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, 144th 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, 199th pick overall. We know how that story ended.
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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.”
The Family Line 