Julia Cadwallender is the Managing Director at Read By 4th. With her work at Read By 4th, Julia is leading Philadelphia’s early literacy movement as being champions to strengthen Philly’s early literacy ecosystem through the lenses of families, communities and systems.

Julia joins Dr. Peterson on Evening WURDs's new segment Philly Reads to discuss what Read By 4th is, it's mini-grant program, the PA Literacy Summit & Black Literacy Matter conference, and the early literacy crisis.

Julia Cadwallender - Evening WURDs 4.7.25

Julia Cadwallender, Managing Director of Read By 4th, is an advocate for Philadelphia’s young readers. Andrea Blassingame is a Reading Captain and parent who advocates for literacy and inclusive education. Andrea has experience speaking to legislative teams in Harrisburg about why we need funding to support structured literacy and appropriate support so that all children can read.

They both joined Dr. Peterson for the Philly Reads segment on Evening WURDs to discuss bipartisan literacy bills that just hit the Pennsylvania House and Senate, PA Literacy Coalition Capital Day, and more.

Julia Cadwallender & Andrea Blassingame - Evening WURDs 5.5.25

Julia Cadwallender is the Managing Director of Read By 4th. Elizabeth Cieri is the Director of Program Design & Development at the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. They both join Dr. Peterson for the Philly Reads segment on Evening WURDs to discuss Summer Literacy opportunities for the Philadelphia youth.

Philly Reads - Evening WURDs 6.2.25

WURD Radio is the only African-American owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania, and one of few in the country. Taking a multimedia approach – on-air, online and in the community – WURD is widely recognized as the pulse of the African-American community locally, regionally, and nationally. From mayoral races to presidential elections, from the street corner to the corner suite, WURD has tackled the hard issues as an influential, respected and powerful voice in the marketplace.

New tracks tagged #philly reads