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!
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.”
The Family Line 