Rich vs Wealthy for Speakers:
Rich vs Wealthy for Speakers explained. Dr. Willie Jolley shares how intellectual property and ownership help build generational wealth beyond speaking fees.
Melba Moore on Broadway:
A Full-Circle Moment with a Tony Award–Winning Pioneer Speaking to Melba Moore about her start on Broadway was more than an interview for me, it was a full-circle moment with a Tony Award–winning pioneer who helped kick open doors for Black actresses in American theater. When I sat down with Melba Moore, I wasn’t just […]
Press Freedom and Racism: How Systems Silence Truth
Press freedom and racism are often discussed separately, but they are deeply connected. In recent days, many people have shared images of the Obamas in response to a racist image posted on the President’s social media platform. That public reaction matters. But racism is not limited to offensive images, language, or moments of viral outrage. […]
Why Don’t We Learn About Robert Smalls in School?
Robert Smalls stole a Confederate ship, freed his family and crew, delivered that ship to Union forces during the Civil War, and later became a United States Congressman.This essay explores why we don’t learn about Robert Smalls in school and what his absence from classrooms reveals about how American history has been taught. When I […]
David Walker Then & Now: How Names Shape Legacy and Identity
When I was a kid, people would always joke and associate my name with “Esther” from Sanford & Son, the television comedy series. At first, I didn’t like it because I didn’t see the connection. But as I grew older, I realized that people were simply making a connection to something familiar—something that made them […]
Power of Storytelling: Dr. Julius Garvey on Justice and Legacy
As Black History Month unfolds, the enduring impact and power of storytelling in shaping our history is vividly illustrated through my recent dialogue with Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the legendary Marcus Garvey. This conversation, featured on Leading While Black on The Black Information Network, provided profound insights into the role of narrative in justice […]
Protecting Your Emotional Well-Being from Triggering News
Tips to Manage Emotional Triggers and Stay Balanced In the last three days since the inauguration, there has been a flood of emotionally triggering news coming out of Washington, D.C. As a journalist, I was taught early on to “deal with the emotion” and soldier on stoically, no matter how difficult the story. Many of […]
How Storytelling Connects, Leads, and Inspires Action
Lessons from BLK and Dr. Laverne Haynes Collins on using stories to build trust, uplift communities, and drive impact. This Martin Luther King Day, some DC residents have chosen to leave town. And the reasons are varied but the message one marketing manager says is clear. Today’s blog highlights how you can use storytelling to […]
Black Millennial and Gen Z Voters Ignored
Lessons from the 2024 Election Cycle As we kick off a new year, I’m diving into some hard-hitting political analysis that sheds light on the recent electoral shake-ups. In this special episode, I sat down with Dr. Alvin B. Tillery, a renowned political strategist. Together we dissect the 2024 elections—where unexpected rhythms led to unexpected […]
Your REAL ID: My Journey, Tips, and the Power of Storytelling
Here’s What You Need to Know Before the REAL ID Deadline If you’re planning to travel in the U.S. after May, 2025, word is you’ll need a REAL ID to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. Trust me—it’s better to start the process early. My recent trip to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission taught […]
How My Father Taught Me the Power of Resilience and Mindset
Resilience and Mindset can change your world Before my father passed away over a decade ago, he shared a story that profoundly shaped my understanding of resilience and mindset. It was about his time in the army and a life-altering experience during a training exercise. While parachuting from a plane, something went terribly wrong. His parachute […]