NEW POST EVERY FRIDAY @ 10 AM EST
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NEW POST EVERY FRIDAY @ 10 AM EST 🔔
Historical Spotlight: 1921 Murder Farm Massacre
It’s sometimes easy to fool yourself into thinking that slavery was so long ago. It’s easy to forget just how recent it actually was, especially since people and history books like throwing around 400 years as the benchmark. However, when you really look at the timeline of damaging, dangerous, and deadly incidents like race riots, massacres, and lynchings, you realize that there are people who are still walking this earth who grew up during those times. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the 1921 Murder Farm Massacre that gutted a rural community in Georgia.
Historical Spotlight: Regina King
Actresses can either make or break a show. Even if you have phenomenal writing, sometimes a poor casting decision can completely negate an excellent script. Finding an actress who fits a character’s archetype and has the necessary acting range is extremely difficult since choosing the wrong person can have a detrimental effect on a project’s success. People who are passionate about acting often hope to rise to fame, secure the most coveted awards in the industry, and make a lane for themselves that will withstand the test of time. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Regina King, one of the most notable actresses who has become a national icon.
Historical Spotlight: Xzibit
Pimp My Ride was one of my favorite TV shows when I was a kid. I used to binge-watch every single episode because I had an early interest in driving and I loved seeing how the cast would take a person’s interests and hobbies and incorporate them into a totally tricked out ride. It’s now a nostalgic legend from MTV’s early 2000s reality TV show lineup that probably will never be recreated because of the instantaneous nature of the internet. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Xzibit, the iconic rapper and actor who not only became the face of such a unique moment in pop culture, but also built long-term success and notoriety.
Beauty in Black | Season 3 Review
We all have our guilty pleasures. Some of us indulge in sugary treats while other people are adrenaline junkies. Instead of doom-scrolling, girlies on BookTok fly through upwards of 10 books per month, while movie buffs rush to see every new release. For me, my binging depends on my mood. There are moments when I feel like catching up on Instagram Reels like it’s a newspaper, while other times, I get the inspiration to drown in trashy reality TV shows. Luckily for me, season 3 of Beauty in Black dropped recently, and boy, do I have thoughts.
The Art of Scamming | How Daejon Love Built the Perfect Lie
Every single day, someone falls for a new scam. Whether it’s a legit-looking email asking you to verify your account details or someone attempting to crack your credit card numbers through brute force, it’s hard staying safe on these internet streets. But what happens when you willingly fall for scenarios that are so far-fetched you find yourself ensnarled in a scammer’s net? Join me as we take a deep dive into Daejon Love and how he was able to keep his romance scams going successfully for years before getting caught.
Historical Spotlight: Ludacris
When you’re a child, you naturally gravitate towards certain activities that you find the most interest in. Sometimes it’s reading, sometimes it’s playing a sport, and sometimes it’s more artistic like painting. Having a support system and environment where you can nurture your natural talents and abilities is a blessing that not everyone benefits from but can make a huge impact and influence the trajectory of your life. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Ludacris, an entertainment legend that has impacted rap, movie, and pop culture while showcasing his unique personality.
Historical Spotlight: Chingy
As we inch closer and closer to the turn of another decade, I love being able to look back on old movies, TV shows, and music because it’s always a nostalgic trip down memory lane. When I was in elementary and middle school, I watched movies like Mean Girls and have seen firsthand how those iconic sayings have been incorporated into pop culture. Similarly, I used to sing songs like Mrs. Officer by Lil Wayne when my mom would pick me up from school and every time I hear it now, I get transported back to those simpler times. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Chingy, one of my favorite early 2000’s rappers who has maintained his spot in my rotation for the past 20 years.
When the Math Stops Mathing
People equate cars as part of their status. A luxury or exclusive vehicle can quickly make you into a legend for other car fanatics. However, for the vast majority of us who can’t tell the difference between an alternator and a radiator, we just want a reliable set of wheels that will get us safely from point A to point B. Experiencing car troubles will seriously make you want to pull your hair out, which is why it’s so important to do all you can to minimize them as much as possible.
Historical Spotlight: Nat Turner’s Rebellion
Throughout history, rebellions have been the catalysts for change. From the fall of powerful empires to humanitarian efforts, people around the world have had to fight for better living situations, increased economic opportunities, and even basic human rights. Countless rebellions have faded into obscurity but many remain stamped as valuable lessons in history. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Nat Turner’s Rebellion, one of the most known and largest slave rebellions in the United States.
Historical Spotlight: The Hidden Cost of Integration
Families around the country are gearing up for a brand new school year. From checking off supply lists to meeting faculty during open house, August is a busy time of year. Educators spend a massive amount of time with children and often leave lasting influences on their growth and development. For Black Americans, it’s important that our children are around adults who will advocate for their safety, progression, and well-being while in a school setting. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the impact of integration on the public education system and how it led to over 40,000 Black teachers getting pushed out of the classroom.
Historical Spotlight: Alice Coachman
I was born and raised in a small, country corner of Southwest Georgia and it always brings me joy when I find someone new that’s either from there or simply heard of the area. Even though I’ve moved away, it’s still ingrained in my mannerisms and my dialect can easily morph depending on who I’m talking to. Despite it being so far from Metro Atlanta, there have been many greats born on that land who have made history and influenced Black culture. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Alice Coachman, the very first Black American woman to win a Gold medal in the Olympics.
Historical Spotlight: Daniel Hale Williams
Historically, the healthcare system has been a luxury that often skipped Black Americans. From forced hysterectomies to mutilated bodies, we have been the subjects of many inhumane studies, procedures, and experiments that have led to a long-lasting distrust of the medical system. For a majority of us, we like to rely on holistic medicines and look to nature for healing ailments whenever we can. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Daniel Hale Williams, the Black American doctor who made history as the first surgeon to ever successfully perform open-heart surgery.
Historical Spotlight: Big Tymer$ and Cash Money Records
Black Americans have influenced music, fashion, food, and popularized entire cities single handedly. From Flo-Jo’s daring style that made it cool to rock vibrant, long nails to Jim Brown’s athletic skills showcased on the national stage, there have been numerous contributions that have determined what is considered cool in society. Trendsetters and pioneers created entire lanes that have grown into a rich history that continues to influence newcomers even to this day. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Big Tymer$ and how they influenced a whole genre by popularizing New Orleans hip-hop.
Historical Spotlight: Who Really Benefits from Welfare?
The Black family has been a target for destruction from the early days of slavery, to the rise of single-parent households, and all the way to modern times of mass incarceration. For example, the War on Drugs, extreme racial profiling, and limited civil rights have all forced Black families to make hard decisions and face difficult situations just to provide for their loved ones. There’s an unfair stereotype that Black Americans unproportionately benefit from the federal welfare system more than other demographics. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the history of welfare, the negative stereotypes placed on Black Americans, and who actually benefits the most from the system.
Historical Spotlight: How Pepsi Capitalized on Coca-Cola's Mistakes
There’s nothing I love more than an ice cold Lime Coke Zero. It’s truly a shame that the only time I can enjoy one is when I eat at a restaurant that has a Coke Freestyle machine like Wendy’s and even those have started becoming extinct as stores like Zaxby’s remove them from their menus. I can’t buy a 12-pack of cans in a grocery store, I can’t order it while at a sporting event, and I can’t just randomly enjoy one without going on a wild witch hunt. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Coca-Cola as a company and the discriminatory policies they had toward Black Americans that allowed Pepsi to become a major competitor.
Historical Spotlight: The 1970 Augusta Riot
There are numerous examples of Black Americans putting foot to pavement and fighting for their rights. From the early days of slave rebellions and modern day resistance, no other demographic has had to endure horrid conditions, unfair treatment, and injustice quite like we have. Regardless of the circumstances, we have refused to allow our spirits to be broken and have carried on the good fight for centuries. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the 1970 Augusta Riot, an uprising that shook a Georgia community and led to lasting change.
Historical Spotlight: Florence Griffith Joyner
Within the last year or so, my husband and I have started keeping up with track and field as one of our must-watch sports. His favorite events are the long distance events while I’m partial to the sprinters and relay teams. We watch running videos on YouTube, follow certain athletes on social media, and try to tune in whenever a race is on TV. It doesn’t matter if it’s professionals running for an Olympic gold, an elite marathon runner chasing a PR, or the NCAA Tournament in Oregon, we’re interested and invested in the results. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Flo Jo, the Black American track star who made history as one of the greatest sprinters to ever compete.
Historical Spotlight: Prison Activists Surveillance Program
To a certain extent, this country is built on hypersurveillance, unnecessary policing, and covert operations kept behind curtains. From explicit FBI programs like COINTELPRO to more subtle propaganda, it’s difficult deciphering people’s true intentions. If you have a platform and can inspire people to fight for change, especially in the Black community, you can quickly find yourself classified as a domestic enemy. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Prison Activists Surveillance Program, a covert operation of the FBI to control those in the prison system.
Historical Spotlight: Compton Cowboys
Sometimes, all it takes is one quick encounter to inspire someone. Mentorship and guidance is necessary for everyone, but especially for children and adolescents. During their fundamental years, they are incredibly impressionable and can easily slide into negative habits and crowds. Unfortunately, some decisions made early in life come with long-term consequences. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Compton Cowboys, an inspirational equestrian group that is a positive influence on Black American youth in California.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Movie Review
There are only a few movie franchises that my husband and I must see in theaters. No matter what month or day of release, we’re absolutely making plans to see almost any new Batman, Spiderman, Planet of the Apes, James Bond, and Star Wars movie. We’re all caught up on the lore and truly enjoy the different storylines, so we can’t miss out on a new edition. We recently scheduled a movie date to see The Mandalorian and Grogu on the big screen, the latest and most awaited release from Lucasfilm Studios.