‘Herstory’ Edition: March 2026

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What happens when Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day collide? You get to learn from ‘Herstory’! That’s some of what you can expect in this month’s edition as we also welcome the extra sunlight hours of having Daylight Savings Time. With the Lent season in full stride and Easter around the corner, is America ready to see the light?

While we ponder that thought, this month’s Lead Story puts the spotlight on Yasmine from the Salami family and her ‘Dream Africa: Cultural Exchange’ program. In the ‘Life & Times Flava’ column we revisit the question, “are leaders born or made?” and pose a new one, “are you a follower or influencer?” Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

Last month we shared the legacy of the late Dr. Gladys West, a key player in developing GPS Technology. This month you might reflect on Rosa Parks or Harriet Tubman, two women from bygone eras whose life’s work remind us that it’s not simply about your sex, but about how you flex your influence. Women can be known for sexual appeal in music/movies or their appeal to the sexes 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!

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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 – “An NBA All-star and Emerging Powerhouse in Basketball Recruiting”

The stars were out in full effect at the recent NBA all-star weekend in LA, as some fans still feel like the game is going through changes. With the 3-point shot taking over offensive plays/strategy, some say the NBA has work to do. One area that’s been a sore spot is how the all-star game has lost its appeal. So, NBA HQ came up with a new format of ‘USA vs the World’. But are die-hard fans loving it?

They say it’s two different worlds and styles of play. Well, while things play out on that front, others are getting in the game. Just ask first-time NBA all-star Norman Powell of the Miami Heat. He was on the ‘World’ team repping Jamaica, which for some was a surprise. What was later learned is that he’s been working with the Jamaican national basketball squad on qualifying for international competition.

It’s as if Jamaica is positioning itself to enter the chat around basketball, as they did with the winter sport bobsled. What’s the next movie gonna be called? Even Usain Bolt seems to have his eyes on the game. He was recently spotted at an ‘Unrivaled’ game in Texas. During a sideline interview, he mentioned being a fan and potential investor. Maybe track & field has fresh competition outside the lanes.

We know track & field college recruiters have had their eyes on Jamaican athletes for a long time. The thinking now is it won’t be long before basketball recruiters gonna be landing in Kingston or Montego Bay to checkout the rising stars on the island. Powell will bring even more clout now that he’s an all-star. Plus, he’ll have a signed jersey as a souvenir to prove.

For now, here’s more background on Powell and basketball as an emerging powerhouse in the Caribbean. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUZGU_ZkW2B/

Lead Story: “Hey ‘Diaspora’, Meet ‘Dream Africa’ Cultural Exchange!”

Here’s one of those moments that makes The Family Line Portal proud. A few years ago, on a cruise vacation, my wife met someone from Togo Africa. They struck up a warm connection, which later blossomed into regular chats. Now, it’s like being part of the Salami family from Togo, Africa, who invited us to their family reunion three years ago.

Well, it’s that time again, but it also comes with the third anniversary of the ‘Dream Africa’ Cultural Exchange. What we experienced when our family visited Yasmine and the Salami family was just a snapshot of what the cultural exchange hopes to realize this summer. It’s gonna be more immersive, more interactive, more impressive. Don’t take our word for it, checkout preview link below.

This time it seems like another Family Line Portal member, the Mitchell family from Delaware, is looking to tag-team in having the ‘Diaspora’ meet the ‘Dream Africa’ Cultural Exchange. That means two of our Portal’s founding families are looking to link-up for a rewarding experience. It’s also a case of a group on the west coast looking to collaborate with Dream Africa HQ on the east coast.

In the same way that my wife meeting Yasmine at first seemed like a ‘chance encounter’ a few years ago, watching a similar serendipity moment emerge is priceless. It’s a shared benefit we’ve considered, not really being sure how it would come together. Well, here we are with another Salami family reunion on the horizon, and Dream Africa having a chance to spread its wings across the coasts and Atlantic Ocean.

Cultural Exchange 2026 – Dream Africa Trailer: “More than a trip, an experience to be lived!”: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ibWpZDK2V8c

Island Vibes: With Scoops of Roots & Culture from the Diaspora

Ever wondered where the Jamaican accent came from? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVMDMRqgYRl/?igsh=MXhqYjhiaXJxZ3JkZw==

The evolution of Jamaica in AI storytelling. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT_9XWsGJzw/?igsh=MTkwcHNua3MxeHpwZQ==

NY Knicks players with Caribbean roots. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUmDIbMEakh/?igsh=MTd0aWEwOTF1cG03cA==

Family Feature: “When Retirement Fits the Moment!”

This winter has given us the ‘1-2-3 punch’ in snowstorms on the east coast. We should have listened to the groundhog, but who wants to take that hype seriously. For those who remember the storms from the 90’s, this winter might be giving that period some competition. But for cuz Andrew, he’s not complaining, considering he now gets a chance to kickback from his days working for NYC Transit, Bus Division.

Back then, he remembered buses being stuck in the streets for 24 hours after those big storms. Sometimes buses would run for hours, trying to stay warm for the driver and any passengers onboard. Then the bus would run out of fuel with nowhere to turn. Only thing left was to leave it empty and head back to the base. Imagine the bosses had the nerve to write-up the drivers for bus abandonment?

We see him in this throwback pic (above left, with brother Donovan and cousin Paul). But maybe it was on his day off when we ran into him and wife Millie attending a Charlie Wilson Concert at Barclays Arena. He was looking like homeboy turned ‘Dapper Drew’ and her looking like homegirl turned ‘Maven Millie’. Good thing wifey and I were dressed too, otherwise they might have given us the wave and kept moving.

These days Andrew spends time traveling south on long weekends. As he recovers from shoulder surgery, he’s grateful for having his son near and a kind neighbor who helped with clearing the driveway. He often reminds other fam that retirement has its place, and for him it fits the moment. He keeps taking cruise trips here, Caribbean vacations there and doing lots of teasing of those still clocking in for 9 to 5.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“What you tell yourself about others might put you in the know, but what you tell yourself about yourself helps create flow and boost how you grow.

“Excellence is the best deterrent to racism. Therefore, be excellent. Excellence is the best deterrent to sexism. Therefore, be excellent. In all your doing and being, strive for excellence.” – Rev. Jesse Jackson

“The seven deadly sins of pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth, seems to need an upgrade in the modern political world…to add hypocrisy.”

Good Stuff: “Heroes Don’t Have to Wear Capes!”

You’ve seen the stories on the news where someone jumps into action in an emergency. Oftentimes the story has a good ending and features first responders who see it as just another day on the job. They prefer not to be seen as heroes. For them, it’s what they’re trained to do, and how they’re proud to serve. It’s as if they never know when life might call on them in unexpected ways.

That might be the way Tiana Joy will look back at a recent moment while out having dinner. In a fast-moving situation, she calmly and courageously without hesitation, reservation or discrimination performed the Heimlich maneuver on a woman over 80 years old who was choking. In that moment where others may have panicked, she chose freedom over fear, love over delay, action over social media distraction. She literally saved the woman’s life!

Words won’t fully express what she did in that moment and the proud response she’s gotten from friends and family. She showed quiet strength, inner calm and dogged spirit. A willingness to act reflected her heart and was a blessing in this crazy world. Her courage was a reminder that heroes don’t have to wear capes. Sometimes they just stand up and step forward.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Hats off to our next-gen leader Jillian Ryan Ed.D., nominated for a 2026 Employee Excellence Award at Stevens Institute of Technology. This recognizes the impact of collaborative work by creating meaningful experiences for graduate students.

Our own Shaun Sr is celebrating with Raysean McKoy Marin one of his newest colleagues, to join the ranks of pilot at United Airlines. It’s a dream that first took root at age 14, and now Raysean can say he’s an Airbus pilot. So next time you’re flying the friendly skies, watch for his badge or hear his name.

Shoutout to cuz Junior for the heads-up on a recent award given to iHeartRadio’s Real 92.3 in LA. On hand accepting the Rose L. Schiff Commitment to Justice Award was his brother, our own cuz Dave, the station’s Program Director, along with the station’s morning guy, ‘Big Boy’. In attendance was LA Mayor Karen Bass and other dignitaries. Checkout more backstory and Dave’s speech here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16SitfJEEQ/.

With March Madness in the air, guess who’s a cheerleader at her school? Yes Talia (on the right) is working on doing the kicks before trying the flips.

Tired of all the snow? Well, for those thinking about getting a snowblower or moving somewhere warmer, here’s the latest gadget to add to your birthday or Christmas wish list. It might help you make the decision on relocating or staying to clear the driveway next time. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DT_OsCvksuU/

Others tired of the snow might not be so lucky. But there’s always the old-fashioned shovel and ice melt. Here’re family members Camille, Michelle and Sheldon doing their part to help-out their parents.

Even with all those storms, Valentine’s was still filled with spreading love. In this case it was Donnice and her girls meeting up with their Auntie Nay for “Galentine’s” brunch.

Anyone knows what this is? Well, it’s part of the Caribbean Easter tradition to chow on bun & cheese. Some folks do other combos like bun and patty. What’s your taste buds crying for?

Ready to get your World Cup Soccer gear? Here’s a sneak peek of how the players will be styling in black, gold and green. It also celebrates Jamaica’s undeniable global legacy and impact in music https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUtCqyckRgN/.

Lastly, if the winter blues has you thinking about warmer weather, checkout Serge with a few fam out boating in Florida. We also caught Terri and Norman doing some fishing in Louisiana.

Smile Emoji

Ever wondered how some nurses pick the operating room they wanna work in each day? https://www.facebook.com/reel/2122048988202070

Here’re workers at Laguardia Airport in between shifts, doing the Winter Olympic sport, Curling! https://www.threads.com/@robevac/post/DU07DGsAFSc?xmt=AQF0qIkms3h2xHklf3oBnTG3UuPcfl9NrqW-N_9R7-_5eC96IwvKM-VEJ3HsTayGZgcnCJ4&slof=1

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Are You a Follower or an Influencer?”

In a previous generation, one of the questions that would often get asked is, “are leaders born or made?” One side of the debate would say ‘born’ because of certain natural traits that some leaders seem to hold. Folks on the other side would say ‘made’ because of those we’d see rise before our eyes, maybe not initially, but later unexpectedly. That question might even have been asked of Rosa Parks.

She gained notoriety for deciding not to give up her seat to move to the back of the bus in Montogomery Alabama. That brave act “turned out and turned up” folks in the civil rights movement. Interestingly, she wasn’t the first to take such action as six months earlier Claudette Colvin did the same thing in another part of the country. It just didn’t go viral, as we’ve come to understand that concept nowadays.

A ‘follower’ in the old-school sense is knowing how to be part of an organization, group or crew. A leader is often known for setting the pace or driving the vision. However, the question from back in the day has evolved into a new one of, “are you a follower or influencer?” With social media a big part of our chat, many are ‘followers’ across different platforms, others are ‘influencers’ of a product, service or vision.

Maybe Rosa Parks’ example might remind us of another old-time leader who said to his crew, “follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.” From those words and actions we know He was focused on ‘feeding’ followers, and pulling on the ‘it-factor’ of influencers. If family, community or country are going to advance towards a better day or more perfect union, it’ll take an influencer’s mindset to get America to see the light.

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

Line Jams

Olivia Dean – Man I Need – https://youtu.be/JUGCQK8dUhc?si=8NTnZg9Pa0Y6uSlS

Beyoncé – 2 Hands 2 Heaven – https://youtu.be/0HKCJEBaVOQ?si=ApL3gZ_gHsVV8mRf

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

Black History Edition: February 2026

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Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Well, the past few weeks have been brutal when it comes to cold weather and breaking news in different parts of America. Not sure which of those factors that folks would prefer to have less of, but they say the groundhog saw his shadow, so expect the cold weather to hang around a little longer.

Hopefully the stories in this month’s edition might warm your heart and refresh your spirit. It never hurts to have a time of reflection, especially around Black History, with the Lead Story. We mix in a little fun in the Celebrity Row column talking about the NFL Pro Bowl, along with the Smile Emoji for a belly laugh. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

What’s special about this issue? We feature family members who made history in their family line. There’s also the story of Dr. Gladys West who recently passed away. She’s often described as a ‘hidden figure’ in American history as she was a key player in the design and development of GPS technology. As they say, Black history is American history.

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. ✨

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 – “A Time for Fun Games and Season Reflection”

Another NFL season is in the bag! With the ‘Superbowl 60’ now over, players can have some down time and chill moments. This could find some on a vacation getaway, while others might just be spending quality time with family. As is the case each year, players who didn’t make the big game still had a chance to for one last game as part of the Pro Bowl.

These days, it’s no longer a time when players show on the field with pads and helmets. It’s become a more laid-back affair as a flag football game. To become a pro bowl selection, your season’s performance usually has standout moments in stats or highlights. But sometimes a few athletes get to make the cut, by filling in for someone with an injury or who’s in the Superbowl. That was the case for Shedeur Sanders.

After wrapping up his rookie year as QB for the Cleveland Browns, he took his pro bowl appearance in stride. While the stat line as a player and team fell short in different ways, he approached things as a time for fun games and season reflection. He knows he’s not there yet but believes he’s made progress that could position him as the starting QB next year.

While he knows there are naysayers who wanna count him out, he’s focused on improving his game, having the right attitude and making his performance speak louder than any words. He’s likely to reachout to veterans in the game to get any nuggets from their experience. He had some ‘spark plays’ in the pro bowl game and he’s looking forward to having some breakout moments in the next season.

Lead Story: “Finding Your Roots, Who’s Your Cousin?”

They say when you cut the stem of a tree you can tell roughly how old it is. As a tree grows over the years it creates a series of concentric circles. Those circles might even indicate what kind of conditions the tree had to survive over those years. In a sense that’s what we might get from watching the PBS show ‘Finding Your Roots’ hosted by Skip Gates. It helps folk connect through life circles in their ancestry.

In a recent episode called “Caribbean Roots” actor Delroy Lindo learned more about his island roots, all the way back to the 18^th century. He was born in England to Jamaican immigrants. The episode shows the passenger list of the ship Arcadia which took his mother to Canada, before then settling in California. He learned about events that his mother never spoke about but always made him wonder.

A highlight of the episode is in revealing if there’s an ancestry match with someone else who’s in the public eye. Sure enough, Lindo found out that he had a distant connection to actor LeVar Burton, who’d be like a cousin, many generations removed. A heartfelt moment is often when guests get to know more about the sacrifices made by their ancestors. That’s often true for the immigrant experience in America.

Checkout a clip of Lindo’s jaw-dropping moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP9JGs45RIw

Island Vibes: With Scoops of Roots & Culture from the Diaspora

Who knew, the first HBCU was meant for Connecticut, but plans got squashed. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DR7aglHDi-X/

Looks like the LA Lakers were ready for some jerk chicken? https://www.instagram.com/reels/DSVzSmvAemV/

There’s a Jamaican settlement in Ethiopia, Africa. Guess who put that in motion? https://www.instagram.com/reels/DTBGtndACLO/

Family Feature: “All Rise as the Honorable ‘Judge Karen’ Enters the Room!”

During the early days of America’s Independence, the role of Judge was one of the initial noteworthy public service positions. They’d be called on to settle disputes, handle trials and resolve conflicts as it relates to the Constitution. Well, that was then, and this is now, as we have ‘Judge Karen’ from the Steele family line in our midst. She made history by becoming the first trial lawyer in the family.

Her journey went from childhood days on Long Island, to earning a track & field scholarship. After graduating, she did a gap year (or two) before going to law school. Following that, years in private practice involved employment cases which were like training ground professionally. She also credits her late mom and mom’s close peers as well as lessons from her sports training for her success.

That’s refreshing when you consider that ‘Judge Karen’ also made history by becoming the first African American Judge to be confirmed by the Senate to the U.S. District Camden Courthouse in New Jersey. As Senator Cory Booker said then, “She has had a long and distinguished legal career defending the rights of workers and has a deep understanding of the issues facing the people of New Jersey.”

If we asked ‘Judge Karen’ as a ‘family line influencer’ to share insights from her roles along the way, she might say life’s journey helped prepare her for the Federal District Court. One of the perks of the job is lifetime appointment, so she’s always putting in the work of preparation needed to deliberate on litigation. She looks to expand her breadth of knowledge in the law, with room to grow in service to the public.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Every nation must now develop an overriding loyalty to mankind as a whole in order to preserve the best in their individual societies.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (posted on FB by Chris Parker)

“Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart, and strong enough to live the life you have always imagined.” – Anonymous (posted on LinkedIn by Derris Boomer)

The Family Line asked itself this question based on a quote from Malcolm Jamal Warner. Ever considered if “Slavery is white history, then how we survived it is Black History”? – (Quote posted on FB by Jesse Crawford on FB)

Good Stuff: “A Great Time Was Had by All!”

Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers! That’s the chant you heard during post-game interviews after watching the Indiana Hoosiers (IU) win the College Football Championship. It’s kinda like a clarion call among those in the community that signifies affection and camaraderie. That’s pretty much what our own cuz Gary says he felt while watching the game among friends and former teammates.

Back in his time, IU wasn’t known for having a strong football team. In those days it was basketball that got most of the attention. Well, times sure have changed, as the football team achieved lots of ‘firsts’. They went undefeated, won the whole thing and had a player who won the Heisman Trophy. What a year, what a run, what a display of coming together as a team to fulfill their wildest dreams.

Gary still gets fan mail years later. Some remember him making history as a two-sport Division I athlete, football and track & field. He had a brief NFL stint with the Raiders and said “The reason I went to Indiana wasn’t because the football team was good, they were 0-11. In part it was because of the beautiful campus and this area called Dunn Meadow.” It sounds like a great time was had by all at the watch party.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

We recently remembered a family member who would have turned 100 in January. Here is our Uncle Noel, a fine dresser back in his day, at a previous birthday celebration. We owe it to ancestors like him who made sacrifices that might not have made the media scoresheet but helped us score big in life.

The Family Line giving a big shoutout to cuz Jerol ‘G-Block’ Wilson, quarterback of the Brooklyn Seminoles, for winning the SemiPro GameDay Fan Vote as the Eric Swann National Player of the Year. He led with 37% of the votes while the runner-up got 25%. ‘Coach C’ and the team sent props too on making history.

With the NFL season in the rearview, how about checking out a basketball game? Well, that’s exactly what cuz Terri, husband Norman and sister Shellie had in mind. Here they are at a recent LSU Lady Tigers game.

Here’s Cole making an appearance in back-to-back months. This time he’s getting high-fives for being the game MVP at one of his recent tournaments in Vegas. Did he score the winning goal too? Heard through the grapevine that grandma is feeling so proud.

Look who’s all dressed up and ready for the school dance? Yes, now that she’s in the ‘teenage league’, Sara is all-in for the Valentine’s affair. Rumor is that a secret admirer boy…friend, locked-in for a dance with her, days before the event. Well, she’s all smiles and the red dressing is ‘redding!’

Hey Yasmine, welcome back from Togo! We’re sure your trip to the Motherland was time well spent with you and your mom ‘Mamimi’ (center) getting the chance to hit the town.

Here’s our ‘Uncle Junior’ who’s trying out his new glasses. While his glaucoma diagnosis has been a challenge, for his adult sons he’s still ‘cool dad’, glasses or no glasses.

Looks like Walter is diving into his music collection for Black History Month. Those crates of vinyl records have made a comeback, with the AI-inspired snapshot to go along with the vibe.

For folks in the northeast who’re still digging out from the big snowstorm, wouldn’t it be nice to have something like this machine to ‘plow and throw’ the snow? Think Deja in Boston might relate. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUCZIm0kexu/

You remember the movie Hidden Figures? Well, we just lost one of those black history pioneers in Dr. Gladys West who was no ‘hurry come lately’ as we’d say in Caribbean circles. She was a trailblazer. Here’s a clip on her backstory.

Smile Emoji

Is this how your last trip went, when boarding a flight? https://www.threads.com/@durgagirl/post/DTm5W6ajuho?xmt=AQF0aisJcH78uj2DegfJNp5rFT-ZAQYoXAc96FbrERhqOIZ79e6xltpXmo6LpdJycj_HcOw&slof=1

A cough got some folks running for the exits in the flu season. https://www.instagram.com/reels/DTN-Y–kyFI/

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Coming to America!”

Is it time for the next flick in the ‘Coming to America’ franchise? Eddie Murphy says don’t hold your breath. The idea might have some interest but he’s not sure of potential traction. The first release was about a prince (Murphy) coming to America to find marital bliss and new happiness. The second release was the prince coming back to find a rumored son to be next in line once Murphy takes the throne.

Any ideas on what storyline would fit for a third release? Well, that’s prob the million-dollar question. Meantime, when you think about the idea of America being an immigrant nation, many can relate to the experience of ‘coming to America’ whether as immigrants themselves or as subsequent generations. There’s a sense of going to a place where opportunities are many and options for love are dime a dozen.

But these days when you talk with friends or relatives who live overseas there’s another impression being revealed. It seems folks aren’t as locked-in on coming to America, but moreso ‘getting out of dodge’. That expression made famous in western movies comes from the push of having ‘troublemakers’ get out of Dodge City, Kansas. There’re different factors folks find troubling these days, thus scratching their head.

Maybe that’s one reason why the movie studio has some pause with producing the next release. But what if we begin to see ourselves as ‘America in the making’ for a new generation? An America where, as Bad Bunny’s NFL halftime show reminded us, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” Would that help us go from scratching our heads to upping our game in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? That storyline could set the stage for a renewed sense of coming to America, warts and all.

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

Line Jams

Burna Boy – For Everybody – https://youtu.be/jUkcAa_IBU0?si=39dTcdiakRXATGlh

Protoje ft Damian “Jr Gong” Marley – At We Feet – https://youtu.be/-nA2-bHOKK0?si=htxGofGutZIPtaXf

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

New Year Edition: January 2026

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

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

When is it too late to say happy new year? It’s like asking, when is it too late to still be wearing shorts, even though it’s winter? Well, we could make that a hot topic over the coming days, or just take things in stride, shorts and all for those hot-blooded. It’s great to have you onboard for our New Year Edition.

In this month’s issue we reflect on Dr. King’s life’s work and a new call to action in these interesting times. Don’t take our word for it, even Bill Gates had a few thoughts to share in his annual end-of-year letter to the public. You’ll find that commentary in the ‘Life & Times Flava’ column at the end. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

We also have a new column called ‘Tap-in the Afterglow’. This allows us to introduce a new family to The Family Line portal. In 2025 we hope to add 4-6 families to our coverage. You can think of what we do here, like exchanging letters across families. Can say more in the coming months on a feature the Steele family is exploring called ‘Gen Pal’ (like ‘Pen Pal’). Also, checkout the Portal’s Purpose Statement below.

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!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

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 – “Strength in Weakness, Courage in Resilience!!”

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder! But what you see isn’t simply a matter of looks and shape, it’s also one of heart and authenticity. If Lisa Hanna had the chance to chime in, she’d say from experience that beauty is below skin deep. Well, it so happens she did sound-off recently to help fellow Jamaicans find strength in weakness and courage in times that call for resilience.

Hanna is no stranger on the global stage, as she represented Jamaica and won the Miss World competition in 1993. With advanced degree credentials, she’s gone on to serve & shine as a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador and Jamaican Member of Parliament. Her work-life balance as an entrepreneur flows with her down-home love as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

A few months ago, Hanna and her sister hosted a big celebration for their mother’s 80^th birthday. It prob was lit (as young folks might say), but also filled with love, laughter and being surrounded by lifelong friends, the old-timer’s way. As her fellow Jamaicans look to the new year, she believes courage will decide 2026 as “the world is recalibrating at speed. Power is shifting, time is compressing.”

Hanna goes on to say, “Opportunity is concentrating around those who move early and adjust quickly.” She’s optimistic even through the recovery challenges in Jamaica and adds, “Those who dare to risk, lead. Those who hesitate, follow. Those who cling to safety vanish from their own potential. Courage is the bridge between who we are and who we’re meant to be.”

Find more backstory here: https://www.facebook.com/100044127412022/posts/1393832315431002/?rdid=pBNPHclYu7fdIPNt#

Lead Story: “The Embrace Seen by Those Near and Around the World”

When early settlers first landed on America’s shores they came in waves across two regions. The first group landed in Virginia, many looking to trade their goods. They had money on their minds which meant that region became the cradle of enterprise. Unfortunately, what also emerged from that was the early stages of the Transatlantic slave trade.

The other group of early settlers landed in Massachusetts, looking to be new members of a just society, as they fled a sense of religious persecution. That region became the cradle of change. It makes you wonder if that history was a factor in Dr. King earning his PhD at Boston University. As fate would have it, he met his future bride on those streets through his life’s work of bringing the civil rights movement north.

A few years ago, that bond was captured in a bronze memorial called “The Embrace” which is an important symbol of equity and justice. Designed by artist Hank Willis Thomas, it depicts the embrace between Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King when he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. The nighttime glow of the memorial has a certain serenity to it.

The memorial is also a tribute to those who labored with Dr. King to bring change to America. Words on a nearby display read: “Love is such a powerful force. It’s there for everyone to embrace – that kind of unconditional love for mankind to embrace. This is the kind of love that impels people to go into the community to change conditions for others, for what they believe in.” There’s more on the memorial at https://stories.embraceboston.org/.

Island Vibes: With Scoops of Roots & Culture from the Diaspora

Who said Ethiopia is all dirt and stuck in the dark ages? https://www.instagram.com/reels/DRqERzyjeh3/

Where we come from links back to the Motherland! https://www.instagram.com/reels/DTLns_TCOf-/

Tap-in the Afterglow: “Friends and Family Who’re Good to Go!”

Written by: Steve Jones

Our dear Ursula is the definition of strength, grace, and perseverance, pouring herself into family with a quiet, steady love. She’s always present, supportive, and thinking one step ahead about what our children need not just today, but for their future. She balances patience with high expectations, and our family is better, more grounded, and more inspired because of the example she sets every single day.

Professionally, she’s an extraordinary educator, and has long been a role model for excellence in that demanding field. Instead of resting on what she had already achieved, she chose to go even further recently returning to school to earn her Ed.S. in Advanced Educational Studies in Physics. That reflects not only her commitment to her craft, but also dedication to giving students the very best version of herself as a teacher and mentor.

She’s a major inspiration as a loving mother, devoted wife and a driven accomplished educator. She has shown our family that learning never stops, that dreams are worth the work, and that it is possible to grow professionally without sacrificing who you are at home. Her journey is a reminder that excellence is not a single achievement, but a life lived with purpose, heart, and relentless determination. Bigups to you Ursula from The Family Line!

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Don’t be scared to start over. You might like your new story better.” – Eva Kaiser

“Where focus goes, energy flows.” – Walter Jackson

“A key to leadership is balancing how you serve when you’re in charge, knowing that you’re in charge to serve.”

Good Stuff: “Bring the World to Togo!”

So how did you send off the old, and ring in the new…year? Maybe you saw Diana Ross go old school with some of her Motown hits during the New Year’s Eve broadcast. Others might have traveled to ring in the new year in a different part of the world. The annual end-of-year countdown has gotten so elaborate in the U.S. and beyond.

Before things got jumping, our own Yasmine was in the building at the 4^th annual Afro Gala and their Black & White ‘Glam Jam’. Soon after she was on a flight to Togo to ring in 2026. Not everyone is lucky to be a jetsetter like her, but her trip really was a mix of business and pleasure, while checking on family. She’s got her mind turned towards ramping up plans for the next Dream Africa Cultural Exchange.

It’s where she and her team try to bring the world to Togo (Africa) and Togo to the world. The Family Line was onsite for Dream Africa a couple years ago and what a treat. While Africa was on the bucket list, it wasn’t clear how or when it would happen. Yasmine and her family were great hosts, and after what might be seen as a divinely ordered moment of crossing paths, we’re family now.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

If you need a quick holiday flashback, here’s Terri, aka ‘DJ Lady T’ spinning some 60s and 70s grooves at the St. James Parish Senior Citizens Christmas Party, held at The Boat Club in Lutcher Louisiana.

Here’s wifey and me from the Bayou of Louisiana, before the annual Christmas Eve bonfire on the river levee in St James Parish. Bonfire designs normally have a pyramid shape but behind us is one of the more elaborate ones. They’re all set on fire based on folklore that “the smoke is like a flare” to guide Santa Claus on his stops.

If Florida is where the sunshine resides, then add your smile with Serge, Carol and family over the holidays. “Hey good looking, what you got cooking?”

Here’s more Florida folks rubbing it in, with their short sleeves and spaghetti straps. Neil and family on a nature walk, that’s got a sentimental story to go along. Btw, Happy 34^th anniversary Neil & Annetta!

If it’s cold and icy where you are, that’s nothing for New York Islander hockey player cuz Anthony ‘The Duke’ Duclair, who scored a hat trick in a recent NHL game.

The next generation on ice isn’t too far behind. Here’s Cole in his youth ice hockey team gear. Well, that’s just what’s on his radar this season as he’s a multi-sport athlete.

Let’s welcome the Henry crew to The Family Line portal. When Keith isn’t leading meetings with biz execs, or his wife, Dr. Liz as a pediatrician, isn’t meeting with parents/children or speaking about her book at an AKA event, they’re out and about with daughter ‘Rylo’, an emerging pop artist. Welcome Keith to you and fam!

Look who just landed from a world tour (well that’s what it looks like)! Here’s cuz Jimmy (looking relaxed) and cuz Karen (looking ‘fly’) who’re cooling out and enjoying their prime years. She’s made history in the Steele family so some time-off from the grind is well-deserved.

Sounds like the Steele family working on a pre-family reunion link-up for 2026? Well, look who some might get to meet for the first time. It’s Stephanie’s (Poochie) daughter Jayda on the right, with Mya a close sister-friend on the left. Happy belated birthday Jayda!

Finally, wanna also welcome the Joneses to The Family Line. This is the kinda pic you can imagine from back-in-the-day as a black & white photo. They’re many generations deep in 2026.

As we roll into the new year, The Family Line gonna be with you along the way. Thanks for allowing us to serve with you as families across the diaspora. Your support means a lot in knowing you’re just a phone call, text or click away. Remember those pics, notes or other tidbits so we’ll share moments of being “In the Mix for 2026!”. Watch Bruno Mars help us set it off with his new single in the Line Jams below.

Smile Emoji

The rapper and his dog, mic check “ruff ruff”! https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQ4PcBuDfys/

Are your eyes a giveaway when you hear dumb stuff? https://www.instagram.com/reels/DRaarLlksk3/

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “A Time for Backpedaling or Hot Stepping?”

Now that the new year’s fireworks displays are long gone, what’s popping for 2026? There was the usual news report of the first baby born in 2026, by a matter of seconds. There’s always talk of those working on new year’s resolutions to get some things right. It’s certainly a time for many that represents “out with the old, in with the bold.”

Each year, Microsoft founder Bill Gates releases an end-of-year letter to the public. Of course, he’s got the growing push of Artificial Intelligence on his radar. But in a recent Fortune Magazine article, he also noted that in some respects America finds itself going backwards. His concern is that over the next five years we’ve gotta get a handle on things or we could enter a dark period in our history.

He shared a couple examples based on his humanitarian work, as recent news across the country makes you think he’s not too far off. If Dr. King as a Nobel Peace Prize winner stopped by an American city or foreign country today, he might conclude like those wondering silently, “Is America behaving like a rogue nation?” We all can think back to the time of different countries being called out for similar actions.

What if beyond new year resolutions, we also think about ‘civic resolutions?” If Gates is right, we’re gonna have to reset in roots & culture for a better future. Life takes us from our youth to prime years with ups & downs along the way. America is going through a maturity-defining moment for which we shouldn’t look away. Between the Purpose Statement at the top of this edition and Motto below, we’re in this together.

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

Line Jams

Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley – Living It Up – https://youtu.be/8XN8h3JHmHw?si=8z2OW-H5oOwUzGrz

Bruno Mars – I Just Might – https://youtu.be/mrV8kK5t0V8?si=lzEwaq-hTQCOGaOM

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

Holiday Edition: December 2025

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

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Well, what ya know, 2025 has come and almost gone like the blink of an eye. Who’s ready to give the rundown of the past 12 months? Well, while you’re queuing that up, let’s just say The Family Line is thrilled that you’ve been a part of our monthly blast. The online feedback has been strong, especially over recent months. Thanks for the love!

In this month’s issue, we feature the recurring sports debate at barbershops and around barstools in these modern times of, “Who’s the GOAT, Michael Jordan or Lebron James?” (can feel the emotions rising up already). There’re milestones we flashback to and memories we highlight. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

What we do here each month is celebrate family and spotlight achievement, with some mixed-in fun. If that allows you to turn off the noise for just a moment, then mission accomplished. But if it also inspires you to ‘turn up’ your mojo in life’s work and play, then more power to you and more sense of reward to us. Thanks to our featured families for their continued support. From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!

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 – “The GOAT Serving Up Some Juice!”

The Under Armour brand has parted ways with Steph Curry. Nothing personal, just business, or as some like to say, bid-ness. The long marketing relationship started out when Curry was just about getting his game on as a pro. Of course, New Balance is known for their ‘We Got Now’ slate of athletes. As Curry shops around for a new sneaker brand, fans ask, how many years of balling does Curry have left?

There’s also another question that keeps coming up during barbershop talk or on the barstool beat. It’s this…between Jordan and James, who’s the GOAT? Those debates can get heated as folks talk stats and rings. With James playing this many years, some fans wanna give him the nod. But with Jordan and his record of redefining the game, the ‘old heads’ are sticking with him.

These days Jordan is looking at legacy and offering leadership advice to players. In recent interviews as part of NBC’s NBA coverage, he shared how he made it though the finals when he was dealing with flu-like symptoms. That championship run made such a statement as a player, that if you didn’t love his game before, you’d at least love his passion for the game.

Jordan’s overall message is that his love for the game is what caused his excellence to shine through. Plus, you gotta show up when it counts because excellence counts when you show up. The James fans should at least agree with that universal message which is like ‘GOAT Gospel’. Maybe the simple answer to the question of who’s the one is that they were both prime in their time.

Lead Story: “Anniversary Cruising on a Sunday Afternoon!”

This month marked the 33^rd anniversary with wifey. Yea, it wasn’t a milestone in the typical sense, but it was a chance as a family to be like anniversary cruising on a Sunday afternoon. While our young adult daughters were floating around meeting new friends, we were checking out the onboard amenities, listening to the sounds of the ocean and the world around.

Well, in my world she comes first. In her world I’m #1…of a kind. In the public arena she prefers to be in the background, which allows me to be in the foreground. If this were a ‘not so newlywed’ game, she’d have me do the talking, while she’d be confirming the story. But there’d prob also be times when she’d want to say her piece in her own words, in her own way, with her own ‘down south energy’.

Maybe after all those years I’ve finally figured out what might make her open-up to being in the foreground. If we had to tell the story of how we stayed knotted all these years, even through those ‘4^th down and 10’ moments, it’s because God was in the background helping us to still shine during situations when our worlds might have looked dim. Yea, communication is the key, but serving each other to grow together is the secret weapon (maybe more on that another time).

After getting over initial hesitancy of coming to the foreground, she might say my calm helped balance her crunch, my head helped complement her heart, my voice helped celebrate her vibe. In other words, one brings the party, the other brings the study, where we understand being ying to the other’s yang, the free spirit to the other’s nerd. Plus, that just might get her talking about how she and God ‘made me over’.

Island Vibes: Scoops on Roots & Culture

Did you know the origin of the Jamaican patty has links to British, African, Indian and Chinese culture? https://www.threads.com/@cdmjamaica/post/DQ6oWaSgNy1?xmt=AQF0Ro1V2gJk3xOFWr03C0IS48BgoOWlp_JCHYV4sGZm1g

Did you know that Tessanne Chin performed at the White House years ago? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPUD9FvkRlu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Family Feature: “Lego and Let God!”

Written by: Walter Jackson

There are seasons when life leaves you scattered, as if the very pieces of your soul lie in all directions like legos. Yet even in those moments, God whispers, Be still. When you pause to breathe, when you choose to trust His timing over your own, and when you walk faithfully one day at a time. Since God knows the plan, His hand begins to gather what felt broken.

Sometimes a ray of hope is all the sunshine you need. In time, there’s a ‘but God’ moment, which is what happens when God shows up. Then comes these words between you and God…”I see you. You see me. Not just a plus, but a must. The world may spin, the stars may fade, but what we have will never trade.” The smile on my face doesn’t mean my life is perfect. It means I appreciate God’s blessings.

Slowly, divinely, He fits each piece back into place. Every trial becomes a teaching moment, every delay a redirection, every wound a place where His light can enter. And in time, you’ll see that He was crafting you all along – shaping every fragment of your journey into a marvelous masterpiece, designed with purpose and held together by grace and patience.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“You can’t change people with brute force. You can only work to change yourself and others with soul force. Then have that be an influence on how people might change.”

“The fact that they can’t see what you can be, has nothing to do with what God can do.” – Steve Harvey

“The only person that’s coming to save you is that version of yourself that’s tired of your situation.” – As seen on FB, Author Unknown

Good Stuff: “Never Would Have Made It!”

Wow, it’s been 14 years already? Who remembers when Marvin Sapp showed up at the retirement party for Shaun Sr? Well Sapp wasn’t quite there in the flesh, but in the presence of Shaun singing his heart out. It was a special occasion as he gave props to the many friends and family who were there in person. Among them was our late mom who was touched at that moment, as was Nichelle his wife.

Since dad had passed some years before, mom had the tall task of keeping things together from what he had built over the years for us as a family. So, considering that, the occasion brought lots of cherished memories and bright smiles. Maybe our mom was overjoyed to see her son dressed up in his finest military formalwear and to hear his colleagues reflect on their service together.

But the highlight of the evening was Shaun singing to Nichelle. This is quite a fitting flashback moment as they celebrate their 30^th wedding anniversary this month. It didn’t go unnoticed in having his twin Nadine step to the mic, not to be his backup singer, but to sing his praises. All that singing made folks feel like they were at a gospel concert, but karaoke style. Did somebody say afterparty?

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Thanksgiving might be behind us, but Christmas isn’t too far off. So, if you’re watching the scale over the coming weeks, keep in mind this note that Donnice found on social media. Just change Thanksgiving to Christmas. Then, there’s always new year resolutions to help reset the menu.

The next few pics are family photos from different parts of The Family Line’s featured members. First there’s Serge, Carol and their family, a blended bunch. While in NY recently, Serge and Carol got in a little ‘date night’ on the Hudson River and Broadway.

Then there’s Walter, Catina and their clan, together known as the ‘J5 Crew’. With two of the girls away at college, Walter said it was a meet-up that felt like old times and the best of times.

Thanks to Sheldon for the next pic, where the Steele/Wilson bunch showed up and dug in on the tray of mac & cheese, two turkeys and five slabs of slow cooked ribs by Chef Dennis (Junior).

Checkout two newly featured families: there’s Derrick and his fam from the northeast from their summer vacation pic. Looks like there’s some father-son mother-daughter modeling going on, which is a good thing. Then there’s Steve and his fam from the south, in their holiday mood and splendor. Watch for a new column in January as a special feature called “Tap-in The Afterglow: Friends and Family Who’re Good to Go”.

Here’s Dominique doing the rope walk 17 stories high on the cruise ship. Think she feels like a conqueror now? Deja took the pic as this was her first cruise. Just being on the ship was enough for her.

Here’s artwork from Talia that has intricate detailed lines and forms. Maybe a reminder that sometimes what gives us pain reveals our purpose, what gives us peace reveals our passion…and sometimes it could be the opposite.

As we closeout 2025, The Family Line wishes you and yours a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Hanukkah. Hope you’ll join the fun and be “In the Mix for 2026!”

Smile Emoji

This kid had his dad sweating! https://www.threads.com/@permboxz/post/DRxUWzdEqqW?xmt=AQF0rXFWfErVuTycPGsvJDoyCrM6aY4449Qdo9Mx5YEpSw

Ever heard about the Crab Whisperer? https://www.threads.com/@goldengunnz/post/DREQRNmAFRd?xmt=AQF0SYdghhBPIyjYvcxL7q5PxvvKD1IZsbKXYT39IY57FQ

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Party Like It’s Your Birthday!”

The holiday parties are in full swing! Some folks are planning to attend the annual iHeart Jingle Ball concerts held across the country. Others will attend the usual office or familiy party, waiting to see who’s gonna be walking drunk or talking mess. For the most part, holiday get-togethers can be a fun time to party like it’s your birthday (or like Christ’s birthday for the ‘believers battalion’).

We all try to enjoy some downtime from the hustle & bustle of life’s ins and outs, during this time of cheer. Some folks might wish for a winter wonderland. As the ‘Christmas Carol’ suggests, they dream of a white Christmas. Others like the Salami family from Togo Africa, might celebrate among friends and loved ones across the Motherland. For the Steele family it could be pulling off their first ‘Fam Friday’ virtual link-up.

But this season can also be a setup for a different kind of excitement too. We have a chance to jump from 2025 into 2026 as a kinda ‘new year takeoff’ in different aspects of everyday living. Folks might try to reset some things around new roles or fresh goals. If that’s you, then what if we did it for family and country? Do you Wanna ‘Turn. Up. Big.’ in skillset and jet-set?

Whatever your plans are for the rest of the year, handle with care. Enjoy your favorite food on the menu. Checkout a fun venue. In the new year be on business if you wanna ‘raise the roof’ and revenue. All that can happen with a new vibe, swag and bag. And this Christmas, remember why we’re here, to spread light so that our life’s work might be lit. Hey, where the winners at?

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

Line Jams

Chris Brown – This Christmas – https://youtu.be/b9XNyeeJZ2k?si=85mGShAgPEXgH4Gd

Jamie Foxx ft. Justin Timberlake & T.I – Winner – https://youtu.be/FD9Kb5RlsP0?si=6lfbkbdqO7ltd3HS

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

Thanksgiving Edition: November 2025

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

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Watch for the falling iguanas! It’s approaching that time of the year in Florida, where the first freeze not only threatens orange farms but also iguanas falling like leaves. As the temps drop, they sometimes become almost frozen in the trees, then hit the ground. Just another way to think of the ‘Fall’ season.

Well, we’re not gonna be frozen in place with the holiday season just about here. In this month’s Thanksgiving Edition, we’ll spotlight the harvest, family tidbits and hurricane recovery. Also, thanks to Serge for our feature pic this month and a salute to him and our veterans. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

The holiday season is a time of good cheer and great memories. Whether it’s at Thanksgiving dinner, group parties or Black Friday shopping. But it might also be a time for some when the feeling of family either draws near or feels distant. What’s it gonna be for you this year?

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 – “Hoop Dreams with a Little Showbiz Thrown In”

It’s pretty much common knowledge that Madison Square Garden is called the world’s most famous arena. The history tied to that venue includes major boxing events, concert tours, sports tournaments and auto shows. Of course, the most important squad is the NBA’s NY Knicks. It goes without saying that the team’s most recognized fan is Spike Lee.

When Lee isn’t lecturing as an NYU film professor, he’s often seen on the sidelines cheering his heart out. He’s known to wear Knicks gear, like the dedicated fan he is. Lee gets to mix hoop dreams with a little showbiz thrown in, with his body of work on the big screen. These include recognized names like Denzel Waahington, and movies like ‘Do the Right Thing’.

He even had a chance to link-up with NY Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. The family Line learned that Lee recently had a Film Forum sit-down chat with Late Night host Stephen Colbert. The big news from the event was him revealing that his favorite movie of all time was ‘On the Waterfront’ which was shot in NJ, not NY as one might have expected.

We shared with his team some memories we have from his movies over the years. Plus, we asked if they thought about doing a ‘Do the Right Thing II”. We gave them our ‘top 5’ reasons to consider having Mookie bring a new ‘vibe & flava’ and other ways to impact roots & culture in our global space. Haven’t heard back but maybe we’ll know more after the revamp of their website that’s underway.

Lead Story: “The ‘Hurricane Melissa Made’ Comeback Stories Being Written”

It’s been a rough few weeks since the biggest storm in recent memory slammed the south-west coastline of Jamaica. The devastation is enormous and the damage far-reaching. Some have posted pictures/videos online showing the before & after impact of the ‘Category 5’ storm. A big concern is getting to some of those hard-to-reach areas.

Thousands of vacationers were caught in an unexpected situation. They found themselves sheltering in-place on a second-floor conference room or evacuation center. With the Montego Bay airport in the crosshairs, inbound/outbound flights have been hard to come by in the early stages of recovery. A major hotel chain has even announced closure until after the new year.

An official Jamaica Government website was setup to coordinate relief efforts (see below). Others have been posting inspirational songs on Youtube to help ease the pain and rally spirits, even with the savvy of using AI. From what we know about the Jamaican people’s mindset, creativity and resilience, there’re many ‘hurricane Melissa made’ comeback stories being written.

Official JA Gov website: https://www.supportjamaica.gov.jm/

Damage tour video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQkfV4VgP_Y/?igsh=cjg4NjQ3cHlzZmt0

Creativity: https://www.tiktok.com/@uhstonishing6/video/7566409805456346376

Innovation/resilience: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterwithbunting/video/7567527181874760972

Island Vibes: Scoops on Roots & Culture

Did you know that across Caribbean countries that Jamaica was the first to launch a website?

View this post on Instagram

Did you know that Usain Bolt had his eye on playing cricket before track & field got his attention?

Did You Know? Family Archive Tidbits

Shared by: family elder Cynthia and cousin Noelle

Is Thanksgiving a good time to reminisce? Some might remember moments when the turkey came out a little dark or the dessert got forgotten in the oven at 450 degrees. Then there was a scramble to find plan B. Maybe even hearing some of those back-in-the-day stories from the elders can be heartwarming or eye-opening. Well, Steele family elder Cynthia shared a preview with pics and a story teaser.

Over the past few years there’s been growing interest in knowing more about the Generation Steele family line, for as far back as we can find. Different group efforts have been underway to help connect the dots or stitch some of the pieces together. The Generation Steele (GS) name points back to Alexander and Anne Steele, who some current family members knew in the flesh. Their next generation included two daughters Miley and Lena who together with Alexander and Anne, represent what we might call GS0.

Each generation after takes on GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4. Some might remember a math class concept called the number line. There was ‘dot zero’ (so to speak) and from there we had numbers to the left going back on the scale, and numbers to the right, going forward in scale. To see where you fit in the GS fam, try to picture GS0-GS4 on the family line like a number line. So, maybe this Thanksgiving will have that story teaser be a highlight of the various family get-togethers.

Family Feature: “Here’s to Madam Esquire, J.D.”

A few months ago, family gathered to congratulate Sydni on her graduation from Columbia Law School, becoming the first lawyer in her family line! Over the last three years she had some of the most challenging times but wouldn’t trade them for anything. She was grateful to all who encouraged, mentored and supported her along the way.

The journey included spending a semester abroad at King’s College London; traveling to Sierra Leone for pro-bono work; returning to her creative roots through a fellowship with Warner Bros. Discovery; publishing her first piece of legal scholarship on racial injustice and the exploitation of Black musicians in copyright law in the Columbia Journal of Law & the Arts; and taking on her first client through an externship with ‘Genius’, to explore the world of music law in practice.

While she was excited to begin her next chapter as an associate at Paul Hastings in New York, she still had one more hill to climb. Well, the breaking news after her extensive summer study was that she officially passed the New York Bar Exam with a score high enough to practice in any UBE jurisdiction (State). So, here’s to Madame Esquire Sydni for pulling out all the stops to get her J.D. cred.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“True success is who you become while waiting on God’s timing. God’s pace protects what your purpose will one day require.” – Shedeur Sanders

“The greatest skill you can develop is the ability to figure it out.” – Alexander Schnepp on IG

“Through my strength I know my weakness, through my knowledge I know my faults, with my drive I know I can overcome.” – Wilhemina Allen

Good Stuff: “A Tribe Called Hampton, The Other HU!”

Written by: Walter Jackson

“I’m still so freakin’ full and on a Hampton High from having the amazing opportunity to celebrate my 30th QT2 (Quintessence II) Class Reunion and my Birthday in the same weekend with some absolutely beautiful people — inside and out.” Those words cut right to the core of the recent Homecoming weekend celebration at Hampton University.

Just to add more personal feelings, “My class is special on so many levels. But what I truly cherish the most is the genuine REAL LOVE, we have for one another — whether we personally knew each other in school or not. Our bond is pure! It’s not a FANTASY— THIS IS HOW WE DO IT and not just on Friday night! Sometimes, you don’t even know what you need… until your ‘Home by the Sea’ reminds you!” So, until next time, here’s some parting words shared with those who came out for the fun:

O Hampton, we never can make thee a song, except as our lives do the singing;
In service that will thy great spirit prolong, and send it through centuries ringing!
Kind mother, we’ll treasure the dear happy days, we’ve spent here in life’s preparation;
Yet go with brave hearts upon our chosen ways, of service to God and our nation.
Still wearing thy colors, the blue and the white, as pledge that our fond hearts will cherish;
A love which for thee ever shines true and bright, A loyalty that ne’er can perish!

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Someone was really excited about that special gift she got on her birthday. Our tween Sara finally got a cell phone that she long hoped for. Ok Sara, watch for those shady people who’ll try to get you in trouble. But you’re prob already an expert anyway from using grandma’s phone.

Up up and away, were Tim and Jasmine as they took off in a hot air balloon over Mexico. Then they thought, why not Facetime our fam to have them see the view.

The Fall colors in the trees are just about at full beauty! To see some of the looks, we headed out to Boston for apple picking with Deja on her birthday (this pic she took of us). Let’s just say…them apples were juicy! There was so much juice, jam and baked goods to come out of the harvest.

As Jamaica works on distributing relief supplies and taking recovery steps, many countries and aid organizations are getting into the act. The World Central Kitchen is already on the ground providing meals for those affected.

We also learned from Shaun Sr that United airlines sent an all-Caribbean flight crew to deliver tons of needed donations. They were of Jamaican or Haitian backgrounds. In the process they also made history by flying the largest aircraft to ever land in Jamaica. See more at FB link below.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10162151240193848&id=574313847

Lastly, here’s a flashback pic of Shaun Sr, hanging out from his early days in the Air Force. Well, after 23+ years in the military, he’s now a retired veteran. That pic got a laugh after realizing how much it looks like his own son Shaun Jr.

Smile Emoji

A different kind of hurricane hunter. https://youtube.com/shorts/3JKbmt9Sml0?si=EOLiFX8bN7jJxPpt

‘Boots on the Ground’…in Church? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKk-jjJOpyG/?igsh=bmhlYjE0NWpmcTdh

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “Find my Friend of Fam!”

Every few years we get to the point of needing a new cell phone. Sometimes the battery just doesn’t hold the power-charge as long as before. But sometimes you’ll hear about a new feature that makes you go, “I want that”! Maybe that’s what makes some parents get their young child a phone, right?

Well, there’s a feature called ‘find my phone’ which can be used to locate a misplaced or lost phone. This works by using an app on another device. So just in case a child finds themselves in such a spot, at least there’s a way to try and locate the missing/lost device. What if we translated that idea to a kinda ‘find my friend or fam’?

As the holiday season fast approaches it means there’ll be opportunities to reminisce, reflect and reset going into a new year. But this period can also be a low point for those with missing loved ones, whether they’ve passed on or just not heard from for a while. Maybe this could also be a chance to reconnect in some way with those who’re missing, or maybe even lost in a physical or spiritual sense.

Let’s not use the holidays just for gifts and good vibes. It could also be the kind of ‘present’ that money can’t buy. Thinking about ending the year on a high note or starting the new year with a bang? Then ‘find my friend or fam’ might just be the gift that’s needed. As the story of the prodigal son reminds us, having the right mindset and heart-posture might sometimes bring a friend or fam back home!

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

Line Jams

Warrior Sound – Two-Minute Reggae Mix – https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJeb7TuIt6F/?igsh=MXZnMXV2bjVoZXV2eA%3D%3D

Lee Vasi – Teach Me – https://youtu.be/-lddOg1eJoc?si=hv67PppbnemZBgRk

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

Homecoming Edition: October 2025

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

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Wow, that first fall feel just hit the outdoors! With leaves beginning to turn color, the temps surely reminded us what time it is. Some love this time of year where the season’s change provide a fresh reminder that we can change too. Maybe there’s a lesson for matters of social impact and public affairs.

In this month’s Homecoming Edition, we celebrate in the Celebrity Row column, someone who’s the third faster female sprinter ever. We also introduce a new column called Heroes & Sheroes with a double spotlight. Visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

There’re different ways to experience homecoming. A few years ago, Beyoncé gave us her rendition with an album of the same name. Often on college campuses it’s a time to revel with alumni and cheer for the Homecoming Queen. Some folks might even start thinking about plans on visiting family during the Holiday season, with a homecoming feast on the cards.

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 – “A Tiffany Crowning Moment”

The GOAT is in the building! Obviously we’re not talking about the 4-legged kind. In this case it’s someone who’s the most decorated 100-meter sprinter ever (male or female) in Track & Field, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. As she puts it “18 years ago I started on a journey that began in Osaka Japan, and now I ended my career after performing at the World Championship in Toyko Japan. It felt like it was time.”

While she’s the third fastest woman in history having run 10.6 sec, she’s making the shift from the track to bigger things in the business world. She’d already been an entrepreneur with her specialty in hair care and fashion wigs. That’s not much of a secret if you’ve watched her perform over these years, with hair looking like the Jamaican flag.

She wants to continue elevating the sport by using her voice, but in another lane. As a tribute to her legacy, she had a “Tiffany crowning moment” and was recognized with those jewels at the ATHLOS NYC event for her massive accomplishments. This was being made possible by the event’s founder, Alexis Ohanian, with a special guest to do the honors, his wife, another GOAT, Serena Williams.

**Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Alexis Ohanian**

Fraser-Pryce certainly isn’t done yet. While there were reports of a Netflix deal, that didn’t come up in her CBS appearance, and the Jamaica Gleaner says the Netflix story was false. Her homecoming must feel bittersweet as she’s made lots of folks proud. Even Usain Bolt admits that Fraser-Pryce lasted in the sport longer than he did. If you missed her visit to the CBS Morning News, check it out below.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on CBS This Morning: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/alexis-ohanian-and-shelly-ann-fraser-pryce-spotlight-womens-track-at-athlos-nyc/

Lead Story: “A Battle in Mind and Spirit, Not Just Body!”

Well, The NFL season is in full swing, and players are dropping off the roster like flies in a bug zapper. In the first couple weeks, the injury reports themselves became painful because of the big-name players affected. Whether at the QB, RB, WR, DL or OL positions, it’s been a rough go for teams that were banking on their stars.

That’s what also happened last season in the NHL with cousin Anthony Duclair, the NY Islander hockey star. He had to head back home to Canada before the season ended for rehab after a major groin injury. It took a toll on him and as athletes know, it turned out to be a battle in mind and spirit, not just body. Then to add insult to injury, he had a misunderstanding with his coach which didn’t go over well.

The downtime back home with family, helped in the physical and emotional healing process. Things are now good between him and the coach. His journey back hasn’t been easy, but he’s on track and in his words “working to be the best he can be, with his speed and skating as his main asset.” Checkout his media availability interview ahead of preseason training camp. Welcome back Anthony!

Anthony Duclair media interview: https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/duclair-details-injury-recovery-process-ahead-of-season

Island Vibes: Scoops on Roots & Culture

Who knew there was a ‘Jamaica Town’ in Costa Rico? https://www.instagram.com/p/DO9LfRoD4wE/?igsh=MWVlbnNlMnVkdnI0NA==

Google Translate made Jamaican Patois an official language. https://www.threads.com/@kiyongtai/post/DPm2DtBlfO0?xmt=AQF0VaawhLF2FkH-Y0wKCax6F2sLLWGIyWHzhbrAgjMxqA&slof=1

Any sport we play, we can win! https://www.instagram.com/p/DOOrnUijqao/?img_index=2&igsh=MWdlNGloYzlsYm5naA==

Family Feature: “A ‘Fro and Step-Show”

Well, with the loss Walter had recently of his dad, things might feel a little out-of-sorts. They were like buddies as much as father-son. Years ago, when Walter’s grandmother was taken from the family at the Mother Emanuel Church shooting in South Carolina, Walter used that time to pour-into his family. This was his way to manage the grief from pain that’s hard to heal.

So, it’s great to see him out and about when the question went out, “who’s got an afro these days and is proud to show it?” And the J5 Crew said, amen! If you also got yours high and wide, then you prob already know it was World Afro Day recently. Some folks might have let out their braids just to be in the afro number. No surprise to see the J5’s together in ‘fro-mation.

That might have been their first meet-up since Chloe went off to college. Not sure if Texas is the ‘fro capital of the world. Then there was the recent step-show competition at Johnson C. Smith University where Jasmine took the top prize with a trophy almost as tall as her. Maybe that was just the warmup for the Homecoming turn-up. That’ll be just in time before Winter hits and things get ‘fro-zen’. Let it ‘fro!

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Clocks measure hours. Builders (of vision) measure moments.” – Garett Campbell-Wilson

“A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right and evil doesn’t become good just because it’s accepted by a majority.” – Booker T. Washington

“People can fake charm, they can fake competence, but they can’t fake integrity.” – (shared on LinkedIn)

Heroes & Sheroes: “A Doctor for the Doctors, Player for the Players”

Ever wondered where doctors go when they need a doctor? They could start right in their workplace backyard among colleagues. It’s been said that a doctor might be the hardest ones to go to the doctor. But under emergency circumstances there isn’t much choice. That’s what happened in history many years ago when Dr. King was out doing his thing during the civil rights movement.

He was stabbed in the chest, with the tip of the knife being millimeters away from the aorta artery of the heart. He was rushed to the hospital and had surgery done by a team of doctors that included Guyanese born Dr. Aubre de Lambert Maynard. King was told if he had sneezed that would have hit the artery which would have been deadly.

Dr. Maynard was seen as a hero in his time. So was Jamaican soccer player Ricardo “BIBI” Gardner, who’s getting hero-like recognition during this month’s National Heroes Day events. He went from watching his brother play the game to representing Jamaica on the world stage. This included being part of the Reggae Boyz team that was the first Caribbean nation to qualify for the World Cup.

Like Shelly-Ann-Fraser, he’s among the many ambassadors in sports for the island nation. His Wolmer’s Boys High School days have served him well on the field and in international affairs. See more below on Dr. Maynard’s story and Gardner’s honor. If you feel like giving a handclap even if they won’t hear it, then there’s something in you that feels proud too.

Dr. Maynard’s story: https://nyulangone.org/news/doctor-who-saved-preacher

Ricardo “BIBI” Gardner’s Honor: https://share.google/2QGR9vZRALrF59y42

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

Well, in this homecoming season, look who’s all dressed up? Young cuz Jon pulled out the suit and tie for an event at his high school. He’s looking like one of the ‘big boys’! Now, is that his sister Sara lurking in the background behind the French doors? We see you!

Patricia was in a nostalgic mood when she shared this pic of her with our grandmother ‘Miley’. Looks like they were headed to a fashion show with them dressed to the max. But who knows, maybe grandma might have planned on finding a date!

With birthday shoutouts flying across the text thread among the Steele family line to Michelle, Sheldon, Nichelle and Yolanda, here’s Yolanda hanging with her brother Paul at a NY hotspot when she was in town recently.

Deja was in town too for one of those quick ’trips outta Boston’. We got to hangout at brunch to catch-up on things. It’s almost like class was in session where the parents were getting ‘schooled’ by the children on buzz in music, culture and social media. Think they love feeling like there’s something they know more about than we do!

Look who’s getting back on her feet. After going through knee surgery, Jewel is on the comeback. She’s been making phone calls like Cardi B making new music. Soon Jewel will be back on the dance floor trying to drop it like it’s hot!

Well, cuz Terri and Husband Norman jetted from Louisiana to Atlantic City to see what’s shaking. After a trip this Spring to NYC and a stop at the Broadway show Hell’s Kitchen, Terri took sick. We couldn’t link-up then so we tried it again, by taking a Boardwalk stroll. That was some good Chinese food, right Norman?

A few of us took the ride down to Maryland to pay respects to the Davis family and the passing of ‘Uncle Devo’. We even linked-up with cousins from different family lines. Is that Charmaine (who’s now retired from her time as Dentist) in the pic?

Lastly, shoutout to Junior who returned home to Queens NY to be near his mother. Yea, it’s where he grew up. He made a big decision to drop everything in NC to handle this responsibility. Hey cuz, now that you’re in town, mom gotta be happy that you already got ribs ‘smoking’ on the grill!

Smile Emoji

Different ages walking down the stairs. Which one’s you, lol? https://www.threads.com/@sofit_ngr/post/DPj-CqEjFZ1?xmt=AQF0q3lkx4w3YJTGRO5AZt8Igsu9csk4x86Ooy7u7KoJ7w&slof=1

Praise & Worship at a White Church vs Black Church! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO3jFLcjqzx/?igsh=am8xY3pqcGkyZnQ%3D

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “What’s Going On!”

These days for some of us, it feels like we’re living back in time. Remember when folks were singing ‘We Shall Overcome’? Remember when Dr. King said he had a dream? Remember when hippies were protesting the hot-button issues of the day? Maybe even more recent, remember when we celebrated the first Black President? Then it seems like things went south.

Back in the day, Marvin Gaye sang by asking a more probing question, “What’s Going On?” With all the drama nowadays around government shutdown, finger pointing and political jostling, the news is exhausting. It’s impacting people’s lives even among our own family lines. History has a way of repeating itself. But if we miss the lessons, we’ll find ourselves in the same mess, or worse.

Now, if some aren’t sure what that flashback all means, then we gotta have them pull-up and know. Since young people were the catalyst, bootstrap, jump-off during past times, then maybe there’s a disconnect today among everyday folks and the ‘Now Generation’. So, we might start by asking “what’s America missing?”, or maybe even “What are we missing as a family?”

When a loved one passes, people come from near and far to pay their respects. The dearly departed was a shared link among many. What if we had a shared link, not so much in a person, but an idea, a project, a movement? Would that help answer what’s going on or what’s America missing, or what we’re missing as a family? As American/family history might show when “these truths” become missing/misplaced, we end up in a bad spot. So, let’s try to lock-in on a shared link for resolving things as a family line and country!

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

Line Jams

Stephanie Mills – Home – https://youtu.be/cnKQN7TF4hQ?si=i8fP68DPV-Ge2qCN

2Pac ft. Dr. Dre – California Love – https://youtu.be/omfz62qu_Bc?si=wyaG0uxy2TryynTl

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

Back to School Edition: September 2025

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

Click Start: Editor’s Preview

Hey, was that Buju Banton hanging out with Venus Williams behind the scenes? With the annual Labor Day weekend lead-up we get to see a Caribbean Parade on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, and celebrities at the U.S. Open Tennis in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Guess that also means it’s back-to-school time!

BTW, thanks for all the online feedback from near and far, especially to our July edition. This month’s edition gives “the early signs of a champion”, in the Celebrity Row column written by our own Garett Campbell-Wilson. We also focus on staying active for a healthy lifestyle because “movement is medicine.” You can visit the About page to learn more on how this portal of ‘Family Line Influencers’ came to be.

We’re excited about the launch of our podcast to feature “Hometown Dreams, Primetime News”. It’s another way to flex content, culture and entertainment as the “Podcast Professor”. Maybe there’ll be some time set aside to tell the backstory on things as they’ve developed over time, as well as to spotlight family moments too. Appreciate those who’ve been in the background or on the mainline with support.

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 – “The Early Signs of a Champion!”

Written by: Garett Campbell-Wilson

Champions don’t ‘get discovered.’ They’re already winning before you’ve heard their name. You can spot future champions before the scoreboard changes…and recently, tennis reminded us why that’s true far beyond the court. There’s a version of you that made it. And a version that didn’t. The version you meet tomorrow depends on what you do next. There are hours, months, and years of training nobody sees.

Then there’s the moment everyone does. Somewhere today, a younger version of you would be proud you kept going. We saw this recently when tennis player Victoria Mboko walked onto the court ranked No. 26 in the world. A year ago, she was outside the top 150. She left this year’s Canadian Open as world No. 24, winning her first WTA 1000 title. She fought her way past names we’ve been watching win for years.

In the final she defeated Naomi Osaka and in victory said, if she could talk to her younger self, she’d tell her to keep going, because the moment she just lived felt unreal. That’s what most people miss. Starting is only step one. The real shift happens when you carry your future self and your younger self with you. Your younger self knew what lit you up, before life got noisy, before you put down “for later.”

Here’s how to change that: keep a log of small wins and unexpected breakthroughs. Those are the receipts your future self will need when doubt hits. After a win, big or small, don’t just celebrate. Review what you did right, what almost went wrong, and what to repeat. That’s how momentum builds. If a player outside the top 150 can fight her way to No. 24…you can have the experiences you keep imagining.

Lead Story: “Another ‘First’ That Many Didn’t See Coming!”

If you watched the U.S Open Tennis at Flushing Meadows NY, you know that this annual championship features big-name players from across the world. This year’s tournament had its usual share of early round upsets and surprise wins. There was some drama when Taylor Townsend’s win in an early round over Jelena Ostapenko went viral because of the losing player’s angry reaction.

With Coco Gauff’s early exit from the rounds, many eyes have been on Naomi Osaka who’s working on her comeback since taking some time off. There’s even a documentary called the ‘Second Act’ that tells the story of the last few years of trials and growth. With the U.S. Open as the last major tournament for the season, she’s prob excited to have made it to the quarter-final round.

There’s another name behind the scenes that’s getting new clicks. Jamaican-born Melissa Koby represents another ‘first’ that many didn’t see coming. She became the first black-themed illustrator in U.S Open history. Her love for art started at age four after receiving a painting giftset from her mom. As they say the rest is history. For more on her journey swipe the IG page here https://www.instagram.com/p/DMvcnMHMsW2/?img_index=1&igsh=cHRhbms1MmFsNmo5.

Island Vibes: Scoops on Roots & Culture

Back in the day, nothing like rice & peas on a Sunday?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kay F(Special Kay) (@kspecial676)

Some things about Jamaica that might make you go…hhmm! https://www.threads.com/@spiceofficial/post/DNJOBbpCoYS?xmt=AQF0d3rLK4ohRRDrZF4D2FGZGT1SwVKDKmWcm5w085Ngeg

Did You Know? Family Archive Tidbits

There’ve been a lot of news reports about immigration over recent months. It’s an issue that can rub folks the wrong way or be used as a weapon of fear. But if handled the right way, tells the larger story of America today. We often hear about different generations that came before us or are emerging. Did you know that before there was Gen Z, there was the ‘Windrush Generation’?

They were of Caribbean descent who got special travel privileges to the United Kingdom after World War II. They came from British Commonwealth countries, like Jamaica and other islands during the late ‘40s to early ‘70s. Some joined the Royal Air Force in post-war missions and related projects. The Steele family can point to Noel Wilson who emigrated to the U.K. during that wave, before coming to the U.S.

The actual ‘Windrush’ name is tied to the ship that made the first voyage of West-Indian immigrants. It was once a cruise ship but after war broke out, got pulled into transporting troops. Curious to know more? Then checkout this link https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/ocean/history-empire-windrush. Maybe your fam can point back to this period after watching the ‘Three Little Birds’ Documentary on Amazon or HBOMax.

Family Feature: “Riders & Runners, ‘Cause Movement is Medicine!”

It started out as an evening stroll during Covid lockdown. We’d walk around the neighborhood once or twice, just to get out of the house. We shifted things by driving to the park, then walking a mile and a half from end-to-end, as young kids played on swings and others did soccer drills. We then pulled-off the stretch-goal of riding from home to the park and back.

Well, the latest physical activity happened when we jumped on our bikes to ride from home to the canal road, where outdoor activities were planned. We got sidetracked so-to-speak and ended up doing a 4.3-mile ride. After being inspired by those in the Steele family who’re riders and runners, we feel like taking on the pro circuit next (yea right!).

But seriously, someone’s social media post said ‘movement is medicine’ which got our attention. Not sure how often we’ll do that long ride, but with fall around the corner, prob saddle-up a few more times. Cousin Carol’s background as a Physician Assistant took the cake, when we joke about ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ Well, PA (physical activity) a day, is good for our health to keep moving and grooving.

Turn Up Tips: Notes on Trusting the Process

“Your growth will require new choices, new spaces and new levels of faith. You don’t need everyone to understand. You just need to keep going.” – Shared by Lisa Shepherd on linkedin

“God didn’t remove the Red Sea. He opened it. Just because God hasn’t removed your problem doesn’t mean he won’t provide a way through it.” – Toby Mac (shared by Terri Russell on FB)

“Mistakes, mishaps and mess-ups are humble reminders that we’re humans who fall short but can rise again and even go higher.”

Good Stuff: “Morning Meditations, Bedtime Prayers”

One of the often-visited pages on a website, is the FAQ section. It’s where the company can answer questions that come up from customers. It’s also a way to anticipate what questions might be on people’s minds. That said, here’s a kinda FAQ approach to “Morning Meditations, Bedtime Prayers” shared by Dominique. If you’re pressed for time as life evolves, then checkout the Lord’s Prayer rendition by Nichelle below.

1. How does morning meditation help with taking on your day?
Waking up is hard to do. Events of the day make your eyelids heavy with dread. When you finally fall asleep, your brain reboots only to be hit with calendar reminders and a laundry list of to-do’s (Oh gosh I actually have laundry to do).

Morning devotional is like the ctrl + alt + delete function. Before the worry, before the work, before the to-do list, spending time in reflection and prayer is not far off from opening Windows task manager and pressing “end all tasks”.

2. What do you find most valuable about the quiet time spent?
Much like sleep allows your body to reset, especially your brain, morning devotion allows a moment to re-wire your day before it has the chance to become a “day”. It sets direction, sets intention, and increases gratitude.

I find that my time in morning reflection and devotion helps me learn more about who I am, that is who God says I am. Music artist AJ McQueen sings in “Liberation” that “…the world likes to tell you what you can’t, what you ain’t, that you’re late…” This way, whatever comes my way, I’ve been reminded that the world does not have the final say.

3. Where do you have that quiet time…indoors, outdoors or does it matter?
A space outside of comfort (i.e. bed/bedroom) is most helpful. Sometimes I find myself outside walking or sitting in my “prayer chair”. Sometimes I’m talking to the chair, as if God was sitting with me there. Waking up is sometimes hard to do, but it is one of God’s greatest miracles.

When I allow life’s trivialities to hinder my practice or snooze the alarm to sleep a bit longer or check my phone for missed notifications before anything else in hopes of increasing productivity, most often it ends in the opposite. The way I react to decisions of the day is also affected.

Thanks fam! – Dominique

P.S. Of course, the most basic meditation message taught at a young age is found in The Lord’s Prayer. Checkout Nichelle’s version in song that she recently performed at a dear friend’s wedding. Ladies and gentlemen here’s Nichelle the Psalmist: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18c8nfbMZC/.

Other Mentions: Added Touch Like Gravy

How was your road trip or air travel this summer? Thank God our getaways went off without a hitch even though Newark Airport has been having repeated equipment trouble. Others went to points East, West, North and South. A few Steele cousins got together and were all smiles. While Yasmine (in yellow) from the Salami family had a mountaintop experience.

Then there was Dominique and Deja visiting sites in New England where the Bush family and Kennedy family have their hideaways. They also spent time chilling in Martha’s Vineyard. Meanwhile, Cousin Terri and husband Russell who live in Louisiana headed west to visit family.

As the back-to-school grind got going, we found Chloe on campus at Texas Southern University and Theodore (Tman) at Florida Gulf Coast University. Watch over them and all the returning students, Lord…Amen!

The U.S. Open Tennis saw Buju Banton meetup with Venus Williams. They’re fans of each other. With schools back in session, there’s also Friday Night Lights for high school football. That means Coach Gary is back on the sidelines during games and reaching out to friends, family and community with the team’s fundraiser. So chip-in if you can! https://app.moneydolly.com/fundraiser/256351/group/27028/order?utm_source=app&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=share_leader_details

In last month’s edition we mentioned the hype around who’s got the best jeans, Levi’s or American Eagle. Well, here’s Cousin Carol from back-in-the-day wearing her bell-bottoms (which are in style again). There might be a story behind that… save it for another day. Thanks to Noelle for sharing the pic. We also mentioned the ‘Rivers Triplets’ who’re gearing up for the next Winter Olympics. Here’s an update on them earning Eagle Scout status https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL5ML_ZRM64/?igsh=MWZpemhyeGRxM3ZjZA==.

Wanna send condolences to Walter and family for the loss of his father. Here’s Walter and his wife with dad in their younger days. Also, condolences to Aunt Althea and family for the loss of their husband/father ‘Uncle Devo’. In the words of Walter’s wife, Rev. Dr. Catina Jackson, “Grief isn’t weakness. It’s love with nowhere to go.”

Lastly, wishing a speedy recovery to Jewel after her knee replacement surgery. Shoutout to her sister Noelle (who’s been ‘nursing’ many family members throughout her LPN career). Also, to Jewel’s son Jerol and others for jumping into action with their support during/after the procedure.

Smile Emoji

Weight loss or floor toss? Get this woman a treadmill. https://www.threads.com/@djspeednwa/post/DNOQ8slpDxL?xmt=AQF0QEuj2BLkN10PMHj4PNMmKIMLNTbPyr2Cq2dEgBQoKg

Sesame Street, Jamaica style! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK3lnyOtTb6/?igsh=Yjh1MWlteHNqdHB3

Life & Times Flava (Chill Sauce for the Grind): “A Win for the Ages!”

By now you’ve heard the news that Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness has been re-elected for a third time. While in some countries like the U.S. there’re term limits for high office, that’s not the case here. Some might be having second thoughts on that aspect of Jamaica’s Constitution. News reports suggest that his favorability is tied to strong economic gains and deep crime reduction.

His recent electoral success represents a win for the ages, as a three-term prime minister is rare. It seems the history of violence that’s known to happen during the election run-up wasn’t to be found. The usual ‘gutter politics’ that we often see here in the U.S. didn’t surface during his campaign. Plus, the losing candidate conceded not long after the results became clearer.

Interestingly, when you compare the U.S. and Jamaica you’ll find a close similarity in their mottos. Geographically, it’s roughly an hour’s flight between the closest points. It’s as if the countries are like cousins. For the U.S. its motto is “Out of Many, One”. For Jamaica, it’s “Out of Many, One People”. Who knew that Jamaica’s founding took notes from America’s early days?

That’s why with this Portal and other branding efforts we have are a driving force to “Empower Many As One”. We’re doing that in the U.S. as a country, and across the diaspora. The content, programs and events are geared towards uplift as we empower family, community, culture and dreams. Hoping you’ll watch for more on our social media pages (@SeeAmericaInColor) on IG and FB about the launch of our new podcast, “You’re All Set!”

Andrew Holness wins third consecutive term as prime minister. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18PLLeY3tQ/

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

Line Jams

Buju Banton Ft John Legend – Memories – https://youtu.be/t9pMjc0-Vlk?si=ESY0DSaSM8utNjqB

Buju Banton, Bugle and Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley – Thank You Lord – https://youtu.be/uqsUsmR_VsM?si=V5O82rVS7s2Wa2r7

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