In this episode, we explore the complexities and implications of the Supreme Court decision regarding affirmative action and its impact on college admissions for black students. Additionally, we tackle the intricate relationship between college admissions, affirmative action, and the black family structure.
We shed light on how these factors intertwine and influence one another, discussing the challenges and opportunities they present. Throughout the episode, we provide a platform for diverse perspectives, encouraging open dialogue and critical thinking. Our aim is to foster a better understanding of the complexities surrounding these issues and their impact on the black community.
Tune in to gain valuable insights, broaden your perspective, and join the conversation on this crucial Supreme Court decision. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion bring as we bring our unique experiences and expertise to the table.
]]>During Women’s History Month 2023, women discussing the experience of a woman who can do everything and be every woman but is approaching life in a different way. From motherhood to career paths to self care, we discussed real perspectives, challenges and expectations.
Featuring: Staci Wright Indigo McCkoy Aliya McDaniel Liz Cadeau
]]>What keeps married couples choosing each other? Too many dating rules are being tossed around the Internet and It’s time to talk to the married people in the building.
Cinnamon & Taj Lewis @spycechambers @filmsabotaj
Shae & Rory Ramos @_simplybella_ @ramos_approved
have joined me for a conversation on love in marriage and the intentional ways the continue to say yes to marriage everyday.
]]>She is an award winning, multi-platinum selling Producer/Songwriter and recording artist. As half of Lady And A Tramp with her husband and creative partner, they have taken residence atop the billboard charts with some of their faves (Jaheim, Shaggy, Pink, Madcon, Queen Latifah, Luther Vandross, Salt N Pepa) while also creating music for film and television.
As a good news ambassador, Marcella was compelled to host the positive energy themed “YAAY YOU ZOOM TOAST” where creatives come together to only cheer each other on and celebrate new goals on the agenda. Marcella is the creator of the The YaaY-You Experience: Online platform (YaaY-Tube), (YaaY-You Blogazine), and offline in person self-care events. She believes that “It all starts inside with the words you say to yourself”.
Marcella is grateful to be able to use her voice in unique spaces that support self-encouragement (such as her YaaY-You: Notes To Self spoken word album), ways that bring fun (such as being the voice of Royal Bee in the OMG Girls for The LOL Surprise reveal commercial) as well as in ways that shake arena's (like being a co-writer and the voice on New Kids On The Block #1 song "Boys in The Band (Boy Band Anthem)").
Her multifaceted gifts, her faith and optimism seem to lead to collaborations that are dear to her heart. Marcella’s latest EP “What A Girl Want” has girl power anthems, life affirmations and fly music. Get into the new (Mandarin and Mimosa scented) RDC Skin x Marcella Precise “WHAT A GIRL WANT” Body Butter.
]]>Picture it, (in my Sophia voice), we're in NYC in 2020. The city has mandated stay at home orders and hundred of people are dying daily from COVID-19. Some of us are in disbelief, some are drowning in grief and essential workers doing what must be done. It was simultaneously the most uncertain, prayerful, faith building, goal setting, challenging, yet successful time of my life. The irony of the fact that it also felt like the most balanced time of my life is still mind blowing to me.
You all know that I am an advocate for self care and I think 2020 was the first time in my life that I actually had the opportunity to make time to care for self. I feel so incredibly blessed to have experienced it regardless of how it came to be. Forced to be at home may have led to more attention to home improvement but I have to say I honestly spent more time on my physical and mental health as that seemed to be under attack. This is exactly why self care is important. When your whole being is under attack, you have to be able to recognize it and conquer it.
REFLECT
No matter how difficult it can be to look inward and examine your thoughts and feelings, you must do it. Never hesitate to tap in! No one is going to rescue you from you but you. When we accept the truth that we are our own worst enemy we can begin to do the work to become our own greatest supporter. In May of 2020, I was forced to look myself in the mirror and truly see myself. I saw my past but I also saw my future and decided to take care of the present me, to prepare myself for what was ahead. There is no way you can acquire and maintain the the blessings as they fall if you don't prepare the vessel that catches them.
"And no one puts new wine in old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins ruined. But the new wine must be put into new wineskins." Mark 2:22 NKJV.
Let that sink in. I reference this scripture here for multiple reasons, the petty side of me because the Saints love to act like drinking wine is a sin, but the woman looking in the mirror realizes that she has to be renewed to experience the fullness of her blessings. Only fools rush in. Stop rushing from moment to moment without reflection and renewal. Spilling all the wine every where, cutting off your blessings and pouring into others from an empty cup. Embrace every opportunity to slow down and acknowledge yourself.
ENJOY
There is no one you will spend more time with than you. You have to REALLY start liking you. Many of us have mastered loving people we don't like but the experience is very different when you also like the person you love. Embrace what you see in your reflection and increase in joy with every glance. Love is an action word that gives. Give yourself grace, patience, attention, opportunity and time. Give yourself the best that you've got. We enjoy time with those we love and so you should enjoy time with yourself.
Waiting for someone to show up and make life enjoyable for you is putting your destiny is someone else's hands. This has the potential to not only go left but to also be temporary. The consistent nurturing and reflecting with self with a bubble bath thrown in allows you to learn yourself and gain insight into who you are and what you want. Beauty is an inside job. Your outer appearance is a reflection of what is happening within. We can spend thousands of dollars to create the look we want but the glow we all desire is a direct correlation to how we value self. You would never have to convince anyone that you enjoy yourself and the life you live because it would be written all over you.
PURSUE
I am far from lazy but let me tell you, I could indulge in self care and my own company forever, however I am well aware that I was sent with a purpose and my only option is to deliver. Everything that preceded this moment has preparing me to succeed purposefully. Balance is about a constant exchange. Holding on to your blessings and not being a blessings to others, eliminates room and opportunity for you to receive more. You're also potentially weighed down by holding on to thoughts, ideals or things that you need to rid your space of to make room for the new new.
Everybody won't be Michelle Obama but but you should definitely be the First Lady of your life. Not only would you be a shining example of how others must treat you, but you would also be equipped to be in service to others. It is impossible to spend all this time filing yourself up on love and blessings to not pursue ways to bless others. Remember, love is an action word and everyone needs it. You have an abundance of it and need to give it away to make room for more of it.
As 2021 approaches, with so many uncertainties, we can't fold when it comes to goal setting and pursuing our dreams. We are here and purposed with accomplishing more. There is a time to reflect, a time to enjoy life and a time to pursue your goals. I am an avid fan of standing still and seeing the salvation of the Lord, so I would certainly love to see how He masterfully shifts us from one year to the next. I also know that as we reflect on who we are, what we've done and how far we've come we should enjoy the growth and accomplishments and pursue better. Don't get caught up in what it looks like, instead proceed with faith and watch as everything that is yours greets you along your path.
]]>
Now that we know even in 2020, life is a tropical island getaway no matter what happens, let’s pack for it. Actually, let’s make a pact. It’s not one of those pacts where people die or whatever but one that holds us accountable to each other while simultaneously leading us into the life of our dreams. Let’s all commit to 3 steps below daily. Starting small will allow us to build the stamina to go up against the hard days that come to knock us off balance. Are you ready?!?
1. Write your life’s mission statement
I know, I know, this is a weighty but necessary first step. Journaling every day could help you think through the ideals you’re unsure of to bring you to this moment, but you NEED this moment. A mission could be; being a Proverbs 31 woman, becoming a wealthy CEO, or achieving the highest honor in your field of study or career. Whatever it is, people naturally protect what they value and the path towards it. Until you value your purpose you won’t keep it safe from evil doers. 2020 didn’t have to do us the way it did but guess what, it happened and we’re still here! That means we have to get super clear about our purpose and goals so we have a sure FOCUS.
2. Create Access to Your Vision
I hardly ever play video games, but when I do, I become addicted to the level up. You are playing to win, that’s the goal. Every level comes with a different challenge and they obviously become increasingly harder as you get closer to winning. This is how we have to think about our personal vision. There will be challenges and road blocks so we have to figure out how to constantly clear the path to our vision. Think of being in a ball pit and you want to move from one side to the other. You have to push the balls to the side. They are not heavy or immovable they are just in the way and annoying.
Distractions will come to cloud our thoughts and time. If 2020 taught us anything other than how important it is to vote, it taught us that we don’t know how much time we have. Fight, battle and destroy the challenges on your path but don’t Netflix and Chill with it! Know when to rest versus when to fold. We don’t have time to fold under pressure. We are always occupied with the task of creating access to our mission.
3. Always be Cross-Checking
When your mission, thoughts and actions align...whew!! Think the best thoughts and be the person who lives your mission. This all seems so simple to write but I literally have goosebumps. Do you realize how powerful you are when your mind, body and spirit are in sync with your purpose. Your 70,000 daily thoughts are giving birth to something, it is your responsibility to make sure you filter for thoughts that align and thoughts that divide. You do what you think and what you are doing every day is creating access to your vision. Train your mind to redirect disempowering thoughts and intentions. This is easier written than done but this is a small barrier in the game. Do a daily cross-check of your mission, mind and actions. Be ye aligned.
I seriously feel empowered to lead the world right now. However, I’m starting with leading myself. Self care is not just about bath bombs and facials. Self care is the ability to know yourself, identify your needs and provide for you, consistently. If you are still reading this and suddenly began to lose focus because you started thinking about who would be affected by your plan for you, STOP! The number one person affected by your failure to launch is you. Read this as many times as your need to. Here let me help you, 1. Write your life’s mission statement.
]]>