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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.