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!
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.
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 31st birthday on June 7th. 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.”
The Family Line 