Click Start: Editor’s Preview
The school buses are rolling again! With back to school in full swing, students are up early waiting at the corner for the bus to arrive. As they hit the hallways, adults are returning to the regular scheduled programming of packing lunch boxes or packing patience with getting their kids to put their phones down. Parents aren’t the only ones dealing with that issue as schools are cracking down on distractions.
In this month’s edition, we crank up the stories around learning, leading and living. The Celebrity Row column features Ayesha Curry, wife of Steph Curry, as she launched a new skincare line. The Family Feature covers the family reunion of the Salami family that was recently held in Togo, Africa. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.
As we move from the summer of roadtrips and family meetups, we get ready for another season of “making it do what it do.” Whether that’s making that paper or making the big push to achieve your goals. We get to watch athletes perform at their best, which provides motivation to do the same in our own field of dreams. Here’s to you taking The Family Line on the ride, or us sharing our testimonial with you.
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 – “Beauty That’s More Than Skincare”
Ready to change-up your wardrobe for the Fall season? That’s what fashion designers are subtly asking as their new clothing lines start taking over store shelves. Sometimes it’s a new color, other times it’s a new design that brings out the chic in you. While new patterns and hemlines might be catching on, others are looking for more ‘facial fashion’ products to turn up their looks.
That maybe is how Ayesha Curry approached things as she went into the lab to develop her new ‘Sweet July’ line of modern skincare products, enhanced with Caribbean superfoods. She has always had a love for food and cooking. It was the same passion that sparked her interest in skincare. She spent three years in the development process, pulling in family-held secrets her mother and grandmother held dear.
According to Curry, “They’ve always known the power of Caribbean ingredients and the magic they can bring. So, I took that knowledge and combined nutrient-packed foods like guava, papaya, and lychees to create simple yet effective products that will make your daily skincare routine feel like a self-care retreat.” She realized if quality ingredients can make a dish savory, they can also work wonders for your skin.
While it’s true that beauty is more than just skincare, Curry is keen on the clean formulas that combine the sensory-rich properties of these superfoods with hardworking actives to yield proven, visible results. So, the next time you see her on the NBA sidelines cheering on Steph Curry, don’t ever think of her simply as a ‘trophy wife.’ She’s someone who’s ready to stand on business in the boardroom.
The Family Line Press: News, Testimonials and Feedback
Press: Checkout Doc’s new Caribbean-flava commercial jingle on his life’s work and book; Public Good Sense: Rebirth in Voice of a People and Soul of a Nation available here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GZFH5TK3. Checkout the jingle here: https://youtu.be/tQzbRFcn-9A.
Lead Story: “Fly Robin Fly, Up Up to The Sky!”
It was another year to step out of the cockpit and into the professional circles of OBAP, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals. The group celebrated its 50 years of breaking barriers and creating opportunity with a historic event in Chicago, with huge attendance at the milestone occasion. The event created a platform for conversations about the next generation of industry leadership.
The gathering took OBAP back to the city where it was founded in 1976, and united professionals from across the aerospace industry, including pilots, flight attendants, maintenance technicians, engineers, corporate professionals, executives, students, military aviators and emerging aerospace leaders. It brought together members who always look forward to linking up with colleagues, mentors and friends.
In attendance were more than 100 industry partners there connecting attendees with career opportunities, emerging technologies and professional resources. One of the featured speakers was distinguished professor, gifted writer, and prominent media personality Dr. Michael Eric Dyson (above and below posing with our own pilot Shaun Sr). Some of the key themes from Dyson’s speech were:
- Race and Resilience: He emphasized the importance of understanding racial dynamics and the resilience required to navigate them in professional spaces.
- Leadership and Legacy: He shared insights on effective leadership and the impact of legacy in shaping future generations within the aerospace sector.
- Innovation and Future Careers: The talk also touched on emerging technologies and the evolving landscape of technical careers in aerospace.
“There could not have been a more fitting place than Chicago to celebrate 50 years of OBAP, nor a more powerful way to honor the people who built this organization than to welcome more than 4,100 people into this family,” said Titus Sanders, Chair of the OBAP Board of Directors. “You could see it in our young people, our new captains, our members, our partners and the thousands of aerospace professionals.”
For more on the organization’s history, programs and 50th anniversary conference, visit https://obap.org/.
Island Vibes: With Scoops of Roots & Culture from the Diaspora
How the history of Africa got scrubbed during the colonial period. Sounds familiar?
https://www.facebook.com/reel/951142397925660
The first black-owned rowing organization. Yes, blacks are now into rowing.
https://www.threads.com/share/DrgLPxMKP/
Population of the Caribbean diaspora living overseas.
https://www.threads.com/share/D56s7OiXT/
Family Feature: “Welcome to Mango, A City in Togo”
When you hear the word mango you might immediately think of the fruit. Depending on what country you have roots in, there may be certain types of mangoes that have become popular. There’s the common mango that kinda looks like a big pear or the East Indian mango which has its roots in the Asia Continent. Even Latin American countries are known to have a variety of mangoes to pick and peel.
But when you see the road sign that says “Welcome to the city of Mango”, that more likely means you’re in the country of Togo, Africa. It’s where our own Salami family trace their roots, with ancestors tied to some of the adjoining countries. The city of Mango is in the northern part of Togo, not far from the border of Ghana to the west and Burkina Faso to the north.
This year the reunion was spread over two full days. The first day was the general assembly with lunch and dinner in between. The second day was a Cultural experience where they invited a group of people from Mango city. The activities included tasting authentic food along with enjoying traditional dance performances from that region. There was also the send-off cookout at the residence of an uncle.
The reunion planning happens on a three-year cycle. Family members travel from all over, including Europe, the Caribbean, and America. Our own Yasmine was there a few weeks earlier for her Dream Africa cultural exchange, which then carried over into the reunion activities. It’s always hard to say goodbye to the elders after spending time in your original homeland that’s also the motherland.
Hot Take: A Spark, A Note, A Voice
Who gave her the mic to spout off her bigotry? That’s probably the question that ran through people’s minds when hateful comments were spat out, to describe some black women who’re public figures. You sit there and wonder, where does such deep disrespect come from to refer to these women as ghetto bit****? Maybe there’s some self-hate masquerading as social commentary for getting attention.
It’s on par with the ultimate hot button topic when it comes to social issues. The hot take response is like thinking about America as a collection of trees with branches/leaves labeled as white supremacy, white fragility, black power, black lives matter, critical race theory, equity, inclusion, opportunity, justice, meritocracy, etc. With lots of trees in the forest (society) some have more of certain branches than others.
Oftentimes folks tend to see the forest as vast, not realizing there are social disparities among the trees across the nation (system). Plus, emotions can run high when discussing these issues, especially when critical thinking diminishes and ideological labeling flourishes. The problem these days is that it’s easier to have ignorance look fashionable than to have intelligence look possible.
Some trees just don’t make it in the forest. Whether it’s from not getting the right mix of light, water or air. When the storms rolls through you’ll find them toppled over. Then there’s the chance of being hit by disease that slowly takes them out. That’s what happens to folks who let prejudice, bigotry or even racism be the way they define their view of life. Pity the fool who knows better but acts out their worst instincts.
Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process
“The most beautiful souls are those who walked out of the fire and then returned with water for those still in it.” – Anonymous
We often congratulate ourselves more on getting rid of the problem than on solving it.” – W. E. B. Du Bois
“The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.” – Abraham Lincoln
Good Stuff: “Four Years Down and Still Climbing”
Four years ago, a dream and a vision became reality. This past August, the organization Black Women in Aviation (BWIA) celebrated its journey of impact, growth, opportunity and community. What began with a vision to create greater representation and connection, has continued to grow into an organization committed to elevating women and expanding pathways through aviation.
Led by industry star Samantha T. Mitchell, Founder, President & CEO, the organization got a 5-star rating from Erin’Leigh Spears, who’s the first Delaware State University student to become a member of BWIA. She said “I am incredibly honored to be part of the organization. When I entered college, I wasn’t sure I truly belonged in aviation. But BWIA reassured me that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
They recently supported the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees’ 50th Anniversary, which was truly an incredible experience and a beautiful celebration of an extraordinary milestone. This is all part of an enriching experience, instant access, a vibrant community, valuable opportunities, personalized membership towards empowering the present and elevating the future.
Learn more about the organization at www.BlackWomenInAviation.com.
Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy
Well, we danced our way into the summer editions a few months ago, and we’re still dancing with the Fall season around the corner. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14obUATCGs7/
What do we have here? Emilie receiving flowers after being named as Senior Class President and Styles suiting up in his JROTC uniform.
Look who got to be president for the day? This was more like ‘president’ on a visit to the Obama Presidential Center, with Shaun Sr, sitting in the mock Oval Office.
Sending well wishes to our guy Walter for a speedy recovery from a recent medical procedure. He shared a reminder for the fellows to go get that checkup on your health.
Here’s our buddy Shawn Dove (center) with his home boys in 2020 and now in 2026. Wow, a picture gives a sense for how things change and how their friendship remains the same.
Lastly, the United Nations voted to approve a new map that correctly represents the size of Africa as the second largest continent. But the United States was the only country to vote ‘no’. Go figure!
Smile Emoji
A visit to the chiropractor will have you cracking up!
https://www.threads.com/share/BBjwAeh-iA/
When grandma wants you to have a clean room on move in day.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1LD9sgs8BL/
He wants to get down, but not sure if it’s the right time or place.
https://www.threads.com/share/BAaeWjHx3c/
Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Big Splash, Labor Day Bash”
Where did the summer go? These days it seems like time is flying at greater speed than days gone by. It’s still the same 24 hours in a day, but depending on the season, some things seem to move slowly and others much faster. Here we are with the unofficial end of summer just about wrapped, as many spent time trying to get in that last big splash or roll-up at the Labor Day bash.
For sports fans there was so much to choose from. The college football season got off and running with wall-to-wall coverage from midday to midnight. There was also the US Tennis Open in NY, where the celebrities came through to watch some exciting play. The Williams sisters are still at it playing doubles, since Serena came out of retirement. Plus, island vibe was in full swing on the Brooklyn parkway.
With back-to-school on the radar, there was a tip that tennis star Coco Gauff had to share after winning in the third round. She was asked about advancing to the second week for the fifth straight year and said, “usually it takes a mindset shift to keep powering my way to the end.” That’s true for us too, especially in times requiring change, whether going from summer break to back-to-school or seeking new growth.
Her first couple games were at night, while the third-round game was in the day. She was asked about the difference between playing a day game vs night game. In her response she shared how night games might slow things down, day games tend to speed things up. Well, that’s true too as we go from summer to fall, from downtime to gametime, from life’s intermission to the next act on our back-to-school journey.
(For a deeper dive on the issues of our time, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).
Line Jams
JZiggy Marley Ft Nikka Costa – Hey People Now – https://youtu.be/wmU_YSkJw3k?si=YQ9wJ4XnY-72P4V5
Beyoncé – Irreplaceable – https://youtu.be/2EwViQxSJJQ?si=RRrdVr-zgcahBIu3
The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”
The Family Line 