History Month — to recognize the artists, innovators and cultural figures whose influence we experience every day, even when their stories remain untold.”
campaign. Running throughout February, this critical initiative coincides with the historic 100th anniversary of Black History Month. In an era where Black media faces unprecedented challenges — algorithms that actively silence Black voices, deep fakes and misinformation targeting our communities, and the actual arrest of Black journalists — WURD Radio is an independent platform that remains so due in large part to listener support.” WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax states, “WURD is a place for critical conversations and truth-telling. If we want to preserve Black history, we must preserve WURD. We are watching a coordinated effort to erase our history and silence our people. We cannot let that happen.”
launch of Freedom Journeys, a new multimedia storytelling initiative celebrating pivotal figures in Philadelphia’s past and present. Freedom Journeys, created in partnership with Renee Chenault Fattah and Love Now Media, will highlight 250 iconic Black Philadelphians — living and deceased — whose lives and work have helped shape the city. WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Founder’s Day will be a wonderful evening in a beautiful setting — where we will celebrate my father’s life and legacy, have great food, amazing live music and soul-filling affirmations of our culture. But we also aren’t going to shy away from what’s happening in this country. WURD has never done that, and this year’s Freedom Journeys is both celebration and resistance.”
host city for FIFA World Cup 2026. “Ready, Set, Grow” happens on September 5 at the Barnes Foundation. Through the end of 2025 and into 2026, WURD will feature on-air programming, live panel discussions, and multimedia storytelling to provide entrepreneurs and neighborhood business corridors with the tools they need to thrive. WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Ready, Set, Grow is crafted specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs from across the region who are seeking strategies to leverage the historic momentum of America’s 250th anniversary. We are convening a panel of the experts and decision-makers who are best positioned to share how the small business community can make the most of this moment.” Ready, Set Grow’s panel discussion will feature executives from business and tourism organizations.
WURD, in partnership with Renee Chenault Fattah and Love Now Media, will spotlight 250 iconic Philadelphians in the 250 days leading up to July 4, 2026. The series begins at Founder’s Day with a tribute to Walter P. Lomax Jr., M.D., WURD president and CEO Sara M. Lomax says, “Freedom Journeys is a celebration of the people who have shaped Philadelphia’s culture, history, and future. This storytelling project ensures that significant Philadelphia figures are not overlooked as we mark the semi quincentennial of this nation’s founding. We’re thrilled to launch Freedom Journeys at Founder’s Day and to honor my father’s extraordinary legacy with a night of joy, music, and community.”