Meeting Black Female Leaders, Past and Present

As a news broadcaster and host of Studio 2 on WHYY, Cherri Gregg knows the power of using one’s voice. Through her work, she aims to bring people together through conversation and celebrate the stories of everyday heroes. During Black History Month (BHM), Gregg met with students at Germantown Friends School to share about her career path and that of renowned congresswoman and orator Barbara Jordan.

Jordan is the subject of a newly released film, The Inquisitor, airing on PBS. Gregg’s stop at GFS was one of several planned to bring Jordan’s story out into the community and raise awareness about her impact among young people. Through sharing her own and Jordan’s experiences, Gregg inspired students to stand up to unfairness, take pride in their talents, persevere when they fail, and never forget their friends and life beyond work.

“The theme and focus of this year’s Black History Month was Black Excellence, and we studied both historical Black leaders from a variety of fields, and also invited accomplished alumni and community members to campus to talk with students,” said Dr. Zarah Adams, Director of Community Engagement at GFS. “It’s empowering for them to see possibility through the journeys others have travelled. At the same time, they get the opportunity to expand their community.”

In the morning, Gregg met with Lower School and Middle School girls who are part of GFS’ affinity group for students of color in the Friends Free Library to read the illustrated book by Chris Barton, What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? This biography captured some of the influential points in Jordan’s childhood that drove her extraordinary career. As Gregg brought the story to life, she made sure to pause and ask the students to reflect on relatable moments–everything from forging friendships with those who are different from you to speaking up when you witness a wrong.

At lunchtime, over in the All School Commons, members of Sistahs, the Upper School affinity group for female students of color, gathered to talk with Gregg. Many had recently attended a screening of The Inquisitor. The film highlights Jordan’s talent in building relationships, going out of her way to cross the political aisle to represent her constituents. She was also known for her resilience. In her run for office, she fought racial and gender barriers, losing twice before succeeding on her third try. Gregg encouraged the students to take inspiration from these experiences and asked for their thoughts.

“I feel like if you believe in yourself, then that can take you really far,” said Precious Eshiet ’27. “It gives you the confidence to keep going no matter what others do or say.”

“She was speaking not just for herself, but for a group of people,” said Purple Kolker-Brown ’27. “That helps you move forward if you realize it’s for others, and you're not just speaking for one person. You also realize that you're speaking for your time, you're speaking for people who can't really speak for themselves.”

Against the backdrop of Jordan’s extraordinary life and career, and Gregg’s warm and candid presence, the students opened up one-by-one. Before breaking for lunch, they capped the meeting by proclaiming their strengths and talents—dancing, basketball, math, wrestling, spoken word, being good with people—to the exuberant cheers of their classmates. It was an unplanned but fitting tribute to a woman who stayed true to herself as she sought to lift up others.

“One of the most inspiring moments of my visit to Germantown Friends School was witnessing the self-esteem and confidence of the young women at GFS,” said Gregg. “Listening to them speak about their gifts with both pride and humility—and seeing them cheer one another on with genuine joy—was powerful. It’s proof that when young women are given the right community, like the one created through Sistahs, they don’t just grow individually—they rise together.”

Check out a snapshot of Gregg’s GFS visit:

The Inquisitor is available to watch on the PBS app and at a free screening on March 18 presented by WHYY and the Philadelphia NAACP. Go to WHYY.org/events to register.