When I was younger, I always classified myself as an extrovert. I thought I liked talking to people, being involved in all kinds of clubs and organizations, and constantly wanted to have multiple conversations going on at once across a multitude of social media apps. I never truly felt like I was as popular as I thought I wanted to be since I was always seen as the smart girl in school, and we all know there’s an unspoken ceiling to just how cool you can be with that title.

There are a lot of conspiracy theories on the internet. They range from mundane topics like the quality of tap water to extremist topics like planning coups to overtake the government. Some are totally insane and have no real leg to stand on, but others have a semblance of truth that makes you question if what you think you know is really true. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the covert operations of COINTELPRO.

From the beginning of time, Black Americans have had integral roles in creating, inventing, and developing many of the modern luxuries we take for granted today. Unfortunately, many of the early Black pioneers weren’t credited for their hard work. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Nathan “Nearest” Green, the master distiller who created the original recipe for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey.

Being on code is one of the most important and powerful things a socioeconomic group can do in society. Not only does it foster camaraderie amongst individuals, but it also sends a message to the powers that be. Throughout history, Black Americans have had to rely on each other to fight through adversity in hopes of receiving equal treatment. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott and its long lasting economic and social impacts.

Going to school without fear of being targeted solely based on your race is a modern luxury that many fought and lost their lives for. Desegregation created volatile and oftentimes deadly mobs that stood in the way of integration of public schools and institutions. The Little Rock Nine were one example of just how dangerous integration actually was for many young Black Americans pursuing an education. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Medgar Evers, a civil rights activist who fought for change in Mississippi.

It’s the day after my 27th birthday, and whoever said when you start getting older, the years start flying, wasn’t lying. I’ll try not to get too sentimental, but it’s honestly difficult not to when I remember all the different phases of my life that I’ve gone through to make me into the person I’m proud of today. In true Jessica Marie fashion, I like to stay lowkey and out the mix as much as possible. To celebrate 10/10, I’d like to share 10 of my favorite memories from this past year. 

Staying healthy is a lifelong journey. There’s no definitive deadline for when you can begin to improve your health, and there are numerous studies, life coaches, personal trainers, nutritionists, and even doctors that can affect your health both positively and negatively. Healing, and the medical industry as a whole, has increasingly become a polarizing topic. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on one of the most well-known herbalist healers, Dr. Sebi.

Being an adult is tricky, especially when trying to be a responsible adult. There are often times when I’d love to completely change my life, but because of my pre-existing responsibilities, I have to be more strategic with the moves I make. While I don’t think dreams always have to be put on the backburner, it’s important to learn the beauty of timing that makes sense.

Life and death can happen in an instance and completely change our world. There’s no way to predict when a loved one will transition to Heaven, which is why it’s so important to give people their flowers every time we have the opportunity. We have to keep their memory alive even after death. Join me as we give an Earthly farewell to two greats who recently transitioned to Heaven, James Earl Jones and Frankie Beverly.

Racing is a popular sport around the world and has multiple different divisions for spectators to enjoy. No matter if it’s Formula One, NASCAR, IndyCar, or LMP, the object of the race remains the same - to cross the finish line first. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Black American Racers Association (BARA).