The 4th of July commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence which established the United States as a separate country from Great Britain. As we celebrate America’s 249th birthday, it’s important to remember not only the good things of how the nation came together against adversity, but to also acknowledge the negative side that left an entire demographic enslaved, segregated, and unjustly targeted. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the brave Black Americans who helped build this country into the Land of the Free that it is known as today.

Running is one of the best forms of cardio to get in shape, and helps ensure your heart stays strong enough to pump healthy oxygen throughout your body. It has a low-cost barrier of entry, lots of different varieties, and even gives you a rush of endorphins once you’re done. Getting good at running, no matter if it’s long distance or short, requires much time, effort, training, and discipline. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on one of the greatest runners, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

Sometimes change is as quiet as a mouse, but sometimes change is as loud as a firework. During the Civil Rights Movement, there were many different organizations, tactics, and leaders who all ultimately pushed for better conditions for Black Americans. Each activist had their own methods of demanding justice which combined to create effective policy change and legacies. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on one of the most influential civil rights leaders of the time, Stokely Carmichael.

The fight for equal rights, treatment, and justice has always been marked by loud revolutionaries like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks who fearlessly put their lives on the line. However, bold demonstrations like the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama, weren’t the only times Black Americans were fighting for change. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on an organization called The Albany Movement which was formed to eradicate segregation in Southwest Georgia.

The Last of Us Season 2 dropped on HBO Max on April 13th and picked right up with Ellie’s storyline after the first season. The season received super low approvals from Rotten Tomatoes and even dropped as low as 39% after the sixth episode. The fourth episode was the lowest-rated on IMDb with over 20% giving it a 1/10. From what I’ve personally seen, opinions have been split between viewers enjoying the TV adaptation and viewers hating it even more than the controversial game.  

For most Black Americans, it’s historically been a struggle to access equitable and quality education. From being denied the ability to read and write during the days of slavery to the more modern white flight phenomenon of hoarding better resources, it’s always been an uphill battle to enrich the minds of a demographic that’s been unjustly discriminated against. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Ruby Bridges, the brave young girl who helped desegregate schools in Louisiana.

Andor Season 2 dropped on Disney+ on April 22nd and concluded the adventures of Cassian Andor before he stepped into his role as a rebel leader in Rogue One. The series received a 96% from Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.6 out of 10 from IMDb. From what I’ve personally seen, the consensus has leaned more positive than negative, which is a plus in today’s age of Star Wars. From shootouts to stolen ships to life-threatening secrets, the season was packed full of action! 

It’s insane that my fur babies are almost five years old. I remember the day we got them and I uttered the infamous words, “I’ve never had a brown dog before”, while holding Nala. I remember when Sasha would rest her head in the middle of my chest before bedtime, and I would rub the back of her neck to soothe her before making her go in her cage. I don’t realize how fast time flies until I look through my Fur Babies photo album and pay attention to the dates.

Resistance movements are often filled with young people striving to create a better society. Throughout history, young, Black Americans have picked up the fight for equality and better treatment. From those hidden voices during slavery to the loud bold ones of modern day, there has always been a spirit to push back against injustices. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Sammy Younge Jr., the very first Black American college student to be murdered due to his support of the Civil Rights Movement.

Flying is a luxury often taken for granted today. Before the convenience of hopping on a jumbo jet and flying over large bodies of water or terrain, the world was vastly unconnected or required long voyages on boats. Black Americans have created vital inventions, innovations, and engineering advancements throughout history that unfortunately haven’t been properly compensated, commemorated, or credited. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on John Charles Robinson, a self-taught pilot who made a worldwide impact.