New Year Edition: January 2026

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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!

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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 – “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

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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

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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.”