Homeplace Edition: August 2025

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We know that the U.S. is often called a melting pot because of the wide array of nationalities and cultures. Among them are countries from the African diaspora, including the Caribbean region. The rich history tied what’s often called the New World, also is known for bringing new flava in roots & culture. Did you make it down to the homeland this summer or is a Family Reunion something that’s in the works for next year?

This month’s Homeplace Edition might connect with that in some way, whether folks are immigrants or first generation. So, think of the ‘Did You Know’ and the new ‘Island Vibes’ columns along those lines. There’s the Family Feature on triplets who’re competing for a spot at next year’s Winter Olympics in Italy. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

This month had double celebrations of Jamaica’s Emancipation on August 1^st, and Independence Day on August 6^th. According to ‘Ms. Kitty’, a longtime friend of elders in the Steele family, when Jamaica first got its Independence, folks had stopped celebrating Emancipation Day. Maybe they wanted to scrub thinking about memories of slavery. But in recent times, the celebration has gained new energy.

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!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “An Eye for Branding and Building”

Things might be a little quiet on the track & field circuit, but we just got through some shakeup moments. The U.S. National Championship had new faces as the next generation of athletes earned their place for the World Championship set for September in Tokyo Japan. Who does Usain Bolt have his eye on to make some waves? He thinks long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall is the ‘Beyonce’ of field events.

The women’s 100-meter has a new leading lady in Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, while her training partner and past World Champion Sha’carri Richardson tries to regroup. Don’t sleep on the Jamaican women who’re in the pipeline. There’s also a new face in the sport with an eye for branding and building. Almost two years ago, Alexis Ohanian launched ‘Althos’ to elevate and celebrate female track athletes.

At this year’s event set for October, they’re adding new focus on field events, starting with Long Jump. There’s even a big jump-off event planned in NYC’s Times Square to get fans excited. And yes, Tara is among the athletes expected to compete. She approached Ohanian with the idea of featuring field events as part of Athlos. Now he’s all in with adding that to the mix as another way of building on the concept.

Who’ll be the big-name music artist to perform? That might still be under wraps or close to being finalized. Ohanian believes this format for putting the spotlight on athletes offers a new chance for folks to cheer like in other speed sports, whether it’s cars or horses circling the track. It’s about giving fans options to watch their favorite athletes in a new biz model for securing the bag too.

Lead Story: “Flying Higher Than 30,000 Feet!”

There’re moments in life that will go down in the record books and the annals of time. It’s usually an achievement that few get to reach or that is so well-deserved that no one will fight against it. That might be one way to describe the major honor that our own Shaun Sr received by being inducted into the Hall of Fame for OBAP, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals. Who would have seen this coming?

Well, family members and colleagues would raise their hands in a hurry to sign-on to Shaun earning this recognition. The organization, which has been around since 1976, is focused on creating opportunities, building partnerships, influencing policy and continued growth. Each year, OBAP implements vital programs to create awareness, inspire and propel aerospace careers nationwide.

You can tell it was a bittersweet moment as Shaun was able to smile while holding back a tear. The occasion might have had him thinking about his youthful days making paper airplanes from his writing pad, to getting the chance at learning to fly at the infamous ‘Wings Jamaica Flying School’. Since that time, he did 20+ years in the Air Force and almost an equal time as a commercial pilot.

Dad invested in his dream at an early age. He didn’t get to see Shaun flying wide-body airplanes in his time. This moment was prob an emotional one that had Shaun flying higher than 30,000 feet. If you ever want to find a situation that inspires among friends and family, not many can compete with the feeling of knowing someone (my brother) in your fam who is a pilot! There might be a clip of his acceptance speech floating around somewhere so for more on OBAP checkout https://obap.org.

Island Vibes: Scoops on Roots & Culture

How many other Caribbean countries celebrate Emancipation Day on August 1^st?https://www.threads.com/@thetherapistsol/post/DM0spmlycef?xmt=AQF042j69g9SXMhTsdFBsBIqDRalyCo6RhbibgzXfL60MQ

Why do some Jamaicans have an Asian look? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGqlFX_u-lF/?igsh=MTk3cXVpNnA4NG8yZA%3D%3D

Did You Know? Family Archive Tidbits

Well, the Steele family ancestry profile just got a boost. Our cousin Jessica in Jamaica clued us in on some new info tied to the family tree. It takes us back in time to our ‘white family line’. Many of us living knew of Grandma Mildred ‘Miley’ Wilson in our younger days. There’re other senior family members who even knew grandma Miley’s mother Ann, who was a McIntosh before marrying to become a Steele.

We learned Ann’s father Francis was born in the mid-1800s, a few years after the end of slavery. So much so that his middle name was ‘Freeman’. Going back further, his father Alexander seems to date back to a time in Scotland and the period of owning slaves. There’re some missing links, but we’ve got some help from long lost cousin Cecile and her fam who live in NY and are from the McIntosh family line.

Something else jumped out from info Jessica sent. There were twins (Charles and William) who were brothers of Ann. Cousin Cecile falls under Charles’ family tree. That was fascinating, as twins have shown up in the family line since Ann’s days. Grandma Miley’s daughter (Cecille with two L’s) had twins in Shaun and Nadine. There’re also twins on the paternal side. So, thanks much to Cousin Cecile, her daughter Brianna and son Dhanjai for hanging out in NY and helping fill in some of the blanks.

Family Feature: “Triplets Ice Skiing in 2026 Winter Olympics”

Most folks by now have heard about Jamaica being part of past Winter Olympics in the Bobsled competition. The ingenuity that went into making history was told in the movie ‘Cool Runnings.’ The movie’s title was a play on words in many ways, including language, culture and sports. We’re a small island with big talent and so why not keep the cool vibes going in a different winter sport?

That’s what triplets based in the U.S., whose mother is of Jamaican heritage, plan to do. They’re training and hoping to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. According to the local media, they’ve been visiting the island to work on strength and conditioning. Once they depart Jamaica, they’ll be doing intense training in South America during the winter months there to set them up for qualifying races.

At 17 years of age, they’ll have lots more cracks at making a splash in the sport. They’ve been focused on academics leading up to high school graduation. Known affectionately as the ‘Rivers Triplets’ their specialty of Alpine skiing takes them down long winding downhill trails, like a river flowing downstream. So yea we’re looking forward to their big finish! See more on their journey here: https://linktr.ee/rivers.triplets.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.” – Aldous Huxley

“Nobody is going to pour the truth into your brain. It’s something you have to find for yourself”. – Noam Chomsky

“One of the hardest things with serving others across family or country is staying true to God’s calling for doing something that most folks do not yet see the essence.”

Good Stuff: “Life Coming Full Circle”

Is it that some of us have been around the block a few times, or just that we’re doing things like starting over again? Well, that might have been the feeling Shaun Sr had when he was part of an aviation camp recently. With a few extra pounds from his youthful days, he got into the cockpit of a single engine plane like his early days of learning to fly.

This time, he was in the passenger seat, guiding a youngster on a similar path. The event brought together students, giving them a sense of what it takes to go from single engine to wide-body jet as Shaun has done in his career all the way to United Airlines. There were those who’re already on their way, and others just getting some early exposure. It was a ‘life coming full circle’ occasion for sure.

Shaun Sr had his own grandson (2nd from left) Aamir there among the ‘young buds’ who had a chance at sitting in the ‘big chair’ of a flight simulator. The experience, while not the real thing, gave them a bird’s-eye view as well as hands-on feel for what it means to fly. There were some ‘touch & go’ moments (as they say in the flying biz), where they had to circle back in the air, before coming to a safe landing. They earned their wings, if not for United, but at least for possibly living the dream themselves someday.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Ever had those dreams as a child, not for something big, but something classic? Well, that’s what Mikey got a chance to do recently on his trip to the homeland. Flying a kite on the beach in Jamaica was one of his boyhood dreams.

While Mikey’s mother Yolanda wasn’t in the next pic, she’s in the same posse. This group from their younger days were either gearing up for a ‘meeting of the minds’, or to mix things up. From right to left: Nadine, Shaun, Andrew, Paul and Douette.

Here’s the best of the best in some flashback pics, as cousins remember their younger days, or precious times holding their children close. There’s Paul with Grandma Miley; Andrew and Gary with her too; Serge holding Rebecca and Timothy.

Quite a buzz about who’s got the best jeans commercials, Beyonce with Levis or Sydney Sweeney with American Eagle? Before summer is thru, maybe y’all got pics (flashback or current) of wearing your favorite jeans or two-piece shorts set, like this one below from back in the day with Andrew and yours truly. Send your pics in and we’ll have our own contest.

Smile Emoji

Goat gone wild – whose idea was this? (shared by Donnice) https://www.threads.com/@isiahcareyfox26/post/DMfrFCuMwSh?

The fast-food investigation…who done it? (shared by Nadine) https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJh-EVCxmMT/?igsh=MTZtZXhzcHlqMTh5bQ

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “What’s Up or Wrong with This Picture?”

These days, sometimes it can be hard to tell whether a picture online is real or AI-made. At first glance you don’t really question it, then something in your gut tells you wait, this might need a second and third look. With videos it can be hard too, except obvious ones with kids acting like they’re on a dating show.

The other problem online sites have is if they’re dealing with a real person or robot. To help figure that out, a feature called ‘Captcha’ forces you to enter some information to prove you’re human. This way you can continue using the site. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes the image or words are far from the truth. So, what’s wrong with this pic from the Museum of Modern Art?

Artist Malcolm Bailey was trying to broaden our view of the 1896 Supreme Court ruling on segregation often called ‘separate but equal.’ His point was that this is what the slave trade should have looked like as ‘separate but equal.’ Interestingly, the divide in history, whether as a country or even in families, often comes down to those who seem/feel celebrated (viewed as insiders) and those who seem/feel slighted (viewed as outsiders).

That’s prob what we’re seeing in today’s version of ‘separate but equal’ in the town square. Folks are taking sides, based on whether they think they’re entitled vs belong. After being prompted by a circle of friends over the past year, if it’ll help explain the divide or ‘what’s wrong with this picture’, looking to launch a Podcast with features that bring truth and reality across family & country, culture & community.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Rochelle Bradshaw – Island Girl – https://youtu.be/BJAvpL8qGfI?si=0-VbHMQjMFxC9KxF

Sting & Shaggy – Just One Lifetime – https://youtu.be/DNobqcfLb2Y?si=qGS9ck9suzFVDqVn

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

“School’s Out, Cookout’s In” Edition: July 2025

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“It’s summertime in the city, girls are looking pretty!” Those words might be playing in the mind of a young Gen Z, or maybe even as a flashback to the younger days of a Baby Boomer or Gen X. Not gonna callout anyone, but fellas we all been there a time or two!

This month’s “School’s Out, Cookout’s In” edition, might feel quite laid-back. There’s the Lead Story to help answer the question, “What makes your dream a dream?” We’ve also got the Family Feature on the ‘J5 Crew’ and their story of ‘grandma love’. To top things off, have a laugh and be inspired. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

Summertime is good for road trips or air travel. We had our chance too, traveling to the west coast. This is the season to throw hot dogs and burgers on the grill, maybe get down on that steak later, or have a sip of that ‘hard’ drink to make the occasion feel festive. While doing that, as we think about the countdown to America’s 250^th Independence Day celebrations in 2026, let’s shoot for more “good times, good 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!

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Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture – “Adding ‘Chops’ to Her Star Power!”

It’s summer movie-viewing season as friends and families search for box office hits. The Hollywood studios are constantly trying to figure out what’s on our watch list. Sometimes they’ll release a sequel, which can be hit or miss. Other times they drop a movie that comes with top billing but turns out to be a dud because it feels more like a retread.

Well, this summer the new animated edition of ‘Smurfs’ has arrived. It’s the kind of flick that they hope is like a family outing at the movies. And guess who’s a featured star…yes, Rihanna the music icon. She is the voice of ‘Smurfette’ and leads the pack on a rescue mission for Papa Smurf. She even found time to deliver a song on the soundtrack (see Line Jams below), while adding more ‘chops’ to her star power.

She was a big fan of the cartoon from her days in Barbados watching it on their only TV station back then. It’s a good fit since she’s now a mother of two boys. Entertainers often make a shift in what they produce once they have kids. It prob makes things easier for them to embrace a family-friendly vibe at home.

Many are hoping for her to release new music on the R&B charts. Others are waiting to see her next baby’s arrival which could happen at any moment. If the red carpet at the Met Gala in May wasn’t enough, the blue carpet at the movie premiere sure had her in maternity wear. While ‘Smurfs’ isn’t her first big screen gig, it certainly continues her brand-building as a mover and shaker in biz.

Lead Story: “What Makes Your Dream, a Dream?”

What makes your dream a dream? Well, that wasn’t quite the question Samantha Mitchell was asked in a recent interview. But it might as well have been because she told her story of how she became the first female mechanic at JFK airport, working for Air Jamaica.

It all started when her mother noticed that she was the “hands-on tinkering” type who just loved putting thing together (and maybe even pulling things apart). Her mom said to her “you need to figure out how to work with your hands.” That message planted a seed, and as often happens, a lightbulb moment came later when she received a brochure from Vaughn College of Aeronautics.

She was off and running, as they say, moving closer to her main dream of working for Boeing. Then a setback caused a delay because she needed another important piece of documentation. After applying for U.S. citizenship and waiting for that to come in, she soon had the chance of her dreams. She landed that dream job as she had hoped.

Over the years she was struck by something else…not many who looked like her were as fortunate to walk those halls and flex their skills in plane hangars. This stirred-up something on the inside that she describes as a God-inspired Calling, which led to launching BWIA – Black Women in Aviation, a non-profit organization that helps to increase representation.

Fast-forward all those years and she’s now not only an aviation professional, but also an author, speaker, business leader and dream chaser (ok the last one isn’t officially in her bio). Checkout more on her story and life’s work here: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-samantha-t-mitchell/, and more about her organization here: https://www.blackwomeninaviation.com/.

Family Feature: “Holding Grandma’s Hands”

The Family Line had a chance to catch up with our friend Walter Bernie Jackson to chat about life after Grandma Susie’s tragic passing. We first connected with Walter about five years ago while planning a men’s empowerment panel called F.L.E.X. – Fatherhood, Leadership, Education, XOXO (as in love for family and those near & dear). He mentioned that he, his wife and three daughters were affectionately known as NJ’s ‘Jackson 5’, or ‘J5’ for short.

Over ten years ago they found themselves in the news for reasons they wouldn’t want others to go through. Their beloved Grandma Susie was taken from them at the Mother Emanuel tragedy. Walter and his young family had recently visited with her, not knowing that a few weeks later she’d be gone. He says it’s been hard to go back and visit Charleston SC, but over the years he’s poured himself into being there for his family in those FLEX ways.

He says forgiveness has been hard, but his strength comes from those moments he remembers holding grandma’s hands. Plus, he can look with pride at how his father, mother and siblings were able to keep the family bonds tight as the ‘J5 OGs’. These days with his children all grown up, as the last one is heading off to college, he continues to serve the community as an elected School Board member and is certain that Grandma Susie’s hands are still guiding their every move.

A few years ago, a movie was made about the Mother Emanuel heartbreak and what it has meant for the affected families. It might still be available on Amazon Prime. But for a closer look at what it took for Walter and his family to get through this experience, checkout the clip on the ‘J5 Journey’ before Mother Emanuel, and after all the media attention has gone.

The ‘J5 Journey’ – https://youtu.be/MfNdGhhRBQM?si=0Upq_wpm1yZLZUiP

Emanuel Documentary (Trailer) – https://youtu.be/oBFSaiyl2bU?si=3d2FMRqbBhRFxRvm

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Two things define you: your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything.” – shared by Trudy Parris on FB

“You can’t lead where you don’t go. You can’t show what you don’t know. You can’t grow what you don’t sow.”

“If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love. Make yourself a committee of one to teach that lesson until it takes hold.” – Opal Lee, ‘the grandmother of Juneteenth’

Good Stuff: “Haters Gonna Hate…So Just Be Great!”

If you caught our ‘Grad Central Station’ feature in last month’s edition you know it was a chance to spotlight the 2025 graduates from high school and college. It was a moment to look back on their younger days, while looking ahead at their future selves. With the graduation season pretty much done, we had one more graduate to add to the list.

As Chloe Jackson prepares to attend Texas Southern University, she had a chance to deliver a speech as 2025 Class President. She began by sharing that she’s been class president since sixth grade. Her role involved planning many group events and supporting her classmates in their activities. Then she laid out two points that might fit with the caption, “haters gonna hate…so just be great!”

With her father standing proudly a few rows behind (He was seated among school board officials), and the almost 600 graduates in front, Chloe took a moment herself to enjoy the experience with the ‘bars’ she dropped to close out the speech. The turnout for the ceremony filled the stands of the outdoor football stadium, as family and friends listened to her, as well as the valedictorian and salutatorian students. Checkout Chloe’s speech here: https://www.facebook.com/franklinreporter/videos/1794134971480694

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Well, in case you need that extra umph to get through the summer, here’s a bonus graduation speech to ride with. This one’s from Harvard School of Dental Medicine 2025 Class President, Tashaua Holmes. (shared by Shaun Sr.)

Happy 30^th birthday to Brianna as friends and fam showed up in Harlem NY for her big celebration and hometown throwdown. Big shoutout to her for all she does behind the scenes in support of The Family Line and linking-up family members on making things happen. Plus, since she currently resides in ATL, she’ll do the big sister thing for Lanah who’s headed to Brenau University in Georgia (pic shared by Gary).

A recent social media post suggested that Family Reunions have been on the decline, as families go through changes due to the passing of elders or unresolved conflicts. As folks become more spread out geographically, The Family Line hopes to do its part to keep family bonds alive. We owe it to Grandma Susie on the Jackson side, Grandma Miley and Grandma Lena on the Steele side and Grandma Mamimi on the Salami side. Here’s a pic from a recent trip to Arizona to visit one of our elders (Aunt Sheila) who moved from the east coast about 10 years ago.

Smile Emoji

Looks like ‘cousin Brad’ got funky at the block party. https://www.threads.com/@notcapnamerica/post/DLIC4u8A4S1?xmt=AQF0mrb8kxYO4YK95Q2k2cWtPn4tkZHctddCc5GHM1i9tQ

Is it that black people run things in culture, or that we can vibe with any culture? https://www.threads.com/@charisma_michele03/post/DJ215dRvZfB?xmt=AQF03kPHzmpyOh5IaRlqvxC2Jl1vCO9Y4bJqGPX9Qvwk2Q

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “The Forecast for Your Day Trip and Life Dreams!”

“Right now, it’s 96 degrees in the shade. Real hot, in the shade…and getting hotter!” Sounds like the radio announcer setting up the day’s forecast in your area, right? Well, it could have been something like that. Those words aren’t too far off from lyrics some of us heard back in the day. But on the real, during a recent trip to Arizona, the summer weather there one evening was 107 degrees at 7:30pm.

That’s not complaining but about giving a snapshot of what it felt like on our visit to family. It was a ‘feeling hot forecast’ for the day trip we were taking to the town of Sedona. As with other parts of the world, the weather forecast gives the expected high and low temps for the day. Think of it like this, the forecast for your day trip might relate to how you live the life you love, even with those highs and lows.

We had a chance to view rock formation that seemed like they were God-made. According to one of our tour guides, that part of the world of red dirt mountain trails is fast becoming a tourist attraction, getting closer to having as many visitors as the Grand Canyon, another one of those amazing wonders of the world. There’s even a church built on top of the rocks (as if inspired by the Biblical text).

Fam, different moments in life allow us to appreciate how we love the life we live. It helps to put the journey in perspective based on times when you’re ‘feeling hot’ not just in atmosphere but maybe even in relationship or career. You might also remember some ‘lows’ you had to get through. Hopefully in the end, there’s the reward of getting to lead the life you dream. So, in this current social/political climate, and with America’s 250th Independence one year away, let’s saddle-up for the highs and lows to come.

(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Protoje – Feel It – https://youtu.be/amimA5WWtds?si=X-B3T5ZsZ4IknnJV

Friend of Mine (from ‘Smurfs’ movie soundtrack) – https://youtu.be/_MQnZgH0ZmQ?si=xd99QOgSmOeEZ8BS

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”

‘One-Year Anniversary’ Edition: June 2025

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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!

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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.

Grad’ Central Station Feedback – Form Responses 1 Download

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 31^st birthday on June 7^th. 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.”

“Motherland” Issue: October 2024

Featured ~ Douette O. 'Doc' Cunningham ~ Leave a comment

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

There’s a Fall chill in the air! Yea, and football is all over TV screens. Maybe a good time to spread some warm thoughts from the ‘Motherland’. In this issue you’ll know more about the Salami (Sa-la-mee) family from Togo Africa. Some family members live in other countries in Africa and Europe. So, they get around.

See our Celebrity Row column about ‘duds or gems’ in life. There’s also the Lead Story on African food and maybe some of you might even think about that Bob Marley song, ‘Africa Unite.’ We round out this issue with more Good Stuff and of course our Line Jams. You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal came to be.

As a moment of homage, we remember the life of Dikembe Mutombo, whether on the basketball court or Global Ambassador for the NBA. He made folks from his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across Africa stand tall through his game skills and humanitarian work.

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!

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Celebrity Row: Here for the Culture

Well, another anniversary just went by, but who’s counting? It’s been 14 years this past September since Steve Harvey started hosting the Family Feud. The show saw a big reboot and bounce from that time in viewers and players. There’s even a celebrity version of the show that’s a big hit with stars in pop culture.

Those who watch the show know that it’s a friendly-fun competition between two families or groups. The questions are based on survey data with the top answers listed on the board. Sometimes players answer with a dud, which gets the buzzer. Other times players answer with a gem that gets the bell. After three buzzer strikes, the opposing team has a chance to steal.

Something else happens behind the scenes. As the crew sets up for taping, Harvey will share some gems from his life’s journey under the caption of “Motivated”. In one case, he shared how he approached his dream, even when others close to him didn’t see what was possible. In the ‘before and after’ pics below you see how far he’s come. There’s even Family Feud Africa, airing in Ghana and South Africa.

Nowadays Harvey’s all over as he dreamed it, and living his best life as folks watched it. How he has handled the doubters and haters is in the gem he shared that “God put the dream in his imagination, not in theirs.” In other words, we show up with our own dreams. While we can’t live out someone else’s dream, we can appreciate and be motivated by their story.

Lead Story: “The Motherland’s Got Something Good”

Travel back in time, and we learn that Africa is one of the oldest regions of civilization. Sometimes the sights and sounds in certain TV ads don’t quite do justice to the full scope of the continent. You might be left with the impression that things are poor or painful everywhere. Folks from the African diaspora wanna change that image.

For example, the NFL is spreading its wings across the Atlantic into Ghana, with football camps and related events. Closer to home, there’s the Delaware African and Caribbean Affairs Commission, chaired by Dr. Kelechi Lawrence Ph.D., MBA, that’s focused on making sure folks know “The Motherland’s got something good.”

Their recent annual Summit welcomed the ‘Queen’ of Jollof rice from Senegal. It’s like that dish in different cultures that moves around the table like a baton moves around a track relay. The dish, which has its roots in the Senegal/Gambia region of Africa, is a mix of spices, herbs and vegetables. It can be a one-course meal. Here’s Burna Boy having his share of jollof rice https://youtube.com/shorts/n2cXv-YPGvg?si=0_hcE1LLKlYNw5eG.

The Summit also had empowering speakers and cultural programs. Our Family Line member Devon Mitchell (center) was on hand to present a Proclamation to Rohan K. Hepkins, Mayor for the Borough of Yeadon in PA. Mayor Hepkins (right) is of Jamaican roots from Montego Bay. They were joined for the ceremony by Dr. Lawrence who is of Nigerian roots. Devon even had the chance to huddle with the ‘Jollof Queen’ at the festivities. Learn more about the organization and the Summit at https://afrocarib.delaware.gov/.

Family Feature: “Daughters & Sons Day”

These days it seems like every day has a certain social/cultural designation. As we speak, we’re in Hispanic Heritage Month. Also, in case you missed it recently, over the space of a few days we went from National Daughters Day to then boasting about National Sons Day.

National Daughters Day got started in India to celebrate the bond between parents and daughters. In some cultures, daughters get less attention and opportunities than sons. It was more recently adopted in the U.S. around early 2000s. National Sons Day is celebrated twice a year, March and September to encourage more than just ‘birds and the bees’ conversations with sons. Checkout Gerry and son Jeremy, as well as a throwback pic of the Dupoux boys.

Over those days, it felt like a kinda ‘Daughters & Sons’ double feature. Mothers got a kick out of spotlighting their ‘generational kin’ image. When there were multiple daughters, you got the sense that one looked more like the father and another more like the mother. And fathers were filled with pride to have ‘junior’ at their side.

Above are my dear wife Donnice, and our daughters Dominique and Deja. Below, we’ve got Rev. Dr. Catina Blackmon Jackson as big sister to Rev. Charita Blackmon Ely and Psalmist Christie Jon Blackmon. She also appears with daughters Chloe Alexander, Jasmine Monique and Tiana Joy.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Pain is weakness trying to leave the body towards healing, or fighting to stay in the body towards hurt.”

“Test yourself against your own actions. This way you can take pride in yourself without having to compare yourself to others.” – Galatians 6:4 NIV

Good Stuff: “Homebase Enterprise”

Did you know that Microsoft was started by Bill Gates in a garage? More often than we realize, many ventures get launched as a ‘homebase enterprise’. That’s something the Salami family knows quite well. The idea for their Dream Africa project might have started with sister Yasmine, but others in the fam also had a hand on the wheel.

Their approach to working together is a classic example of the idea that ‘1 + 1 = 11’. From watching them in action, you get the sense that one brother might help with marketing, a sister with cooking, and along the way there’s help from those who bring nursing or planning or branding or performing expertise.

With the Salami family there’re three brothers, four sisters and their mother ‘Mamimi’ as the core team. While some live outside of Togo, they pull-together and pull strings to make it happen. Then add in grandchildren, girlfriends/boyfriends, spouses and friends, you see how you’ve got a “program by day, party by night”. For more, visit https://dreamafrica.africa/.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

If you’ve been to or thinking about going to Africa, here’s an on-the-ground clip of ‘Jamaicans in Ghana’ https://www.facebook.com/share/v/yKXByw3FPjiRpzr6/?mibextid=oFDknk.

Who else got Africa on their radar? Maybe Sydni can ‘school’ us on the lessons and life experience she gained from her trip to Sierra Leone. As a JD candidate at Columbia Law School, she travelled with peers from the Black Law School Association. They toured memorable sites and met with government officials.

Meanwhile, on the west coast, her younger brother Cole has been doing big things in sports. He’s got his indoor sport on the ice and his outdoor sport on the field (that’s just for starters). His parents are open to diversity in ice hockey as he’s scoring goals in the net and landing touchdowns in flag football. Checkout his latest score at the link below. Wonder where he got all this game?

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAO4Zb9ygts/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Smile Emoji

Wow, an ‘old soul’ in the building. (sent by Donnice) https://x.com/KevOnStage/status/1839474818024144916

Ever happened to you? (sent by Nadine) https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-x1SwagobV/?igsh=M3NiMWhoampnY255

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “The Clock is Ticking”

Time flies when you’re having fun and when you’ve grown up! But does it seem like it takes forever when you’re trying to level-up? For women, there’s often this idea of having to choose between career and family. Should they work on building their mojo or building their mastery at home?

Well, those days are long gone. Women have just as much ‘game’ in their career track as men do in their passion field. Just watch the WNBA playoffs and you’ll see they come to play. The league got a big boost with the current rookie class that some say play like veterans.

But the league has also been challenged by a bump in incidents of hate and harassment. It’s as if some come for the joy of the sport and others come to jeer players who’re putting on a show. Then there’s the element of that rookie who’s gotten lots of attention from fans, some of whom want to dirty-up the sport.

Of course, sports can be a snapshot of life. That said, we’ve got a chance to see America level-up as the clock is ticking with the presidential campaign on the last round. So fellas, before time expires we gotta do our part as the women are watching. For now, checkout the digital bookmark and promo flyer below for how we roll to: (1) impact roots, culture, our better angels; (2) uplift country, family, our homies.
(For a deeper dive into the issues, checkout https://SeeAmericaInColor.com).

Line Jams

Maffio, Kymani Marley, Julian Marley, Ft Jo Mersa Marley – Blessings – https://youtu.be/8Sc5yOzrNDM?si=63aghHgu2mMJ4SKD

Burna Boy – Last Last – https://youtu.be/421w1j87fEM?si=dl_eK0eLzdIizId8

The Family Line Motto: “Open Door to Good Cheer.”