Click Start: Editor’s Preview
There’s lots going on at this time of year as students look forward to the end of the school year and their summer situations. Parents finalize plans for a family trip or signing-up for a fun event after dark. The graduation celebrations and summer season kinda go together, like my new book ‘Public Good Sense’ is with Independence Day events (more below). Also, this is the 2nd anniversary of The Family Line portal.
It’s a good time to feature new families, one from the South, the other from the Northeast. In the Lead Story, Keith Henry allowed us to include the graduation message he shared at his alma mater. We also spotlight Courtney Joyce Washington in the ‘Tap-in’ column. She was named Principal of the Year. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.
There’s a winning spirit that’s spreading by the NY Knicks in the NBA playoffs. They’ve been on a roll, winning in four game sweeps since the second round. While life isn’t always a winning streak, there’s a bond with sports that carries over to other areas of society. In the same way that sports can be a catalyst for success in business, education can be a catalyst for success 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!
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 – “What’s Black Got to Do With It!”
There’ve been a few news stories of late about pro athletes coming out of retirement. The most notable ones recently have been U.S. track & field sprinter Allyson Felix and premier tennis player Serena Williams. But for Naomi Osaka, sometimes she feels like stepping away (more on that in a second).
Felix says she’s back with an eye on making the 2028 US Olympic team in the mixed 4X400 event. Williams is looking to slowly work her way back on the court, by first signing up to play in a doubles match. Meanwhile, word on the street is that future stars are working their way up the charts too, like 18-year-old tennis player Alyssa James who’s now ranked in the top 50 (see her backstory here https://www.threads.com/@plantbasedeatyourveggies/post/DZADdW9ESnj?xmt=AQG0IflKOvwFLwOWvqtNEnn-6XKFLiM4rHKx-ksqPjwGMg).
But back to Osaka who recently hosted a party at the French Open among friends in the sport. Of course, the haters got going on bashing her for hosting a ‘black party’ as those in attendance were her close friends. Instead, Osaka clapped back and basically said, what’s black got to do with it! She added that since she’s half black and half Japanese, she’s proud of celebrating her background and with her culture.
After the first few years of her pro career, she took some time off to reassess her life roles and career goals. Upon returning after that layoff from the game, she has a new perspective on what matters most. These days you’ll see her arrive for a match in an outfit that looks like it was meant for the fashion runway. That’s because tennis might be her game, but she’s open to expanding her passion palette.
Lead Story: “Lock-in on Your North Star!”
As a member of the board of trustees at St. Lawrence University, a member of The Family Line, Keith Henry, had the pleasure of speaking to students from the Class of 2026. He shared his personal mission “To bring people together and create new levels of community, connectedness and compassion in life.” He broke that message down even further to highlight:
- Community: Common unity, it’s about shared experiences.
- Connectedness: Unified and connected to something bigger than self.
- Compassion: Having concern for yourself as well as others.
He reminded them that each person moves through life in different seasons, with unique expectations, ambitions, and responsibilities. That’s why it’s essential to pause and reflect on a regular basis. What might have felt right three weeks ago may not be right next month. Above all, be authentic and true to yourself, which gives you clarity to create real possibilities anytime, anywhere, under any circumstances.
That might have been a message for students, but on a separate note he had some nuggets for his fellow Knicks fans. There’s a lot of excitement in the city about the New York Knicks playing in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. The idea of a #NorthStar is on full display with Knicks captain, Jalen Brunson who plays at a level bigger than himself.
He’s completely present, 100% locked in. It’s some of the most relentless focus and concentration we’ve ever seen in any athlete, in any sport. His game revolves around “giving back and paying it forward” so his teammates can succeed. In Henry’s words, “That’s the essence of a #NorthStar. It’s a guiding purpose, the steady light that keeps us grounded. It’s power and magic that comes from being on point.”
Island Vibes: With Scoops of Roots & Culture from the Diaspora
A little-known town in the deep south where ‘Jim Crow’ was off limits.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXfVGz0AUTw/?igsh=MWtmajU3MHZpZWF2MA==
Did you know freed black slaves influenced the start of celebrating Memorial Day?
https://www.threads.com/@denisemose/post/DYwnu7Hlr5D?xmt=AQG0rKFS6datC8IwOqLYmhNWdZrjm-kW9ohZExL2J0tUGkkuk2BERnZGyPcsVjkH6euj495F&slof=1
The untold story of Black people’s struggles and successes tied to Hart Island on Staten Island NY.
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVgdeyYDQOA/
Tap-in the Afterglow: Friends and Family Who’re Good to Go!”
Provided by: Jarvis Washington
The graduates have received their diplomas and are off to the next step in their journey. Where they’re going and what they’ll be doing is up for grabs, if they want to get it. They will be rising to a new stage in life’s repeating cycle of growth and change. For those who helped to prepare them, it can be a bitter-sweet feeling seeing the students sail off to the sunset and to a new day at the same time.
Among that group is my dear wife Courtney Joyce Washington, who was selected as Principal of the Year for Cedar Hill ISD in her FIRST year of employment there. She leads with her heart and gives 100% every day to the students, staff, and community. We know firsthand the long hours, and dedication educators give to their craft. So, it’s no surprise others quickly recognized what a jewel she is.
Many might wonder how she does it or what makes her tick? Well, those who get to experience her in-person know of her love as an educator and committed sense of service. At times there might even be a calming presence she brings to difficult moments, as she often reminds herself, “don’t sweat it, God is in control.” In the end, she knows how to have a good time while also doing good work.
Congratulations, my love!
Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process
“No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.” – George Washington Carver
“You don’t use people to advance your position. You use the position you have to advance people.” Posted by Lisa Shepherd on LinkedIn
“Knowledge is the process of piling up facts. Wisdom lies in their simplification.” – Martin H. Fischer
Good Stuff: “Colleagues on the Job, Friends for Life!”
It started out as two boys having big dreams. They weren’t sure how things would play out, considering there would be a steep climb involved. What seemed like just two friends who met up in High School in Jamaica, became “colleagues on the job, friends for life.” They migrated to the US for college, with one pursuing study in medicine and the other in accounting. But with self-reflection they took a different path.
They wanted to fly and moved to Melbourne, Florida to start that journey. They went separate ways on their career journeys but would keep each other on track with the dream of eventually flying for American Airlines. They’ve been motivation for each other and maybe even a mirror for how they’d achieve their dreams. The link below has them telling the story on their flight together in the American Airlines cockpit.
The story has a bigger message that might hit home for graduates as well as those looking to reinvent themselves on a new path. Sometimes the journey isn’t always a straight line. In addition, there might be moments of distancing yourself from others to see clearly what’s meant for you. Then as the path unfolds, you’ll arrive at a point where it might be said you’ve made it. You’ll feel like you’re being true to yourself. In their own words: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYiMrEwPDnj/?igsh=MWxhc3dwMWU0ZTE3Nw==
Book Brief: Page Notes & Thumb Scrolls
Public Good Sense: Rebirth in Voice of a People and Soul of a Nation
One of the first orders of business, not long after a child is born, is applying for a Social Security Card. That number will be assigned for life and is important for the work world. The card number uniquely identifies the holder to the system. This way their earnings can be tracked, taxed and managed in the marketplace. The social security number goes with us even if we’re not holding the physical card.
There’s a similar concept for mobile devices. Every cellphone has a SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module), as a physical or electronic ‘smart chip’. This uniquely identifies the device in the cell network and allows you to do calls, texts and uploads/downloads. The book ‘Public Good Sense’ takes a page from that idea in how it connects the dots across history, civics and culture in the civic space.
It sets the stage for understanding America’s journey from 1776 to present. Plus, in the same way that Thomas Paine wrote ‘Common Sense’ in 1776 to rally around the Declaration of Independence, Public Good Sense in 2026 is meant to rally us around the Declaration of Emergence. Consider the book as another kind of SIM Card for being in social impact mode. So, go ahead and install it now! Direct Buy: https://www.publicgoodsense.com (More points of sale being added in-store)
Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy
In last month’s issue we shared news that a Caribbean chef was one of the contestants on the Next Level Chef Reality Show, Season 5. The bigger news is that Chef Darian Bryan won the whole thing. So, island cooking gonna be on and poppin’ at https://www.chefdarianbryan.com!
The fishing season is picking up as warmer weather kicks in. Here’s Emilie after her first catch. It’s ready to go from sea to kitchen to fish fry! Hey Chef Darian, ready to fillet this one?
Who wouldn’t want 102 to look this good on you? That might be how cuz Cecile was feeling when she met up with Uncle Edmond at his NJ home. He’s the nephew of Ann McIntosh, who’s the person from family tree history that’s considered as the Steele Matriarch from 100+ years ago.
It’s cap and gown season as the graduates hear speeches and celebrate memories. Hope you loved the Lead Story column. So Class of 2026, feel free to reply or enter a comment on this blog with your thoughts from that inspiring message.
Look who’s rev’d up! Even though her new 9-to-5 in the pharma industry comes with a learning curve, Deja is spreading her wings as a fitness trainer in the evenings and weekends. This will keep her juices flowing. Checkout more on her new fitness spot https://www.revdfitness.com/team/deja-cunningham/.
June is Caribbean heritage month. Let’s recognize Rohan Freeman who became the first Jamaican to reach the summit of Everest in 2009 and again on May 23, 2025. He’s also the first Jamaican and African-American to climb the Seven Summits; the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. Here he is with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Lastly, with World Cup Soccer set to be in full swing as 48 countries are set to compete. History was already made for the country of Curaçao being in its first ever World Cup. Which country are you rooting for? Drop us a note, maybe we’ll feature them if they win it all.
Smile Emoji
Is this what happens when you see the needle at the doctor’s office?
https://www.threads.com/@hannsfashion/post/DYzjr7KCWNW?xmt=AQG072S5Ty2_K56Nk4SI_MBP12-uCtZBn8jlO0Lsawwl5bwslPyBL_E9_dfoOZwj_d1Lumse&slof=1
How about walking into work like this after taking a sick day?
https://www.threads.com/@goboujihair/post/DYTAt4BATDZ?xmt=AQG0Z3whl5rdd23VdLp2i4U9fdbKfP8Wj-v0hQZFYhOXiA
Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “The Game is Hot, The Weather’s Getting There Too!”
NY Knicks fans have something to cheer for. Their team made it to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years. Fans have been hanging out at watch parties, and some are even traveling to the Spurs arena when the Knicks are on the road. It’s high time for Knicks fans and sporting events. While that’s happening on the basketball court, 48 countries are set to compete for the Soccer World Cup.
It’s like the game is hot and the weather is getting there. With summer solstice set to roll in marking the first official day of summer, we can expect the longest daylight hours of the year. That’s because the sun is at its highest point relative to the earth’s orbit. These days we’re basically celebrating high point accomplishments of graduates and teams in different championship events.
In the same way that sports can reflect success in business, education can reflect success in family and country. Most people can relate to teaching moments in sports as well as with education not just in a classroom setting but in life. This isn’t so much about having degrees and athleticism, but about learning what wasn’t taught based on one’s awareness of self, the immediate surroundings and society.
What’s even more revealing in sports is what commentators call ‘game sense’. There’re athletes who seem to know when, where and how to make that special play. Similarly, it helps to have ‘spirit sense’ when it comes to the issues of our time whether in family or country. Education is important for making headway in your career. However, it takes awareness not to simply grow like a tree but also be good fruit.
(For a deeper dive on the issues of our time, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).
Line Jams
Shakira Ft Burna Boy – Dai Dai – https://youtu.be/fcnDmrtj6Sk?si=Vc5HuoWRbQaNCpVx
FIFA World Cup 2026 Anthem Song – https://youtu.be/wZsDXk0Kd6o?si=Ne30VfrfAZc2go7-
The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”
The Family Line 