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.

Black Americans have influenced music, fashion, food, and popularized entire cities single handedly. From Flo-Jo’s daring style that made it cool to rock vibrant, long nails to Jim Brown’s athletic skills showcased on the national stage, there have been numerous contributions that have determined what is considered cool in society. Trendsetters and pioneers created entire lanes that have grown into a rich history that continues to influence newcomers even to this day. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Big Tymer$ and how they influenced a whole genre by popularizing New Orleans hip-hop.

The Black family has been a target for destruction from the early days of slavery, to the rise of single-parent households, and all the way to modern times of mass incarceration. For example, the War on Drugs, extreme racial profiling, and limited civil rights have all forced Black families to make hard decisions and face difficult situations just to provide for their loved ones. There’s an unfair stereotype that Black Americans unproportionately benefit from the federal welfare system more than other demographics. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the history of welfare, the negative stereotypes placed on Black Americans, and who actually benefits the most from the system.

There’s nothing I love more than an ice cold Lime Coke Zero. It’s truly a shame that the only time I can enjoy one is when I eat at a restaurant that has a Coke Freestyle machine like Wendy’s and even those have started becoming extinct as stores like Zaxby’s remove them from their menus. I can’t buy a 12-pack of cans in a grocery store, I can’t order it while at a sporting event, and I can’t just randomly enjoy one without going on a wild witch hunt. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Coca-Cola as a company and the discriminatory policies they had toward Black Americans that allowed Pepsi to become a major competitor.

There are numerous examples of Black Americans putting foot to pavement and fighting for their rights. From the early days of slave rebellions and modern day resistance, no other demographic has had to endure horrid conditions, unfair treatment, and injustice quite like we have. Regardless of the circumstances, we have refused to allow our spirits to be broken and have carried on the good fight for centuries. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the 1970 Augusta Riot, an uprising that shook a Georgia community and led to lasting change.

Within the last year or so, my husband and I have started keeping up with track and field as one of our must-watch sports. His favorite events are the long distance events while I’m partial to the sprinters and relay teams. We watch running videos on YouTube, follow certain athletes on social media, and try to tune in whenever a race is on TV. It doesn’t matter if it’s professionals running for an Olympic gold, an elite marathon runner chasing a PR, or the NCAA Tournament in Oregon, we’re interested and invested in the results. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Flo Jo, the Black American track star who made history as one of the greatest sprinters to ever compete.

To a certain extent, this country is built on hypersurveillance, unnecessary policing, and covert operations kept behind curtains. From explicit FBI programs like COINTELPRO to more subtle propaganda, it’s difficult deciphering people’s true intentions. If you have a platform and can inspire people to fight for change, especially in the Black community, you can quickly find yourself classified as a domestic enemy. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Prison Activists Surveillance Program, a covert operation of the FBI to control those in the prison system.

Sometimes, all it takes is one quick encounter to inspire someone. Mentorship and guidance is necessary for everyone, but especially for children and adolescents. During their fundamental years, they are incredibly impressionable and can easily slide into negative habits and crowds. Unfortunately, some decisions made early in life come with long-term consequences. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Compton Cowboys, an inspirational equestrian group that is a positive influence on Black American youth in California.