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!

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.

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.”

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!

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.”