Change often comes with revolt. From the beginning of history, change is usually brought on not only by tyrannical regimes, but also by unfair and inequitable social situations. From slave revolts to George Floyd protests, Black Americans are no strangers to putting their lives on the line to fight for better treatment and conditions. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the New Orleans Black workers’ strike, which became one of the very first integrated strikes in American history.

Power is often determined by financial strength in society. The famous saying, “Money talks” has always been a way to justify special privileges just based on a person’s wealth. For centuries, Black Americans were denied the liberties to make their own money, buy property, operate businesses, and were even forced to pay different prices just because of their skin tone. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Capital Savings Bank, the very first Black-owned bank in the United States.

During the 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement was heating up and many different organizations were formed to fight for and advance the rights of Black Americans. Ideals ranged from nonviolent protests to more direct methods of confrontation. Almost all of the organizations that were designed for change were infiltrated, undermined, and outright targeted by the government, which ultimately stalled forward progress. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Black Panther Party, one of the most well-known revolutionary organizations of its time.

When his active basketball days were officially behind him, Michael Jordan didn’t just fade into obscurity. Timely business moves led to lucrative endorsement deals that ultimately helped push him even higher and higher as a celebrity. He’s one of only a handful of other players who have bridged over from a professional athlete into a successful business man with various investments. Join me as we conclude the Historical Spotlight Series on Michael Jordan and dive into just how he cemented himself into a popular, household name.

Like most legendary players, Michael Jordan wasn’t satisfied with just one win. He wanted to stay at the top for as long as possible and relied on his drive, work ethic, and competitiveness to keep improving towards success. While he faced some challenges along the way, he continued to persevere to play the sport he loved. His performance on the court was a testament to all the sacrifice, training, and time he put in to be number one. Join me as we continue the Historical Spotlight Series on Michael Jordan. 

Basketball is a sport enjoyed by millions around the world. It requires practice, time, dedication, and oftentimes sacrifice to become one of the elites who continue to spark debates well past their retirement. From layups to jumpshots, players work hard to make themselves known for their athletic ability. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight Series on one of, if not the best, basketball player in the world, Michael Jordan. 

Black Americans are known both domestically and internationally for their fashion style. As a whole, we set trends, validate what’s popping, and define pop culture. Worldwide, there are cultures, societies, and people who try to emulate the natural fly style and grace that many Black Americans embody on a daily basis. We’ve always been the ones making things hot, so join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on just how blue jeans were created.

My husband is a bicycle enthusiast. It’s one of his favorite ways to exercise and he’s super knowledgeable about the parts, brands, YouTube content creators, professional cyclists, and racing events. He’s so tapped in that he even has his very own bike trainer so he can simulate riding outside when weather conditions and time commitments aren’t ideal. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Black Buffalo soldiers who shared my husband’s passion and biked across America in the late 1800s.

The Civil Rights Movement was a volatile time in American history when the Black American community put foot to pavement to fight for their rights and better treatment. Many lives were lost, including notorious ones like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, and even regular, everyday people who got caught in the crossfire. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Memphis Sanitation Strike, a response to an unfortunate situation that could’ve been completely avoided.

Some voices are so iconic that you can immediately identify them no matter how much time has passed since you last heard them. Legends like Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Prince, and others have impacted Black American culture with their distinct voices and timeless songs. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on El DeBarge. another voice that has withstood the test of time.

Freedom for Black American slaves didn’t happen all at once. Despite the Emancipation Proclamation being delivered in January 1893, slavery continued in the Deep South untouched for multiple months and even years later. Slaveowners didn’t willingly give up control and feared that the infrastructure, which heavily relied on manual labor, would collapse. While we’re aware of national celebrations like Juneteenth that have grown in notoriety over the years, join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on one of the smaller celebrations of freedom local to Tennessee and Kentucky that is still revered today.