Springtime Edition: April 2026

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Folks are happy to see and feel Spring in the air! After a rough winter for some, there’s higher temps at the end of the tunnel. Meantime, the National Weather Service is already giving a heads-up on the hurricane season. They’re predicting “high levels of uncertainty” due to turbulent weather patterns, while noting a less-than-average number of storms might be expected.

So, as you start thinking about summer travel, even with the drama around TSA funding affecting airport lines, you can look-in on this issue for a sense of calm along with upbeat content. The Island Vibes column reminds us of our past, as seen through family history of NBA legend Chris Paul, and pop music star Lizzo. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

It’s hard to tell whether we’re “coming or going” as a country towards what’s being billed as ‘America 250’, the celebration of America’s 250^th birthday. Sometimes it feels like we’re in quicksand, or as others might say, “deep do-do”. Over the coming months we’ll have a chance to assess how far we have come, whether as a family or as a nation, while considering areas that need a reboot.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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The Family Line Mission/Purpose Statement

“Joining hands and hearts across old-timers and next gens to make family connections feel more real, with courage to change and humility to heal.”

Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “Who Knew Michael Jackson Was a Fan of ‘Mr. Luva Luva’?”

Some fans can’t get enough of their favorite music artist. There’s something about the connection, maybe even the attraction that grows between song and fan. Pop music plays a big part in culture because as the saying goes, “music brings people together, no matter the weather.” Even if you don’t fully know the words, there’s the hook, the lyrics the groove that kinda put you in a flow.

Maybe that’s why movie studio execs are always trying to resurrect Michael Jackson and his music catalog. With the latest movie project release, fans will be reminded of his musical genius. There’s even the dance move, aka the moonwalk, that has become signature for other artists like Usher Raymond and Chris Brown, the new R&B duo.

On a recent episode of the ‘Sherri’ daytime talk show, Shaggy revealed a flashback with Michael. At the 30^th anniversary concert and TV Special for Michael held at Madison Square Gardens in 2001, Shaggy heard Michael wanted to see him. At first Shaggy thought it was a prank but was soon rubbing shoulders with the King of Pop. Michael was impressed with one of Shaggy’s popular songs and gave him props.

Maybe to this day that’s left a mark on Shaggy and so lately he’s got a new project with Robin Thicke. They’ve been doing the music release tour across every powerhouse radio station that you might think of. It was Shaggy who first approached Thicke about collaborating. That link-up led to the track ‘Looking Lovely’ which is in rotation everywhere. Who knew Michael was a fan of the dancehall ‘Luva Man’?

Media tour: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/z_rnE79UL1U 

Visit to the ‘Sherri’ Talk Show: https://youtu.be/FaSa2uz6Wu4?si=H_oIluleXoohVDQB

New track: https://youtu.be/gqG1OyRjrSY?si=xxwNiVFH2BJNP54E

Lead Story: “A Level-up in Education at a Premier Institution!”

Well, the college basketball March Madness is a wrap. As some commentators like to say, “there’s nothing like it.” We had the chance to watch the men’s Final Four where Michigan took the crown. But before that was the women’s Final Four where UCLA won it all. The level of skill and teamwork always offers great life lessons, and maybe even a moment to shed a tear. The achievement is top-notch.

While that just went down, we got word from Family Line member Serge, that cuz Bernard Rousseau also has something to cheer about. He landed the position as Marilyn and Morgan Davies Dean of the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Texas Christian University. As Dean, he’ll build upon Harris College’s renowned nursing and health science enterprise for its next phase of growth and development.

Rousseau is very accomplished with more than 20 years of experience in leadership roles at three Top 100 institutions: Vanderbilt University, University of Pittsburgh and Saint Louis University. “Dr. Rousseau possesses an insightful understanding of academic leadership and a strong commitment to student success,” said Floyd L. Wormley Jr., TCU provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

“My vision for Harris College is to be a national leader in health sciences education and student success and retention. I look forward to joining TCU to lead the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences and support its faculty, staff, learners and alumni,” Rousseau said. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s in communicative disorders from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Management in Health Care from Vanderbilt University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Shoutout to cuz Bernard who begins at TCU on June 30^th.

Island Vibes: With Scoops of Roots & Culture from the Diaspora

From sharecropping to market shares as a legacy of the ‘Black to America’ story and NBA legend Chris Paul’s family line. https://youtu.be/Q4OIm82AMSQ?si=nGeq-o-JaHSI6zQZ

Who knew that Irish history is celebrated with a St Patrick’s Day parade on the island of Montserrat?https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV-sNrHCMQL/?igsh=MTdpcWZxeHQxczJhYg==

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An example of family separation after failed repatriation to Africa that happened to Lizzo’s family. https://youtu.be/z-S0mnSBjRc?si=ZLTJNfZ6AJCuOlqA

Family Feature: “Taking Flight by First Taking Notes”

It was another chance to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee pilots as our own Family Line members Devon and Samatha Mitchell from Black Women in Aviation produced their annual commemoration Expo. This year it was held at Delaware State University, an HBCU. This parentship was significant because the University played a key role through its Civilian Pilots Training Program during World War II.

On hand were students, program administrators, community members and public officials. According to WHYY Online, the event featured aviation workshops, exhibits and a screening of “Red Tails,” a 2012 film about the Tuskegee Airmen and their service during World War II. The expo is meant to connect the achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen in modern aviation opportunities and career pathways.

Among the presenters was Devon who had the students’ attention. He has a passion for helping people find and connect mission and purpose. The HBCU’s aviation programs are similarly focused on training not only future pilots but also other personnel in the aviation industry. They’ve gone from having a handful of planes to now wholly owning a 25-aircraft fleet and 206 students in the program.

According to Shaun White from HBCU News Online, the event brought together two historic institutions that once stood as the only educational opportunities for African Americans in Delaware: Delaware State University and Howard High School of Technology. The event was a powerful full-circle moment honoring history, legacy, and progress, united in celebration of excellence, resilience, and achievement.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Our chief usefulness to humanity rests on combining power with higher purpose.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“Life is not linear. When you are presented with opportunities, take them. And when you aren’t, go find them.” – Emma Bloomberg

“It’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about what you’ve done.” – Denzel Washington

Good Stuff: “In Sync with the Sistas!”

Ya’ll heard, right? Another Family Line member has joined the ‘Greek Letter’ ranks. This time it isn’t someone from the younger generation. It’s Nichelle joining ‘Delta Land’ and being in sync with the sistas! The history of fraternities and sororities has been long established as those who saw an opportunity for civic engagement and social impact. Many recognized names are among that number.

For Nichelle, maybe it was the feeling of camaraderie that got her attention. She says the experience brought her a renewed sense of identity and unity of spirit. While for young folks it might feel like a chance to be among the ‘hip crowd’, for those older it’s more like being a part of the ‘trip crowd’. Each year life takes us on a trip around the sun, and the older one gets the more significant that reality becomes.

So Nichelle, now that you’re a ‘Delta’, how are you going to celebrate? Well, some of that has already happened with their recent line dance performance. But there’s something else that seems to have taken shape. Each member of her family has found a way to be involved with a social organization. Collectively, there’s dad who’s a Mason, their son who’s a Kappa, with mom and daughter as Deltas.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

The well-known Jamaican comedian Oliver Samuels received a rousing welcome on a recent trip to Ghana, Africa. We know that many African countries have a love for Bob Marley’s music, and there’s also a strong connection to the overall culture itself. Checkout his airport welcome party.
https://www.threads.com/@kspecial676/post/DW_rmPbjgeS?xmt=AQF07QTMJlag0I0glGTv5Md4hdbQraJfKGbrtqr-2f7Tdg

Anyone heard about the latest Jamaican patty brand called ‘Tosh’? Not sure if it gets the name from reggae legend Peter Tosh, but folks are giving it high marks. Here’s more if interested.
https://www.threads.com/@toshspatties/post/DWNUfsSjZ3t?xmt=AQF0r6lBkbMoylYQc_PXyO0htLm8BHT3OQ6xYX0tbboHfA

For those looking to step-up their game with making Jamaican cuisine, here’s a recipe for fried dumplings. Some folks can make it from scratch, like Chef Briscoe. But doing it from the box will work too.

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Look who’s celebrating a milestone birthday? Whitney (center with glasses) and her cousins met up for dinner recently and they snapped this one for the memories. For context, it’s said a picture is worth a thousand words. So, who’s ready to start counting?

The breaking news was that the NASA spacecraft Artemis II made history in traveling to the farthest point in space yet. They launched an historic moon voyage with astronaut Victor Glover on board as the pilot. Here he is with his lovely family, and a quick look at his story.
https://www.threads.com/@veronica.nwosu.3/post/DW9oUBominH?xmt=AQF0KrUAEhfOjTRHBGwKqvx1aGe9oK-fs8ZQSuV_DBRddw

Megan Thee Stallion likes to call her fans ‘Hotties’. Well, here’s a flashback pic of a different hottie from her younger days. Who guessed right on these pics of Donnice?

Track stars Noah Lyles and Junelle Bromfield tied the knot on April 4^th. The high-end venue and special occasion captured by Essence Magazine, was fit for the union of two celebrated athletes as they bridged their American-Jamaican backgrounds. Congrats to the newlyweds on their fancy first dance.
https://www.threads.com/@stanlophotography/post/DW8_8wFlhHm?xmt=AQF0blgC4RMTXCg2OJNr5hlUaIM0A-iuSv0BpvFJLcryglX5ZukE50G1pCB9yqpC9Xwbgc7K&slof=1

The High School track & field ‘Champs’ just wrapped up in Jamaica, and you know what’s next. For the fans heading to the Penn Relays, we all know that Jamaican teams gonna bring it. So, look out for my old high school, Wolmer’s Boys. They even have their own social media promo.

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There’s a new feature on Android phones that helps you ‘sniff out’ text messages that are a potential scam. Go to the text message then hold the home button for three seconds or more. This feature allows you to circle the area of the text message on the screen and the AI tool will explain whether it’s a scam.

Lastly, folks in Florida got a kick out of the recent roller coaster weather where the temps were up one day and tumbled the next. Here’s a graphic for how they felt.

Smile Emoji

A down-south resurrection re-enactment!
https://www.threads.com/@god1stest2010tm/post/DWxx6HRgl9Z?xmt=AQF003Y1XgnqbUTf_btLjGTzCVdB2xhRlxH5b-Vgi3n6bw

A fall, a roll, but thankfully saved by a good Samaritan.
https://www.threads.com/@meesowcorny/post/DWu8qwTCI_B?xmt=AQF0AEUeFIRX13xapR2yoxEs1_B_TuVltNFGOcTaUITSpQ

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Comfort Foods While Watching Breakout Moves!”

The NASA Artemis II space crew returned home not long after the NCAA March Madness gave us a full dose of excitement and exhilaration. While the men’s tournament had some spectacular games, the women’s tournament gave us that and more. These days there’s a certain ‘fullness’ to the fan experience from watching the women level-up their game.

The UConn women’s team had an amazing season but fell short in not advancing to the finals. There was some sideline drama in the UConn vs South Carolina game which ended on a sour note. It seems the UConn coach took issue with getting beat, which then caused some disrespect towards the Carolina coach. It was a moment that distracted us from the spirit of the game. Thankfully we got past that drama.

We watched UCLA win a decisive game to earn the big prize. During these times we enjoy comfort foods but watch breakout moves. Whether it’s the history making voyage of Artemis II or the great performances during the whole of March Madness, it seems sports as well as science and technology keep pushing us to new heights. But whether in some family situations or world affairs we’re still dealing with drama.

A big takeaway from the UCLA coach’s post-game interview came when she choked up and said she’s proud of the team because “it’s not simply what you become as a player, but in character as a person.” That message might apply not just to sports, but in family dynamics as well as the social/political world. We go to the far reaches of sports and space but still struggle to live peacefully on earth or homebase.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Ari Lennox & Buju Banton – Company – https://youtu.be/QnUDjQTSHBQ?si=6JhGX9a8Qj1cSNPt

Protoje Ft Shenseea – Goddess – https://youtu.be/DZxIShnYG-M?si=xAa-UPfKEahPiw7U

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

‘Herstory’ Edition: March 2026

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

What happens when Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day collide? You get to learn from ‘Herstory’! That’s some of what you can expect in this month’s edition as we also welcome the extra sunlight hours of having Daylight Savings Time. With the Lent season in full stride and Easter around the corner, is America ready to see the light?

While we ponder that thought, this month’s Lead Story puts the spotlight on Yasmine from the Salami family and her ‘Dream Africa: Cultural Exchange’ program. In the ‘Life & Times Flava’ column we revisit the question, “are leaders born or made?” and pose a new one, “are you a follower or influencer?” Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

Last month we shared the legacy of the late Dr. Gladys West, a key player in developing GPS Technology. This month you might reflect on Rosa Parks or Harriet Tubman, two women from bygone eras whose life’s work remind us that it’s not simply about your sex, but about how you flex your influence. Women can be known for sexual appeal in music/movies or their appeal to the sexes in life.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Thank you for your response. ✨

The Family Line Mission/Purpose Statement

“Joining hands and hearts across old-timers and next gens to make family connections feel more real, with courage to change and humility to heal.”

Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “An NBA All-star and Emerging Powerhouse in Basketball Recruiting”

The stars were out in full effect at the recent NBA all-star weekend in LA, as some fans still feel like the game is going through changes. With the 3-point shot taking over offensive plays/strategy, some say the NBA has work to do. One area that’s been a sore spot is how the all-star game has lost its appeal. So, NBA HQ came up with a new format of ‘USA vs the World’. But are die-hard fans loving it?

They say it’s two different worlds and styles of play. Well, while things play out on that front, others are getting in the game. Just ask first-time NBA all-star Norman Powell of the Miami Heat. He was on the ‘World’ team repping Jamaica, which for some was a surprise. What was later learned is that he’s been working with the Jamaican national basketball squad on qualifying for international competition.

It’s as if Jamaica is positioning itself to enter the chat around basketball, as they did with the winter sport bobsled. What’s the next movie gonna be called? Even Usain Bolt seems to have his eyes on the game. He was recently spotted at an ‘Unrivaled’ game in Texas. During a sideline interview, he mentioned being a fan and potential investor. Maybe track & field has fresh competition outside the lanes.

We know track & field college recruiters have had their eyes on Jamaican athletes for a long time. The thinking now is it won’t be long before basketball recruiters gonna be landing in Kingston or Montego Bay to checkout the rising stars on the island. Powell will bring even more clout now that he’s an all-star. Plus, he’ll have a signed jersey as a souvenir to prove.

For now, here’s more background on Powell and basketball as an emerging powerhouse in the Caribbean. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUZGU_ZkW2B/

Lead Story: “Hey ‘Diaspora’, Meet ‘Dream Africa’ Cultural Exchange!”

Here’s one of those moments that makes The Family Line Portal proud. A few years ago, on a cruise vacation, my wife met someone from Togo Africa. They struck up a warm connection, which later blossomed into regular chats. Now, it’s like being part of the Salami family from Togo, Africa, who invited us to their family reunion three years ago.

Well, it’s that time again, but it also comes with the third anniversary of the ‘Dream Africa’ Cultural Exchange. What we experienced when our family visited Yasmine and the Salami family was just a snapshot of what the cultural exchange hopes to realize this summer. It’s gonna be more immersive, more interactive, more impressive. Don’t take our word for it, checkout preview link below.

This time it seems like another Family Line Portal member, the Mitchell family from Delaware, is looking to tag-team in having the ‘Diaspora’ meet the ‘Dream Africa’ Cultural Exchange. That means two of our Portal’s founding families are looking to link-up for a rewarding experience. It’s also a case of a group on the west coast looking to collaborate with Dream Africa HQ on the east coast.

In the same way that my wife meeting Yasmine at first seemed like a ‘chance encounter’ a few years ago, watching a similar serendipity moment emerge is priceless. It’s a shared benefit we’ve considered, not really being sure how it would come together. Well, here we are with another Salami family reunion on the horizon, and Dream Africa having a chance to spread its wings across the coasts and Atlantic Ocean.

Cultural Exchange 2026 – Dream Africa Trailer: “More than a trip, an experience to be lived!”: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ibWpZDK2V8c

Island Vibes: With Scoops of Roots & Culture from the Diaspora

Ever wondered where the Jamaican accent came from? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVMDMRqgYRl/?igsh=MXhqYjhiaXJxZ3JkZw==

The evolution of Jamaica in AI storytelling. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT_9XWsGJzw/?igsh=MTkwcHNua3MxeHpwZQ==

NY Knicks players with Caribbean roots. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUmDIbMEakh/?igsh=MTd0aWEwOTF1cG03cA==

Family Feature: “When Retirement Fits the Moment!”

This winter has given us the ‘1-2-3 punch’ in snowstorms on the east coast. We should have listened to the groundhog, but who wants to take that hype seriously. For those who remember the storms from the 90’s, this winter might be giving that period some competition. But for cuz Andrew, he’s not complaining, considering he now gets a chance to kickback from his days working for NYC Transit, Bus Division.

Back then, he remembered buses being stuck in the streets for 24 hours after those big storms. Sometimes buses would run for hours, trying to stay warm for the driver and any passengers onboard. Then the bus would run out of fuel with nowhere to turn. Only thing left was to leave it empty and head back to the base. Imagine the bosses had the nerve to write-up the drivers for bus abandonment?

We see him in this throwback pic (above left, with brother Donovan and cousin Paul). But maybe it was on his day off when we ran into him and wife Millie attending a Charlie Wilson Concert at Barclays Arena. He was looking like homeboy turned ‘Dapper Drew’ and her looking like homegirl turned ‘Maven Millie’. Good thing wifey and I were dressed too, otherwise they might have given us the wave and kept moving.

These days Andrew spends time traveling south on long weekends. As he recovers from shoulder surgery, he’s grateful for having his son near and a kind neighbor who helped with clearing the driveway. He often reminds other fam that retirement has its place, and for him it fits the moment. He keeps taking cruise trips here, Caribbean vacations there and doing lots of teasing of those still clocking in for 9 to 5.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“What you tell yourself about others might put you in the know, but what you tell yourself about yourself helps create flow and boost how you grow.

“Excellence is the best deterrent to racism. Therefore, be excellent. Excellence is the best deterrent to sexism. Therefore, be excellent. In all your doing and being, strive for excellence.” – Rev. Jesse Jackson

“The seven deadly sins of pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth, seems to need an upgrade in the modern political world…to add hypocrisy.”

Good Stuff: “Heroes Don’t Have to Wear Capes!”

You’ve seen the stories on the news where someone jumps into action in an emergency. Oftentimes the story has a good ending and features first responders who see it as just another day on the job. They prefer not to be seen as heroes. For them, it’s what they’re trained to do, and how they’re proud to serve. It’s as if they never know when life might call on them in unexpected ways.

That might be the way Tiana Joy will look back at a recent moment while out having dinner. In a fast-moving situation, she calmly and courageously without hesitation, reservation or discrimination performed the Heimlich maneuver on a woman over 80 years old who was choking. In that moment where others may have panicked, she chose freedom over fear, love over delay, action over social media distraction. She literally saved the woman’s life!

Words won’t fully express what she did in that moment and the proud response she’s gotten from friends and family. She showed quiet strength, inner calm and dogged spirit. A willingness to act reflected her heart and was a blessing in this crazy world. Her courage was a reminder that heroes don’t have to wear capes. Sometimes they just stand up and step forward.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Hats off to our next-gen leader Jillian Ryan Ed.D., nominated for a 2026 Employee Excellence Award at Stevens Institute of Technology. This recognizes the impact of collaborative work by creating meaningful experiences for graduate students.

Our own Shaun Sr is celebrating with Raysean McKoy Marin one of his newest colleagues, to join the ranks of pilot at United Airlines. It’s a dream that first took root at age 14, and now Raysean can say he’s an Airbus pilot. So next time you’re flying the friendly skies, watch for his badge or hear his name.

Shoutout to cuz Junior for the heads-up on a recent award given to iHeartRadio’s Real 92.3 in LA. On hand accepting the Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award was his brother, our own cuz Dave, the station’s Program Director, along with the station’s morning guy, ‘Big Boy’. In attendance was LA Mayor Karen Bass and other dignitaries. Checkout more backstory and Dave’s speech here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16SitfJEEQ/.

With March Madness in the air, guess who’s a cheerleader at her school? Yes Talia (on the right) is working on doing the kicks before trying the flips.

Tired of all the snow? Well, for those thinking about getting a snowblower or moving somewhere warmer, here’s the latest gadget to add to your birthday or Christmas wish list. It might help you make the decision on relocating or staying to clear the driveway next time. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DT_OsCvksuU/

Others tired of the snow might not be so lucky. But there’s always the old-fashioned shovel and ice melt. Here’re family members Camille, Michelle and Sheldon doing their part to help-out their parents.

Even with all those storms, Valentine’s was still filled with spreading love. In this case it was Donnice and her girls meeting up with their Auntie Nay for “Galentine’s” brunch.

Anyone knows what this is? Well, it’s part of the Caribbean Easter tradition to chow on bun & cheese. Some folks do other combos like bun and patty. What’s your taste buds crying for?

Ready to get your World Cup Soccer gear? Here’s a sneak peek of how the players will be styling in black, gold and green. It also celebrates Jamaica’s undeniable global legacy and impact in music https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUtCqyckRgN/.

Lastly, if the winter blues has you thinking about warmer weather, checkout Serge with a few fam out boating in Florida. We also caught Terri and Norman doing some fishing in Louisiana.

Smile Emoji

Ever wondered how some nurses pick the operating room they wanna work in each day? https://www.facebook.com/reel/2122048988202070

Here’re workers at Laguardia Airport in between shifts, doing the Winter Olympic sport, Curling! https://www.threads.com/@robevac/post/DU07DGsAFSc?xmt=AQF0qIkms3h2xHklf3oBnTG3UuPcfl9NrqW-N_9R7-_5eC96IwvKM-VEJ3HsTayGZgcnCJ4&slof=1

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Are You a Follower or an Influencer?”

In a previous generation, one of the questions that would often get asked is, “are leaders born or made?” One side of the debate would say ‘born’ because of certain natural traits that some leaders seem to hold. Folks on the other side would say ‘made’ because of those we’d see rise before our eyes, maybe not initially, but later unexpectedly. That question might even have been asked of Rosa Parks.

She gained notoriety for deciding not to give up her seat to move to the back of the bus in Montogomery Alabama. That brave act “turned out and turned up” folks in the civil rights movement. Interestingly, she wasn’t the first to take such action as six months earlier Claudette Colvin did the same thing in another part of the country. It just didn’t go viral, as we’ve come to understand that concept nowadays.

A ‘follower’ in the old-school sense is knowing how to be part of an organization, group or crew. A leader is often known for setting the pace or driving the vision. However, the question from back in the day has evolved into a new one of, “are you a follower or influencer?” With social media a big part of our chat, many are ‘followers’ across different platforms, others are ‘influencers’ of a product, service or vision.

Maybe Rosa Parks’ example might remind us of another old-time leader who said to his crew, “follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.” From those words and actions we know He was focused on ‘feeding’ followers, and pulling on the ‘it-factor’ of influencers. If family, community or country are going to advance towards a better day or more perfect union, it’ll take an influencer’s mindset to get America to see the light.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Olivia Dean – Man I Need – https://youtu.be/JUGCQK8dUhc?si=8NTnZg9Pa0Y6uSlS

Beyoncé – 2 Hands 2 Heaven – https://youtu.be/0HKCJEBaVOQ?si=ApL3gZ_gHsVV8mRf

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Black History Edition: February 2026

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Well, the past few weeks have been brutal when it comes to cold weather and breaking news in different parts of America. Not sure which of those factors that folks would prefer to have less of, but they say the groundhog saw his shadow, so expect the cold weather to hang around a little longer.

Hopefully the stories in this month’s edition might warm your heart and refresh your spirit. It never hurts to have a time of reflection, especially around Black History, with the Lead Story. We mix in a little fun in the Celebrity Row column talking about the NFL Pro Bowl, along with the Smile Emoji for a belly laugh. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

What’s special about this issue? We feature family members who made history in their family line. There’s also the story of Dr. Gladys West who recently passed away. She’s often described as a ‘hidden figure’ in American history as she was a key player in the design and development of GPS technology. As they say, Black history is American history.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

The Family Line Mission/Purpose Statement

“Joining hands and hearts across old-timers and next gens to make family connections feel more real, with courage to change and humility to heal.”

Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “A Time for Fun Games and Season Reflection”

Another NFL season is in the bag! With the ‘Superbowl 60’ now over, players can have some down time and chill moments. This could find some on a vacation getaway, while others might just be spending quality time with family. As is the case each year, players who didn’t make the big game still had a chance to for one last game as part of the Pro Bowl.

These days, it’s no longer a time when players show on the field with pads and helmets. It’s become a more laid-back affair as a flag football game. To become a pro bowl selection, your season’s performance usually has standout moments in stats or highlights. But sometimes a few athletes get to make the cut, by filling in for someone with an injury or who’s in the Superbowl. That was the case for Shedeur Sanders.

After wrapping up his rookie year as QB for the Cleveland Browns, he took his pro bowl appearance in stride. While the stat line as a player and team fell short in different ways, he approached things as a time for fun games and season reflection. He knows he’s not there yet but believes he’s made progress that could position him as the starting QB next year.

While he knows there are naysayers who wanna count him out, he’s focused on improving his game, having the right attitude and making his performance speak louder than any words. He’s likely to reachout to veterans in the game to get any nuggets from their experience. He had some ‘spark plays’ in the pro bowl game and he’s looking forward to having some breakout moments in the next season.

Lead Story: “Finding Your Roots, Who’s Your Cousin?”

They say when you cut the stem of a tree you can tell roughly how old it is. As a tree grows over the years it creates a series of concentric circles. Those circles might even indicate what kind of conditions the tree had to survive over those years. In a sense that’s what we might get from watching the PBS show ‘Finding Your Roots’ hosted by Skip Gates. It helps folk connect through life circles in their ancestry.

In a recent episode called “Caribbean Roots” actor Delroy Lindo learned more about his island roots, all the way back to the 18^th century. He was born in England to Jamaican immigrants. The episode shows the passenger list of the ship Arcadia which took his mother to Canada, before then settling in California. He learned about events that his mother never spoke about but always made him wonder.

A highlight of the episode is in revealing if there’s an ancestry match with someone else who’s in the public eye. Sure enough, Lindo found out that he had a distant connection to actor LeVar Burton, who’d be like a cousin, many generations removed. A heartfelt moment is often when guests get to know more about the sacrifices made by their ancestors. That’s often true for the immigrant experience in America.

Checkout a clip of Lindo’s jaw-dropping moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP9JGs45RIw

Island Vibes: With Scoops of Roots & Culture from the Diaspora

Who knew, the first HBCU was meant for Connecticut, but plans got squashed. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DR7aglHDi-X/

Looks like the LA Lakers were ready for some jerk chicken? https://www.instagram.com/reels/DSVzSmvAemV/

There’s a Jamaican settlement in Ethiopia, Africa. Guess who put that in motion? https://www.instagram.com/reels/DTBGtndACLO/

Family Feature: “All Rise as the Honorable ‘Judge Karen’ Enters the Room!”

During the early days of America’s Independence, the role of Judge was one of the initial noteworthy public service positions. They’d be called on to settle disputes, handle trials and resolve conflicts as it relates to the Constitution. Well, that was then, and this is now, as we have ‘Judge Karen’ from the Steele family line in our midst. She made history by becoming the first trial lawyer in the family.

Her journey went from childhood days on Long Island, to earning a track & field scholarship. After graduating, she did a gap year (or two) before going to law school. Following that, years in private practice involved employment cases which were like training ground professionally. She also credits her late mom and mom’s close peers as well as lessons from her sports training for her success.

That’s refreshing when you consider that ‘Judge Karen’ also made history by becoming the first African American Judge to be confirmed by the Senate to the U.S. District Camden Courthouse in New Jersey. As Senator Cory Booker said then, “She has had a long and distinguished legal career defending the rights of workers and has a deep understanding of the issues facing the people of New Jersey.”

If we asked ‘Judge Karen’ as a ‘family line influencer’ to share insights from her roles along the way, she might say life’s journey helped prepare her for the Federal District Court. One of the perks of the job is lifetime appointment, so she’s always putting in the work of preparation needed to deliberate on litigation. She looks to expand her breadth of knowledge in the law, with room to grow in service to the public.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Every nation must now develop an overriding loyalty to mankind as a whole in order to preserve the best in their individual societies.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (posted on FB by Chris Parker)

“Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart, and strong enough to live the life you have always imagined.” – Anonymous (posted on LinkedIn by Derris Boomer)

The Family Line asked itself this question based on a quote from Malcolm Jamal Warner. Ever considered if “Slavery is white history, then how we survived it is Black History”? – (Quote posted on FB by Jesse Crawford on FB)

Good Stuff: “A Great Time Was Had by All!”

Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers! That’s the chant you heard during post-game interviews after watching the Indiana Hoosiers (IU) win the College Football Championship. It’s kinda like a clarion call among those in the community that signifies affection and camaraderie. That’s pretty much what our own cuz Gary says he felt while watching the game among friends and former teammates.

Back in his time, IU wasn’t known for having a strong football team. In those days it was basketball that got most of the attention. Well, times sure have changed, as the football team achieved lots of ‘firsts’. They went undefeated, won the whole thing and had a player who won the Heisman Trophy. What a year, what a run, what a display of coming together as a team to fulfill their wildest dreams.

Gary still gets fan mail years later. Some remember him making history as a two-sport Division I athlete, football and track & field. He had a brief NFL stint with the Raiders and said “The reason I went to Indiana wasn’t because the football team was good, they were 0-11. In part it was because of the beautiful campus and this area called Dunn Meadow.” It sounds like a great time was had by all at the watch party.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

We recently remembered a family member who would have turned 100 in January. Here is our Uncle Noel, a fine dresser back in his day, at a previous birthday celebration. We owe it to ancestors like him who made sacrifices that might not have made the media scoresheet but helped us score big in life.

The Family Line giving a big shoutout to cuz Jerol ‘G-Block’ Wilson, quarterback of the Brooklyn Seminoles, for winning the SemiPro GameDay Fan Vote as the Eric Swann National Player of the Year. He led with 37% of the votes while the runner-up got 25%. ‘Coach C’ and the team sent props too on making history.

With the NFL season in the rearview, how about checking out a basketball game? Well, that’s exactly what cuz Terri, husband Norman and sister Shellie had in mind. Here they are at a recent LSU Lady Tigers game.

Here’s Cole making an appearance in back-to-back months. This time he’s getting high-fives for being the game MVP at one of his recent tournaments in Vegas. Did he score the winning goal too? Heard through the grapevine that grandma is feeling so proud.

Look who’s all dressed up and ready for the school dance? Yes, now that she’s in the ‘teenage league’, Sara is all-in for the Valentine’s affair. Rumor is that a secret admirer boy…friend, locked-in for a dance with her, days before the event. Well, she’s all smiles and the red dressing is ‘redding!’

Hey Yasmine, welcome back from Togo! We’re sure your trip to the Motherland was time well spent with you and your mom ‘Mamimi’ (center) getting the chance to hit the town.

Here’s our ‘Uncle Junior’ who’s trying out his new glasses. While his glaucoma diagnosis has been a challenge, for his adult sons he’s still ‘cool dad’, glasses or no glasses.

Looks like Walter is diving into his music collection for Black History Month. Those crates of vinyl records have made a comeback, with the AI-inspired snapshot to go along with the vibe.

For folks in the northeast who’re still digging out from the big snowstorm, wouldn’t it be nice to have something like this machine to ‘plow and throw’ the snow? Think Deja in Boston might relate. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUCZIm0kexu/

You remember the movie Hidden Figures? Well, we just lost one of those black history pioneers in Dr. Gladys West who was no ‘hurry come lately’ as we’d say in Caribbean circles. She was a trailblazer. Here’s a clip on her backstory.

Smile Emoji

Is this how your last trip went, when boarding a flight? https://www.threads.com/@durgagirl/post/DTm5W6ajuho?xmt=AQF0aisJcH78uj2DegfJNp5rFT-ZAQYoXAc96FbrERhqOIZ79e6xltpXmo6LpdJycj_HcOw&slof=1

A cough got some folks running for the exits in the flu season. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DTN-Y–kyFI/

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Coming to America!”

Is it time for the next flick in the ‘Coming to America’ franchise? Eddie Murphy says don’t hold your breath. The idea might have some interest but he’s not sure of potential traction. The first release was about a prince (Murphy) coming to America to find marital bliss and new happiness. The second release was the prince coming back to find a rumored son to be next in line once Murphy takes the throne.

Any ideas on what storyline would fit for a third release? Well, that’s prob the million-dollar question. Meantime, when you think about the idea of America being an immigrant nation, many can relate to the experience of ‘coming to America’ whether as immigrants themselves or as subsequent generations. There’s a sense of going to a place where opportunities are many and options for love are dime a dozen.

But these days when you talk with friends or relatives who live overseas there’s another impression being revealed. It seems folks aren’t as locked-in on coming to America, but moreso ‘getting out of dodge’. That expression made famous in western movies comes from the push of having ‘troublemakers’ get out of Dodge City, Kansas. There’re different factors folks find troubling these days, thus scratching their head.

Maybe that’s one reason why the movie studio has some pause with producing the next release. But what if we begin to see ourselves as ‘America in the making’ for a new generation? An America where, as Bad Bunny’s NFL halftime show reminded us, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” Would that help us go from scratching our heads to upping our game in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? That storyline could set the stage for a renewed sense of coming to America, warts and all.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Burna Boy – For Everybody – https://youtu.be/jUkcAa_IBU0?si=39dTcdiakRXATGlh

Protoje ft Damian “Jr Gong” Marley – At We Feet – https://youtu.be/-nA2-bHOKK0?si=htxGofGutZIPtaXf

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

New Year Edition: January 2026

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Click Start: Editor’s Preview

When is it too late to say happy new year? It’s like asking, when is it too late to still be wearing shorts, even though it’s winter? Well, we could make that a hot topic over the coming days, or just take things in stride, shorts and all for those hot-blooded. It’s great to have you onboard for our New Year Edition.

In this month’s issue we reflect on Dr. King’s life’s work and a new call to action in these interesting times. Don’t take our word for it, even Bill Gates had a few thoughts to share in his annual end-of-year letter to the public. You’ll find that commentary in the ‘Life & Times Flava’ column at the end. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

We also have a new column called ‘Tap-in the Afterglow’. This allows us to introduce a new family to The Family Line portal. In 2025 we hope to add 4-6 families to our coverage. You can think of what we do here, like exchanging letters across families. Can say more in the coming months on a feature the Steele family is exploring called ‘Gen Pal’ (like ‘Pen Pal’). Also, checkout the Portal’s Purpose Statement below.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Thank you for your response. ✨

The Family Line Mission/Purpose Statement

“Joining hands and hearts across old-timers and next gens to make family connections feel more real, with courage to change and humility to heal.”

Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “Strength in Weakness, Courage in Resilience!!”

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder! But what you see isn’t simply a matter of looks and shape, it’s also one of heart and authenticity. If Lisa Hanna had the chance to chime in, she’d say from experience that beauty is below skin deep. Well, it so happens she did sound-off recently to help fellow Jamaicans find strength in weakness and courage in times that call for resilience.

Hanna is no stranger on the global stage, as she represented Jamaica and won the Miss World competition in 1993. With advanced degree credentials, she’s gone on to serve & shine as a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador and Jamaican Member of Parliament. Her work-life balance as an entrepreneur flows with her down-home love as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

A few months ago, Hanna and her sister hosted a big celebration for their mother’s 80^th birthday. It prob was lit (as young folks might say), but also filled with love, laughter and being surrounded by lifelong friends, the old-timer’s way. As her fellow Jamaicans look to the new year, she believes courage will decide 2026 as “the world is recalibrating at speed. Power is shifting, time is compressing.”

Hanna goes on to say, “Opportunity is concentrating around those who move early and adjust quickly.” She’s optimistic even through the recovery challenges in Jamaica and adds, “Those who dare to risk, lead. Those who hesitate, follow. Those who cling to safety vanish from their own potential. Courage is the bridge between who we are and who we’re meant to be.”

Find more backstory here: https://www.facebook.com/100044127412022/posts/1393832315431002/?rdid=pBNPHclYu7fdIPNt#

Lead Story: “The Embrace Seen by Those Near and Around the World”

When early settlers first landed on America’s shores they came in waves across two regions. The first group landed in Virginia, many looking to trade their goods. They had money on their minds which meant that region became the cradle of enterprise. Unfortunately, what also emerged from that was the early stages of the Transatlantic slave trade.

The other group of early settlers landed in Massachusetts, looking to be new members of a just society, as they fled a sense of religious persecution. That region became the cradle of change. It makes you wonder if that history was a factor in Dr. King earning his PhD at Boston University. As fate would have it, he met his future bride on those streets through his life’s work of bringing the civil rights movement north.

A few years ago, that bond was captured in a bronze memorial called “The Embrace” which is an important symbol of equity and justice. Designed by artist Hank Willis Thomas, it depicts the embrace between Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King when he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. The nighttime glow of the memorial has a certain serenity to it.

The memorial is also a tribute to those who labored with Dr. King to bring change to America. Words on a nearby display read: “Love is such a powerful force. It’s there for everyone to embrace – that kind of unconditional love for mankind to embrace. This is the kind of love that impels people to go into the community to change conditions for others, for what they believe in.” There’s more on the memorial at https://stories.embraceboston.org/.

Island Vibes: With Scoops of Roots & Culture from the Diaspora

Who said Ethiopia is all dirt and stuck in the dark ages? https://www.instagram.com/reels/DRqERzyjeh3/

Where we come from links back to the Motherland! https://www.instagram.com/reels/DTLns_TCOf-/

Tap-in the Afterglow: “Friends and Family Who’re Good to Go!”

Written by: Steve Jones

Our dear Ursula is the definition of strength, grace, and perseverance, pouring herself into family with a quiet, steady love. She’s always present, supportive, and thinking one step ahead about what our children need not just today, but for their future. She balances patience with high expectations, and our family is better, more grounded, and more inspired because of the example she sets every single day.

Professionally, she’s an extraordinary educator, and has long been a role model for excellence in that demanding field. Instead of resting on what she had already achieved, she chose to go even further recently returning to school to earn her Ed.S. in Advanced Educational Studies in Physics. That reflects not only her commitment to her craft, but also dedication to giving students the very best version of herself as a teacher and mentor.

She’s a major inspiration as a loving mother, devoted wife and a driven accomplished educator. She has shown our family that learning never stops, that dreams are worth the work, and that it is possible to grow professionally without sacrificing who you are at home. Her journey is a reminder that excellence is not a single achievement, but a life lived with purpose, heart, and relentless determination. Bigups to you Ursula from The Family Line!

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Don’t be scared to start over. You might like your new story better.” – Eva Kaiser

“Where focus goes, energy flows.” – Walter Jackson

“A key to leadership is balancing how you serve when you’re in charge, knowing that you’re in charge to serve.”

Good Stuff: “Bring the World to Togo!”

So how did you send off the old, and ring in the new…year? Maybe you saw Diana Ross go old school with some of her Motown hits during the New Year’s Eve broadcast. Others might have traveled to ring in the new year in a different part of the world. The annual end-of-year countdown has gotten so elaborate in the U.S. and beyond.

Before things got jumping, our own Yasmine was in the building at the 4^th annual Afro Gala and their Black & White ‘Glam Jam’. Soon after she was on a flight to Togo to ring in 2026. Not everyone is lucky to be a jetsetter like her, but her trip really was a mix of business and pleasure, while checking on family. She’s got her mind turned towards ramping up plans for the next Dream Africa Cultural Exchange.

It’s where she and her team try to bring the world to Togo (Africa) and Togo to the world. The Family Line was onsite for Dream Africa a couple years ago and what a treat. While Africa was on the bucket list, it wasn’t clear how or when it would happen. Yasmine and her family were great hosts, and after what might be seen as a divinely ordered moment of crossing paths, we’re family now.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

If you need a quick holiday flashback, here’s Terri, aka ‘DJ Lady T’ spinning some 60s and 70s grooves at the St. James Parish Senior Citizens Christmas Party, held at The Boat Club in Lutcher Louisiana.

Here’s wifey and me from the Bayou of Louisiana, before the annual Christmas Eve bonfire on the river levee in St James Parish. Bonfire designs normally have a pyramid shape but behind us is one of the more elaborate ones. They’re all set on fire based on folklore that “the smoke is like a flare” to guide Santa Claus on his stops.

If Florida is where the sunshine resides, then add your smile with Serge, Carol and family over the holidays. “Hey good looking, what you got cooking?”

Here’s more Florida folks rubbing it in, with their short sleeves and spaghetti straps. Neil and family on a nature walk, that’s got a sentimental story to go along. Btw, Happy 34^th anniversary Neil & Annetta!

If it’s cold and icy where you are, that’s nothing for New York Islander hockey player cuz Anthony ‘The Duke’ Duclair, who scored a hat trick in a recent NHL game.

The next generation on ice isn’t too far behind. Here’s Cole in his youth ice hockey team gear. Well, that’s just what’s on his radar this season as he’s a multi-sport athlete.

Let’s welcome the Henry crew to The Family Line portal. When Keith isn’t leading meetings with biz execs, or his wife, Dr. Liz as a pediatrician, isn’t meeting with parents/children or speaking about her book at an AKA event, they’re out and about with daughter ‘Rylo’, an emerging pop artist. Welcome Keith to you and fam!

Look who just landed from a world tour (well that’s what it looks like)! Here’s cuz Jimmy (looking relaxed) and cuz Karen (looking ‘fly’) who’re cooling out and enjoying their prime years. She’s made history in the Steele family so some time-off from the grind is well-deserved.

Sounds like the Steele family working on a pre-family reunion link-up for 2026? Well, look who some might get to meet for the first time. It’s Stephanie’s (Poochie) daughter Jayda on the right, with Mya a close sister-friend on the left. Happy belated birthday Jayda!

Finally, wanna also welcome the Joneses to The Family Line. This is the kinda pic you can imagine from back-in-the-day as a black & white photo. They’re many generations deep in 2026.

As we roll into the new year, The Family Line gonna be with you along the way. Thanks for allowing us to serve with you as families across the diaspora. Your support means a lot in knowing you’re just a phone call, text or click away. Remember those pics, notes or other tidbits so we’ll share moments of being “In the Mix for 2026!”. Watch Bruno Mars help us set it off with his new single in the Line Jams below.

Smile Emoji

The rapper and his dog, mic check “ruff ruff”! https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQ4PcBuDfys/

Are your eyes a giveaway when you hear dumb stuff? https://www.instagram.com/reels/DRaarLlksk3/

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “A Time for Backpedaling or Hot Stepping?”

Now that the new year’s fireworks displays are long gone, what’s popping for 2026? There was the usual news report of the first baby born in 2026, by a matter of seconds. There’s always talk of those working on new year’s resolutions to get some things right. It’s certainly a time for many that represents “out with the old, in with the bold.”

Each year, Microsoft founder Bill Gates releases an end-of-year letter to the public. Of course, he’s got the growing push of Artificial Intelligence on his radar. But in a recent Fortune Magazine article, he also noted that in some respects America finds itself going backwards. His concern is that over the next five years we’ve gotta get a handle on things or we could enter a dark period in our history.

He shared a couple examples based on his humanitarian work, as recent news across the country makes you think he’s not too far off. If Dr. King as a Nobel Peace Prize winner stopped by an American city or foreign country today, he might conclude like those wondering silently, “Is America behaving like a rogue nation?” We all can think back to the time of different countries being called out for similar actions.

What if beyond new year resolutions, we also think about ‘civic resolutions?” If Gates is right, we’re gonna have to reset in roots & culture for a better future. Life takes us from our youth to prime years with ups & downs along the way. America is going through a maturity-defining moment for which we shouldn’t look away. Between the Purpose Statement at the top of this edition and Motto below, we’re in this together.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley – Living It Up – https://youtu.be/8XN8h3JHmHw?si=8z2OW-H5oOwUzGrz

Bruno Mars – I Just Might – https://youtu.be/mrV8kK5t0V8?si=lzEwaq-hTQCOGaOM

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Holiday Edition: December 2025

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Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Well, what ya know, 2025 has come and almost gone like the blink of an eye. Who’s ready to give the rundown of the past 12 months? Well, while you’re queuing that up, let’s just say The Family Line is thrilled that you’ve been a part of our monthly blast. The online feedback has been strong, especially over recent months. Thanks for the love!

In this month’s issue, we feature the recurring sports debate at barbershops and around barstools in these modern times of, “Who’s the GOAT, Michael Jordan or Lebron James?” (can feel the emotions rising up already). There’re milestones we flashback to and memories we highlight. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

What we do here each month is celebrate family and spotlight achievement, with some mixed-in fun. If that allows you to turn off the noise for just a moment, then mission accomplished. But if it also inspires you to ‘turn up’ your mojo in life’s work and play, then more power to you and more sense of reward to us. Thanks to our featured families for their continued support. From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “The GOAT Serving Up Some Juice!”

The Under Armour brand has parted ways with Steph Curry. Nothing personal, just business, or as some like to say, bid-ness. The long marketing relationship started out when Curry was just about getting his game on as a pro. Of course, New Balance is known for their ‘We Got Now’ slate of athletes. As Curry shops around for a new sneaker brand, fans ask, how many years of balling does Curry have left?

There’s also another question that keeps coming up during barbershop talk or on the barstool beat. It’s this…between Jordan and James, who’s the GOAT? Those debates can get heated as folks talk stats and rings. With James playing this many years, some fans wanna give him the nod. But with Jordan and his record of redefining the game, the ‘old heads’ are sticking with him.

These days Jordan is looking at legacy and offering leadership advice to players. In recent interviews as part of NBC’s NBA coverage, he shared how he made it though the finals when he was dealing with flu-like symptoms. That championship run made such a statement as a player, that if you didn’t love his game before, you’d at least love his passion for the game.

Jordan’s overall message is that his love for the game is what caused his excellence to shine through. Plus, you gotta show up when it counts because excellence counts when you show up. The James fans should at least agree with that universal message which is like ‘GOAT Gospel’. Maybe the simple answer to the question of who’s the one is that they were both prime in their time.

Lead Story: “Anniversary Cruising on a Sunday Afternoon!”

This month marked the 33^rd anniversary with wifey. Yea, it wasn’t a milestone in the typical sense, but it was a chance as a family to be like anniversary cruising on a Sunday afternoon. While our young adult daughters were floating around meeting new friends, we were checking out the onboard amenities, listening to the sounds of the ocean and the world around.

Well, in my world she comes first. In her world I’m #1…of a kind. In the public arena she prefers to be in the background, which allows me to be in the foreground. If this were a ‘not so newlywed’ game, she’d have me do the talking, while she’d be confirming the story. But there’d prob also be times when she’d want to say her piece in her own words, in her own way, with her own ‘down south energy’.

Maybe after all those years I’ve finally figured out what might make her open-up to being in the foreground. If we had to tell the story of how we stayed knotted all these years, even through those ‘4^th down and 10’ moments, it’s because God was in the background helping us to still shine during situations when our worlds might have looked dim. Yea, communication is the key, but serving each other to grow together is the secret weapon (maybe more on that another time).

After getting over initial hesitancy of coming to the foreground, she might say my calm helped balance her crunch, my head helped complement her heart, my voice helped celebrate her vibe. In other words, one brings the party, the other brings the study, where we understand being ying to the other’s yang, the free spirit to the other’s nerd. Plus, that just might get her talking about how she and God ‘made me over’.

Island Vibes: Scoops on Roots & Culture

Did you know the origin of the Jamaican patty has links to British, African, Indian and Chinese culture? https://www.threads.com/@cdmjamaica/post/DQ6oWaSgNy1?xmt=AQF0Ro1V2gJk3xOFWr03C0IS48BgoOWlp_JCHYV4sGZm1g

Did you know that Tessanne Chin performed at the White House years ago? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPUD9FvkRlu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Family Feature: “Lego and Let God!”

Written by: Walter Jackson

There are seasons when life leaves you scattered, as if the very pieces of your soul lie in all directions like legos. Yet even in those moments, God whispers, Be still. When you pause to breathe, when you choose to trust His timing over your own, and when you walk faithfully one day at a time. Since God knows the plan, His hand begins to gather what felt broken.

Sometimes a ray of hope is all the sunshine you need. In time, there’s a ‘but God’ moment, which is what happens when God shows up. Then comes these words between you and God…”I see you. You see me. Not just a plus, but a must. The world may spin, the stars may fade, but what we have will never trade.” The smile on my face doesn’t mean my life is perfect. It means I appreciate God’s blessings.

Slowly, divinely, He fits each piece back into place. Every trial becomes a teaching moment, every delay a redirection, every wound a place where His light can enter. And in time, you’ll see that He was crafting you all along – shaping every fragment of your journey into a marvelous masterpiece, designed with purpose and held together by grace and patience.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“You can’t change people with brute force. You can only work to change yourself and others with soul force. Then have that be an influence on how people might change.”

“The fact that they can’t see what you can be, has nothing to do with what God can do.” – Steve Harvey

“The only person that’s coming to save you is that version of yourself that’s tired of your situation.” – As seen on FB, Author Unknown

Good Stuff: “Never Would Have Made It!”

Wow, it’s been 14 years already? Who remembers when Marvin Sapp showed up at the retirement party for Shaun Sr? Well Sapp wasn’t quite there in the flesh, but in the presence of Shaun singing his heart out. It was a special occasion as he gave props to the many friends and family who were there in person. Among them was our late mom who was touched at that moment, as was Nichelle his wife.

Since dad had passed some years before, mom had the tall task of keeping things together from what he had built over the years for us as a family. So, considering that, the occasion brought lots of cherished memories and bright smiles. Maybe our mom was overjoyed to see her son dressed up in his finest military formalwear and to hear his colleagues reflect on their service together.

But the highlight of the evening was Shaun singing to Nichelle. This is quite a fitting flashback moment as they celebrate their 30^th wedding anniversary this month. It didn’t go unnoticed in having his twin Nadine step to the mic, not to be his backup singer, but to sing his praises. All that singing made folks feel like they were at a gospel concert, but karaoke style. Did somebody say afterparty?

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Thanksgiving might be behind us, but Christmas isn’t too far off. So, if you’re watching the scale over the coming weeks, keep in mind this note that Donnice found on social media. Just change Thanksgiving to Christmas. Then, there’s always new year resolutions to help reset the menu.

The next few pics are family photos from different parts of The Family Line’s featured members. First there’s Serge, Carol and their family, a blended bunch. While in NY recently, Serge and Carol got in a little ‘date night’ on the Hudson River and Broadway.

Then there’s Walter, Catina and their clan, together known as the ‘J5 Crew’. With two of the girls away at college, Walter said it was a meet-up that felt like old times and the best of times.

Thanks to Sheldon for the next pic, where the Steele/Wilson bunch showed up and dug in on the tray of mac & cheese, two turkeys and five slabs of slow cooked ribs by Chef Dennis (Junior).

Checkout two newly featured families: there’s Derrick and his fam from the northeast from their summer vacation pic. Looks like there’s some father-son mother-daughter modeling going on, which is a good thing. Then there’s Steve and his fam from the south, in their holiday mood and splendor. Watch for a new column in January as a special feature called “Tap-in The Afterglow: Friends and Family Who’re Good to Go”.

Here’s Dominique doing the rope walk 17 stories high on the cruise ship. Think she feels like a conqueror now? Deja took the pic as this was her first cruise. Just being on the ship was enough for her.

Here’s artwork from Talia that has intricate detailed lines and forms. Maybe a reminder that sometimes what gives us pain reveals our purpose, what gives us peace reveals our passion…and sometimes it could be the opposite.

As we closeout 2025, The Family Line wishes you and yours a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Hanukkah. Hope you’ll join the fun and be “In the Mix for 2026!”

Smile Emoji

This kid had his dad sweating! https://www.threads.com/@permboxz/post/DRxUWzdEqqW?xmt=AQF0rXFWfErVuTycPGsvJDoyCrM6aY4449Qdo9Mx5YEpSw

Ever heard about the Crab Whisperer? https://www.threads.com/@goldengunnz/post/DREQRNmAFRd?xmt=AQF0SYdghhBPIyjYvcxL7q5PxvvKD1IZsbKXYT39IY57FQ

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Party Like It’s Your Birthday!”

The holiday parties are in full swing! Some folks are planning to attend the annual iHeart Jingle Ball concerts held across the country. Others will attend the usual office or familiy party, waiting to see who’s gonna be walking drunk or talking mess. For the most part, holiday get-togethers can be a fun time to party like it’s your birthday (or like Christ’s birthday for the ‘believers battalion’).

We all try to enjoy some downtime from the hustle & bustle of life’s ins and outs, during this time of cheer. Some folks might wish for a winter wonderland. As the ‘Christmas Carol’ suggests, they dream of a white Christmas. Others like the Salami family from Togo Africa, might celebrate among friends and loved ones across the Motherland. For the Steele family it could be pulling off their first ‘Fam Friday’ virtual link-up.

But this season can also be a setup for a different kind of excitement too. We have a chance to jump from 2025 into 2026 as a kinda ‘new year takeoff’ in different aspects of everyday living. Folks might try to reset some things around new roles or fresh goals. If that’s you, then what if we did it for family and country? Do you Wanna ‘Turn. Up. Big.’ in skillset and jet-set?

Whatever your plans are for the rest of the year, handle with care. Enjoy your favorite food on the menu. Checkout a fun venue. In the new year be on business if you wanna ‘raise the roof’ and revenue. All that can happen with a new vibe, swag and bag. And this Christmas, remember why we’re here, to spread light so that our life’s work might be lit. Hey, where the winners at?

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Chris Brown – This Christmas – https://youtu.be/b9XNyeeJZ2k?si=85mGShAgPEXgH4Gd

Jamie Foxx ft. Justin Timberlake & T.I – Winner – https://youtu.be/FD9Kb5RlsP0?si=6lfbkbdqO7ltd3HS

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Thanksgiving Edition: November 2025

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Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Watch for the falling iguanas! It’s approaching that time of the year in Florida, where the first freeze not only threatens orange farms but also iguanas falling like leaves. As the temps drop, they sometimes become almost frozen in the trees, then hit the ground. Just another way to think of the ‘Fall’ season.

Well, we’re not gonna be frozen in place with the holiday season just about here. In this month’s Thanksgiving Edition, we’ll spotlight the harvest, family tidbits and hurricane recovery. Also, thanks to Serge for our feature pic this month and a salute to him and our veterans. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

The holiday season is a time of good cheer and great memories. Whether it’s at Thanksgiving dinner, group parties or Black Friday shopping. But it might also be a time for some when the feeling of family either draws near or feels distant. What’s it gonna be for you this year?

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “Hoop Dreams with a Little Showbiz Thrown In”

It’s pretty much common knowledge that Madison Square Garden is called the world’s most famous arena. The history tied to that venue includes major boxing events, concert tours, sports tournaments and auto shows. Of course, the most important squad is the NBA’s NY Knicks. It goes without saying that the team’s most recognized fan is Spike Lee.

When Lee isn’t lecturing as an NYU film professor, he’s often seen on the sidelines cheering his heart out. He’s known to wear Knicks gear, like the dedicated fan he is. Lee gets to mix hoop dreams with a little showbiz thrown in, with his body of work on the big screen. These include recognized names like Denzel Waahington, and movies like ‘Do the Right Thing’.

He even had a chance to link-up with NY Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. The family Line learned that Lee recently had a Film Forum sit-down chat with Late Night host Stephen Colbert. The big news from the event was him revealing that his favorite movie of all time was ‘On the Waterfront’ which was shot in NJ, not NY as one might have expected.

We shared with his team some memories we have from his movies over the years. Plus, we asked if they thought about doing a ‘Do the Right Thing II”. We gave them our ‘top 5’ reasons to consider having Mookie bring a new ‘vibe & flava’ and other ways to impact roots & culture in our global space. Haven’t heard back but maybe we’ll know more after the revamp of their website that’s underway.

Lead Story: “The ‘Hurricane Melissa Made’ Comeback Stories Being Written”

It’s been a rough few weeks since the biggest storm in recent memory slammed the south-west coastline of Jamaica. The devastation is enormous and the damage far-reaching. Some have posted pictures/videos online showing the before & after impact of the ‘Category 5’ storm. A big concern is getting to some of those hard-to-reach areas.

Thousands of vacationers were caught in an unexpected situation. They found themselves sheltering in-place on a second-floor conference room or evacuation center. With the Montego Bay airport in the crosshairs, inbound/outbound flights have been hard to come by in the early stages of recovery. A major hotel chain has even announced closure until after the new year.

An official Jamaica Government website was setup to coordinate relief efforts (see below). Others have been posting inspirational songs on Youtube to help ease the pain and rally spirits, even with the savvy of using AI. From what we know about the Jamaican people’s mindset, creativity and resilience, there’re many ‘hurricane Melissa made’ comeback stories being written.

Official JA Gov website: https://www.supportjamaica.gov.jm/

Damage tour video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQkfV4VgP_Y/?igsh=cjg4NjQ3cHlzZmt0

Creativity: https://www.tiktok.com/@uhstonishing6/video/7566409805456346376

Innovation/resilience: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterwithbunting/video/7567527181874760972

Island Vibes: Scoops on Roots & Culture

Did you know that across Caribbean countries that Jamaica was the first to launch a website?

View this post on Instagram

Did you know that Usain Bolt had his eye on playing cricket before track & field got his attention?

Did You Know? Family Archive Tidbits

Shared by: family elder Cynthia and cousin Noelle

Is Thanksgiving a good time to reminisce? Some might remember moments when the turkey came out a little dark or the dessert got forgotten in the oven at 450 degrees. Then there was a scramble to find plan B. Maybe even hearing some of those back-in-the-day stories from the elders can be heartwarming or eye-opening. Well, Steele family elder Cynthia shared a preview with pics and a story teaser.

Over the past few years there’s been growing interest in knowing more about the Generation Steele family line, for as far back as we can find. Different group efforts have been underway to help connect the dots or stitch some of the pieces together. The Generation Steele (GS) name points back to Alexander and Anne Steele, who some current family members knew in the flesh. Their next generation included two daughters Miley and Lena who together with Alexander and Anne, represent what we might call GS0.

Each generation after takes on GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4. Some might remember a math class concept called the number line. There was ‘dot zero’ (so to speak) and from there we had numbers to the left going back on the scale, and numbers to the right, going forward in scale. To see where you fit in the GS fam, try to picture GS0-GS4 on the family line like a number line. So, maybe this Thanksgiving will have that story teaser be a highlight of the various family get-togethers.

Family Feature: “Here’s to Madam Esquire, J.D.”

A few months ago, family gathered to congratulate Sydni on her graduation from Columbia Law School, becoming the first lawyer in her family line! Over the last three years she had some of the most challenging times but wouldn’t trade them for anything. She was grateful to all who encouraged, mentored and supported her along the way.

The journey included spending a semester abroad at King’s College London; traveling to Sierra Leone for pro-bono work; returning to her creative roots through a fellowship with Warner Bros. Discovery; publishing her first piece of legal scholarship on racial injustice and the exploitation of Black musicians in copyright law in the Columbia Journal of Law & the Arts; and taking on her first client through an externship with ‘Genius’, to explore the world of music law in practice.

While she was excited to begin her next chapter as an associate at Paul Hastings in New York, she still had one more hill to climb. Well, the breaking news after her extensive summer study was that she officially passed the New York Bar Exam with a score high enough to practice in any UBE jurisdiction (State). So, here’s to Madame Esquire Sydni for pulling out all the stops to get her J.D. cred.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“True success is who you become while waiting on God’s timing. God’s pace protects what your purpose will one day require.” – Shedeur Sanders

“The greatest skill you can develop is the ability to figure it out.” – Alexander Schnepp on IG

“Through my strength I know my weakness, through my knowledge I know my faults, with my drive I know I can overcome.” – Wilhemina Allen

Good Stuff: “A Tribe Called Hampton, The Other HU!”

Written by: Walter Jackson

“I’m still so freakin’ full and on a Hampton High from having the amazing opportunity to celebrate my 30th QT2 (Quintessence II) Class Reunion and my Birthday in the same weekend with some absolutely beautiful people — inside and out.” Those words cut right to the core of the recent Homecoming weekend celebration at Hampton University.

Just to add more personal feelings, “My class is special on so many levels. But what I truly cherish the most is the genuine REAL LOVE, we have for one another — whether we personally knew each other in school or not. Our bond is pure! It’s not a FANTASY— THIS IS HOW WE DO IT and not just on Friday night! Sometimes, you don’t even know what you need… until your ‘Home by the Sea’ reminds you!” So, until next time, here’s some parting words shared with those who came out for the fun:

O Hampton, we never can make thee a song, except as our lives do the singing;
In service that will thy great spirit prolong, and send it through centuries ringing!
Kind mother, we’ll treasure the dear happy days, we’ve spent here in life’s preparation;
Yet go with brave hearts upon our chosen ways, of service to God and our nation.
Still wearing thy colors, the blue and the white, as pledge that our fond hearts will cherish;
A love which for thee ever shines true and bright, A loyalty that ne’er can perish!

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Someone was really excited about that special gift she got on her birthday. Our tween Sara finally got a cell phone that she long hoped for. Ok Sara, watch for those shady people who’ll try to get you in trouble. But you’re prob already an expert anyway from using grandma’s phone.

Up up and away, were Tim and Jasmine as they took off in a hot air balloon over Mexico. Then they thought, why not Facetime our fam to have them see the view.

The Fall colors in the trees are just about at full beauty! To see some of the looks, we headed out to Boston for apple picking with Deja on her birthday (this pic she took of us). Let’s just say…them apples were juicy! There was so much juice, jam and baked goods to come out of the harvest.

As Jamaica works on distributing relief supplies and taking recovery steps, many countries and aid organizations are getting into the act. The World Central Kitchen is already on the ground providing meals for those affected.

We also learned from Shaun Sr that United airlines sent an all-Caribbean flight crew to deliver tons of needed donations. They were of Jamaican or Haitian backgrounds. In the process they also made history by flying the largest aircraft to ever land in Jamaica. See more at FB link below.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10162151240193848&id=574313847

Lastly, here’s a flashback pic of Shaun Sr, hanging out from his early days in the Air Force. Well, after 23+ years in the military, he’s now a retired veteran. That pic got a laugh after realizing how much it looks like his own son Shaun Jr.

Smile Emoji

A different kind of hurricane hunter. https://youtube.com/shorts/3JKbmt9Sml0?si=EOLiFX8bN7jJxPpt

‘Boots on the Ground’…in Church? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKk-jjJOpyG/?igsh=bmhlYjE0NWpmcTdh

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Find my Friend of Fam!”

Every few years we get to the point of needing a new cell phone. Sometimes the battery just doesn’t hold the power-charge as long as before. But sometimes you’ll hear about a new feature that makes you go, “I want that”! Maybe that’s what makes some parents get their young child a phone, right?

Well, there’s a feature called ‘find my phone’ which can be used to locate a misplaced or lost phone. This works by using an app on another device. So just in case a child finds themselves in such a spot, at least there’s a way to try and locate the missing/lost device. What if we translated that idea to a kinda ‘find my friend or fam’?

As the holiday season fast approaches it means there’ll be opportunities to reminisce, reflect and reset going into a new year. But this period can also be a low point for those with missing loved ones, whether they’ve passed on or just not heard from for a while. Maybe this could also be a chance to reconnect in some way with those who’re missing, or maybe even lost in a physical or spiritual sense.

Let’s not use the holidays just for gifts and good vibes. It could also be the kind of ‘present’ that money can’t buy. Thinking about ending the year on a high note or starting the new year with a bang? Then ‘find my friend or fam’ might just be the gift that’s needed. As the story of the prodigal son reminds us, having the right mindset and heart-posture might sometimes bring a friend or fam back home!

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Warrior Sound – Two-Minute Reggae Mix – https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJeb7TuIt6F/?igsh=MXZnMXV2bjVoZXV2eA%3D%3D

Lee Vasi – Teach Me – https://youtu.be/-lddOg1eJoc?si=hv67PppbnemZBgRk

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Homecoming Edition: October 2025

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Wow, that first fall feel just hit the outdoors! With leaves beginning to turn color, the temps surely reminded us what time it is. Some love this time of year where the season’s change provide a fresh reminder that we can change too. Maybe there’s a lesson for matters of social impact and public affairs.

In this month’s Homecoming Edition, we celebrate in the Celebrity Row column, someone who’s the third faster female sprinter ever. We also introduce a new column called Heroes & Sheroes with a double spotlight. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

There’re different ways to experience homecoming. A few years ago, Beyoncé gave us her rendition with an album of the same name. Often on college campuses it’s a time to revel with alumni and cheer for the Homecoming Queen. Some folks might even start thinking about plans on visiting family during the Holiday season, with a homecoming feast on the cards.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “A Tiffany Crowning Moment”

The GOAT is in the building! Obviously we’re not talking about the 4-legged kind. In this case it’s someone who’s the most decorated 100-meter sprinter ever (male or female) in Track & Field, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. As she puts it “18 years ago I started on a journey that began in Osaka Japan, and now I ended my career after performing at the World Championship in Toyko Japan. It felt like it was time.”

While she’s the third fastest woman in history having run 10.6 sec, she’s making the shift from the track to bigger things in the business world. She’d already been an entrepreneur with her specialty in hair care and fashion wigs. That’s not much of a secret if you’ve watched her perform over these years, with hair looking like the Jamaican flag.

She wants to continue elevating the sport by using her voice, but in another lane. As a tribute to her legacy, she had a “Tiffany crowning moment” and was recognized with those jewels at the ATHLOS NYC event for her massive accomplishments. This was being made possible by the event’s founder, Alexis Ohanian, with a special guest to do the honors, his wife, another GOAT, Serena Williams.

**Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Alexis Ohanian**

Fraser-Pryce certainly isn’t done yet. While there were reports of a Netflix deal, that didn’t come up in her CBS appearance, and the Jamaica Gleaner says the Netflix story was false. Her homecoming must feel bittersweet as she’s made lots of folks proud. Even Usain Bolt admits that Fraser-Pryce lasted in the sport longer than he did. If you missed her visit to the CBS Morning News, check it out below.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on CBS This Morning: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/alexis-ohanian-and-shelly-ann-fraser-pryce-spotlight-womens-track-at-athlos-nyc/

Lead Story: “A Battle in Mind and Spirit, Not Just Body!”

Well, The NFL season is in full swing, and players are dropping off the roster like flies in a bug zapper. In the first couple weeks, the injury reports themselves became painful because of the big-name players affected. Whether at the QB, RB, WR, DL or OL positions, it’s been a rough go for teams that were banking on their stars.

That’s what also happened last season in the NHL with cousin Anthony Duclair, the NY Islander hockey star. He had to head back home to Canada before the season ended for rehab after a major groin injury. It took a toll on him and as athletes know, it turned out to be a battle in mind and spirit, not just body. Then to add insult to injury, he had a misunderstanding with his coach which didn’t go over well.

The downtime back home with family, helped in the physical and emotional healing process. Things are now good between him and the coach. His journey back hasn’t been easy, but he’s on track and in his words “working to be the best he can be, with his speed and skating as his main asset.” Checkout his media availability interview ahead of preseason training camp. Welcome back Anthony!

Anthony Duclair media interview: https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/duclair-details-injury-recovery-process-ahead-of-season

Island Vibes: Scoops on Roots & Culture

Who knew there was a ‘Jamaica Town’ in Costa Rico? https://www.instagram.com/p/DO9LfRoD4wE/?igsh=MWVlbnNlMnVkdnI0NA==

Google Translate made Jamaican Patois an official language. https://www.threads.com/@kiyongtai/post/DPm2DtBlfO0?xmt=AQF0VaawhLF2FkH-Y0wKCax6F2sLLWGIyWHzhbrAgjMxqA&slof=1

Any sport we play, we can win! https://www.instagram.com/p/DOOrnUijqao/?img_index=2&igsh=MWdlNGloYzlsYm5naA==

Family Feature: “A ‘Fro and Step-Show”

Well, with the loss Walter had recently of his dad, things might feel a little out-of-sorts. They were like buddies as much as father-son. Years ago, when Walter’s grandmother was taken from the family at the Mother Emanuel Church shooting in South Carolina, Walter used that time to pour-into his family. This was his way to manage the grief from pain that’s hard to heal.

So, it’s great to see him out and about when the question went out, “who’s got an afro these days and is proud to show it?” And the J5 Crew said, amen! If you also got yours high and wide, then you prob already know it was World Afro Day recently. Some folks might have let out their braids just to be in the afro number. No surprise to see the J5’s together in ‘fro-mation.

That might have been their first meet-up since Chloe went off to college. Not sure if Texas is the ‘fro capital of the world. Then there was the recent step-show competition at Johnson C. Smith University where Jasmine took the top prize with a trophy almost as tall as her. Maybe that was just the warmup for the Homecoming turn-up. That’ll be just in time before Winter hits and things get ‘fro-zen’. Let it ‘fro!

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Clocks measure hours. Builders (of vision) measure moments.” – Garett Campbell-Wilson

“A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right and evil doesn’t become good just because it’s accepted by a majority.” – Booker T. Washington

“People can fake charm, they can fake competence, but they can’t fake integrity.” – (shared on LinkedIn)

Heroes & Sheroes: “A Doctor for the Doctors, Player for the Players”

Ever wondered where doctors go when they need a doctor? They could start right in their workplace backyard among colleagues. It’s been said that a doctor might be the hardest ones to go to the doctor. But under emergency circumstances there isn’t much choice. That’s what happened in history many years ago when Dr. King was out doing his thing during the civil rights movement.

He was stabbed in the chest, with the tip of the knife being millimeters away from the aorta artery of the heart. He was rushed to the hospital and had surgery done by a team of doctors that included Guyanese born Dr. Aubre de Lambert Maynard. King was told if he had sneezed that would have hit the artery which would have been deadly.

Dr. Maynard was seen as a hero in his time. So was Jamaican soccer player Ricardo “BIBI” Gardner, who’s getting hero-like recognition during this month’s National Heroes Day events. He went from watching his brother play the game to representing Jamaica on the world stage. This included being part of the Reggae Boyz team that was the first Caribbean nation to qualify for the World Cup.

Like Shelly-Ann-Fraser, he’s among the many ambassadors in sports for the island nation. His Wolmer’s Boys High School days have served him well on the field and in international affairs. See more below on Dr. Maynard’s story and Gardner’s honor. If you feel like giving a handclap even if they won’t hear it, then there’s something in you that feels proud too.

Dr. Maynard’s story: https://nyulangone.org/news/doctor-who-saved-preacher

Ricardo “BIBI” Gardner’s Honor: https://share.google/2QGR9vZRALrF59y42

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Well, in this homecoming season, look who’s all dressed up? Young cuz Jon pulled out the suit and tie for an event at his high school. He’s looking like one of the ‘big boys’! Now, is that his sister Sara lurking in the background behind the French doors? We see you!

Patricia was in a nostalgic mood when she shared this pic of her with our grandmother ‘Miley’. Looks like they were headed to a fashion show with them dressed to the max. But who knows, maybe grandma might have planned on finding a date!

With birthday shoutouts flying across the text thread among the Steele family line to Michelle, Sheldon, Nichelle and Yolanda, here’s Yolanda hanging with her brother Paul at a NY hotspot when she was in town recently.

Deja was in town too for one of those quick ’trips outta Boston’. We got to hangout at brunch to catch-up on things. It’s almost like class was in session where the parents were getting ‘schooled’ by the children on buzz in music, culture and social media. Think they love feeling like there’s something they know more about than we do!

Look who’s getting back on her feet. After going through knee surgery, Jewel is on the comeback. She’s been making phone calls like Cardi B making new music. Soon Jewel will be back on the dance floor trying to drop it like it’s hot!

Well, cuz Terri and Husband Norman jetted from Louisiana to Atlantic City to see what’s shaking. After a trip this Spring to NYC and a stop at the Broadway show Hell’s Kitchen, Terri took sick. We couldn’t link-up then so we tried it again, by taking a Boardwalk stroll. That was some good Chinese food, right Norman?

A few of us took the ride down to Maryland to pay respects to the Davis family and the passing of ‘Uncle Devo’. We even linked-up with cousins from different family lines. Is that Charmaine (who’s now retired from her time as Dentist) in the pic?

Lastly, shoutout to Junior who returned home to Queens NY to be near his mother. Yea, it’s where he grew up. He made a big decision to drop everything in NC to handle this responsibility. Hey cuz, now that you’re in town, mom gotta be happy that you already got ribs ‘smoking’ on the grill!

Smile Emoji

Different ages walking down the stairs. Which one’s you, lol? https://www.threads.com/@sofit_ngr/post/DPj-CqEjFZ1?xmt=AQF0q3lkx4w3YJTGRO5AZt8Igsu9csk4x86Ooy7u7KoJ7w&slof=1

Praise & Worship at a White Church vs Black Church! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO3jFLcjqzx/?igsh=am8xY3pqcGkyZnQ%3D

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “What’s Going On!”

These days for some of us, it feels like we’re living back in time. Remember when folks were singing ‘We Shall Overcome’? Remember when Dr. King said he had a dream? Remember when hippies were protesting the hot-button issues of the day? Maybe even more recent, remember when we celebrated the first Black President? Then it seems like things went south.

Back in the day, Marvin Gaye sang by asking a more probing question, “What’s Going On?” With all the drama nowadays around government shutdown, finger pointing and political jostling, the news is exhausting. It’s impacting people’s lives even among our own family lines. History has a way of repeating itself. But if we miss the lessons, we’ll find ourselves in the same mess, or worse.

Now, if some aren’t sure what that flashback all means, then we gotta have them pull-up and know. Since young people were the catalyst, bootstrap, jump-off during past times, then maybe there’s a disconnect today among everyday folks and the ‘Now Generation’. So, we might start by asking “what’s America missing?”, or maybe even “What are we missing as a family?”

When a loved one passes, people come from near and far to pay their respects. The dearly departed was a shared link among many. What if we had a shared link, not so much in a person, but an idea, a project, a movement? Would that help answer what’s going on or what’s America missing, or what we’re missing as a family? As American/family history might show when “these truths” become missing/misplaced, we end up in a bad spot. So, let’s try to lock-in on a shared link for resolving things as a family line and country!

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Stephanie Mills – Home – https://youtu.be/cnKQN7TF4hQ?si=i8fP68DPV-Ge2qCN

2Pac ft. Dr. Dre – California Love – https://youtu.be/omfz62qu_Bc?si=wyaG0uxy2TryynTl

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Back to School Edition: September 2025

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Hey, was that Buju Banton hanging out with Venus Williams behind the scenes? With the annual Labor Day weekend lead-up we get to see a Caribbean Parade on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, and celebrities at the U.S. Open Tennis in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Guess that also means it’s back-to-school time!

BTW, thanks for all the online feedback from near and far, especially to our July edition. This month’s edition gives “the early signs of a champion”, in the Celebrity Row column written by our own Garett Campbell-Wilson. We also focus on staying active for a healthy lifestyle because “movement is medicine.” You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

We’re excited about the launch of our podcast to feature “Hometown Dreams, Primetime News”. It’s another way to flex content, culture and entertainment as the “Podcast Professor”. Maybe there’ll be some time set aside to tell the backstory on things as they’ve developed over time, as well as to spotlight family moments too. Appreciate those who’ve been in the background or on the mainline with support.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “The Early Signs of a Champion!”

Written by: Garett Campbell-Wilson

Champions don’t ‘get discovered.’ They’re already winning before you’ve heard their name. You can spot future champions before the scoreboard changes…and recently, tennis reminded us why that’s true far beyond the court. There’s a version of you that made it. And a version that didn’t. The version you meet tomorrow depends on what you do next. There are hours, months, and years of training nobody sees.

Then there’s the moment everyone does. Somewhere today, a younger version of you would be proud you kept going. We saw this recently when tennis player Victoria Mboko walked onto the court ranked No. 26 in the world. A year ago, she was outside the top 150. She left this year’s Canadian Open as world No. 24, winning her first WTA 1000 title. She fought her way past names we’ve been watching win for years.

In the final she defeated Naomi Osaka and in victory said, if she could talk to her younger self, she’d tell her to keep going, because the moment she just lived felt unreal. That’s what most people miss. Starting is only step one. The real shift happens when you carry your future self and your younger self with you. Your younger self knew what lit you up, before life got noisy, before you put down “for later.”

Here’s how to change that: keep a log of small wins and unexpected breakthroughs. Those are the receipts your future self will need when doubt hits. After a win, big or small, don’t just celebrate. Review what you did right, what almost went wrong, and what to repeat. That’s how momentum builds. If a player outside the top 150 can fight her way to No. 24…you can have the experiences you keep imagining.

Lead Story: “Another ‘First’ That Many Didn’t See Coming!”

If you watched the U.S Open Tennis at Flushing Meadows NY, you know that this annual championship features big-name players from across the world. This year’s tournament had its usual share of early round upsets and surprise wins. There was some drama when Taylor Townsend’s win in an early round over Jelena Ostapenko went viral because of the losing player’s angry reaction.

With Coco Gauff’s early exit from the rounds, many eyes have been on Naomi Osaka who’s working on her comeback since taking some time off. There’s even a documentary called the ‘Second Act’ that tells the story of the last few years of trials and growth. With the U.S. Open as the last major tournament for the season, she’s prob excited to have made it to the quarter-final round.

There’s another name behind the scenes that’s getting new clicks. Jamaican-born Melissa Koby represents another ‘first’ that many didn’t see coming. She became the first black-themed illustrator in U.S Open history. Her love for art started at age four after receiving a painting giftset from her mom. As they say the rest is history. For more on her journey swipe the IG page here https://www.instagram.com/p/DMvcnMHMsW2/?img_index=1&igsh=cHRhbms1MmFsNmo5.

Island Vibes: Scoops on Roots & Culture

Back in the day, nothing like rice & peas on a Sunday?

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A post shared by Kay F(Special Kay) (@kspecial676)

Some things about Jamaica that might make you go…hhmm! https://www.threads.com/@spiceofficial/post/DNJOBbpCoYS?xmt=AQF0d3rLK4ohRRDrZF4D2FGZGT1SwVKDKmWcm5w085Ngeg

Did You Know? Family Archive Tidbits

There’ve been a lot of news reports about immigration over recent months. It’s an issue that can rub folks the wrong way or be used as a weapon of fear. But if handled the right way, tells the larger story of America today. We often hear about different generations that came before us or are emerging. Did you know that before there was Gen Z, there was the ‘Windrush Generation’?

They were of Caribbean descent who got special travel privileges to the United Kingdom after World War II. They came from British Commonwealth countries, like Jamaica and other islands during the late ‘40s to early ‘70s. Some joined the Royal Air Force in post-war missions and related projects. The Steele family can point to Noel Wilson who emigrated to the U.K. during that wave, before coming to the U.S.

The actual ‘Windrush’ name is tied to the ship that made the first voyage of West-Indian immigrants. It was once a cruise ship but after war broke out, got pulled into transporting troops. Curious to know more? Then checkout this link https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/ocean/history-empire-windrush. Maybe your fam can point back to this period after watching the ‘Three Little Birds’ Documentary on Amazon or HBOMax.

Family Feature: “Riders & Runners, ‘Cause Movement is Medicine!”

It started out as an evening stroll during Covid lockdown. We’d walk around the neighborhood once or twice, just to get out of the house. We shifted things by driving to the park, then walking a mile and a half from end-to-end, as young kids played on swings and others did soccer drills. We then pulled-off the stretch-goal of riding from home to the park and back.

Well, the latest physical activity happened when we jumped on our bikes to ride from home to the canal road, where outdoor activities were planned. We got sidetracked so-to-speak and ended up doing a 4.3-mile ride. After being inspired by those in the Steele family who’re riders and runners, we feel like taking on the pro circuit next (yea right!).

But seriously, someone’s social media post said ‘movement is medicine’ which got our attention. Not sure how often we’ll do that long ride, but with fall around the corner, prob saddle-up a few more times. Cousin Carol’s background as a Physician Assistant took the cake, when we joke about ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ Well, PA (physical activity) a day, is good for our health to keep moving and grooving.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Your growth will require new choices, new spaces and new levels of faith. You don’t need everyone to understand. You just need to keep going.” – Shared by Lisa Shepherd on linkedin

“God didn’t remove the Red Sea. He opened it. Just because God hasn’t removed your problem doesn’t mean he won’t provide a way through it.” – Toby Mac (shared by Terri Russell on FB)

“Mistakes, mishaps and mess-ups are humble reminders that we’re humans who fall short but can rise again and even go higher.”

Good Stuff: “Morning Meditations, Bedtime Prayers”

One of the often-visited pages on a website, is the FAQ section. It’s where the company can answer questions that come up from customers. It’s also a way to anticipate what questions might be on people’s minds. That said, here’s a kinda FAQ approach to “Morning Meditations, Bedtime Prayers” shared by Dominique. If you’re pressed for time as life evolves, then checkout the Lord’s Prayer rendition by Nichelle below.

1. How does morning meditation help with taking on your day?
Waking up is hard to do. Events of the day make your eyelids heavy with dread. When you finally fall asleep, your brain reboots only to be hit with calendar reminders and a laundry list of to-do’s (Oh gosh I actually have laundry to do).

Morning devotional is like the ctrl + alt + delete function. Before the worry, before the work, before the to-do list, spending time in reflection and prayer is not far off from opening Windows task manager and pressing “end all tasks”.

2. What do you find most valuable about the quiet time spent?
Much like sleep allows your body to reset, especially your brain, morning devotion allows a moment to re-wire your day before it has the chance to become a “day”. It sets direction, sets intention, and increases gratitude.

I find that my time in morning reflection and devotion helps me learn more about who I am, that is who God says I am. Music artist AJ McQueen sings in “Liberation” that “…the world likes to tell you what you can’t, what you ain’t, that you’re late…” This way, whatever comes my way, I’ve been reminded that the world does not have the final say.

3. Where do you have that quiet time…indoors, outdoors or does it matter?
A space outside of comfort (i.e. bed/bedroom) is most helpful. Sometimes I find myself outside walking or sitting in my “prayer chair”. Sometimes I’m talking to the chair, as if God was sitting with me there. Waking up is sometimes hard to do, but it is one of God’s greatest miracles.

When I allow life’s trivialities to hinder my practice or snooze the alarm to sleep a bit longer or check my phone for missed notifications before anything else in hopes of increasing productivity, most often it ends in the opposite. The way I react to decisions of the day is also affected.

Thanks fam! – Dominique

P.S. Of course, the most basic meditation message taught at a young age is found in The Lord’s Prayer. Checkout Nichelle’s version in song that she recently performed at a dear friend’s wedding. Ladies and gentlemen here’s Nichelle the Psalmist: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18c8nfbMZC/.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

How was your road trip or air travel this summer? Thank God our getaways went off without a hitch even though Newark Airport has been having repeated equipment trouble. Others went to points East, West, North and South. A few Steele cousins got together and were all smiles. While Yasmine (in yellow) from the Salami family had a mountaintop experience.

Then there was Dominique and Deja visiting sites in New England where the Bush family and Kennedy family have their hideaways. They also spent time chilling in Martha’s Vineyard. Meanwhile, Cousin Terri and husband Russell who live in Louisiana headed west to visit family.

As the back-to-school grind got going, we found Chloe on campus at Texas Southern University and Theodore (Tman) at Florida Gulf Coast University. Watch over them and all the returning students, Lord…Amen!

The U.S. Open Tennis saw Buju Banton meetup with Venus Williams. They’re fans of each other. With schools back in session, there’s also Friday Night Lights for high school football. That means Coach Gary is back on the sidelines during games and reaching out to friends, family and community with the team’s fundraiser. So chip-in if you can! https://app.moneydolly.com/fundraiser/256351/group/27028/order?utm_source=app&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=share_leader_details

In last month’s edition we mentioned the hype around who’s got the best jeans, Levi’s or American Eagle. Well, here’s Cousin Carol from back-in-the-day wearing her bell-bottoms (which are in style again). There might be a story behind that… save it for another day. Thanks to Noelle for sharing the pic. We also mentioned the ‘Rivers Triplets’ who’re gearing up for the next Winter Olympics. Here’s an update on them earning Eagle Scout status https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL5ML_ZRM64/?igsh=MWZpemhyeGRxM3ZjZA==.

Wanna send condolences to Walter and family for the loss of his father. Here’s Walter and his wife with dad in their younger days. Also, condolences to Aunt Althea and family for the loss of their husband/father ‘Uncle Devo’. In the words of Walter’s wife, Rev. Dr. Catina Jackson, “Grief isn’t weakness. It’s love with nowhere to go.”

Lastly, wishing a speedy recovery to Jewel after her knee replacement surgery. Shoutout to her sister Noelle (who’s been ‘nursing’ many family members throughout her LPN career). Also, to Jewel’s son Jerol and others for jumping into action with their support during/after the procedure.

Smile Emoji

Weight loss or floor toss? Get this woman a treadmill. https://www.threads.com/@djspeednwa/post/DNOQ8slpDxL?xmt=AQF0QEuj2BLkN10PMHj4PNMmKIMLNTbPyr2Cq2dEgBQoKg

Sesame Street, Jamaica style! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK3lnyOtTb6/?igsh=Yjh1MWlteHNqdHB3

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “A Win for the Ages!”

By now you’ve heard the news that Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness has been re-elected for a third time. While in some countries like the U.S. there’re term limits for high office, that’s not the case here. Some might be having second thoughts on that aspect of Jamaica’s Constitution. News reports suggest that his favorability is tied to strong economic gains and deep crime reduction.

His recent electoral success represents a win for the ages, as a three-term prime minister is rare. It seems the history of violence that’s known to happen during the election run-up wasn’t to be found. The usual ‘gutter politics’ that we often see here in the U.S. didn’t surface during his campaign. Plus, the losing candidate conceded not long after the results became clearer.

Interestingly, when you compare the U.S. and Jamaica you’ll find a close similarity in their mottos. Geographically, it’s roughly an hour’s flight between the closest points. It’s as if the countries are like cousins. For the U.S. its motto is “Out of Many, One”. For Jamaica, it’s “Out of Many, One People”. Who knew that Jamaica’s founding took notes from America’s early days?

That’s why with this Portal and other branding efforts we have are a driving force to “Empower Many As One”. We’re doing that in the U.S. as a country, and across the diaspora. The content, programs and events are geared towards uplift as we empower family, community, culture and dreams. Hoping you’ll watch for more on our social media pages (@SeeAmericaInColor) on IG and FB about the launch of our new podcast, “You’re All Set!”

Andrew Holness wins third consecutive term as prime minister. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18PLLeY3tQ/

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Buju Banton Ft John Legend – Memories – https://youtu.be/t9pMjc0-Vlk?si=ESY0DSaSM8utNjqB

Buju Banton, Bugle and Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley – Thank You Lord – https://youtu.be/uqsUsmR_VsM?si=V5O82rVS7s2Wa2r7

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Homeplace Edition: August 2025

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

We know that the U.S. is often called a melting pot because of the wide array of nationalities and cultures. Among them are countries from the African diaspora, including the Caribbean region. The rich history tied what’s often called the New World, also is known for bringing new flava in roots & culture. Did you make it down to the homeland this summer or is a Family Reunion something that’s in the works for next year?

This month’s Homeplace Edition might connect with that in some way, whether folks are immigrants or first generation. So, think of the ‘Did You Know’ and the new ‘Island Vibes’ columns along those lines. There’s the Family Feature on triplets who’re competing for a spot at next year’s Winter Olympics in Italy. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

This month had double celebrations of Jamaica’s Emancipation on August 1^st, and Independence Day on August 6^th. According to ‘Ms. Kitty’, a longtime friend of elders in the Steele family, when Jamaica first got its Independence, folks had stopped celebrating Emancipation Day. Maybe they wanted to scrub thinking about memories of slavery. But in recent times, the celebration has gained new energy.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “An Eye for Branding and Building”

Things might be a little quiet on the track & field circuit, but we just got through some shakeup moments. The U.S. National Championship had new faces as the next generation of athletes earned their place for the World Championship set for September in Tokyo Japan. Who does Usain Bolt have his eye on to make some waves? He thinks long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall is the ‘Beyonce’ of field events.

The women’s 100-meter has a new leading lady in Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, while her training partner and past World Champion Sha’carri Richardson tries to regroup. Don’t sleep on the Jamaican women who’re in the pipeline. There’s also a new face in the sport with an eye for branding and building. Almost two years ago, Alexis Ohanian launched ‘Althos’ to elevate and celebrate female track athletes.

At this year’s event set for October, they’re adding new focus on field events, starting with Long Jump. There’s even a big jump-off event planned in NYC’s Times Square to get fans excited. And yes, Tara is among the athletes expected to compete. She approached Ohanian with the idea of featuring field events as part of Athlos. Now he’s all in with adding that to the mix as another way of building on the concept.

Who’ll be the big-name music artist to perform? That might still be under wraps or close to being finalized. Ohanian believes this format for putting the spotlight on athletes offers a new chance for folks to cheer like in other speed sports, whether it’s cars or horses circling the track. It’s about giving fans options to watch their favorite athletes in a new biz model for securing the bag too.

Lead Story: “Flying Higher Than 30,000 Feet!”

There’re moments in life that will go down in the record books and the annals of time. It’s usually an achievement that few get to reach or that is so well-deserved that no one will fight against it. That might be one way to describe the major honor that our own Shaun Sr received by being inducted into the Hall of Fame for OBAP, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals. Who would have seen this coming?

Well, family members and colleagues would raise their hands in a hurry to sign-on to Shaun earning this recognition. The organization, which has been around since 1976, is focused on creating opportunities, building partnerships, influencing policy and continued growth. Each year, OBAP implements vital programs to create awareness, inspire and propel aerospace careers nationwide.

You can tell it was a bittersweet moment as Shaun was able to smile while holding back a tear. The occasion might have had him thinking about his youthful days making paper airplanes from his writing pad, to getting the chance at learning to fly at the infamous ‘Wings Jamaica Flying School’. Since that time, he did 20+ years in the Air Force and almost an equal time as a commercial pilot.

Dad invested in his dream at an early age. He didn’t get to see Shaun flying wide-body airplanes in his time. This moment was prob an emotional one that had Shaun flying higher than 30,000 feet. If you ever want to find a situation that inspires among friends and family, not many can compete with the feeling of knowing someone (my brother) in your fam who is a pilot! There might be a clip of his acceptance speech floating around somewhere so for more on OBAP checkout https://obap.org.

Island Vibes: Scoops on Roots & Culture

How many other Caribbean countries celebrate Emancipation Day on August 1^st?https://www.threads.com/@thetherapistsol/post/DM0spmlycef?xmt=AQF042j69g9SXMhTsdFBsBIqDRalyCo6RhbibgzXfL60MQ

Why do some Jamaicans have an Asian look? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGqlFX_u-lF/?igsh=MTk3cXVpNnA4NG8yZA%3D%3D

Did You Know? Family Archive Tidbits

Well, the Steele family ancestry profile just got a boost. Our cousin Jessica in Jamaica clued us in on some new info tied to the family tree. It takes us back in time to our ‘white family line’. Many of us living knew of Grandma Mildred ‘Miley’ Wilson in our younger days. There’re other senior family members who even knew grandma Miley’s mother Ann, who was a McIntosh before marrying to become a Steele.

We learned Ann’s father Francis was born in the mid-1800s, a few years after the end of slavery. So much so that his middle name was ‘Freeman’. Going back further, his father Alexander seems to date back to a time in Scotland and the period of owning slaves. There’re some missing links, but we’ve got some help from long lost cousin Cecile and her fam who live in NY and are from the McIntosh family line.

Something else jumped out from info Jessica sent. There were twins (Charles and William) who were brothers of Ann. Cousin Cecile falls under Charles’ family tree. That was fascinating, as twins have shown up in the family line since Ann’s days. Grandma Miley’s daughter (Cecille with two L’s) had twins in Shaun and Nadine. There’re also twins on the paternal side. So, thanks much to Cousin Cecile, her daughter Brianna and son Dhanjai for hanging out in NY and helping fill in some of the blanks.

Family Feature: “Triplets Ice Skiing in 2026 Winter Olympics”

Most folks by now have heard about Jamaica being part of past Winter Olympics in the Bobsled competition. The ingenuity that went into making history was told in the movie ‘Cool Runnings.’ The movie’s title was a play on words in many ways, including language, culture and sports. We’re a small island with big talent and so why not keep the cool vibes going in a different winter sport?

That’s what triplets based in the U.S., whose mother is of Jamaican heritage, plan to do. They’re training and hoping to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. According to the local media, they’ve been visiting the island to work on strength and conditioning. Once they depart Jamaica, they’ll be doing intense training in South America during the winter months there to set them up for qualifying races.

At 17 years of age, they’ll have lots more cracks at making a splash in the sport. They’ve been focused on academics leading up to high school graduation. Known affectionately as the ‘Rivers Triplets’ their specialty of Alpine skiing takes them down long winding downhill trails, like a river flowing downstream. So yea we’re looking forward to their big finish! See more on their journey here: https://linktr.ee/rivers.triplets.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.” – Aldous Huxley

“Nobody is going to pour the truth into your brain. It’s something you have to find for yourself”. – Noam Chomsky

“One of the hardest things with serving others across family or country is staying true to God’s calling for doing something that most folks do not yet see the essence.”

Good Stuff: “Life Coming Full Circle”

Is it that some of us have been around the block a few times, or just that we’re doing things like starting over again? Well, that might have been the feeling Shaun Sr had when he was part of an aviation camp recently. With a few extra pounds from his youthful days, he got into the cockpit of a single engine plane like his early days of learning to fly.

This time, he was in the passenger seat, guiding a youngster on a similar path. The event brought together students, giving them a sense of what it takes to go from single engine to wide-body jet as Shaun has done in his career all the way to United Airlines. There were those who’re already on their way, and others just getting some early exposure. It was a ‘life coming full circle’ occasion for sure.

Shaun Sr had his own grandson (2nd from left) Aamir there among the ‘young buds’ who had a chance at sitting in the ‘big chair’ of a flight simulator. The experience, while not the real thing, gave them a bird’s-eye view as well as hands-on feel for what it means to fly. There were some ‘touch & go’ moments (as they say in the flying biz), where they had to circle back in the air, before coming to a safe landing. They earned their wings, if not for United, but at least for possibly living the dream themselves someday.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Ever had those dreams as a child, not for something big, but something classic? Well, that’s what Mikey got a chance to do recently on his trip to the homeland. Flying a kite on the beach in Jamaica was one of his boyhood dreams.

While Mikey’s mother Yolanda wasn’t in the next pic, she’s in the same posse. This group from their younger days were either gearing up for a ‘meeting of the minds’, or to mix things up. From right to left: Nadine, Shaun, Andrew, Paul and Douette.

Here’s the best of the best in some flashback pics, as cousins remember their younger days, or precious times holding their children close. There’s Paul with Grandma Miley; Andrew and Gary with her too; Serge holding Rebecca and Timothy.

Quite a buzz about who’s got the best jeans commercials, Beyonce with Levis or Sydney Sweeney with American Eagle? Before summer is thru, maybe y’all got pics (flashback or current) of wearing your favorite jeans or two-piece shorts set, like this one below from back in the day with Andrew and yours truly. Send your pics in and we’ll have our own contest.

Smile Emoji

Goat gone wild – whose idea was this? (shared by Donnice) https://www.threads.com/@isiahcareyfox26/post/DMfrFCuMwSh?

The fast-food investigation…who done it? (shared by Nadine) https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJh-EVCxmMT/?igsh=MTZtZXhzcHlqMTh5bQ

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “What’s Up or Wrong with This Picture?”

These days, sometimes it can be hard to tell whether a picture online is real or AI-made. At first glance you don’t really question it, then something in your gut tells you wait, this might need a second and third look. With videos it can be hard too, except obvious ones with kids acting like they’re on a dating show.

The other problem online sites have is if they’re dealing with a real person or robot. To help figure that out, a feature called ‘Captcha’ forces you to enter some information to prove you’re human. This way you can continue using the site. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes the image or words are far from the truth. So, what’s wrong with this pic from the Museum of Modern Art?

Artist Malcolm Bailey was trying to broaden our view of the 1896 Supreme Court ruling on segregation often called ‘separate but equal.’ His point was that this is what the slave trade should have looked like as ‘separate but equal.’ Interestingly, the divide in history, whether as a country or even in families, often comes down to those who seem/feel celebrated (viewed as insiders) and those who seem/feel slighted (viewed as outsiders).

That’s prob what we’re seeing in today’s version of ‘separate but equal’ in the town square. Folks are taking sides, based on whether they think they’re entitled vs belong. After being prompted by a circle of friends over the past year, if it’ll help explain the divide or ‘what’s wrong with this picture’, looking to launch a Podcast with features that bring truth and reality across family & country, culture & community.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Rochelle Bradshaw – Island Girl – https://youtu.be/BJAvpL8qGfI?si=0-VbHMQjMFxC9KxF

Sting & Shaggy – Just One Lifetime – https://youtu.be/DNobqcfLb2Y?si=qGS9ck9suzFVDqVn

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

“School’s Out, Cookout’s In” Edition: July 2025

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

“It’s summertime in the city, girls are looking pretty!” Those words might be playing in the mind of a young Gen Z, or maybe even as a flashback to the younger days of a Baby Boomer or Gen X. Not gonna callout anyone, but fellas we all been there a time or two!

This month’s “School’s Out, Cookout’s In” edition, might feel quite laid-back. There’s the Lead Story to help answer the question, “What makes your dream a dream?” We’ve also got the Family Feature on the ‘J5 Crew’ and their story of ‘grandma love’. To top things off, have a laugh and be inspired. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

Summertime is good for road trips or air travel. We had our chance too, traveling to the west coast. This is the season to throw hot dogs and burgers on the grill, maybe get down on that steak later, or have a sip of that ‘hard’ drink to make the occasion feel festive. While doing that, as we think about the countdown to America’s 250^th Independence Day celebrations in 2026, let’s shoot for more “good times, good life”.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “Adding ‘Chops’ to Her Star Power!”

It’s summer movie-viewing season as friends and families search for box office hits. The Hollywood studios are constantly trying to figure out what’s on our watch list. Sometimes they’ll release a sequel, which can be hit or miss. Other times they drop a movie that comes with top billing but turns out to be a dud because it feels more like a retread.

Well, this summer the new animated edition of ‘Smurfs’ has arrived. It’s the kind of flick that they hope is like a family outing at the movies. And guess who’s a featured star…yes, Rihanna the music icon. She is the voice of ‘Smurfette’ and leads the pack on a rescue mission for Papa Smurf. She even found time to deliver a song on the soundtrack (see Line Jams below), while adding more ‘chops’ to her star power.

She was a big fan of the cartoon from her days in Barbados watching it on their only TV station back then. It’s a good fit since she’s now a mother of two boys. Entertainers often make a shift in what they produce once they have kids. It prob makes things easier for them to embrace a family-friendly vibe at home.

Many are hoping for her to release new music on the R&B charts. Others are waiting to see her next baby’s arrival which could happen at any moment. If the red carpet at the Met Gala in May wasn’t enough, the blue carpet at the movie premiere sure had her in maternity wear. While ‘Smurfs’ isn’t her first big screen gig, it certainly continues her brand-building as a mover and shaker in biz.

Lead Story: “What Makes Your Dream, a Dream?”

What makes your dream a dream? Well, that wasn’t quite the question Samantha Mitchell was asked in a recent interview. But it might as well have been because she told her story of how she became the first female mechanic at JFK airport, working for Air Jamaica.

It all started when her mother noticed that she was the “hands-on tinkering” type who just loved putting thing together (and maybe even pulling things apart). Her mom said to her “you need to figure out how to work with your hands.” That message planted a seed, and as often happens, a lightbulb moment came later when she received a brochure from Vaughn College of Aeronautics.

She was off and running, as they say, moving closer to her main dream of working for Boeing. Then a setback caused a delay because she needed another important piece of documentation. After applying for U.S. citizenship and waiting for that to come in, she soon had the chance of her dreams. She landed that dream job as she had hoped.

Over the years she was struck by something else…not many who looked like her were as fortunate to walk those halls and flex their skills in plane hangars. This stirred-up something on the inside that she describes as a God-inspired Calling, which led to launching BWIA – Black Women in Aviation, a non-profit organization that helps to increase representation.

Fast-forward all those years and she’s now not only an aviation professional, but also an author, speaker, business leader and dream chaser (ok the last one isn’t officially in her bio). Checkout more on her story and life’s work here: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-samantha-t-mitchell/, and more about her organization here: https://www.blackwomeninaviation.com/.

Family Feature: “Holding Grandma’s Hands”

The Family Line had a chance to catch up with our friend Walter Bernie Jackson to chat about life after Grandma Susie’s tragic passing. We first connected with Walter about five years ago while planning a men’s empowerment panel called F.L.E.X. – Fatherhood, Leadership, Education, XOXO (as in love for family and those near & dear). He mentioned that he, his wife and three daughters were affectionately known as NJ’s ‘Jackson 5’, or ‘J5’ for short.

Over ten years ago they found themselves in the news for reasons they wouldn’t want others to go through. Their beloved Grandma Susie was taken from them at the Mother Emanuel tragedy. Walter and his young family had recently visited with her, not knowing that a few weeks later she’d be gone. He says it’s been hard to go back and visit Charleston SC, but over the years he’s poured himself into being there for his family in those FLEX ways.

He says forgiveness has been hard, but his strength comes from those moments he remembers holding grandma’s hands. Plus, he can look with pride at how his father, mother and siblings were able to keep the family bonds tight as the ‘J5 OGs’. These days with his children all grown up, as the last one is heading off to college, he continues to serve the community as an elected School Board member and is certain that Grandma Susie’s hands are still guiding their every move.

A few years ago, a movie was made about the Mother Emanuel heartbreak and what it has meant for the affected families. It might still be available on Amazon Prime. But for a closer look at what it took for Walter and his family to get through this experience, checkout the clip on the ‘J5 Journey’ before Mother Emanuel, and after all the media attention has gone.

The ‘J5 Journey’ – https://youtu.be/MfNdGhhRBQM?si=0Upq_wpm1yZLZUiP

Emanuel Documentary (Trailer) – https://youtu.be/oBFSaiyl2bU?si=3d2FMRqbBhRFxRvm

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Two things define you: your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything.” – shared by Trudy Parris on FB

“You can’t lead where you don’t go. You can’t show what you don’t know. You can’t grow what you don’t sow.”

“If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love. Make yourself a committee of one to teach that lesson until it takes hold.” – Opal Lee, ‘the grandmother of Juneteenth’

Good Stuff: “Haters Gonna Hate…So Just Be Great!”

If you caught our ‘Grad Central Station’ feature in last month’s edition you know it was a chance to spotlight the 2025 graduates from high school and college. It was a moment to look back on their younger days, while looking ahead at their future selves. With the graduation season pretty much done, we had one more graduate to add to the list.

As Chloe Jackson prepares to attend Texas Southern University, she had a chance to deliver a speech as 2025 Class President. She began by sharing that she’s been class president since sixth grade. Her role involved planning many group events and supporting her classmates in their activities. Then she laid out two points that might fit with the caption, “haters gonna hate…so just be great!”

With her father standing proudly a few rows behind (He was seated among school board officials), and the almost 600 graduates in front, Chloe took a moment herself to enjoy the experience with the ‘bars’ she dropped to close out the speech. The turnout for the ceremony filled the stands of the outdoor football stadium, as family and friends listened to her, as well as the valedictorian and salutatorian students. Checkout Chloe’s speech here: https://www.facebook.com/franklinreporter/videos/1794134971480694

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Well, in case you need that extra umph to get through the summer, here’s a bonus graduation speech to ride with. This one’s from Harvard School of Dental Medicine 2025 Class President, Tashaua Holmes. (shared by Shaun Sr.)

Happy 30^th birthday to Brianna as friends and fam showed up in Harlem NY for her big celebration and hometown throwdown. Big shoutout to her for all she does behind the scenes in support of The Family Line and linking-up family members on making things happen. Plus, since she currently resides in ATL, she’ll do the big sister thing for Lanah who’s headed to Brenau University in Georgia (pic shared by Gary).

A recent social media post suggested that Family Reunions have been on the decline, as families go through changes due to the passing of elders or unresolved conflicts. As folks become more spread out geographically, The Family Line hopes to do its part to keep family bonds alive. We owe it to Grandma Susie on the Jackson side, Grandma Miley and Grandma Lena on the Steele side and Grandma Mamimi on the Salami side. Here’s a pic from a recent trip to Arizona to visit one of our elders (Aunt Sheila) who moved from the east coast about 10 years ago.

Smile Emoji

Looks like ‘cousin Brad’ got funky at the block party. https://www.threads.com/@notcapnamerica/post/DLIC4u8A4S1?xmt=AQF0mrb8kxYO4YK95Q2k2cWtPn4tkZHctddCc5GHM1i9tQ

Is it that black people run things in culture, or that we can vibe with any culture? https://www.threads.com/@charisma_michele03/post/DJ215dRvZfB?xmt=AQF03kPHzmpyOh5IaRlqvxC2Jl1vCO9Y4bJqGPX9Qvwk2Q

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “The Forecast for Your Day Trip and Life Dreams!”

“Right now, it’s 96 degrees in the shade. Real hot, in the shade…and getting hotter!” Sounds like the radio announcer setting up the day’s forecast in your area, right? Well, it could have been something like that. Those words aren’t too far off from lyrics some of us heard back in the day. But on the real, during a recent trip to Arizona, the summer weather there one evening was 107 degrees at 7:30pm.

That’s not complaining but about giving a snapshot of what it felt like on our visit to family. It was a ‘feeling hot forecast’ for the day trip we were taking to the town of Sedona. As with other parts of the world, the weather forecast gives the expected high and low temps for the day. Think of it like this, the forecast for your day trip might relate to how you live the life you love, even with those highs and lows.

We had a chance to view rock formation that seemed like they were God-made. According to one of our tour guides, that part of the world of red dirt mountain trails is fast becoming a tourist attraction, getting closer to having as many visitors as the Grand Canyon, another one of those amazing wonders of the world. There’s even a church built on top of the rocks (as if inspired by the Biblical text).

Fam, different moments in life allow us to appreciate how we love the life we live. It helps to put the journey in perspective based on times when you’re ‘feeling hot’ not just in atmosphere but maybe even in relationship or career. You might also remember some ‘lows’ you had to get through. Hopefully in the end, there’s the reward of getting to lead the life you dream. So, in this current social/political climate, and with America’s 250th Independence one year away, let’s saddle-up for the highs and lows to come.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Protoje – Feel It – https://youtu.be/amimA5WWtds?si=X-B3T5ZsZ4IknnJV

Friend of Mine (from ‘Smurfs’ movie soundtrack) – https://youtu.be/_MQnZgH0ZmQ?si=xd99QOgSmOeEZ8BS

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

‘One-Year Anniversary’ Edition: June 2025

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Click Start: Editor’s Preview

It’s hard to believe that one year has gone by since rolling out this ‘home away from home’ digital space. The idea was first conceived not long after the tragic event at Mother Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina. After considering its impact on those families, their example was a model to stand on.

So, in this month’s issue we feature the young and the seasoned. This includes ‘Good Stuff’ about two of our elders who have walked the walk and talked the talk, as well as an emerging journalist who’s covering the news on the ground. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

June isn’t just our anniversary edition. Since 2006 June is also designated as Caribbean American Heritage Month. Throughout American history people of Caribbean descent have made an impact on pop culture and public affairs. They include Harry Belafonte, Bob Marley, Marcus Garvey, Colin Powell and Shirley Chisolm. Even as far back as Founding Father Alexander Hamilton (who was from the island of Nevis) to more recent times of Kamala Harris, they’ve shared some ‘mojo and spice’ in their contributions.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “From MVP to Big Diesel to Modern-Day Mogul!”

The NBA season is at its high point in excitement. The last two teams standing are going at it with every mojo they can muster. In the thick of it all is retired NBA player turned TV analyst Shaquille O’Neal. He’s seen some championship runs in his days, having been a four-time champion and three-time finals MVP. But Shaq is no slack as he gets ready for another shift with ‘Inside the NBA’ moving from TNT to ESPN.

The original show started back in 1990 hosted by Ernie Johnson. The other co-hosts joined over the years with Shaq coming on board in 2011, not long after retiring from his NBA career. It’s one of many balls he juggles in showbiz as he’s become a major marketplace influencer. His presence on the court at 7-feet-1 had its own advantages for scoring. He’s since taken that off the court in a larger-than-life way.

He’s gone from MVP to ‘big diesel’ (or DJ Diesel) when he’s spinning hits. His size and strength could be intimidating, but it’s his carefully deployed teddy-bear demeanor that seems to attract kids and homies alike. Shaq loves the limelight but it’s not just about being there. He’s also big on shining a light on people and places that need an extra boost.

While he’s honest about some mess-ups, he’s not throwing it in others’ face but instead looking in the mirror. Shaq’s in such demand for pics and autographs that sometimes he does the photobomb himself. With a smile of high wattage, a career of big numbers and an address book of major players, he’s got things right where he wants as a modern-day mogul. For the next gens, here’s a flashback sample of tracks DJ Diesel might be spinning: https://youtu.be/jGMGTrNgvzs?t=31

Lead Story: “Grad Central Station…All Aboard”

Produced by: Dominique

Ever been to Grand Central Station in NY? It’s a place where folks can catch a train to local stops or faraway places. The main hall is a multi-story space that can hold hundreds of waiting passengers. Then there’s the arrival/departure board that lists the inbound and outbound train schedule.

Well, welcome to “Grad Central Station”! As a special anniversary edition feature, we’ve been gathering stories, snapshots, and milestones to celebrate our 2025 graduates in style. Whether they’re heading for college, careers, or their next big adventure, we’re highlighting them as scholars, athletes and future industry leaders.

For the high school grads, they were able to reflect on what they’ve learned since their middle school days. For the college grads, they were able to ‘dream’ on what they’d like to achieve in the next phase of life. While it’s hard to forecast exactly what the future holds, sometimes the future might hold what we hope for or foresee ten years from now in our life’s journey. Thanks to all who participated in helping us complete the info graphic below.

Grad’ Central Station Feedback – Form Responses 1 Download

Family Feature: “News on the Ground”

Story idea by: Gerri & Shaun Sr

Folks down south are in a dancing mood! The line dance jam ‘boots on the ground’ has spread so much that everybody’s trying to get their steps on. It’s blown up on social media with young and old showing us how it’s done. There’s a Youtube clip of the original song below if you’re just catching up on some of the entertainment ‘news on the ground’.

Maybe a story on how this dance trend came about is something Isabel Price has queued up for the evening news. As a Journalism student at the University of North Texas, she can be seen co-hosting the evening news on the campus TV station. She’s getting attention for her skills and poise, with internship offers knocking at her door.

Whether it’s covering a local story, a weather event or national breaking news, she’s putting in the work before she gets a shot at doing it in the real world. Of course, Grandmother Gerri chuckles at the irony in her son Noran (who was featured last month) being on radio, while his daughter gets to hone her game in television reporting.

News on the Ground – Isabel Price anchoring the news: https://youtu.be/G9xH0071Ab4?t=302

Boots on the Ground (Where Them Fans At!) – The latest line dance craze: https://youtu.be/RQxQZV66Bl8?si=hXpwsIKU5M1g9AaR

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Success comes with the same expectation but different sacrifice.”

“A mile of road will take you a mile. But a mile of runway will take you anywhere in the world.” – Xavier Thomas on Facebook

“Beware: Ignorance protects itself. Ignorance promotes suspicion. Suspicion engenders fear. Fear quails, irrational and blind. Or fear looms defiant and closed. Suspicious, afraid, ignorance protects itself, and [if] protected, ignorance grows.” – Octavia Butler

Good Stuff: “Chip Off the Block…Times 2″

The graduation season is just about wrapped. Students got their diplomas and are on their way to bigger and better things. Beyond the graduating class, there were also special honorary degrees presented to recognized names or important figures who lead by example and excel by perseverance.

Our own Rev. Dr. Catina Jackson had the pleasure of seeing both her parents receive honorary doctorate degrees from Eastern Theological Seminary. Her dad received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree while mom received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. They’ve spent a lifetime of service in Ministry work. Their dedication to the upliftment of the communities they served in the state of Virginia has been remarkable.

The fruit of their hands and their marriage provided for a great family occasion. In the words of Catina, a chip off the block… times 2, “The occasion was STUPENDOUS and MARVELOUS! Salute to Rev. Dr. John Blackmon! and to Dr. Hattie Blackmon for their well-deserved recognition!” Their example simply says “look at my fruit”: https://youtu.be/AezFvrKRews?si=AGGn5_DbNnquWoue.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

It’s almost here…as plans for this year’s “Dream Africa: U.S. Edition” are being finalized. With recent news about citizens of African countries being banned from entry into the U.S., this year’s program might have added significance for those from the diaspora who want to learn more about the Motherland. See registration info below.

Hope you liked the special ‘Grad Central Station’ feature. Here’s a bonus on who’s going where, doing what or making moves. Let’s send-off Lanah as she gets ready for her college track & field days at Brenau University https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ4jqcXA6Nt/?igsh=cHBiejd5ZXlmbXE4.

We also got word that Matthew is already off and hooping at Cal State University. He’ll be working on some new skills and stretching his jumpshot to the 3-point line during summer training camp. Of course, it’s not gonna be all play. He’s got a couple classes for his academic game too.

Big shoutout to Cameron and Kennedy who also finished their college journey. It’s hard to believe four years have passed since Kennedy landed on that campus, making waves on the college women’s basketball team. Cameron, who just got back from international travel, hopefully had a chance to dive into the culture, commerce and cuisine. Maybe he’s got a handle on the language too, for which many of us wouldn’t have a clue.

It was another year for friends and family who came together to remember Daylan Robertson, in support of the Scholarship fund started by his Grandmother Patricia (in the middle). He would have celebrated his 31^st birthday on June 7^th. Checkout our elder Aunt Cynthia along with cousin Jewel who were among the event’s fashionistas! Pic shared by Nadine so watch for more, and thanks to Trudy Parris for these from the event https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16dCMhHE5G/.

Lastly, our anniversary edition also offers remembrance to our years-ago departed Elder/Aunt Norma and our recently departed son, husband, father, brother and friend Kenny. They both were examples of what it means to come through ‘in the clutch’ for family.

Smile Emoji

Not the horse got ‘boots on the ground’ before some of us! https://youtube.com/shorts/ARYQcb1FhOg?si=GCQZwnG4c_0drSXH.

Here’s more ‘pop the balloon’ dating tips – kids edition. https://www.threads.com/@boxtvgad/post/DJtuE8gMcTP?xmt=AQF0BmeyRqpUS8RlL9TSpHIICOCXf2Qqha3w7MbfbsRxfw

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “If There’s a Will, There’s a Way!”

The NBA Finals is here! Two young teams are ready to raise their game. They haven’t made it this far for a while as the Indiana Pacers go up against the Oklahoma Thunder. There’s another faceoff that’s been brewing in politics as we watched things unravel. Not sure if betting odds favor the Pacers, and not sure where things will end up with the DC political clash or LA street protests.

Did any of the big-named sportscasters expect these two teams to be in the finals or news commentators expect these two political heads to clash? You’ll see sports predictions during the pre-game show as if to call the ending into existence, at the beginning of the broadcast. In some ways, the past year has similarities to a pro season. Plus, where goals are universal is that sometimes you gotta speak things into existence (with the right self-talk).

Then, it came time to write this concept into existence by publishing the first edition a year ago. As each month’s issue unfolded, a process for pulling them together began to surface. The theme for each month’s storyline became clearer and then others chimed in with ideas, story suggestions and tips to include as encouragement for a family-friendly audience.

The year also showed that sometimes you gotta ‘will’ things into existence by making sure you’re lined-up with God’s Will or giving it every ounce of ‘push’ to get it out, like giving birth. Cheers to those who’ve been here on the ground floor as we climbed upscale. And, to the graduates, If there’s a will, there’s a way to level-up in your career, dreams and life’s work. When you have rough patches in life that rock you, just saddle up and rock back. Now, as to the ‘busted bromance’ in politics, maybe America needs a do-over from our founding days to the present.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Damian Marley – Rise Up Morning – https://youtu.be/_DUp4MLOZPY?si=TcILQoy-IBBFywiq

Alaine Ft Usain Bolt – Pile Up – https://youtu.be/zI7-aZWZNg8?si=S5FFm-Is_ugKqT2n

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

‘Set If Off’ Edition: May 2025

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Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Who’s ready to hear their name called? That’s how athletes approach the lead-up to the annual Draft. They get dressed up for the occasion, knowing that lots of eyes will be on them. Then, when it’s their name that gets called, for the most part they’re one step closer to living out their dreams.

In this month’s ‘Set It Off” issue we’re looking to simulate what that might feel like. There’s the Lead Story of getting the call to fill-in for someone, which led to new opportunities. We’ve also got a preview of what’s about to drop in next month’s one-year anniversary edition of The Family Line. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

The big news from this year’s NFL Draft is that Shedeur Sanders didn’t get picked in the first round. He ended up in the fifth round, 144^th pick overall. How did he not lose his mind during that waiting period? Maybe he had Kendrick Lamar’s track on repeat: “Be humble, sit down.” Or maybe he remembered that in 2000, Tom Brady got drafted in the sixth round, 199^th pick overall. We know how that story ended.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “Go Get It, Gurl!!”

How many years does a pro athlete have to make a splash? Well, it might depend on how soon they get into the sport. Every year we watch the Draft for various leagues and see the joy and excitement in going to the next level. But being drafted is no guarantee you’ll make the team or make a name for yourself.

Maybe track & field athlete Gabby Thomas understands that which is why throughout her life she has balanced sports and academics. She’s sometimes seen as a ‘superwoman’ based on her academic achievements at Harvard, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology and global health. She’s also earned a master’s degree in epidemiology from the University of Texas.

We also know her as 200-meter Olympic champ. With three gold medals under her belt at the Paris Olympics she’s shown that hard work pays off. Now she’s one of many athletes on the Grand Slam Track (GST) tour that’s trying to make that paper in earnings. Folks who know her might say she’s come a long way from dealing with imposter syndrome in her younger days, to branding her journey so that it pays.

She’s at that moment in her career where you feel like saying, “go get it, gurl!” That’s what athletes at the draft feel the next step offers if they can prove their worth. She often points to her paternal Jamaican roots for her track grit, and her mother’s example for her go-getter instincts. There’s something about her ‘glo and go’ that comes thru as she prepares for the Philly stop of GST. Checkout her take here: https://youtu.be/jHE0K15hZLI?si=jFOFBgziwV3WLM92

Lead Story: “Voices to Rock With”

Story idea by: Gerry & Shaun Sr.

Over the past few years there’s been a resurgence of interest in audio content. We see news stories of celebs who’ve launched their podcast or appeared on someone else’s. Even former First Lady Michelle Obama is part of the buzz with a show she co-hosts with her brother. Radio execs will tell you that social media isn’t the only game in town as folks also ‘kill time’ with other forms of ‘click time’.

There’s still good old-fashioned radio where you ‘tune’ to a station. The Steele family knows something about that, whether on-air or in the ‘boss’ chair’. One of our own ‘voices to rock with’, Noran Price, has been working his chops on radio in Jamaica. It’s something that started out as a ‘social media and website advisor’ role, shifted to fill-in host, to now being a recognized name across the island.

Someone who has followed his journey closely said, “Isn’t his voice just fit for airplay. I am proud mama and head of his fan club, regardless of who wants to say otherwise.” Someone at the station liked his voice and recommended him for airtime and voice training. This got the General Manager’s attention and approval. As the saying goes, over two years later and the rest is history.

Now he’s a regular on-air host three times a week. He’s also called on to do remote broadcasts, special guest interviews with political figures, as well as program ads and announcements. But it doesn’t seem to stop there. Maybe next time we’ll share more about his daughter who’s also making waves as a college student in Journalism. Checkout more on his ‘radio jock’ gig here: https://www.kool97fm.com/programmes/hosts. You can listen ‘live’ here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kool97fm-radio/id6450368825.

Family Feature: “Flag Football, Here She Comes!”

It started out with 300 girls who tried out. Then, 30 got called back. After that, 12 made the team. Guess what, The Family Line’s own Chloe Alexandra Jackson is on the squad. The NY Jets announced their new women’s flag football team. As if she’s not busy enough wrapping up the school year, now she’s a member of Jets Flag Elite, their official girls flag football travel team.

It’s a group of top players from New Jersey and New York who’ll compete in tournaments at the local, regional and national levels. Their mission is to support, elevate and empower girls’ Flag Football by giving these young athletes the chance to connect with the Jets team and experience football at a more professional level. The Jets cover the costs/fees with resources to develop the sport to the elite level.

It will also provide pathways to college scholarships and prepare them to compete on the international level, since flag football will become an Olympic Sport in 2028. The official letter she received says it all. So, watch for more as the girls get ready to set it off. Checkout the preview video here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/12MDu5eighe/ and for more on the team, click here: https://www.newyorkjets.com/community/jets-flag-elite/.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Perhaps our brightest hope for the future lies in the lessons of the past.” – John F. Kennedy

“True health has nothing to do with diagnosing a disease or prolonging life just for the sake of it. It’s about finding out who you are, paying attention to how we’re called to grow and change, and listening for what makes our heart sing.” – Gladys McGarey via Experience Life Magazine

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman

Good Stuff: : “Raise Your Energy and Enthusiasm for the Motherland”

Get set, get ready for the third year of Dream Africa! This time’s gonna be the ‘America Edition’ as plans are underway to celebrate the vibrant spirit, rich culture and unforgettable energy right here on the mainland. The new twist involves being part of their cultural exchange camps, built around those rooted in Africa but living in the U.S.

The multi-day event will be based on program themes to ensure a multi-cultural experience. The planning is being led by Yasmine as the chief organizer. It’s like her passion for the Dream Africa project never sleeps. Some of the activities will include:

African Culture and Language – storytelling, games, basic language lessons and more.
African Art & Craft – Explore traditional/modern art through hands-on activities.
Taste of Africa – Learn to prepare traditional dishes with cooking lessons.
Music & Dance – Live demonstrations along with dance instructions.

If that doesn’t raise your energy and enthusiasm for the motherland, then you can make plans to go there yourself next year. The Salami family are busy putting together plans for their family reunion in Togo, according to Yasmine who visited with us for a quick getaway from her home in West Virginia. For more, visit https://dreamafrica.africa.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

We’re in the heart of graduation season. After speaking with Nick who recently got his master’s in business administration, an idea came to mind from the last five years of his education. So, we’ll celebrate all our high school and college grads with a special feature in next month’s one-year anniversary issue of The Family Line. Watch for more details coming soon.

It’s official, Shanell has crossover over to the Greek World. It was a choice that came with AKA’s whispering in one ear and Deltas in the other. Her Delta Land #21 crew from Howard University are on their way to lifelong service. Here, she’s joined by her brothers on each side, and close fam who’ve got her back.

Ready for the next tea party? Well, LeeAnna might have a jump on things after hosting her first tea party as part of ‘Crochet Creations by LeeAnna’. According to her mom Annetta, “Yes guys she is crocheting now, can’t keep up. Her skills change as night follows day.”

The Grand National Tour is in full swing, headlined by Kendrick Lamar. The concerts also feature artist SZA and producer Mustard. It looks like a sellout tour according to Dominique and Deja who made it to the Meadowlands stop. A chance to enjoy some of the exciting things in life, while balancing what they do to spread their wings.

A quick shoutout to Sara Quinlan on her fantastic season of basketball. She received big props from her coach for her role on the team, especially her energy. Looks like she’s been working on her skills to compete with the ‘big girls’ at her next school.

Feeling a little out of it these days? Looking for a quick picker-up to get your juices flowing? Sometimes, getting outside and hearing the birds chirp or watching the squirrels skip could do the trick. Or better yet, as that talk show likes to say…take some time to enjoy the view on a nature trail as Yasmine and Nicole did recently.

Smile Emoji

A nine-year-old asked his father, what is politics? (from the viewpoint of a Legendary Trinidadian comedian). https://www.threads.net/@michaelwarburton1/post/DHMJpJXKwe4?xmt=AQGzXhsAMLCmsl4bwCLpGnD3UaP-84Ejxr5LDhD260UOxQ

How to tell a Jamaican is in the building. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1127156655762379

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “A Leap of Faith!”

What’s with the smoke? Some folks wondered about that centuries-long tradition of choosing the next Pope. The meeting of the Conclave brings together high-ranking officials from the Catholic faith to select their next leader. They send up black smoke when a decision isn’t yet made. But when they reach a decision, they send up white smoke.

Ever wondered how they make the smoke white? Well, they add some sugar to the whatever they’re burning. It’s the sugar that makes us know that they’ve found their ‘sweet spot’. That might even make sense when it comes to how we ‘set it off’ in life, whether things are going good or not. It’s about finding that sweet spot. Maybe this is what’s missing in the political space as folks deal with issues of our times?

As graduates sit through their commencement speeches, they’ll hear tips and life lessons for taking on the world. Yes, they’ll go on to their next steps, whether college, military, hired professional or the school of hard knocks. No matter what, a universal message they’ll hear is to be open to lifelong learning. Not just at the workplace, but also in a self-knowledge way by fully expressing their mind, body and spirit.

Another way to think about that is knowing how to maximize their calling, purpose and passion in life. That helps to put you in touch with your sweet spot. It also opens the door to taking a leap of faith on your life’s journey. Your leap of faith might not involve being called on to be the next Pope. But maybe there’s something you’re being prepared for in life where your ‘sweet spot’ helps you hit the jackpot in impact.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

I Want You – Ine Kamoze Ft Lila Iké – https://youtu.be/hYcfqroKKC4?si=_cxBVv3ledaH6tJs

Strafe – Set it Off – https://youtu.be/z8wokfoyHf4?si=I2vdlwPDNPROkG67

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Springtime Edition: April 2025

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Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Well, school winter break is just about over, springtime feelings are just about to pop! As the cherry blossoms bloom in the DMV, some folks were surprised to see former President Barack Obama in the background of their sight-seeing pic. Well, such is what they call a photo-bomb, or just lucky chance.

No such moment in this month’s edition. Instead, you’ll find things about to shift from indoors to outdoors. We cover stories on the ice, on the track and on the social beat. Plus, with Easter around the corner, many see this as a season of new beginnings inside and out. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

We heard the sad news of the passing of Usain Bolt’s father. We’re also in ‘recession-watch’ as some economists fear the money tide’s about to change. Folks are looking to pull back on things. Maybe this calls for more ‘mindfulness’ by spending time gardening or trying your hand at making a new dish.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “Fast as a Lion!”

These days, many are wondering if Usain Bolt’s world records will ever be broken. There’re up & coming athletes around the globe who’ve been getting lots of buzz. Of course. Every year at this time in Jamaica, there’s the Boys & Girls Track & Field Champs that bring wild excitement.

The African Continent is more known for long distance runners, but the country of Botswana has its own world contender. Letsile Tebogo began as a soccer player in his early days. Then a teacher suggested he consider track & field. He said the sport helped keep him out of trouble, preventing him from getting caught-up with the wrong crowd.

He started out as a quarter-miler running 400-meter races. But now he’s making waves as a premier sprinter. Maybe after a while he realized he could run as fast as a lion. At the last Olympics in Paris, he took gold in the 200-metrer final, even beating Noah Lyles at his favorite distance. He’s getting ready for this year’s big meets at the World Championship and the Diamond League Series.

Bolt doesn’t seem worried his record is gonna fall any time soon. But at 21, Tebogo became the 2024 World Athlete of the Year. He’s got time on his side to continue his development, and maybe even bring more props to his nation in the sprint category. Checkout out his story here, https://youtu.be/neGU96lug70?si=gELsybozJqw7Ha0H.

Lead Story: “Art is Life, Life is Art”

Story idea by: Yolanda & Nadine

At sunrise or sunset, you’ll find great picturesque moments. It’s something about how sunlight can reflect differently, or how it can create different shadow-effects. That’s what folks in visual arts understand about capturing those moments on canvas, where art is life, and life is art.

Ask Garrett Campbell-Wilson from the Steele family and he’ll ‘school’ you about the wonders of art. He has had a passion for art from an early age and received formal training. For him, variety is key in his creative process, and he finds it important to resist becoming restricted to one style or way of working.

According to one of his industry colleagues, “He is an economical painter, who says much with very little. When close up to one of his paintings, the brush strokes are wild and free, apparently abstract. However, when you pull back to view the whole image those strokes not only describe the form of the subject but also charge the subject with life.”

These days, Garett displays his works of art in numerous locations in Vancouver and has private and corporate clients in Canada and the United States. In his own words, “Painting is where I cultivate my thoughts, experiences, and dreams into meditation. Art has become a personal ritual, a daily rite which leads me to study the world around me and increases my awareness of the universe.” Link-up with Garrett at his online front desk here https://www.gcamwilstudio.com/frontdesk.html.

Family Feature: “Who Said It’s Only a Man’s World?”

It was a great spring day to be outdoors! The occasion was the Second Annual Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, organized by Samantha Mitchell and her team at Black Women in Aviation. The event was held at the National Guard base in New Castle Delaware, with the Governor and other public officials in attendance.

Things started indoors with the backstory on how the event came to be, through the persistence of many who’re are descendants of the 332^nd Fighter Group of the Air Force. The audience learned that women supported these men behind the scenes, which made us ask, “Who said it’s only a man’s world?” There were vendor and community exhibits, hands-on STEM activities for students and photo-op meet & greets.

Someone left the event as a winner of round-trip tickets from Avelo Airlines. The event honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, while inspiring the next generation of aviation dreamers and enthusiasts. We got into the spirit and fun of things by taking pics inside/outside a C130 transport plane with Samantha & Devon. It’s a plane our own Shaun Sr from the Steele family flew on in his air force days.

The outdoor portion of the day also featured the Black Hawk helicopter, L39, King Air, Delaware State University’s Red Tails and more. Beyond that, it’s certainly not only a man’s world, as we learned that back in the day, Samantha was the first female mechanic for Air Jamaica at JFK Airport. Checkout the local Fox29 news report on the event here https://www.fox29.com/news/tuskegee-airmen-honored-delaware-national-guard-2nd-annual-commemoration.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Being honest with yourself means being honest with God. Being honest with God means being honest with yourself.”

“Before you speak, let your words pass through 3 gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” – shared by Lisa Shepherd on LinkedIn

“I am who I am and what I am because of what I’ve taken into my mind. I can change who I am and where I am by changing what I take into my mind.” – Tim Williams (shared on FB)

Good Stuff: : “A Breakout Performance on Stage“

We’ve got a rising star in our midst! That might be one way to describe the performance of High School senior Chloe, in her recent Stage Play. She was the stepmother in Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s adaptation of Cinderella: Enchanted Editon. It’s based on the version played by Brandy and Whitney Houston.

To watch her step across the stage in confidence and flair brought a smile and proud feeling to her parents. She was joined by her schoolmates who showed their singing and acting chops were on point. Even their theater teacher was in awe, because she has known many of them for 8-10 years of their lives.

The performance on Senior night was extra special. Friends and family were there to cheers them on and present them with flowers. There were a few tear-jerker moments as the students were honored for their dedication, resilience and passion for the performing arts. We’re not able to share pics from the night because of strict photo-taking rules.

The school’s theater program is known for high quality shows. This one didn’t disappoint. Everything was top-notch, from set design to dance routines to full-on orchestra renditions. It felt bigger than just a hometown performance by students. Plus, they’ve got role models who came before them, including one of their own who is currently starring on Broadway in Alicia Keys’ ‘Hell’s Kitchen’.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Lots of sports championships in the air! In Jamaica, there was High School Boy & Girls Champs, with one young man under 14 running 10.6 in the 100-meter finals. That’s right under 14, crazy! There was also the kickoff of the Grand Slam Track event by Michael Johnson, the Founder/Commissioner.

But our Lanah ran her 60-meter dash in a PR time of 7.99 sec at the recent Adidas Nationals Indoor Track & Field. Even though she had a slight hamstring injury and couldn’t complete the remaining rounds, she placed 26^th overall in her category. Here she’s having a little fun next to the Adidas logo.

The NHL playoffs are coming soon. You won’t find many of us on the ice. But Serge’s cuz #11 NY Islander Anthony Duclair has been having a rough go recently. Let’s send him some love during his downtime from the team. Earlier this year his foundation opened a synthetic ice rink at a South Florida school.

Then there’s Anthony’s brother Chris, whose team Hobart College won the 2025 NCAA DIVISION III Men’s Hockey Championship for the 3^rd consecutive year. Guess he’s getting ready to take things to the next level.

Chris Duclair ’27 lifts the national championship trophy.

Lastly, wanna send a shoutout to Carol for getting the ‘Gen Pal’ format going in the Steele family line. Her insight was very helpful for Deja as she prepares to apply to Physician Assistant (PA) school. Carol’s journey in the medical field struck a chord with Deja!

Smile Emoji

An Easter message, like no other. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP82XbEkx/

How older Caribbean folks dance. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP82Xqaw6/

Hey Church ushers, gonna close the doors this Easter Sunday? (shared by Nadine) https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH4olyfvsgE/?igsh=cmY5d3Y1cWZwdm5k

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Get with the Program!”

Something historic happened recently in Washington. NJ’s senior Senator Cory Booker, spoke for 25 hours and 5 mins on the Senate floor. This broke the previous record for the longest Senate speech, which was held by segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond. At the time, he was trying to stop the Civil Rights Act of 1957 from being passed.

Senator Booker, currently in his second term, said he often thought that Thurmond’s speech wasn’t a record we should celebrate. It’s something that was always in the back of his mind, not so much as a record to break but as a milestone to shake. Well, he recognized that with the first 100 days of the new Administration happening at the end of April, that ‘the time is now’ to make a difference.

He challenged his colleagues to do better. He drew inspiration from John Lewis and maybe even from Fannie Lou Hamer, to implore us as everyday citizens to wake-up for “good trouble”. Well, many of us felt just as moved, even before and since the Senator’s recent action. Thanks to a collaborative effort, organized by See America In Color, we’ve got a chance to rally the people for the public good.

The time is now, so get with the program, like our upcoming “J.A.M. Sessions with the People”. During his marathon speech, Senator Booker quoted these words: “The power of the people is greater than the people in power.” He and other public officials have agreed to join us to show what it means when the power of the people and the people in power come together in a major way. Checkout Youtube promo here: https://youtu.be/KJz00csbsB4.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Sevyn Streeter – It’s a Man’s World – https://youtu.be/H9gJI56ltJU?si=OzgOJYrLNfjMQtju

Samuelle – So You Like What You See (Get W=with the Program) – https://youtu.be/BKokZr7qq38?si=RGMRDdemrfMb1LCd

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

‘Herstory’ Edition: March 2025

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Hey ladies, how ya doing? Sounds like the words from an Erykah Badu song or someone trying to throw-down a slick rap to a female. Well, this month’s edition is all about the women and what they’re doing to tell their story, live their dreams and raise their family. In other words, how they’re ‘lifing’.

We pull-up on Keke Palmer in the Celebrity Row and celebrate the launch of ‘Joy Ministries’ in the Lead Story. We hope to team-up as a collab along the way. Of course, there’re the regular columns that drop a Smile Emoji and Turn Up Tips. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

Recently we lost Angie Stone in a tragic highway accident. She was traveling from ATL to Baltimore to perform her usual mix of ‘catchy tracks’. Well, in honor of her musical legacy and expression of love for the “brothas”, we’ve got her with a ‘double play’ in the Line Jams feature. Guess which track is a fav of ours that describes the Family Line journey to a tee? (hint: Take Everything In)

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “On and Poppin’!”

It was another long day in Hollywood with the Oscar Awards taking center stage. While the show aired on the east coast at 8pm, it was just 5pm on the west coast. This means that folks there were up from the crack of dawn getting their makeup and outfit right to walk the red carpet in the afternoon sun.

There’s always a parade of stars that show up and show out. Among them was Keke Palmer, who’s been doing showbiz from her days as a teenager. Many will remember her role as the foster child in Tyler Perry’s Madea Family Reunion. She was popping that gum in the back seat and Madea wasn’t having it.

These days Palmer has blossomed from child actor to seasoned performer. After a brief stint working with ABC on their afternoon news show, she’s taken on a different lane of work that fits her “on and poppin’” personality. Her bio page is getting longer to the point of her probably getting her own biopic one day.

As if acting wasn’t enough, she’s also an author, capturing her journey in a book titled “Master of Me”. She tries to share lessons when she’s not glammed up on what it means to be a good person and what it takes to be a success. Her most recent movie “One of Them Days” co-starring R&B artist SZA even added a new notch to her street cred.

Lead Story: “Good News of Joy & Love”

What’s it gonna take to have more joy to go around in the world? Well, Let’s check the record from ‘Tiana Joy’ and her debut as Franklin Middle School basketball coach. Coach Tiana, who saw her game skills reach new levels in her college days, decided to return to her ‘home team’ of Franklin where it all started.

You can tell from the energy that she rallied the team around a new vibe and swag which added a trophy to the bag in winning the championship. The joy they had went from inside to outpouring. It just shows the joy you have the world can’t give or take away and does wonders when you give it away.

That’s something mama knows too, as Rev. Dr. Catina Jackson recently launched her ‘Joy Ministries’ to “provide joy for your journey”. Her Calling assignment includes strong advocacy for social action, civic and political engagement, international awareness and engagement, education and young adult mentorship. Plus, she’s on board with new efforts to celebrate/elevate other Family Line Influencers.

So checkout below video tribute to Tiana and the team, courtesy of Hoop Diaries. Also, as part of our collab of Family Line Influencers, we’re teaming up with our friend and fam to deliver content around ‘Next Gen Activism’, coming soon. For more visit her website below. And as a bonus, checkout their friend, recording artist JustJoE with an old-school style jam for the ladies that’s “Cool to Love”.

R&B Artist JustJoE, “Cool to Love”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0vTCrqIkw0

Coach Tiana and her championship team: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGLiE4dxCZb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Rev. Dr. Catina Jackson and ‘Joy Ministries’: https://revcatinajackson.com/

Family Feature: “The Little Flower Beginnings”

The life of an immigrant comes with excitement and anticipation. It means leaving your native land to plant roots in another part of the world. That’s something Patricia understands, as one of the early arrivals to the U.S. as part of the ‘GS2’ crew (Generation Steele). She’ll tell you quite a bit has happened since.

These days we know her as an educator/administrator who’s running a private pre-school in the Montessori tradition. Her journey first started back in 1982 when she launched Little Flower Preparatory School, based on the motto that “It is easier to build a child than to repair an adult”.

Since then, she’s seen kids at her school go from Kindergarten to Ph.D. level heights. There’ve been challenging moments and times of having to reset too. But these days, with all the arrows coming at the Department of Education, Patricia is doing her thing to raise the next generation. She believes in providing thought-provoking educational opportunities and social development skills for every child in her school.

She works with a supportive staff and has limited/no external financial support. Education has always been central in a Caribbean household, so Patricia also lives her dream as an education entrepreneur. So, mark your calendar for her upcoming annual event on June 7^th 2025.

**Dr. Jillian Ryan, former Pre-schooler**

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Parents get their joy in raising children by watching them go from understanding things spoken to them at a young age, to understanding things that are unspoken to them in their older years.”

“A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“Anxiety happens when you think you have to figure out everything at once. Breathe. You’re strong. You got this. Take it day by day.” – Karen Salmansohn (shared by Yasmine)

Good Stuff: : “A History-Maker Who Flies High“

Hosted/written by: Samantha Mitchell, Black Women in Aviation (BWIA)

Who would have thought that dreams of becoming a musician could pivot into making aviation history? Well, Gabrielle Harding’s journey from aspiring artist to the first HBCU alumna to fly for a commercial airline was nothing short of inspiring. She left us with that and more from our recent fireside chat.

Her story reminded us all of the power of perseverance, adaptability, and believing in our own limitless potential. More importantly, from the fireside chat, we walked away with a challenge—to BE BETTER! Whether in aviation, leadership, or personal growth, let’s continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.

Ms. Harding, a mother of two, even shared some tips on how to navigate your career as a working mother. While she had us in awe from her story of starting out in the smallest of single engine planes to flying planes she never imagined in her wildest dreams, she also gave us a sneak peek on her next mountain to climb as a commercial pilot. Could it be a rocket moment?

For more on what you might have missed, checkout the BWIA fireside chat with Captain Harding here – https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kb7ihl39td4k9ieqaxb5s/Video-Feb-21-2025-8-22-51-PM.mov?rlkey=zy43qmaqilq6c3gpv33t7hyry&st=aslh4omb&dl=0

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

As life goes on, folks are making it “do what it do”. But this generation prefers to call it ‘lifing’. There’s excitement and pride for Taylor in ATL who recently landed her first property of a townhouse. While it might take some time to fill-up all the rooms, she’s sure to appreciate the bigger space. Congrats cuz!

Then there’s Annetta who spent time outdoors with her squirrel friend ‘Alvin’. Well, that’s what she calls this one, even though there are a few of them running around. She’s not sure which is which. Who knew she was a squirrel whisperer!

Sending shoutout to Dominique on her recent promotion to ‘Assistant Lead’ position at Life Time Inc. After some downtime from the classroom, she shifted things and spread her wings in Education, going from school building to biz setting. Let’s just say, she’s like the ‘boss’ behind the boss in the Kid’s Academy at her location.

With Yasmine back from her R&R trip to Paris, let’s see what she’s got up her sleeves next. As she hangs-out with her ‘sista girls’, seems like more ‘Herstory’ activities are brewing?

Lastly, a flashback pic of sisters Noelle, Gerry & Carol. They traveled from different parts of North America and the Caribbean, as they met-up in Florida a few years ago for a family occasion.

Smile Emoji

Black history for real: Folks always doing a new line dance, even when things falling apart in the world.

https://www.threads.net/@highlybeautiful/post/DGtncwCv4Kh?xmt=AQGzkxhcwURcH9QM9EYSC9h4AKzR6I5u1fSrZvNXp6cwWQ

Caribbean parents can’t make up their minds about the light. https://www.instagram.com/p/DGj5LvduS6y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Ain’t I a Woman?”

Throughout our history, black women have been asking, “Ain’t I a Woman?” It’s a question notably attached to Sojourner Truth, an abolitionist from the 19^th century. It harkens back to the experience of black women during slavery, and to Sojourner’s time as a traveling preacher when she echoed those words at a Women’s Rights Convention in 1851. It was a speech she gave ‘off the cuff’.

Some are asking the same question these days, with the sense that black female voices are always being pushed to the side. For some, it might be hard to face a black woman because history gives reminders of how they were treated in the backroom. But what Black women have done for America might have some similarities to another woman whose heritage goes back to biblical times.

Africa is often described as the ‘mother’ of civilization, but it’s in the story of Mary, mother of “The One”, that gives us clues on a mother’s role for the greater good in humanity. Mary didn’t merely give birth to a Son. What she did was give birth to a higher purpose in mankind. Throughout our history, black women have been holding-it-down for their family and even giving birth to a higher purpose in the nation.

Maybe that’s the rub that causes black women to get the short end of the stick sometimes. In American history, black woman were the ones who raised the slave master’s kids. They cooked the meals and tended the household chores. They even took the flack, while others were given some slack. So, like Tyler Perry’s Madea might share in her own way, “A black woman ain’t one to mess with, ya hurd.” Below is a clip that gives another example of a powerful female voice, from the late Octavia E. Butler.

Comment on the human condition: https://www.threads.net/@iogandogulgar/post/DG8SmG4uTj8?xmt=AQGzT4MnkJtcpNUwSq977nOLgw1B8ozSFUSVj1yQrBAqcg

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Angie Stone – Sometimes – https://youtu.be/2hxzJL0PkZ4?si=SuGWFDV7VY_zSIEx

Angie Stone – Take Everything In – https://youtu.be/EK8zCCbH2XI

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Rootsville Edition: February 2025

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Click Start: Editor’s Preview

And they’re off! The new Administrator is rolling out their platform in Washington, and things seem to be frantic. Ever wondered how folks back in the day made it through crazy times? Well, we’re living through one of those moments in our current lifetime. What did they do back then to hold on ‘til change came?

Not sure we can fully answer that in this Rootsville Edition. But we’ll give it a try with the Family Feature built around mission. There’s also the Celebrity Row and Did You Know? columns to help fill your cup, as well as Smile Emoji adding laughter to the ride. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal came to be.

These days Black History Month has been getting a bad rap. Let the record show that during times like these, folks reset around education to understand the issues and mobilization to act on the issues. Dangers are ahead, so recognize how things might get dismantled. Even if you question your last vote, you still have the chance to be in service for the greater good.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “Girl on Fire!”

The showbiz Award season began with the Golden Globes in January with props going to stars in film and television. Then came the Grammys giving out statuettes to those in the music biz. History was made with Beyoncé finally winning Album of the Year for ‘Cowboy Carter’. Of course, what else can be said about Kendrick Lamar’s Superbowl halftime show. It was artistic genius and storytelling to the max!

The Grammys preview is usually the Red Carpet strut of celebs, some who made a rousing impression, others who showed up let’s just say…less appealing. There were many fun moments during the show and a memorable acceptance speech given by Alicia Keys in receiving the Global Impact Award.

Many were moved by her poise, presence and punctuating message. But there’s even more to her being there in-person. Her Broadway Stage production Hell’s Kitchen was also recognized with the award for Best Musical Theater Album. The show tells her story growing up in Hell’s Kitchen section of Manhattan.

**Donnice & Dominique at Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway**

Word on the street (and in the fam) is that the music is lit, the singing is ‘live’ and the vibe is uplifting. Two Steele family members (Donnice and Dominique) made it to the show on Broadway, the same day that Keys was in LA at the Grammys. Folks ain’t kidding when they say that “girl is on fire”.

Lead Story: “Future Aviators Camp”

It’s on again! A few weeks ago, news broke that the Pentagon was planning to scrap teaching about the first black airmen in the military. Then the reaction was swift across many quarters of American life. After that moment of bad press, the Air Force announced that “this will not stand” and reversed the decision.

Devon Mitchell

The news caught the attention of our own Devon Mitchell who, along with his wife Samantha, are cheerleaders for those who made history. Devon was recently among five semi-finalists in the annual Reinventing Delaware competition. He has now set his sights on their next project, the Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day set for March 29, 2025, from 10am – 2pm.

According to Mitchell, “this year’s event will have added significance as we continue honoring the past and inspiring future players and innovators in aviation.” In addition to reflecting on what history teaches us about the present moment, they hope to launch their ‘Future Aviators Camp’ which will allow students to get more hands-on experience with different aspects of the aviation industry. For more, visit https://www.blackwomeninaviation.com.

Did You Know? Family Archive Tidbits

On a recent Ancestry Webinar, the presenter mentioned a key point about tracing your family line. She said that genealogy is “who begat who”, while family history is the life & times that happened between ‘the dash’ (birth/deceased dates). So, family connections run horizontally in time and vertically in space.

During Black History Month that idea might take on special meaning. With Steele Family genealogy, we can go back to late 1800s early 1900s and Isabel Steele who was sister-in-law to Mildred ‘Miley’ Steele (Wilson). And on another side of the family, we can go back to Isabella, who was a great-grandmother to yours truly and others. She was also sister to Hubert Wynter, with even more fam connections there.

Then, with roots & culture, there’s Marcus Garvey, one of Jamaica’s national heroes. He was posthumously pardoned recently, at the end of President Biden’s term. Culturally, we’ve got a connection to Dr. King too as he had visited Jamaica to finish his book “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?”

So, shoutout to Dominique for doing the research on the ‘Isabella’ side. Also, to Carol for her family history input, along with Brianna who’s looking to add more info on the ‘Isabel’ side. Whether genealogy, family history or cultural legacy, we shouldn’t be shrinking violets, but instead shining diamonds. We’ve got history in our midst and love on our side. Checkout below for more backstory.

Marcus Garvey: https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/howard-university-school-law-professors-and-students-secure-posthumous-pardon-civil-rights-leader
Dr. Martin Luther King: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFDndBHx0Nk/?img_index=1&igsh=MjQ2bTl5OWtoMWM4

Family Feature: “What Mission Will Up Your Game?”

In the 60s, There were two “tracks of change” happening in America. First, it was a mission in government inspired by words from then President John F. Kennedy, challenging America to send a man to the moon. Of course, there’re enough conspiracy theories to go around these days which say that feat was fake.

We also had Dr. King and the civil rights movement with the challenge driven by what he called the “fierce urgency of now.” He wanted America to change its ways in how folks are judged by character and not race. The movement’s mission helped forge social change by enacting new laws of the land.

Closer to home, Steele family member Carol was also on a mission. In her case, it was a mission trip to Sierra Leone West Africa that opened her eyes to healthcare career options. After working closely with doctors, she upped her game from registered nurse (RN) to physician’s assistant (PA). This work continued with treating AIDS patients there as well as other medical mission trips to Haiti and Guyana.

These days she’s enjoying retirement in Florida, hanging out by the shore. But her experience in the medical profession has come in handy in the life of many family members, including herself. It’s why she gets the vision and is working with others in Generation Steele with the ‘Gen Pal’ project, part of “Repping GS2, Prepping GS3”.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubt.” – Philosopher Bertrand Russell

“Maturity has taught me I don’t need to confront everything. I just need to silently observe other people’s actions and then set boundaries accordingly.” – Hazel Satija (shared by Rev. Dr. Catina Jackson)

“We’re living in a moment where we must focus more on education and less on distraction. We’ve got to be made by history, not slayed by hype. Our energies must take us down a road where we’re not just reactive, but responsive to a higher destiny of community.” – Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr.

Good Stuff: : “Train-up a Child, Dance-up a Storm“

Hey y’all we still stepping! Not just part of the ‘Greek Squad’ but also in every aspect of what we do. They say train-up a child in the way that they should go, so act like you know. Sometimes we gotta express ourselves in creative ways beyond the classroom. A little jig here, a little crip walk there!

TJ from the Jackson family knows a thing or two about stepping. He’s among a group using dance to show their magic or even break the tension. You’ll see him wearing ‘smiley hoodie’ in video below. Many wish they still had that kind of energy. But hold up, who’s that genius in the making? (see video below).

There’re those who still wanna get their groove on, just at a slower pace. They’ve lived long enough to see the results of what happens when you train-up a child. This sets the stage to “turn up big” in different aspects of life. As a Family Line, how about we harness that vibe, turn it into swag and fill that bag?

Genius in the making: https://www.facebook.com/share/15no1EcSAj/

TJ Stepping: https://www.facebook.com/share/18RajYvfy8/

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

For Track & Field fans, the season is off and running. There’s fresh excitement this year with the new Grand Slam Track being launched by former Olympic champ Michael Johnson getting lots of buzz. The kickoff event is set for Jamaica in early April.

Athletes got going with warm-up meets like the recent New Balance Track & Field Grand Prix in Boston, and the Millrose Games in NYC. One of our own was at the meet in Boston as Steele family member Deja got the chance to rub shoulders with 2024 Olympic 100-meter champ Julien Alfred of St. Lucia.

Fyi, this month would have been Bob Marley’s birthday. We could easily build a playlist of his music that speaks to the times we’re in (as with Kendrick Lamar’s Superbowl Halftime performance). Holla back with any of your Marley favs that you think would be a hit even today. Checkout our Family Line pick below. Also, if you missed it, our own Steele family member Dave had his LA radio station ‘Real 92.3’ get a great plug at the start of the movie “One of Them Days”, featuring Keke Palmer and SZA.

On a more pressing note, folks know of the happenings with immigration raids. You can check your Congressional office for info as I’ve learned at a recent event in my NJ12 district where Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman was the keynote speaker. She made history when elected in 2014, by becoming the first African-American female to represent NJ in Congress. We had a warm meet-up after her speech.

**Doc Cunningham with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman**

Visit the link below even if you don’t think you’re affected, as communities have been helping residents know their rights.

Bob Marley – ‘Lively Up Yourself’: https://youtu.be/lisqnlzmDvE?si=SLqiP69ZSPeJMBks

Know Your Rights: https://www.franklintwpnj.org/Home/Components/News/News/12426/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Smile Emoji

Get that baby a showbiz contract. It’s Black History Month, for dancing out loud! https://www.threads.net/@moneymakingtoolz/post/DDZQY28tQiG?xmt=AQGzNO2P_hYXWKQedNf-MsiwWIdO93yqb3D79T8JHAH16A

Guess the beat is catching on fast? https://www.facebook.com/reel/1025026492326958

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Which Came First?”

You know the age-old question, “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” It’s a kinda trick question since eggs are needed to hatch chickens but chickens are needed to lay eggs. See the dilemma? Along those lines, American history asks the question, “which came first, the native Americans or Europeans?”

The answer to that is well known but often forgotten or overlooked. Some folks wanna act as if they rule the world from time to eternity. That’s much of what we’re dealing with in America right now. The idea of white supremacy has been around a long time, goes by different names or shows up in different ways.

We know that African history is tied to American history and Caribbean history. That connection is what’s often called the Diaspora. But (keeping it real), it’s the vision and compassion of those who came before that paved the way for those of us who came after. That’s true for family as well as country.

As folks squabble over DEI, we raise our kids with a diversity, equity & inclusion mentality. They have diverse interests. We treat them with equity so they can find their own lane and feel inclusive. Folks who miss that look at black vs white children, instead of what Dr. King referred to as “all God’s children.”

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Keke Palmer– Stand on Business – https://youtu.be/vuRRNvGlYbs?si=3q1J0jLata4lZLu6

Lila Iké – Where I’m Coming From – https://youtu.be/9NDaJtcusi4?si=kMlxdIVIc3iCpx-a

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Wonderland Edition: January 2025

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Click Start: Editor’s Preview

As winter arrived in the Northeast, it didn’t take long for snow to fall. The first sprinkling came in mid-December as people visited the Rockefeller Center Tree. Even Atlanta got more than a dusting recently. For those who’ve never seen snow in person, that first time can feel like a winter wonderland. Just like Disney, the experience feels magical.

Well, to set the year off right we’ve got our Wonderland Edition with stories that will warm your heart, challenge your mind and soothe your soul. In the Celebrity Row column, we spotlight a few surprise moments of public figures. Throughout this issue we deliver ‘Happy New Year’ wishes. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal came to be.

During the holidays we got to enjoy the Walt Disney parade on TV. It’s the annual showcase of their wonderland attraction theme parks. Also, each year we set goals or reset plans for life’s journey. So, expect more content this year that might empower our mojo with more juice, more charm, more magic across career, family and country!

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “One of a Kind in Deeds!”

The start of the new year has been a rough go for folks on the West Coast. With strong Santa Ana winds and unusually lower jet-stream, a raging fire has been spreading across hundreds of square miles. While there’re multiple fires and it’s not clear what started each one, the dry conditions have been a big factor. It’s already gone down as a one-of-a-kind situation, indeed.

Before that story hit the headlines, there was some happy news that took us by surprise. We learned that Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson realized a lifelong dream of acting on Broadway. She played a one-time-only role in the musical Juliet. Denzel Washington also made news in receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He’s not only a respected actor and citizen but also became a minister.

**Tyler Perry and Friends**
**at Six Triple Eight Premiere**

Well, Tyler Perry seems to have all those qualities and more. He’s gone from hardship as a kid to Hollywood as a performer, producer and philanthropist built around a jovial character named ‘Madea’. He turned his tough times as a child into gold, by using his imagination, writing and entrepreneurial genius to achieve a wonderland experience. Beyond his widely successful stage plays, Perry has blazed a trail in TV and movies, with his latest “Six Triple Eight” film on Netflix.

He even bought a house for his mother and supported many family members and everyday folks. While he’s earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he hasn’t forgotten his humble roots. Perry is often lending a hand or sharing his resources with others who find themselves in a rut. He’s making that paper and making a difference as a one-of-a-kind in biz and good deeds.

Lead Story: “The Year in Review, A Century in the Making”

Boy does time fly when you’re young, living life or looking back in time! If you saw some of the 2024 year-in-review reports, you might just think there’s some truth to that statement. They mentioned events that happened over the past twelve months or milestone dates of significance last year. One such look-back was in USA Today.

A look-back is also something families do in reviewing their ancestry. They’ll go back as far as possible to learn about history that’s been transferred to legacy or that’s causing some recurring generational difficulty. If we could do that today as a family, we should look forward to the jump from 2024 into 2025 (as seen in pic below) to help set the stage for making new history.

**Happy New Year from the Salami Brothers**

The pic had a “Happy New Year my dear friend” greeting from the Salami brothers in Kenya. It also had these French words: “Santé amour paix et prospérité” which mean “health, love, peace and prosperity”. Yazid sent this pic which was a timely reminder that while the hours glass flows, the year in review might be a springboard for the year ahead and 21^st century in the making. Anything else in pic to help us fly in 2025?

Things don’t always line-up in our timing but instead in divine timing. USA Today shared where in 1925 The Lassen Advocate, a California newspaper published this (as a joke): “It was in the year 2025, the United States had just elected its first woman president.” Well, that far-out prediction came close to fruition. Hope it doesn’t take a whole century in the making. It’s gonna come after some historical lessons.

Family Feature: “Making Kanes Kool, Giving Rugs Floor Appeal”

Back in my college days a classmate and I did a tech project to design a programmable TV remote. We got the idea from having so many remotes around the house to control the many devices. Guess we didn’t move fast enough. By the time we graduated, programmable universal remotes were everywhere.

Well, there’re Steele family members putting more energy and effort into a hunch, taking it from idea to creation. That’s how we might describe ‘Nupe Nick’ who’s gone from the brainstorming phase to the branding phase of the concept. It’s based off his frat activities in Kappa Alpha Psi. He and his biz partner have called it “14K Kreations” where other Kappas can get their Kanes customized (like a bling factory).

Maybe Camille can relate as she’s been developing a biz idea too. Her skating days from the past have flipped into making custom rugs with her first holiday market recently. It was fun as she learned a lot about her abilities and the possibilities. It also opened her eyes and networking skills to new connections.

There’s prob a new sparkle in their eyes and pep in their steps. While still in the infancy stage, they’re both using the biz experience to pursue an entrepreneurial angle to their careers. Nick hopes to create some merch to go along with the enterprise. In a sense he’s ‘Making Kanes Kool’ and she’s giving rugs floor appeal. For more on their creations, visit their gram pages below.

Custom Rugs by Cami: https://www.instagram.com/customrugsbycami?igsh=MTV0eXVpOGZ4ZmVsdA==

14K Kreations: https://www.instagram.com/14kkreations/

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Joy is the happiness that doesn’t depend on what happens.” (shared by Walter)

“A mistake that makes you humble is better than an achievement that makes you arrogant.” (shared by Serge)

“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” – Psalm 15:8.

Good Stuff: : “From College Court to Coach’s Clipboard”

The year is new, the season is young and folks are already stepping-up to seize the day. That’s the real deal with the latest news from the “Jackson 5” family. Their oldest Tiana has finished her college basketball playing days and guess where she went to level-up? Disney World can wait.

She returned to her old stomping ground to become head coach for the Franklin Middle School girls’ basketball team. Imagine the excitement and awe students had in knowing that their new coach is “one of them”, who came through those same doors and once worked her magic on the same basketball circuit.

As coach, she’s drawing up plays and inspiring players. She’s watching the opposing defense and the clock. After winning their first game, the road ahead will likely be filled with surprises. That’s because there’s another former player who’s in the big leagues of the WNBA. The score shows that Tiana and Franklin Sports don’t play around!

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

The Holidays can be filled with good times for many and low moments for others. Sometimes it’s hard to go back home, if a loved one has passed on and will not be there. So, the Steele family is sending warm thoughts of love and comfort to Millie and Nichelle, with the loss of their mothers over past weeks/days.

There’s also been devastating news from the fires in California. So far, things are ok with the Steele family members out West. Hoping the same for you and yours too. We can certainly encourage and support them as we look ahead in 2025 as a time of makeover. But even with sad occasions we all try to experience “good times, good life” in cherished moments with family and friends.

So, checkout the holiday picture gallery below with smiles that could fill a room, along with Farida (Yasmine’s sister) and fam, as well as Yasmine and her daughters.

An update to an earlier story on Matthew, checkout the video highlight below from one of his recent basketball games. Matthew’s got game with that sweet 3-point shot! http://www.hudl.com/v/2RFPwD

Smile Emoji

The hottest car for 2025? It’s loaded with the latest tech so gotta test drive one soon. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDZtn-VuP4d/?igsh=X3habzRtRXF3

Ready to work on some ‘hotstepper’ moves before wedding season? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDfCI4PRbMU/?igsh=a2Jlbmd1aHo3eWNz

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “More Juice Please!”

At home my family call me ‘clean up’. That’s because if there’s any food left in the serving plates when everybody’s done eating, then I’m likely the one to knock it out. In my mind, I’m just making it easier for the person that’s gonna do the dishes. At least the plate will be somewhat clean.

Growing up as a child, our mom would include with our breakfast some fresh-squeezed orange juice. Long before there was the idea of ‘farm to table’ we had fresh juice to help fire-up our day. It would be so good that even after all was said, eaten and done, we’d be saying “more juice please!”

As we start the new year and rollout our vision, we might see things in a similar way. It’s hard to imagine that folks wanna go into a new year saying “more hate please; more grievance please; more ignorance please; or even more drama please, with a new Administration taking office in DC. While we all have different priorities in life, there’re some things we have in common across career, family and country.

So, let’s build our ‘it-factor in the hit factory” of life by saying “more juice please; more charm please; more magic please”. If fresh-squeezed juice can get our day going, then some fresh-squeezed empowerment will get life’s mojo going. Hope you’ll help us “Turn. Up. Big.” as families in how we roll for more #MojoInAmerica. And for more on “What’s Dr. King’s Dream Now” visit link below.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Sherwin Gardner – Find Me Here (Blessings Find Me) – https://youtu.be/vuRRNvGlYbs?si=3q1J0jLata4lZLu6

Ini Kamoze – Here Comes the Hotstepper – https://youtu.be/w0N4twV28Mw?si=xZb4mhWETwbAdURr

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Holiday Issue: December 2024

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

As we wind down 2024, it’s hard to imagine that it just went by in a poof. We’ve gone through four seasons in the blink of an eye. We’ve had an election where some kinda closed their eyes. In a few weeks our eyes are gonna be looking skyward with the dropping of the ball.

As we set our sights on the new year and spend more time indoors, we’ve got a Celebrity Row profile of a sports figure. Also, there’s the new Lost & Found column, along with this month’s Family Feature and Line Jams that might make you wanna move and groove with an old-school new-school combo. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal came to be.

We remember the reason for the season and the “Son who was the One”. The dust might still be settling on the recent presidential elections. The inauguration will soon follow and whether we’re ready or not, there’s gonna be some turbulence. Stay buckled-up and prayed-up as we wise-up on issues of our time. Meantime, on behalf of the families that make this portal possible, and from my fam to yours, Happy Holidays!

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “Let Him Cook!”

Hey fellas, what time we rolling by the spot? Well, it depends on which game we gonna watch. With the sports season in full stride, we got options over the holidays. Just think, if you’re feeling for some NFL, then they’re doing a first, with games on Christmas Day.

In college football they’re trying something new too. A slate of games as part of a playoff series. But real ballers know that there’s nothing like NBA games on Christmas Day. There’s enough coverage to go around from noon all the way to late-night on the West Coast. Among those teams will likely be the Golden State Warriors.

But will Steph Curry suit up? He’s been nursing a leg injury but plays anyhow in the line-up. Curry is an athlete thru and thru. His golf game is nothing to laugh about. But it’s his shooting skills on the court that’s got him on top in 3-point scores. He holds the record for the most three-points made in NBA history. He’s even become a major brand influencer too.

So ‘let him cook’ isn’t about Curry being in the kitchen for the holidays. It’s about watching him hit shots from corner to corner on the court. His name might make you think island food, but it’s his wife Ayesha (who is of Jamaican descent), that’s holding down the fort on the 6-burner stove. They keep us thrilled, fed and focused on rising to the top.

Lead Story: “Family Reunion in the Making?”

It’s been great having the chance to celebrate the families featured. What each family brings to the table is a snapshot of what’s happening in their broader family, and what’s possible as a larger collective. We see similarities across each family line that shows how we are connected by African roots.

One of the ways that’s true is in family reunions, which have links to our shared history. There’s the New World aspect of being separated from the Motherland. The Salami family based in Togo Africa host their own reunion every few years to welcome those near and far who live beyond homebase.

Happy Holidays from
Yasmine (right) and the Salami Family

Then, there’s also the movement of African Americans in the south who headed north. And of course, there’s the Third World aspect of family separation where some of us were dropped off on Caribbean shores. After Emancipation and the Great Migration, family reunions became a thing for coming together.

For the next family reunion in the making, we might come together around history, geography and community, which help drive legacy. So, if you’re wondering, some families might have a few thoughts to share. Yasmine has already provided the ‘Top 5’ tips from their reunion playbook.

Lost & Found: Stories from the Streets, Archives or Family Feed

So, the holiday season is here, and the Rockefeller Tree is lit. After her recent Atlantic City trip for Thanksgiving, wondering if our Aunt Cynthia gonna setup a real tree or artificial tree at home? In pre-retirement days she worked in midtown near the Tree. While thinking about that, came the reminder of a confession I should make about my social media game needing some work (back to that in a second).

Moving along, and after later talking with senior members in the Steele family, they shared a few things that brought out a ‘holiday hhmmm’. Like Aunt Sheila sharing Steele family ancestry back to the early 1900s tied to siblings Lena, their brother (who died) and Mildred (Miley). It’s the descendants of Lena and Miley that have become multi-generational.

Patricia mentioned how she’d help our grandmother Miley when she was alive, so she would have money to buy gifts at Christmas for her grandchildren. Carol noted doing some clean-up work recently at one of the family properties. She chuckled about them once having had Thanksgiving dinner on a ping pong table in the basement (how far the Steele family has come).

Well, back to social media and ongoing chats on family history/dynamics with my daughters, as they try to school me on the gram. We stumbled on ‘lost & found’ items from the family feed where we’ve got “people who know people”. Maybe there’ll be a time to have our people link-up with your people (or vice versa). See if you recognize below two of those players who bring legal and biz status to our family feed.

Video feed: We’ve got a ‘Judge Karen’ (in a good way).
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8NdmL4U/

Audio feed: We’ve got ‘Docs’ to go around in the fam, but this one isn’t medical. https://www.instagram.com/share/p/_j_nI6Od0

Family Feature: “Welcome to Greek Land!”

Who’s thinking about traveling to Greece? Or taking that Mediterranean Cruise? There’s still time to get your money right! Well, the Jackson family didn’t go that far for Thanksgiving. But recently they celebrated with friends and fam from the Carolinas as their oldest daughter Jasmine got welcomed to ‘Greek Land.’

Happy Holidays from
Walter and the ‘Jackson 5’ Family

Thanksgiving was more special as Jasmine became an official member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. She joined her mom who was already part of the sisterhood. Plus, over the holiday, air temps might have been warmer so knowing folks down south, there could have been a feast with a fried turkey on the platter.

For many, the Greek Organizations (often called the Divine Nine) are a cultural part of the HBCU experience. A few of the organizations got their start on the Howard University campus and have been instrumental with activism. They sure are gonna be on deck in this new season of ‘social issues watch’. Alright Jasmine, we see you got your red and white gear.

Speaking of the Carolinas…below is a quick hip-hop note on J. Cole, a rapper who’s a namesake in the Steele family.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fC1jbWuakba2Cqj4/

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“A family (or country) that stays together and strives for better knows that its history and legacy are tied forever.”

“Holidays might be a time for shopping, eating and relaxing. But it can also be good time for dreaming, planning and stepping.”

Good Stuff: “Adding 50 to 5G’s!”

At a young age, a question often asked is, “what do you want to be when you grow up!” For some, you’ll see the answer in their Yearbook. Then maybe at the class reunion when folks see old friends and new faces, some will reminisce about past times and how life has unfolded since.

Then, in later years folks start to think about ‘bucket list’ items. These are usually based around people to meet, places to go, or adventures to experience in their lifetime. Well, maybe that wasn’t quite how Devon saw things playing out in his recent experience, but he made it to 50 and 5G’s force of sheer exhilaration.

Happy Holidays from the Mitchells
Devon, Naomi and Samantha

His wife Samantha made the birthday surprise happen, pulling strings within her network. He took a break from his role as CEO/Owner at Anytime Fitness in Delaware to enjoy the jet ride. Now that he’s back at ground zero and his heart is back in place, he’s gonna have a story to tell and memory to cherish (see his flight below).
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/BWUqozzyGgv9dj5R/

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Holidays aren’t just about giving gifts. It’s also a chance to pray for family and remember those who paved the way. The Steele family had its own session recently, that even included praying for the nation. Then things went sideways. Gonna leave it there with folks in pic below, since what happens on zoom, stays on zoom.

On a different note, there’re some in the fam who’re moving on in their college career, while others are trying to lock-in the college of their dreams. Nick had his last game as a grad student on Senior Day with his auntie, parents and sister on hand (think that’s the GF on the right next to mom).

Then there’s Matthew who’s looking to package his basketball skills with his academic interests. He’s been accepted to three schools so far with Harvard being among them. With the parents he’s got and Grandmother Sheila who’s known for rolling out the red carpet, he’ll be ready for wherever. Wonder what’s gonna be his final choice?

Lastly, for those who wanna reminisce on times traveling to Jamaica for the Christmas holidays, checkout link below for a little flashback on the party scene back in the day.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/eJkDSTn4xTfxJCgt/

Smile Emoji

Looking for a new way to get around this holiday?
https://www.threads.net/@isneakers_store_360/post/DCtl-FzM9uS?xmt=AQGzUE-ip_FPSR-ZnICYzdJ8mu7PooI8qc0KqAblBkdz3g

Wanna try a fresh look for the new year? Just don’t go crazy with it!

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Dream, Plan, Step!”

Who’s gonna visit the Rockefeller tree this year? A vacationing family said on the news it’s what they always wanted to do. They dreamed about it, planned for it and made it happen. Maybe there’s something else you’d like to do whether for the holidays or beyond. This is as good a time to “dream, plan, step.”

They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, and dreams don’t happen with the snap of a finger. But things must start somewhere. What’s your dream for career, family, country? In my case, it’s been about writing to express, passion to empower, as well as calling to impact roots & culture. I’ve dreamt it, planned for it, and with God’s timing been working at it.

In terms of family and country, this blog portal was a reboot of an earlier effort. It was expanded to share how we touch others’ lives and how others’ lives might touch us. There’re times in a family when drama, struggles, conflicts, squabbles and bad vibes might get in the way. But at the end of the day, it’s gotta be about paying-it-forward and upward.

Thanks to my fam and others who help make this possible each month. With your support I can grow as a person, professional, father, husband and more. So, let’s roll into 2025 with new moments to dream, plan and step. And when it comes to the issues of the day, if things get a little heated on zoom, at the family table or among friends and colleagues, see below as you know where to holla! So, sending holiday wishes to y’all. Here’s a possible slogan going into 2025; “Let’s Go [Steeles]: Be That”! (you can substitute your family name).

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Black Sheep – The Choice is Yours – https://youtu.be/K9F5xcpjDMU?si=X1f_TUbdSe-RyfG9

Pitbull Ft Stephen Marley – Options – https://youtu.be/xALCpLXcIYY?si=GNlcqi0v-mlRCztL

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

“Homecoming” Issue: November 2024

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

The Thanksgiving season is here and the turkey’s gonna be prepped. Folks are working to get through the election blues with family group chats and virtual social meet-ups. Not sure how long it’s gonna take to process, but our dear Aunts Cynthia (94-yrs old, pictured below) and Sheila made it to the polls.

Checkout out the Lead Story on a Homecoming Extravaganza, with an HBCU feel. The Beyhive was buzzing after Grammy nominations were announced. We’ve got stories about sports and veterans’ service, with a few laughs thrown in. Let us know what you think about the new ‘celebrity look-alike’ quiz.

You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal came to be. This time of year, is a chance to be close with friends and family. That takes on even greater meaning after the election results has left folks wondering if this was all a dream. So, we’re here with you in the thick and thin of trying to make it through.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “The Beyhive is Buzzing”

The leaves have pretty much fallen off the trees. The season of crisp temps and cool styles has taken its place. What’s the next best thing beyond going somewhere new? Maybe going back home to your youthful days. For some that’s a trip to another country, for others it’s going back to their homeplace, like at Thanksgiving.

During her speech on the campaign trail in H-town, Beyoncé wanted folks to see her less as showbiz star and more as a regular ‘round-the-way’ girl where she’s known as ‘Queen Bey’. And of course, don’t forget her fan club and sisterhood posse, the ‘Beyhive’. The recent 11-nominations for the Cowboy Carter album had them buzzing. She’s now the most nominated artist in Grammy history.

One thing about going back home is reminiscing about the good times with family. It’s the place where you remember things you did among your friends or the lessons you got from your parents. Beyoncé tried to capture some of that in her Lion King adaptation movie called ‘Black is King’ released this past summer. The title wasn’t just about paying homage, but also putting us in touch with our lineage.

There was much debate about how the film portrayed the African diaspora. Some might have felt left out, others might have felt counted out. That’s a debate that happens in family, dating back to biblical times and sibling rivalries. But Queen Bey reminded us in the film that we come from a rich and regal history, with purpose and beauty. Checkout her collab with afro-beats artists.

Lead Story: “A Homecoming Extravaganza”

Guess who was their High School 2024 Homecoming Queen? That’s right, Chloe, or as her campaign slogan said….”Chlo with the Fro.” It’s the second Jackson daughter to take the crown. Days later, it was time again for her parents to hangout on the yard of their college Alma mater, where Walter met his bride many years ago. The Hampton University campus had an HBCU feeling all the way.

The weekend extravaganza celebrated all the elements of name, game and fame. Folks spent time reconnecting with friends of old times, went to the game for the good times, and reflected on the legacy of those who’ve done big things as alumni through their life story.

Of course, the line dance at the party was certainly in effect at the ‘Forever Young All Black Pirates Ball’. What made this Homecoming trip special for Walter? Being able to witness and celebrate his childhood friend of 46 years getting married. The ceremony, filled with love and happiness, also had a meet-up with high school classmates from the ‘Blackjacks’ crew.

Family Feature: “Where Our Ballers and Highflyers At”

Last month’s issue featured the young star Cole from the Steele family line, who’s been making sports look like child’s play. Grandma Cynthia is so proud that she’s got his video highlights on replay. He’s not there yet in terms of campus visits or NIL, but we’ve been down a similar road before in the family.

College football fans know the Indiana Hoosiers team is on fire. They’re among a small group of undefeated teams so far. Their 10-0 record is their best start ever in the history of the program. Well, flash back to the 80s and bring back the highlights when Gary was doing his thing on the team. Whether lining up as a wide receiver, stepping in on defense or special teams, his game was also built with speed.

Well, Shaun Sr. might be having some flashbacks too from his days as a soccer goalkeeper. His height and athletic build were a presence in front of the net. For Gary, after consecutive College Bowl Games (American ’87, Peach ’88, Liberty ’89), he was drafted by the Raiders. After Shaun’s goalkeeper seasons and Air Force career he became a commercial pilot. Shoutout to all our Veterans for their service.

These days they’re about sharing their knowledge with the next generation. Gary has returned to his high school to coach students on the football and track & field teams. Shaun moved from the soccer field to help the next generation of pilots achieve their high-flying goals. Ask them to share stories, pics or videos of them being featured in the media and you’ll see “where our ballers and highflyers at.”

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Not by might, nor by power, but by spirit is how we live our best life and advance our legacy.”

“Don’t never give up. Keep the humility with the creativity. And grace with success. Just because you’re a #1 does not make you better than anybody.” – Quincy Jones

Good Stuff: “Project Green Sky, A STEM Production”

Wanna turn up and takeoff? That’s a question Project Green Sky participants might have been asked before signing up. The program is made possible by Black Women in Aviation and its sponsors, led by our own Samantha Mitchell. The organization is geared towards exposing young girls to opportunities in aviation.

Project Green Sky is an innovative educational program that immerses students in the world of electric aircraft, teaching them how planes fly with battery-powered engines. Participants built electric airplane models and explored various flight scenarios, gaining hands-on experience in flight planning, battery technology, and aviation mechanics. The program provides an exciting, real-world introduction to the future of aviation.

The organization is proud to also produce a Tuskegee Airman Commemoration event each year. The planning is underway to highlight their history and showcase aerospace careers to youth. As folks honor military service on Veterans Day and other times of the year, this gives friends and family of veterans the chance to appreciate valor and sacrifice. For more, visit https://www.blackwomeninaviation.com

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Ever noticed those pop-up Halloween stores that disappear days after, kinda like in thin air? It’s truly amazing to watch, as was featured in media stories. Even though the costume parties and parades are over, we’ve got some leftover pics of Andrew and Millie looking cutesy. We also heard Ashton dressed as the Starbucks kid.

Then, some Steele family members think we’ve got a celebrity look-alike in our midst. Let’s figure out which one’s Teddy Pendergrass the singer, and which ones the look-alike. Here’s a hint… another family member says Paul can’t hold a note.

How was that Fall Festival or the apple picking trip? Well, you might get an answer from those in the pic below. Any ideas who?

Smile Emoji

Was that George Jefferson at the Halloween party? https://x.com/GovWesMoore/status/1852485885272412310?t=oSMYK6jk9T9RpmJ0orW8kg&s=19

Police showed up for what the what? (sent by Nadine) https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-x1SwagobV/?igsh=M3NiMWhoampnY255

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Sense of Hope or Dread?”

Let’s get real, not everybody looks forward to Thanksgiving in the same way. For some it’s a chance to kickback and feast. They might have missed home-cooking and just came to chow down. Others can’t wait for the laughs whether from re-watching a Tyler Perry movie or listening to pre-drunk Uncle Jimmy.

There’re those who’ll be locked away in the mancave watching the football games. The fellas get to cheer and shout as they sip and chop-it-up about player stats or other hot topics. For some who make it home it might be a kinda ‘prodigal son/daughter’ moment, or dealing with the loss of a loved one, who’re not sure if they’ll have a sense of hope or dread.

But things get real serious when folks start adding politics in the mix. With the presidential campaign in the rearview, the ‘barstool brothers’ gonna speak their minds (the sistas won’t be too far behind). They’ll be trying to figure out who in the family did their part or let them down in their vote. Sistas, we know how you feel!

Many will face a sense of hope or dread in the coming weeks/months. It seems America still can’t shed old skin for some new skin. Dr. King hoped we’d be judged by the content of our character, not the color of our skin. With 10+ million less voting for president since 2020, looks like folks had dread about a Black female. So, there’s still work to do across family, country and culture. And remember, this too shall pass!

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Chrisette Michele – Home – https://youtu.be/5LeEz-6P7cM?si=fERLuRvCSoT_iTK6

Skip Marley – Close – https://youtu.be/dG1mMbOYFmc?si=2EkJ4aioIxMDL_u1

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

“Motherland” Issue: October 2024

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

There’s a Fall chill in the air! Yea, and football is all over TV screens. Maybe a good time to spread some warm thoughts from the ‘Motherland’. In this issue you’ll know more about the Salami (Sa-la-mee) family from Togo Africa. Some family members live in other countries in Africa and Europe. So, they get around.

See our Celebrity Row column about ‘duds or gems’ in life. There’s also the Lead Story on African food and maybe some of you might even think about that Bob Marley song, ‘Africa Unite.’ We round out this issue with more Good Stuff and of course our Line Jams. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal came to be.

As a moment of homage, we remember the life of Dikembe Mutombo, whether on the basketball court or Global Ambassador for the NBA. He made folks from his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across Africa stand tall through his game skills and humanitarian work.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture

Well, another anniversary just went by, but who’s counting? It’s been 14 years this past September since Steve Harvey started hosting the Family Feud. The show saw a big reboot and bounce from that time in viewers and players. There’s even a celebrity version of the show that’s a big hit with stars in pop culture.

Those who watch the show know that it’s a friendly-fun competition between two families or groups. The questions are based on survey data with the top answers listed on the board. Sometimes players answer with a dud, which gets the buzzer. Other times players answer with a gem that gets the bell. After three buzzer strikes, the opposing team has a chance to steal.

Something else happens behind the scenes. As the crew sets up for taping, Harvey will share some gems from his life’s journey under the caption of “Motivated”. In one case, he shared how he approached his dream, even when others close to him didn’t see what was possible. In the ‘before and after’ pics below you see how far he’s come. There’s even Family Feud Africa, airing in Ghana and South Africa.

Nowadays Harvey’s all over as he dreamed it, and living his best life as folks watched it. How he has handled the doubters and haters is in the gem he shared that “God put the dream in his imagination, not in theirs.” In other words, we show up with our own dreams. While we can’t live out someone else’s dream, we can appreciate and be motivated by their story.

Lead Story: “The Motherland’s Got Something Good”

Travel back in time, and we learn that Africa is one of the oldest regions of civilization. Sometimes the sights and sounds in certain TV ads don’t quite do justice to the full scope of the continent. You might be left with the impression that things are poor or painful everywhere. Folks from the African diaspora wanna change that image.

For example, the NFL is spreading its wings across the Atlantic into Ghana, with football camps and related events. Closer to home, there’s the Delaware African and Caribbean Affairs Commission, chaired by Dr. Kelechi Lawrence Ph.D., MBA, that’s focused on making sure folks know “The Motherland’s got something good.”

Their recent annual Summit welcomed the ‘Queen’ of Jollof rice from Senegal. It’s like that dish in different cultures that moves around the table like a baton moves around a track relay. The dish, which has its roots in the Senegal/Gambia region of Africa, is a mix of spices, herbs and vegetables. It can be a one-course meal. Here’s Burna Boy having his share of jollof rice https://youtube.com/shorts/n2cXv-YPGvg?si=0_hcE1LLKlYNw5eG.

The Summit also had empowering speakers and cultural programs. Our Family Line member Devon Mitchell (center) was on hand to present a Proclamation to Rohan K. Hepkins, Mayor for the Borough of Yeadon in PA. Mayor Hepkins (right) is of Jamaican roots from Montego Bay. They were joined for the ceremony by Dr. Lawrence who is of Nigerian roots. Devon even had the chance to huddle with the ‘Jollof Queen’ at the festivities. Learn more about the organization and the Summit at https://afrocarib.delaware.gov/.

Family Feature: “Daughters & Sons Day”

These days it seems like every day has a certain social/cultural designation. As we speak, we’re in Hispanic Heritage Month. Also, in case you missed it recently, over the space of a few days we went from National Daughters Day to then boasting about National Sons Day.

National Daughters Day got started in India to celebrate the bond between parents and daughters. In some cultures, daughters get less attention and opportunities than sons. It was more recently adopted in the U.S. around early 2000s. National Sons Day is celebrated twice a year, March and September to encourage more than just ‘birds and the bees’ conversations with sons. Checkout Gerry and son Jeremy, as well as a throwback pic of the Dupoux boys.

Over those days, it felt like a kinda ‘Daughters & Sons’ double feature. Mothers got a kick out of spotlighting their ‘generational kin’ image. When there were multiple daughters, you got the sense that one looked more like the father and another more like the mother. And fathers were filled with pride to have ‘junior’ at their side.

Above are my dear wife Donnice, and our daughters Dominique and Deja. Below, we’ve got Rev. Dr. Catina Blackmon Jackson as big sister to Rev. Charita Blackmon Ely and Psalmist Christie Jon Blackmon. She also appears with daughters Chloe Alexander, Jasmine Monique and Tiana Joy.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Pain is weakness trying to leave the body towards healing, or fighting to stay in the body towards hurt.”

“Test yourself against your own actions. This way you can take pride in yourself without having to compare yourself to others.” – Galatians 6:4 NIV

Good Stuff: “Homebase Enterprise”

Did you know that Microsoft was started by Bill Gates in a garage? More often than we realize, many ventures get launched as a ‘homebase enterprise’. That’s something the Salami family knows quite well. The idea for their Dream Africa project might have started with sister Yasmine, but others in the fam also had a hand on the wheel.

Their approach to working together is a classic example of the idea that ‘1 + 1 = 11’. From watching them in action, you get the sense that one brother might help with marketing, a sister with cooking, and along the way there’s help from those who bring nursing or planning or branding or performing expertise.

With the Salami family there’re three brothers, four sisters and their mother ‘Mamimi’ as the core team. While some live outside of Togo, they pull-together and pull strings to make it happen. Then add in grandchildren, girlfriends/boyfriends, spouses and friends, you see how you’ve got a “program by day, party by night”. For more, visit https://dreamafrica.africa/.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

If you’ve been to or thinking about going to Africa, here’s an on-the-ground clip of ‘Jamaicans in Ghana’ https://www.facebook.com/share/v/yKXByw3FPjiRpzr6/?mibextid=oFDknk.

Who else got Africa on their radar? Maybe Sydni can ‘school’ us on the lessons and life experience she gained from her trip to Sierra Leone. As a JD candidate at Columbia Law School, she travelled with peers from the Black Law School Association. They toured memorable sites and met with government officials.

Meanwhile, on the west coast, her younger brother Cole has been doing big things in sports. He’s got his indoor sport on the ice and his outdoor sport on the field (that’s just for starters). His parents are open to diversity in ice hockey as he’s scoring goals in the net and landing touchdowns in flag football. Checkout his latest score at the link below. Wonder where he got all this game?

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAO4Zb9ygts/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Smile Emoji

Wow, an ‘old soul’ in the building. (sent by Donnice) https://x.com/KevOnStage/status/1839474818024144916

Ever happened to you? (sent by Nadine) https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-x1SwagobV/?igsh=M3NiMWhoampnY255

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “The Clock is Ticking”

Time flies when you’re having fun and when you’ve grown up! But does it seem like it takes forever when you’re trying to level-up? For women, there’s often this idea of having to choose between career and family. Should they work on building their mojo or building their mastery at home?

Well, those days are long gone. Women have just as much ‘game’ in their career track as men do in their passion field. Just watch the WNBA playoffs and you’ll see they come to play. The league got a big boost with the current rookie class that some say play like veterans.

But the league has also been challenged by a bump in incidents of hate and harassment. It’s as if some come for the joy of the sport and others come to jeer players who’re putting on a show. Then there’s the element of that rookie who’s gotten lots of attention from fans, some of whom want to dirty-up the sport.

Of course, sports can be a snapshot of life. That said, we’ve got a chance to see America level-up as the clock is ticking with the presidential campaign on the last round. So fellas, before time expires we gotta do our part as the women are watching. For now, checkout the digital bookmark and promo flyer below for how we roll to: (1) impact roots, culture, our better angels; (2) uplift country, family, our homies.
(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Maffio, Kymani Marley, Julian Marley, Ft Jo Mersa Marley – Blessings – https://youtu.be/8Sc5yOzrNDM?si=63aghHgu2mMJ4SKD

Burna Boy – Last Last – https://youtu.be/421w1j87fEM?si=dl_eK0eLzdIizId8

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

“Back to School” Issue: September 2024

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

It’s back-to-school time and we’ve got stories for the young and older. We also give props to the Price Family from Florida: Neil, Annetta, Theodore and LeeAnna. Their family line is tied to the larger Steele family. There’s also a new feature called “Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture” that touches on the ‘nuts & bolts of family business’.

Checkout the Lead Story that spotlights some of the ‘doctors’ across the families. Also, there’s the Family Feature story that gets into Pokémon videos and the “Just Schoolin’, Just Coolin’” report. As a reminder, you can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal came to be.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture

Has John Legend lost his voice? Maybe that’s not the way to look at him being m-i-a on NBC’s next season of The Voice. The show often cycles through different celebrity coaches. This season will feature two new superstars…Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé. They’ll be turning in the big red chairs.

But it’s not as if Legend is idling his time away. He’s got lots of showbiz projects on his plate, including the release of his latest album. It’s a first-time for him in dropping a children’s album, or as he likes to say, a lullaby that his children can listen to. He even had the family in on the whole thing.

It’s like watching them in the family business. His daughter did the artwork for the album cover. His son and wife were part of the background vocals. He’s got an eye on the things that get passed down in the family business. But it’s also a case of passing things down in the business of family.

There’re those nuts & bolts aspects of the family business that’s heired to the next generation. But there’re also those intangibles in the business of family that money can’t buy, or other folks can’t teach, like your own kin. For Legend’s family, this puts them on a path to knowing what it takes to be an EGOT: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony.

Lead Story: “Is there a Doctor in the House?”

That question went out as yours truly fainted on the flight last year from JFK to Togo Africa. The early diagnosis was a case of dehydration. Things slowly came back to normal after being helped up from the floor to sit in the flight attendant’s jump-seat. Glad they didn’t say is there a reverend in the house.

In the Steele family, there’re a couple doctors to go around. There’s Dr. Curtis Best, who’s now retired from his days in Internal Medicine. There’s also Dr. Camille Hylton whose specialty is in Ophthalmology. They’ve done medical training that might have come in handy during that well-being scare.

But we also have a ‘Rev Dr.’ among us from the Jackson family; Rev. Dr. Catina Jackson’s credentials aren’t tied to MD but D.Min. (Doctor of Ministry) with a focus on Prophetic Activism. It’s something she shared briefly with The Family Line during the early stages of development. Now it’s here to shake things up on the block and in the pews.

The inside joke is that my initials ‘Doc’ were because Jamaican parents think of doctor as a career route. An elder in our family thinks others coming up should consider that route too. But no matter the road we take in life, it can still be prophetic in how we ‘call it’ and involve activism by how we ‘live it.’

Family Feature: “Doing Love Forever”

The idea of family is a universal concept. These days families come in different shapes and sizes, blends and beginnings, whether by natural birth, IVF assistance or surrogate delivery. As humans we’ve been “doing love forever” as family and that’s not about to change. But things have evolved over time.

Neil Price and his family come from good stock. He’d be the first to tell you that he and his three brothers were raised to understand that “what you practice at home is a preview of how you’ll shine in the world.” Neil and wife Annetta work hard at passing down that message to their next generation.

So what’s the preview? Well, according to Neil, son Theodore who’s 17, puts Pokémon videos together and makes his own narration of the story. He narrates as if he is commentating on a basketball game, using sports analogies. While daughter LeeAnna who’s 13, is a future fashionista (if she sticks to it…lol). She used to make dresses out of fabric and balloons…she now kinda has her own style.

We’re excited to see where things go. Checkout more from Theodore’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@titanxowl.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

(Pic submitted by Shaun Sr.)

“What we work for in daily life says something about what we strive for in the good life.”

Good Stuff: “Just Schoolin’, Just Coolin’”

“Ring a ling a ling, school bell ring!” At the horse racetrack they’d say, “off and running”, but with the kids, something we’d say growing up in Jamaica was “free paper burn”. That’s just another way of thinking about the end of summer and the start of school where free time becomes class time.

Whether school is in the islands or America, it’s a time to button-down and level-up. Moreover, in the U.S., the Fall season brings cooler weather. When it comes to outdoors, folks go pumpkin picking or Halloween shopping. In terms of reaping what you sow, Fall is a good time for deeper roots and harvesting fruits.

So, let’s send off the ‘younguns’ not just in style, but with a stronger sense around ‘roots & culture’. Yea, there’ll be class time by day and game time by night. Homework by pages and chores by orders. And remember that long-term success begins at home, whether they’re “just schoolin’ or just coolin’.”

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

The Jackson family aren’t strangers to having a ‘house full of girls’. With three daughters in the mix and a wifey who’s got the fix, they’re always strutting their ‘girl power’ selves. Don’t sleep on dem ladies though, ‘cause they can hold their own. But it was a daddy-daughter situation that got our attention.

Our man Walter sat down with his daughter Chloe to checkout the new Netflix documentary “Daughters”. The experience was a reminder of the father-daughter bond that’s precious. While you’re perusing Netflix for your next family movie night, there’s also “Stamped from the Beginning” with a historical look at America’s struggle with the isms & schisms that get in the way of love for humanity.

P.S. Happy wedding anniversary to Walter & Catina, Curtis & Noelle, Serge & Carol, Junior & Gerry!

Smile Emoji

Tennis anyone? https://x.com/thatdude340pm/status/1811841160387961287

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “What Matters Most”

Take a second and hug your fam a little tighter! That’s a message often coming out of tragic events like happened at that Georgia high school. But the real sadness of it can’t fully be put into words for the pain, loss and senseless nature. Plus, it might feel like you’re judging others in the situation.

Something keeps getting missed in these heart-wrenching moments, probably why things don’t change. What we see behind the curtain is two-fold: a question of judgement on the part of the parents; and hopes & hurts of the next generation that go unheard by political leaders and decision-makers.

It’s as if young people are searching for answers that they’re not getting from culture or from those they deem in their corner. A place they should find that is in the family. That’s where they can switch from their social media feed to a family feed that builds connection and vision for the real world.

The family stories we feature are meant to do just that. We might not get too deep on the social issues, but we try to deliver content that will allow them to “Turn. Up. Big.” in life. That’s why we’re bringing “a new vibe, swag and bag” across family, community and country, as seen in the Fall Takeoff flyer.
(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout http://www.SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Levert (Ft Heavy D) – Just Coolin’ – https://youtu.be/80bryK1QUNo?si=rY-hS57QEpLjOv_x

John Legend – Three Little Birds – https://youtu.be/_OpIHOAK0QM?si=qH05G_u8kcGvEynQ

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

“Family Affair” Issue: August 2024

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

In this issue we’ve got stories from some of our main families. We also give props to the Miller Family from Maryland. They’ve been ride-or-die friends for 30+ years and are among our MVPs (Many Valuable Peeps). Then, there’s another story that we didn’t see coming. It can only be described as a ‘divinely ordered’ moment for the Family Line Portal.

Checkout the ‘Good Stuff’ for more on a member of the Mitchell family from Delaware being named Entrepreneur of the Year. Also, you’ll find the ‘Family Feature’ and ‘Milestone Spotlight’ where members of the Salami family from Togo Africa, are in the mix. As a reminder, you can click the About page to learn more on how this portal came to be.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave your comments. Thank You!

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Lead Story: A Bigtime Celebration

Folks traveled from near and far to celebrate the birthday of a matriarch in the Steele family. When our Aunt Cynthia arrived at the scene, she might have thought it was just another party among family. Now, she was the honoree at this all-white event. In turning 94, she’s our oldest surviving family member. But don’t tell her that, because she still wants to dance with diva-like moves.

The planning that went into the event took a long time coming. Maybe as early as the beginning of the year her sons Dennis Jr and Dave were thinking about doing something special. Then her nephews Andrew and Paul jumped in, along with a few other guys in the fam, who started to plan for a bigtime celebration. And boy was it a good time across multiple generations.

Folks showed up and showed-out, some maybe reminiscing on old times, others making plans for future times. Those ‘next gen’ in the fam seemed to have a sense of anticipation and new appreciation for family ties. Plus, there was a special picture montage and video tribute by R&B artist Tyrese to Aunt Cynthia.

It was a casino-inspired theme as one of her fav spots is Atlantic City. The planning team even got a DJ from the south, taking a break from his role as an urban radio producer and ‘shot caller’. In a way it felt like a trial-run for a future family reunion. Our dear Aunt was surrounded by love since many of our immigrant roads crossed paths through hers, as one of the first in the fam to land on these shores.

Frontpage Column: Douette Meet Douette…A Real Namesake

Written by: Douette Pryce

My name Douette, I always thought was different and wondered if I was named after an ancestor and/or an original. True to Jamaican tradition, a folklore of sorts, every Jamaican though they will have a formal name, is always called by a nickname. My birth certificate says Douette, but among family and anyone who knows me in Jamaica I’ve always been called Shaun. One can always tell who is addressing me whether they say Douette or Shaun. If they say Douette that means they are not family. If they say Shaun, I know they are family.

Now let’s go to the summer of 2022 in Orlando, Florida. I was invited to be a conference speaker by a close college friend, Britta Eriksson. As I entered the event Britta spoke to me about meeting one of her colleagues that was running the show. When I met the colleague, Nadine Cunningham, she asked me where the name Douette may have come from and whether I was Jamaican. When I mentioned that “yes I was”, she stated that her brother was also named Douette and she has never met anyone else that had the name, spelt the same as his.

That night I called my mom and told her the story of this young lady I met who was from Jamaica and had a brother named Douette. Mom got very excited and asked if their last name was Cunningham and whether they had lived next to an elementary school when growing up in Jamaica. Told her I would ask the next day. I searched for Nadine and upon finding her, asked the question and her response came with a twinkle in her eye, a huge smile and an affirmative “yes.”

It was then I relayed to her the story I had learned the night before that my mom (a teacher at the time) had a young boy in her class at two years old, who she thought was one of the most well-behaved students with a unique name. Fast forward a few years, when mom had her first child she named him after that same little boy. I stated flatly to Nadine “well it seems the reason my name is spelt the same as your brother’s is because I was named after him.” I had goose bumps as I came to realize the connection being made.

Two years later, I am still amazed of that chance meeting with Nadine and still marvel at the circumstances by which we were brought together 50+ years later.

Family Feature: Dream Africa Rollout

Dream Africa is back on the block, or better yet the continent. The concept is the brainchild of Yasmine from the Salami family. It’s based in Togo Africa and was inspired by her wanting to connect kids of African descent living in the U.S., with family and residents in the Motherland.

After debuting the project last year, the feedback received pointed to parents wanting to have a similar experience. So they added an adult component to expand the programs. Across a 2-3 week stretch, there’re educational, social and development programs for the young’uns. There’s also the cultural aspect where attendees get to experience the music, food, dress and culture in an up-close and personal way.

**Yasmine (right) with Dream Africa Team**

At the end of the program, certificates were handed out in various categories of recognition. It was also a chance for them to feel like ‘I was there’ in a memento. As Yasmine returns to the U.S., she’s gonna reset things around a vision that invites more partners. They’ve already had some initial discussion with the Mitchell family, based on their interest and contacts. For more info visit www.DreamAfrica.Africa.

Star Sightings: Hanging with the Who’s Who

It seems the Paris Olympics was a let-down for Jamaica. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce scratched from the women’s 100-meter semis because she wasn’t allowed into the warm-up area. Kishane Thompson got out-leaned by Noah Lyles in the men’s 100-meter final. And for the first time in 20 years, the men’s team didn’t make the finals of the 4×100 sprint relay.

It’s not all ‘down in the dumps’ though as there were surprises for Jamaica in field events. We did much better there, even winning gold in men’s discus. Well, Deja wasn’t at the games, but she had a chance to take pics with some of the players at a previous indoor track meet.

**Deja with Ato Boldon, NBC Olympics Announcer**

On the social and political front, there’s a new burst of joy and energy. VP Kamala Harris joined the presidential race; Newark Mayor the Honorable Ras Baraka is in the NJ Governor’s race; Princeton University Professor Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr. is doing his thing as a MSNBC commentator. Had a chance to catch up with them recently at their events. You’ve heard of OG in pop culture. Well, Mayor Baraka is like the OC (Original Champ) as he ran for City Council over a dozen times before finally winning a seat, and later becoming Mayor.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Don’t be impressed by money, power, degrees and looks. Be impressed by generosity, integrity, humility and kindness.” – (Store sign from a biz on Linkedin).

“Sometimes there’s ‘family fog’ that blocks our view on things. But when light and love shine through, it will help clear the fog so folks can fly higher.”

Milestone Spotlight: From 0 to 50 in a Flash!

It’s August already, where did the time go? As a child, folks would often say “enjoy your youth because when you’re older, time just flies”. That expression makes lots of sense now for many of us. It was a year ago that we did a family trip to Togo Africa and were treated like royalty by the Salami family. That was a life-changing experience and a milestone moment.

Well, this year, with the Salami family headed back to Togo for their Dream Africa Project, it was time for Farida to celebrate her 50^th. She’s the ‘baby’ of the bunch and as a nurse her role works well with making sure health & well-being are handled like you’d get from medical professionals.

Speaking of medics, it felt like yesterday when Damara was born as we’d hangout at her house with her parents and siblings. Fast-forward 30 years and she’s celebrating a milestone too. We also get to call her Doctor Miller. She’s about done with residency and is looking to shift towards her fellowship work in a specialty area. Happy birthday ladies!

**Farida on left, Yasmine on right, with student**

Good Stuff: Entrepreneur of the Year

It was one of those black-tie affairs. Folks came together to celebrate the www.StartUpAfrica.org efforts to support young adults in the building of business skills that foster financial independence, create jobs and grow economies. As The Family Line would have it, our own Samantha Mitchell was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year.

The organization is dedicated to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation prowess of African youth. Their programs empower young minds with the skills and mindset to transform their communities for a brighter tomorrow. StartUpAfrica founder/CEO Erastus Mong’are was on hand to honor Samantha for her work as founder/CEO of Black Women in Aviation. The Mitchell’s had their daughter Naomi there to cheer on mom.

The group’s Board of Directors is a distinguished set of biz leaders, some with African roots, but collectively with African hopes & dreams. It was a proud occasion for our Devon Mitchell, owner of Anytime Fitness in Delaware, not just for his passion in this area, but also for his co-partner in biz and life. They’re an inspiration to The Family Line and a resource in ways that make working together electric.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

So, the Mitchell family is off to their family reunion and Africa trip. But there’re more happenings that folks might not know about. In the ‘Line Jams’ feature below, checkout the music video by Mickey Guyton, which celebrates Black Women in Aviation. If you look closely, you’ll see Samantha Mitchell in the video. You go girl!

Then, there’s Gary from the Steele family who took a trip to Arizona with his crew. The ‘hostess with the mostess’ was our Aunt Sheila, who relocated there a few years ago after a long stay in Maryland. Think there’s a cavalry coming to Phoenix if she keeps this up.

Smile Emoji

Even kids know when math ain’t ‘mathing’ (sent by Nadine)
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6sG0Q7uvLH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Beach tanning and surf-watching (shared on FB by Serge Dupoux)

Life & Times Flava (“Chill Sauce for the Grind”): “Bahama Mamas and Cajun Brothas”

Friends & family moments can bring some inspiring ‘life & times.’ It’s not always about what we do to make that money but also what we do to make it more meaningful. One way we get that from the creation story is in these words: “Let there be light.” It’s the first meaningful shift in awareness from bringing light.

Well, the ‘Bahama Mamas and Cajun Brothas’ got a chance to experience some of that on their recent trip. When on vacation, it just seems like the ‘light of day’ has a different sparkle. Plus, the convo was enlightening. If it seems like we were having too much fun, blame it on the pina coladas by day and ‘gin & juice’ margaritas by night. At the end of the trip, we were already thinking about the next time.

Thankfully, tropical storm Debbie didn’t mess things up. Now it’s back to the grind, the political headlines and a chance to “Turn. Up. Big.” in roots & culture. As November draws closer, make sure to check your voter registration and polling location before the NFL season gets going. We owe it to our ancestors. (For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout http://www.SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Mickey Guyton – Woman – https://youtu.be/s3Gv_IOjm6A?si=SMlqCL5NHJ5eIk2O

Mary J. Blige – Family Affair – https://youtu.be/ELwqGtdbgaw?si=Hw4brdCJ4a_8rd2G

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

“School’s Out, Cookout’s In” Issue: July 2024

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

The feedback has been fresh and heartfelt. Thanks for sharing the love that means the world when it comes from family, whether by blood, water or ties-in-law. As you know from our debut issue, the blog/portal is made possible by four main families:

Steele Family of Jamaican roots, now extends from New York to Florida to California.
Salami family of Togo Africa roots is Maryland & West Virginia based.
Jackson family having African American roots, is South Carolina & New Jersey based.
Mitchell family having Guyanese roots, is Delaware & New York based.

As things grow, expect to see stories and upbeat tips that have been inspired by other families we call MVPs (Many Valuable Parents/Players) and VIPs (Very Important Peeps). These are folks who have a direct connection or indirect link to the main families. So, checkout two new features: ‘Life & Times Flava’ and ‘Did You Know?’. Also, shoutout to the Harper family in the Milestone Spotlight.

If you’d like to be among the families covered each month, then link-up by dropping your email below. Hope you’ll enjoy the stories and feel free to leave a comment using link in header. Thank You!

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Lead Story: Babies Who Became Doctors

(Story production assistance: Nadine & Pat)

We’ve seen school yearbooks try to predict a student’s career track and what they’re gonna be. Those can be funny and spot on in some cases. Parents might even try to do the same thing with an infant child. Hoping and praying that they become doctor or lawyer or for some, professional athlete.

In our last issue you met Steele family member, our cousin Patricia who is an Educator and Entrepreneur. When she first opened her school in Brooklyn, one of the early staff members was our grandmother Mildred Steele-Wilson. Grandma Wilson ‘raised’ quite a few babies in her time (seen below with a great-grandson, many years ago).

**Grandma with Sheldon**
(pic by Aunt Cynthia and Junior Wynter)

Well, fast forward a few decades and two of those babies have now become Doctors. It was a celebration when Jillian Ryan recently earned her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) and Deborah Watson earned her Ph.D. a few years before. They know something about being ‘breakout students’ who began to see what was possible and went for it.

Our Aunt Sheila was a reminder that grandma’s birthday would have been July 11^th. Plus, Pat knows how much grandma was a great cheerleader for her babies. As Trudy Parris, another early staff member said of Dr. Ryan, “Thirty years ago I presented her Kindergarten Diploma, and today I was honored to be there for her Doctorate in Higher Education Administration.”

**Dr. Jillian Ryan**
(pic by Trudy Parris)

Did You Know? Family Archive Tidbits

(Story contributors: Carol & Aunt Cynthia)

Something we learned from the Salami family during our trip last year to Togo Africa, gives a new way for the generations to feel connected. They went back in their ancestry to a patriarch seen as an anchor point, which they call Generation Babana (GB). From there, each generation forward becomes GB1, GB2, GB3, etc. That was a major takeaway from our trip.

The concept makes sense and when applied in the Steele Family, takes us back to Mildred Steele-Wilson and her sister Lena, that we call Generation Steele (GS) based on their father’s name Alexander Steele. So, after the Steele sisters we have GS1, GS2, GS3, and so on. It made sense to many of us who’re GS2 fam members on both Mildred and Lena sides.

Adding to the fascination of family archive tidbits, cousin Carol (a GS2) who travelled with Grandma Mildred back in the day, remembers meeting grandma’s sister-in-law Isabel in Antigua. Isabel and her fam had left Jamaica for England in their early life but moved to Antigua in later years. We even think a generation or two after that, one of them became a flight attendant. Did you know Maxine?

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Family history helps us with current times in how we see one another, love/care for one another and live our best life.”

“When we live life forward but understand it backward, we can find alignment with our assignment.”

Family Feature: Hot Crown Summer!

“Time for your 7-day forecast…just call it 3Hs – hazy hot and humid.” Sounds like your weather, right? We’re in the heart of what’s often called the “dog days of summer”. It’s where school’s out, cookout is in, and hot girl summer is a hit (not just with boyz in the ‘hood). Let your hair down girl!

Speaking of hair, the talk in culture and on the block is the growing move towards natural hair. Over the years women have been embracing the shift from perms to twists, and guys from fade to plaits/locs. It’s such a trend that barber shops and hair salons now have special stylists just for those natural looks.

But in some circles, it’s become a hassle where folks are told they ‘gotta cut it off’ or change their look in order to fit-in with the place. Some public officials took issue with that and hence the need for legislation called the ‘Crown Act’. It’s about protecting folks from bias and discrimination by respecting diversity in hairstyle choices. Learn more at http://www.TheCrownAct.com.

The Jackson family knows a little something about that as they represent, when it comes to the modern look. Plus, it’s not just about styling the hair on your head, it’s also the stuff inside your head. All these ladies (and our guy Walter) are doing-it-up in hair and hometown effect. Folks, it’s gonna be a ‘Hot Crown Summer’!

Milestone Spotlight: Let’s Go Clubbing!

What time is it? That’s the question we ask before hitting the town. Some might say they gotta take a nap before changing into that sleeveless top and legs-out bottom. Others might say, “Let’s go clubbing!” Well, what happens next depends on who you rollin’ with and where they wanna go. For some those words take on new meaning over the years.

If you’re in the 50+ marriage club like Junior and Gerry Price, those words might mean attending a show or just a quiet evening listening to some jazz or gospel. Since their golden wedding anniversary a few years ago in September, they’ve been married 50+ years and still feel like they’re young at heart. Then there’s Andrew and Mildred Harper-Wilson, married for 30+ years, celebrating recently in Antigua. After the trip Drew says he’s ready to step things up towards a family reunion next time. OKaaay…we see you, making it do what it do!

**The 50+ Club (left); The 30+ Club (right)**

For those who might still have a little ‘clubbing’ left in dem legs whether in dating or marriage, gotta keep love alive. As the saying goes, “behind every strong man is a virtuous woman.” But at The Family Line, we like to say, “behind every strong man is a no-nonsense woman.” Happy Honey-boo-versary y’all!

Smile Emoji

Getting ready for next Olympics in Los Angeles? (courtesy of Coach-Q)

In Jamaica, hurricane or not, we jam and catch a flight! (sent by Donnice)

Montego Bay airport pic.twitter.com/jfAd6AafHI
— No One Above the Law (@jenicejam) July 7, 2024

Montego Bay Airport, Jamaica

Life & Times Flava: “Chill Sauce for the Grind”

Where y’all headed this summer, somewhere with clear waters and blues skies? It might be a road trip, island destination, group convention or just laying low on a staycation. In the season of family reunions, maybe you’re trying to roll out some new ideas just to bring and keep the fam together. That’s cool, but if politics comes up, what’s gonna be the hot-button issue on folks’ minds?

While the upcoming presidential elections got us on edge, it’s a reminder that if a country (or family) becomes its own worst enemy it can end up in self-sabotage or even self-destruction. So, we gotta turn things around and ‘Turn. Up. Big.” by channeling our energies towards a new vibe, swag and bag. Maybe that’ll get us headed to clear waters and blue skies in America. Wheels up!

(For a deeper dive into the issues, visit http://www.SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Alicia Keys – Like Water – https://youtu.be/wSLtwTzlMGs?si=JmWSzg9fWWALx7fD

Emile Sandé – Brighter Days – https://youtu.be/XuiGHneBKuE?si=exn8fOqvdjkzROH_

‘The Family Line’ Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Debut Issue – June 2024

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

We’re off and running! The Family Line Blog/Portal has been in the works for a few years. Things began after major news events and family moments seemed to cry out for a response beyond headlines & hugs, thoughts & prayers. From the combination of zoom/WhatsApp calls, email/text messages and one-on-one chats, the concept later took shape. It’s all tied to a dream for country and family that fuels our passion. You’ll meet and appreciate families through their journeys. The four families here are:

Steele Family of Jamaican roots, now extends from New York to Florida to California.
Salami family of Togo Africa roots is Maryland & West Virginia based.
Jackson family having African American roots, is South Carolina & New Jersey based.
Mitchell family having Guyanese roots, is Delaware & New York based.

Across the U.S. & Canada we’re living in the east, west, north and south. Then add-in multiple countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Europe. There’ll be times to learn, dance, laugh and debate like families do. Beyond ancestry info of Family Tree links, etc, you’ll sense that we’re building legacies, forging synergies and lifting energies. For more on the summer season lineup, drop your email below. Feel free to leave your comments at end of blog. Thank You!

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Lead Story: An Act of Love

It was nine years ago this June 17^th when a Charleston South Carolina family was rocked to the core. Their beloved grandmother Ms. Susie Jackson was taken from them in a tragic shooting at the Mother Emanuel AME Church. The breaking news story was tough to deal with because of the hateful motive.

**Walter Reflecting on his Grandmother**

A year ago, Charleston city officials were joined by local leaders and family members to dedicate the Susie Jackson Freedom Memorial Garden in her honor. Moreover, it was an act of love by naming a street in her memory. Ms. Jackson’s grandson Walter Bernie Jackson, a trusted advisor and supporter here at The Family Line, shared some reflections about grandma Susie (there’s more on his FB page).

The family turned tragedy into triumph that inspires the heart and fills the soul. Walter, his wife Rev. Dr. Catina Jackson and three daughters (together aka the ‘Jackson 5’), continue the legacy to “light up the world” even with the emotional pain endured. Just like the original ‘Jackson 5’ who had an Indiana street named for them, our ‘Jackson 5’ can take some comfort when they stroll down ‘Susie Jackson Way’ in Charleston.

Family Feature: “Gots to Make It”!

It might seem unusual to host a party for a loved-one who’s no longer with us. But sometimes to fill the void it helps to transform the loss and pain into purpose. That’s what members of the Steele family did on June 8^th, in support of our cousin Patricia, who lost her grandson a few years ago in a tragic accident. By bringing family and friends together, Pat has poured herself into honoring his life to boost potential in others.

**Polynesian Dancers (Daylan’s pic in background)**

The Hawaiian theme event was a fun time under the circumstances. It also creates support for scholarship awards to students. It’s what Pat as an Educator and Entrepreneur does to pay it forward. This year she presented one thousand dollars each to two students who were the valedictorian and salutatorian respectively. The annual award has been approved by the School Board as part of the Daylan Anthony Robertson Scholarship Award at his Alma Mater, in memory of his creativity and striving for excellence.

The cocktail hour, dining, dancing and timely remarks made for an inspiring evening. The band and DJ were complemented by a surprise Polynesian dance and guest reggae artist. The evening felt like a flashback to good old times with folks who’re no longer with us. We know Pat was close to her late grandmother Mildred Steele-Wilson whose favorite line was “Gots to Make It”. Words that give Pat and our fam strength and focus.

**Family Pictures provided by Paul & Shaun**

Milestone Spotlight: She Good & Ready!

Family and friends traveled to Frederick Maryland to celebrate the graduation of their own dear Anouchka. The Salami family, having ancestral homebase in Togo West Africa, were there in full effect. Nothing would get in the way of making this event happen, not even dark clouds forming. Folks traveled from all corners since “kin ties run deep”.

It wasn’t an easy road for Anouchka as she earned her bachelor’s degree in communications. So now she makes the shift from student to professional, with more things to do, people to meet, places to go and coins to bag. Plus, with the Togo winds at her back and the American Dream in front, “she good and ready” to level-up.

Congrats to Anouchka (in the middle), and shoutout to her mother Yasmine (wearing cap), sister Amaris and the entire ‘Generation Babana’ crew. Watch for more on the Dream Africa Project run by Yasmine at http://www.DreamAfrica.Africa.

Good Stuff: Saving Grace

It happened in the blink of an eye. A gym member went into cardiac arrest during an Ironman competition. No one knew where this was going, but with quick thinking he was brought back from the brink. The multiple rounds of life-saving measures worked in the nick of time, because of his fitness.

That gym member credits CEO/Owner/Coach Devon Mitchell and his wife Samantha for making this possible. They’ve been working with him on his health before the incident and even since. Devon and his team at Anytime Fitness in Newark Delaware, helped his customer get through a touch-and-go moment.

This example of leadership is how the Mitchells as a couple view community service. Their Guyanese/Jamaican upbringing and biz background helps them model the idea that your impact in life is more than just dollars and cents. Plus, he’s big on forging collabs across the diaspora, serving as co-visionary on related projects. Not surprisingly, the family-wide Mitchell motto says, “All Ah We Ah One”.

**At the Finish Line (provided by Anytime Fitness)**

Devon took things even further with a campaign in support of the American Heart Association. He ended up generating the highest level of donations and was 2023 National Impact Leader winner. So, the next time you feel like you gotta pick up the pieces of some setback, remember this moment of saving grace. We give the Mitchells much props!

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“What God does for us is utmost. What God does through us is foremost. What we do best among others is love most.”

“You can’t lead where you don’t go. You can’t show what you don’t know. You can’t ‘turn-up’ where you don’t grow.”

Smile Emoji

Line Jams

Beyoncé – TEXAS HOLD ‘EM (Dance Video) – https://youtu.be/hKUD0HLhFxA?si=G2Id34of-NjrMFxL

Bob Marley – Lively Up Yourself – https://youtu.be/bDnNqsy7rYE?si=VHkguFf5dnc4IknE

Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

Hello Famville!

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Welcome to the spot where good times and good life come together like two sides of a coin. Sometimes what we achieve is about market value in what we do, and other times about legacy value in the mark we leave. As the cultural expression goes, “it takes a village” to raise a generation. So we party with a purpose, live with a higher purpose and honor the family line.

We’ll feature stories of triumph, turnaround and tips on trusting the process. Families here bring a diverse set of experiences in career, culture, celebrity and community service. Whether as elders, senior members, next gen or teens/tweens/toddlers, we’ll do our part in paving the way, moving the needle and maxing the rush of joy and happiness as a family collective.

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer”!