Unity is important in advancing a group’s interests politically, economically, and socially. Many times we’ve seen uprisings and movements fail because everyone involved weren’t operating on the same accord. Detractors can originate from amongst the group or they can be manufactured to infiltrate and undermine the group’s efforts. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Kwanzaa and dive into why it’s problematic for Black Americans who built the United States.

The University of Tennessee’s live mascot, Smokey XI, recently retired due to his reserved temperament that made him uncomfortable in public settings. It was reported that he had trained for two years in order to deal with the rambunctious demands of an SEC football program that ranged from attending packed games to making appearances and interacting with fans. While the story is a funny one on the surface, it really serves as a deeper reminder that unfortunately, you can’t force yourself to fit into a square that wasn’t designed for you.

Black Americans have always struggled to gain a foothold economically, socially, and politically in America. From the evil act of slavery to discrimination, generations have had to fight tooth and nail just to have some semblance of peace. Even when smart business owners abided by segregation laws, their organizations were often undermined and sabotaged simply because of their success. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Bruce’s Beach, a successful Black beach resort in California that was unjustly taken by eminent domain.

As winter firmly grasps us in her cold embrace, it’s important to practice some small, but very important routines to ensure your home stays safe and secure during extremely frigid temperatures. Not only does the risk of fires skyrocket during colder months, but there’s always a threat of water pipes freezing over and busting. If you’re anything like me, you don’t mind the cooler temperatures and actually enjoy bundling up in hoodies and warm, soft clothing, but if you’re absolutely against the chill, you’re counting down the days until warmer weather returns.

With the College Football Playoffs right around the corner, there’s little time left to determine which teams will make the bracket. Almost all college athletes dream of the fame and notoriety that comes with being an elite player, but some also hope to win a national championship to solidify their name in history and secure the Heisman, which is annually awarded to the most outstanding athlete. It’s an honor even being selected as a finalist because it shows that a player’s hard work on the field and during practice has led to national attention. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the very first Black American player to win the prestigious award, Ernie Davis.

Recently, I got a front row seat to a gruesome car accident during my afternoon commute home. I was so close that I could’ve easily been pulled into the fray if miniscule details didn’t work out in my favor like my distance from the random glass spilling on the ground and the flying car pieces. It’s safe to say that the Lord definitely protected me that day and I can’t quite describe how grateful I am to have escaped without any damage.

Dogs are truly man’s best friend. There’s no greater joy than basking in the love from a four legged animal that trusts you and relies on you for comfort, warmth, safety, and food. Even when they are misbehaving, you can’t be too harsh on them because they are so cute, cuddly, and fiercely loyal. Some dog breeds like pit bulls have received less than favorable stereotypes over the years because humans have negatively exploited their strength and abused them. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on how pit bulls have always been in the hearts of Americans as a favorite dog breed, despite their polarizing reputation.

I’ve always heard that if you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything. It’s applicable in today’s society as well as historically, since oppressive regimes have been overcome by brave people standing up for themselves. Having the gall to put your livelihood, family, or even your life on the line is an intimidating, but vital part of fighting for change in society. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Creole Mutiny of 1841.

Some things are so bad, you just can’t look away. It’s like watching a plane crash and being completely stuck in place from shock. Some movies and shows are like that and as much as you want to just completely erase it from your mind, something has you hooked so well that you have to see it through. One of the series that has lived rent free in my mind as of late is Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black.

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.