Being able to make a living playing the sport you love is something people dream about as little kids. Getting your passions and talents to align with your livelihood is an amazing testament to the amount of hard work, dedication, and perseverance required over time. Many greats have risen in football and some are regarded as the greatest of all time after setting unimaginable records. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s best running back who had a legendary career.

I love listening to music, mainly because of the vast options, unique artists, and incredible vocal and musical performances. The numerous different genres ensure that there is something for everyone, no matter your background, environment, or personal tastes. Artists, producers, and musicians have shaped the industry by embracing their unique flair, opening doors for others aspiring to make it big, inventing new genres, and breaking into spaces that weren’t originally meant for them. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on DJ Quik, a legendary producer who not only influenced West Coast rap in the ‘90s but continues to be a major force in the music industry today. 

There isn’t a meal in this world that I love more than hot wings with lemon pepper sprinkles from American Deli. For a hot minute, I’d get them every single Friday night and I literally never got tired of eating them. The flavor hits for me and sometimes I straight up crave the spicy, yet tangy taste. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the origin of hot wings and how it’s a staple in Black culture.

Brand loyalty can either make or break a company. Having a reliable and predictable customer base ensures that organizations are able to plan for the future, introduce new products, and offer additional services. However, sometimes high level executives lose sight of the plot and allow discrimination and high profit expectations to run a business into the ground. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Cadillac and how Black Americans actually saved it from financial ruin.

It’s amazing how simple trends can morph into cultural influences in a heart beat. With Tiktok, Vine, and Instagram grabbing people’s attention at lightning speed, it’s understandable how seemingly normal things can go on to shape an entire generation. Over time, pop culture and games like Need for Speed, Midnight Club 3, and Gran Turismo have introduced people to the world of hot rods and street racing by showcasing cool cars. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Fast and Furious franchise and its lasting influence on the car market.

Some people choose to ignore morality just to get ahead. Instead of doing the right thing and allowing their work to speak for itself, they manipulate, lie, cheat, steal, and take advantage of people and situations for their own personal gain. Greed and jealousy, two emotions that have influenced human behavior since the beginning of time, whisper lies that certain people are better than others simply because of their skin tone, family lineage, and other attributes that don’t consider merit or ability. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the LaLaurie Mansion Torture Chamber in New Orleans, a sad example of just how far some people are willing to go to maintain their unjust status in society.

Every creative aspires to make a name for themselves. Whether your talent is painting, dancing, singing, or even performing spoken word, it takes time and dedication to rise to the top and become a household name. Oftentimes you have humble beginnings that teaches you resilience and motivates you to maintain your relevance over time. In pop culture, there have been many people who have attempted to make it big, but only a few have actually achieved fame and glory. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Beyoncé, one of the most legendary and iconic entertainers of the 21st century.

It seems that in this day and age, discrimination makes the world go around. From unjust slavery to immoral segregation, Black Americans have fought hard to gain an equal foothold in society. No other group of people have been systemically undermined, sabotaged, or kicked down despite all of their major contributions, inventions, and cultural influence on the world. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Lockheed Martin and how its discrimination has led to multiple lawsuits over time.

March is always an exciting time for basketball. The NCAA tournament has fans excited to fill out brackets and see what team will cut the nets. Similarly, the NBA is heating up and teams are making moves to either secure their playoff bid or move up in the rankings for a more favorable seeding. Players make names for themselves and leave lasting legacies on the game they love. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Jamal Crawford, one of the best ball handlers in basketball.

Like all things, basketball has morphed and evolved over time as players have entered the league and left their mark. Legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, and many others live on well past their playing days and spark debates online about who is rightfully the GOAT. While some players are loved for their on-the-court excellence, others have fought through negative press and stigma like Dennis Rodman, Latrell Sprewell, and Gilbert Arenas just to play the sport they love. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Allen Iverson and the influential impact he left on the league.