Category: entertainment

NEWSLETTER EDITION

January 2, 2026

2025 Year‑End Reflections: A Season of Healing, Growth, and Community Power

As we close out 2025, I want to take a moment to speak directly to the people who made this year unforgettable, you.

This year was one of the most transformative seasons of my life. Season 3 of America in Black and White and the continued growth of Changing Trends and Times were not just professional milestones. They were lifelines. They were reminders that community is not something we talk about, it’s something we build together.

And I want you to know how deeply grateful I am.

To My Guests: You Carried Me This Year

Every guest who joined me on the show brought something powerful, truth, vulnerability, humor, brilliance, and heart. You didn’t just show up for an interview. You showed up for me.

Many of you may not know this, but 2024 was the year I lost my mother. Her passing left a space in my life that felt impossible to fill. But every conversation, every story, every moment of connection on the show helped me breathe again. You helped me heal in ways I didn’t expect.

Your presence reminded me that even in grief, there is purpose.
Even in loss, there is community.
Even in pain, there is possibility.

Thank you for being part of my healing.

Season 3: A Testament to Our Collective Power

This season wasn’t just successful, it was meaningful.

We tackled real issues.
We uplifted real voices.
We created real impact.

And none of it would have happened without you, the guests, the viewers, the supporters, the people who believe in the mission of telling our stories with honesty and dignity.

You are the engine behind this machine.
You are the heartbeat of this platform.
Together, we are making a difference.

Looking Ahead to 2026

I’m excited for what’s coming next.

More conversations.
More community.
More truth.
More growth.

And yes, I’m working toward taking the show on the road. I want to meet you where you are. I want to bring these conversations into your cities, your communities, your spaces. Because this platform belongs to all of us.

Let’s Build Together: SYTM Accounting & Consulting Inc.

As we move into a new year, I also want to extend a personal invitation.

Many of you know me as a host and storyteller, but I am also the founder of SYTM Accounting & Consulting Inc., where we support individuals and businesses with:

  • Personal tax preparation
  • Business tax services
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Entrepreneur consulting
  • Financial strategy and planning

If you need support in 2026, I would be honored to serve you.
Let’s build your financial future with clarity, confidence, and care.

Reach out anytime, let’s make it happen.

Stay Connected With Me

You can reach me through any of my platforms:

Whether you’re a guest, a supporter, a listener, or a future client, you are part of this family. And together, we will continue to uplift our communities, tell our stories, and build something that lasts.

Thank You

Thank you for your time.
Thank you for your trust.
Thank you for your stories.
Thank you for your love.
Thank you for helping me turn a difficult year into a meaningful one.

Here’s to 2026, a year of expansion, healing, and community power.

2025 Reflections: A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and Unbreakable Community

December 31, 2025

As I look back on 2025, I’m overwhelmed, not by the challenges, but by the grace, the connection, and the extraordinary people who walked with me through this season. This year was more than another chapter of America in Black and White and Changing Trends and Times. It was a year of healing, rebuilding, and rediscovering purpose.

And that’s because of you, my guests, my supporters, my community, my family.

Season 3: A Year That Changed Me

Season 3 wasn’t just successful, it was transformational.

Every guest who sat across from me brought wisdom, vulnerability, humor, and truth. You didn’t just show up for the show; you showed up for me. You helped shape conversations that mattered, conversations that pushed culture forward, conversations that reminded us why storytelling is a form of activism.

You brought your brilliance.
You brought your courage.
You brought your heart.

And because of that, Season 3 became one of the most meaningful seasons we’ve ever produced.

Your Presence Helped Me Heal

This year also carried a deep personal weight, the passing of my mother. Losing her was one of the hardest experiences of my life. But what many of you may not know is how much your presence helped me cope.

Your interviews, your laughter, your insights, your energy, they gave me something to look forward to. They gave me purpose on days when grief felt heavy. You helped me keep going. You helped me feel connected. You helped me heal.

For that, I will always be grateful.

Looking Ahead to 2026

I’m excited for what’s coming next.

More conversations.
More community.
More truth.
More impact.

And yes, I’m looking forward to taking the show on the road. I want to meet you where you are. I want to bring these conversations into your cities, your communities, your spaces. Because this platform is not just mine, it’s ours.

You Are the Engine of This Machine

Let me be clear:

You are the reason this works.
Your stories.
Your engagement.
Your willingness to show up.
Your belief in the mission.

Together, we are building something powerful, a movement rooted in truth, empowerment, and community uplift.

SYTM Accounting & Consulting Inc: Let’s Build Together

As we move into 2026, I want to extend a personal invitation.

Many of you know me as a host, a storyteller, a community advocate, but I am also the founder of SYTM Accounting & Consulting Inc., where we support individuals and businesses with:

  • Personal tax preparation
  • Business tax services
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Consulting for entrepreneurs
  • Financial strategy and planning

I would be honored to serve you, your families, and your businesses in the coming year. You’ve supported me, now let me support you.

If you need services, or simply want to explore how we can work together, reach out. Let’s make it happen.

Stay Connected

You can contact me anytime through my websites or social platforms:

Thank You

Thank you for your time.
Thank you for your trust.
Thank you for your stories.
Thank you for your love.
Thank you for helping me turn grief into purpose and purpose into impact.

Here’s to 2026, a year of growth, expansion, and community power.

“Loving a Liar”: When Hiding Becomes a Survival Skill

December 31, 2025

We don’t talk enough about what it means to love someone who is lying, not because they’re malicious, but because they’re terrified.

Terrified of being rejected.
Terrified of losing family, career, community, or safety.
Terrified of being fully seen.

In Dee Carr’s short “Loving a Liar,” we’re invited to look beyond the surface of deception and into the emotional architecture behind it. And when we connect this to the LGBTQ community, the conversation becomes even more urgent.

Because the truth is this:

Some people aren’t lying to deceive you. They’re lying to survive you.

The Code-Switching Closet

For many LGBTQ people, athletes, politicians, entertainers, clergy, business owners, and everyday folks, life becomes a constant performance. A carefully curated version of themselves is presented to the world, while their true identity stays tucked away, waiting for a safer moment that may never come.

This isn’t just “being private.”
This is code-switching as self‑protection.

It’s the athlete who dates publicly but loves privately.
The pastor who preaches authenticity but fears living his own.
The business owner who avoids pronouns in every conversation.
The entertainer who smiles on stage but cries in the dressing room.
The everyday person who edits their life to fit someone else’s comfort.

And the people who love them?
They often end up loving a version of someone that isn’t fully real, not because that person is dishonest, but because the world has taught them that honesty is dangerous.

The Emotional Cost

Loving someone who is hiding can feel like loving a ghost, present, but not fully here.

But imagine the cost on the other side:

  • Carrying two identities
  • Monitoring every word
  • Performing every day
  • Living in fear of exposure
  • Feeling unworthy of real love

This isn’t lying for manipulation.
This is lying for survival.

And survival shouldn’t have to look like this.

What Does Love Look Like Here?

Love, in this context, becomes a bridge, not a demand.

It asks:

  • How can I make space for your truth?
  • How can I be a safe place for your becoming?
  • How can we build a relationship where honesty isn’t a risk?

Love doesn’t force someone out of hiding.
Love creates a world where hiding is no longer necessary.

Let’s Talk About It

This is where you come in.

Have you ever loved someone who was afraid to be themselves?
Have you ever BEEN that person?
What does safety look like for you?
What does honesty cost in your world?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, your voice might be the one someone else needs to hear.

And if conversations like this matter to you, hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next post in this series inspired by Dee Carr’s powerful shorts.

Financial literacy for entrepreneurs: From hustle to legacy

December 30, 2025

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. But the skill that keeps that lifeblood flowing, through good seasons, dry spells, and unexpected shocks, is financial literacy.

For entrepreneurs, especially Black entrepreneurs who are building in the shadow of systemic gaps, financial literacy is not just about knowing your numbers. It’s about protecting your dream, paying yourself, and positioning your family and community for long-term stability and wealth.

Key takeaway: Financial literacy is not just about profit, it’s about sustainability and legacy.

Why financial literacy matters more than ever

Entrepreneurship promises freedom, flexibility, and ownership, but it also comes with risk. Without strong financial literacy, even a business with great demand, loyal customers, and visionary leadership can crumble under:

  • Poor cash flow management
  • Unhealthy debt
  • Thin or misunderstood profit margins
  • No emergency reserves

Financial literacy gives entrepreneurs the tools to:

  • Make informed decisions instead of reacting in crisis
  • Negotiate confidently with lenders, investors, and partners
  • Plan for growth instead of just surviving month to month
  • Build wealth intentionally, not accidentally

For Black entrepreneurs, this knowledge is also an act of economic resistance, closing information gaps, rewriting financial narratives, and creating pathways that weren’t designed for us to walk easily.

Understanding your numbers: Profit, cash flow, and margins

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Three core concepts every entrepreneur must master are cash flow, profit, and profit margins.

Cash flow: The rhythm of your business

Cash flow is the movement of money in and out of your business. Revenue may look strong on paper, but if your cash is tied up in unpaid invoices or delayed contracts, you may still struggle to pay bills, staff, or yourself.

To strengthen cash flow:

  • Monitor it weekly:
    • Label: What’s coming in (sales, contracts, grants)
    • Label: What’s going out (rent, payroll, software, debt payments)
  • Shorten the time to get paid:
    • Label: Use clear payment terms (e.g., Net 15 instead of Net 30–45 when possible)
    • Label: Offer small discounts for early payment if it makes sense
  • Delay non-essential spending:
    • Label: Ask: “Does this help generate or protect cash flow right now?”

Cash flow tells you if your business can breathe today. Profit tells you if it will stay alive tomorrow.

Profit and profit margins: Are you really making money?

Profit is what’s left after you subtract all expenses from your revenue.
Profit margin is the percentage of each dollar of revenue that is profit.

  • Gross profit margin: After direct costs (materials, production, contractors tied to specific projects)
  • Net profit margin: After all costs (rent, salaries, subscriptions, marketing, taxes, debt, etc.)

To improve margins:

  • Raise prices strategically: Especially if your value has increased or your costs have gone up
  • Reduce waste: Cancel unused subscriptions, negotiate contracts, streamline operations
  • Focus on high-margin offers: Put more energy into services/products that bring in more profit, not just more sales

A financially literate entrepreneur doesn’t just ask, “Did I make money?” but “How much did I actually keep, and why?”

Debt vs. equity: Choosing the right kind of capital

Growth requires capital, but not all capital is created equal. Understanding debt vs. equity is a core financial literacy skill.

Debt financing: Borrowing with responsibility

With debt financing, you borrow money (from banks, credit unions, online lenders, even friends and family) and agree to pay it back with interest.

Pros:

  • Maintain ownership: You don’t give up equity or decision-making power
  • Predictable payments: You know what you owe and when

Risks:

  • Cash flow pressure: Payments are due even when your revenue is slow
  • Over-leverage: Too much debt makes your business fragile and stressful to run

Financial literacy means knowing your debt-to-income ratio, reading terms carefully, and understanding the true cost of borrowed money over time.

Equity financing: Sharing ownership for growth

With equity financing, you give up a portion of ownership in exchange for capital. This may come from angel investors, venture capital, or strategic partners.

Pros:

  • No monthly repayments: Investors are paid from profits or an eventual exit
  • Potential relationships and support: Strategic investors can open doors

Risks:

  • Less control: You now share decision-making power
  • Misaligned values: Not every investor understands or respects your mission

Black entrepreneurs are often underfunded and over-scrutinized. Financial literacy empowers you to evaluate opportunities, avoid predatory deals, and negotiate from an informed, confident position.

Building financial resilience: Emergency reserves and budgeting

A resilient business is prepared for surprises: a lost contract, a delayed payment, an economic downturn, or a health crisis.

Emergency reserves: Your business “safety net”

Aim to build an emergency reserve that can cover at least 3–6 months of essential business expenses, including:

  • Rent or mortgage for office/space
  • Core software and tools
  • Minimum debt payments
  • Critical contractors or staff

You don’t build this overnight. You build it by habit:

  • Set a percentage: Commit to reserving a percentage of every payment (even 3–5% to start)
  • Treat it as non-negotiable: Like a bill you pay to your future self
  • Keep it separate: Put it in a separate business savings account to avoid “accidental” spending

Budgeting strategies that actually work

A budget is not a prison, it’s a plan.

Consider a simple approach:

  • Operating budget:
    • Label: Fixed costs (rent, insurance, software, utilities)
    • Label: Variable costs (marketing, travel, contractors)
  • Revenue plan:
    • Label: How much you need to bring in monthly to cover expenses, reserves, taxes, and your pay
  • Review rhythm:
    • Label: Monthly review: What did we plan vs. what actually happened?
    • Label: Adjust instead of ignoring reality

Financial literacy is built through repetition: looking at your numbers regularly, asking questions, making adjustments, and learning over time.

Investment basics for entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs often pour everything back into the business, but that can be dangerous if the business is your only asset. Financial literacy means thinking beyond today’s grind and building wealth in multiple ways.

Investing beyond your business

Even as you grow your company, consider long-term wealth-building vehicles such as:

  • Retirement accounts:
    • Label: SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), or other plans designed for self-employed individuals
  • Diversified investments:
    • Label: Broad-based stock or index funds (for long-term growth)
  • Real estate (where appropriate):
    • Label: Both for business use and long-term asset building

The goal is not quick flips, but steady, long-term growth that works while you sleep.

Reinvesting wisely into your business

When you do reinvest in your business, do it intentionally:

  • Prioritize revenue-generating investments: Marketing systems, sales training, automation, customer experience
  • Avoid vanity spending: High-cost branding or tools that don’t increase reach, efficiency, or income
  • Track ROI: Ask, “If I invest this dollar here, how and when will it come back?”

Financial literacy shifts your mindset from “spend to look successful” to “invest to stay successful.”

Wealth transfer and legacy planning

A truly financially literate entrepreneur thinks beyond their lifetime. Wealth transfer is about making sure what you’re building doesn’t disappear when you step away, or when life takes an unexpected turn.

Protecting what you’ve built

At a basic level, legacy planning should include:

  • A will: Clearly states what happens to your assets and business interests
  • Beneficiaries: Up-to-date on bank accounts, retirement accounts, and insurance
  • Life insurance: To provide for dependents and cover debts or taxes

For your business, consider:

  • Operating agreements: That define who owns what and what happens if someone leaves or passes away
  • Successor planning: Training someone who can carry the work forward if you step back

These conversations may be uncomfortable, but they are an act of love and responsibility.

Passing on financial literacy, not just money

Generational wealth is fragile if the next generation doesn’t understand how to manage it. Consider how you can:

  • Teach your children or younger relatives: About budgeting, saving, investing, and ownership
  • Document your systems: So your business doesn’t live only in your head
  • Model transparency: Talk openly (age-appropriately) about money, choices, risks, and values

Legacy is not only what you leave behind, it’s what you build into people while you’re here.

For Black entrepreneurs: Closing systemic gaps through literacy and power

Black entrepreneurs operate in an economic landscape shaped by redlining, employment discrimination, underfunding, and underrepresentation in traditional financial spaces. That reality is not an excuse; it’s a context, one that demands strategy.

Financial literacy becomes a tool for:

  • Closing information gaps: Understanding credit, contracts, interest rates, and terms that others were taught at their dinner tables
  • Leveraging community: Tapping into Black professional networks, mentors, and advisors who understand both culture and commerce
  • Protecting your vision: Recognizing predatory lending, exploitative partnerships, and “opportunities” that come with strings attached

Building wealth as Black entrepreneurs isn’t just personal, it’s collective. Every business that survives, scales, and sustains jobs chips away at systemic inequity and creates new models of what’s possible.

Moving from concept to action

Here are practical next steps you can start this week:

  • Review your numbers:
    • Label: Look at last month’s revenue, expenses, and cash flow
  • Calculate your margins:
    • Label: What percentage of your revenue is actually profit?
  • Set a small reserve goal:
    • Label: Decide on a percentage of every payment to move into an emergency reserve
  • Audit your debt and contracts:
    • Label: List all debts, interest rates, and key terms; identify anything that needs renegotiation or payoff priority
  • Schedule a “money meeting” with yourself:
    • Label: A recurring monthly time to review, reflect, and adjust

Over time, these small, consistent actions build financial literacy, confidence, and power.

Final thought

Financial literacy is not about perfection, advanced math, or never making mistakes. It’s about awareness, intentional decisions, and learning as you go. For entrepreneurs, and especially Black entrepreneurs, it is a core leadership skill, a shield against crisis, and a bridge from hustle to legacy.

Profit keeps your doors open. Financial literacy helps ensure your impact outlives you.

Jason Collins: Courage Beyond the Court, Resilience Against Glioblastoma

December 18, 2025

Jason Collins has always been a trailblazer. In 2013, he became the first openly gay active NBA player, shattering barriers and inspiring countless athletes and fans. Today, he faces another battle, Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain cancers known to medicine.

Collins first experienced symptoms in August 2025: confusion, memory lapses, and difficulty focusing. By September, his family announced he had a brain tumor. On December 11, Collins himself revealed the diagnosis in an ESPN essay, describing the cancer as a “monster with tentacles” spreading across his brain.

Despite the grim prognosis, median survival of 12–18 months, Collins has chosen to fight with the same toughness that defined his NBA career. Supported by his husband, Brunson Green, and buoyed by the love of his community, Collins is undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and experimental therapies in Singapore.

Beyond basketball, Collins has always loved mentoring young athletes, advocating for LGBTQ rights, and building community. His resilience now reminds us that health is not guaranteed, and vigilance is essential.

Treatment Options

While there is no cure, treatments aim to slow tumor growth and improve quality of life:

  • Surgery: Removal of as much tumor as safely possible (not always feasible).
  • Radiation therapy: Often daily sessions over several weeks.
  • Chemotherapy: Typically combined with radiation.
  • Targeted therapy: Drugs that attack specific cancer cell mutations.
  • Tumor treating fields (TTF): Low-intensity electrical fields applied via scalp electrodes.
  • Experimental approaches: Immunotherapy, laser therapy, and clinical trials my.clevelandclinic.org mayoclinic.org mdanderson.org.

Prognosis

  • Median survival: 12–18 months after diagnosis, even with treatment.
  • Five-year survival rate: Only about 5–10% my.clevelandclinic.org mdanderson.org.
  • Challenge: Tumors almost always recur because microscopic branches spread throughout the brain, making complete removal impossible mdanderson.org.

Risks & Challenges

  • Glioblastoma affects critical brain functions (speech, movement, memory).
  • Treatments often cause side effects like fatigue, cognitive decline, or mood changes.
  • Delivering drugs is difficult because of the blood-brain barrier, which blocks many medications from reaching the tumor mdanderson.org.

In summary: Glioblastoma is one of the deadliest brain cancers, with rapid progression and limited treatment options. Jason Collins’ diagnosis highlights both the personal toll and the urgent need for continued research into more effective therapies.

Sources: my.clevelandclinic.orgCleveland Clinic mayoclinic.orgMayo Clinic mdanderson.orgMD Anderson Cancer Center

Call to Action:
We must stay on top of our health. Screenings save lives. Early detection matters. And for the LGBTQ community, rallying around Jason and his family is more than solidarity, it is a continuation of the movement he helped ignite.

Career Highlights:

  • 13-year NBA career, playing for teams including the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards.
  • Known for his defensive grit and leadership on and off the court.
  • In 2013, became the first openly gay active NBA player.

Post-retirement: advocate for LGBTQ rights, mentor, and public speaker.

Michigan’s Double Standard: Harbaugh, Moore, and the Question of Racial Bias

December 17, 2025

The University of Michigan has become a case study in contradictions. When Jim Harbaugh was implicated in two consecutive scandals, first violating recruiting rules during the COVID dead period, then presiding over the Connor Stalions sign‑stealing scheme, the university stood by him. Even as the NCAA dragged its feet for years before finally issuing historic fines and a 10‑year show‑cause penalty in 2025, Harbaugh was allowed to leave gracefully for the NFL. His reputation, though tarnished, was never destroyed.

  • 2015 – Hired as Michigan Head Coach
  • 2016 – Rose Bowl appearance
  • 2021 – Big Ten Championship win
  • 2022 – College Football Playoff appearance
  • 2023 – BurgerGate recruiting violations suspension
  • 2023 – Connor Stalions sign‑stealing scandal erupts
  • 2024 – Michigan wins National Championship
  • 2024 – Harbaugh departs for the NFL
  • 2025 – NCAA issues 10‑year show‑cause penalty

Now compare that to Sherrone Moore. Elevated to head coach in 2024, Moore was fired for cause in December 2025 after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. The facts remain unclear, yet the university acted swiftly and decisively, ending his career overnight. Within hours, Moore faced criminal charges, his name splashed across headlines, his future in coaching effectively erased.

Michigan Coaching Controversies: Harbaugh vs. Moore

CoachTenureMajor Scandal(s)OutcomeImpact on Program
Jim Harbaugh2015–2024– Recruiting violations (BurgerGate) during COVID dead period<br>- Connor Stalions sign‑stealing scheme (illegal scouting, signal recording)– Multiple suspensions<br>- Left for NFL in 2024<br>- NCAA issued 10‑year show‑cause penalty in 2025Despite winning the 2023 National Championship, Michigan’s success was overshadowed by historic NCAA penalties and reputational damage
Sherrone Moore2024–2025– Inappropriate relationship with staff member<br>- Criminal charges: felony home invasion, stalking, breaking & entering– Fired for cause in Dec 2025<br>- Released on bond with restrictions<br>- Lost remaining $12.3M contract valuePlayers felt “betrayed” and emotionally shaken before the Citrus Bowl; Michigan forced into another coaching search just two years after Harbaugh’s exit

Wrong is wrong. But the disparity in treatment is glaring. Harbaugh’s systemic violations undermined the integrity of the game itself, yet Michigan protected him. Moore’s alleged misconduct, personal, contested, and far less clear, was immediately weaponized to destroy him. It looks, smells, and feels like a smear campaign, one that ensures he never coaches again. And when you look at who was shielded and who was sacrificed, the shadow of racial bias is impossible to ignore.

Why do the differences between Black and White always surface at the ugliest times? Why do institutions like Michigan continue to fail at ethics, accountability, and due diligence when it matters most?

Call to Action

It’s time to hold the University of Michigan accountable. Like so many other institutions, they must be boycotted, exposed, and put on front street for their double standards and racial bias.

We want to hear from you:

  • Do you see the same contradictions in how Harbaugh and Moore were treated?
  • Is there a deeper right and wrong here that the public needs to confront?
  • How should communities respond when institutions fail to uphold fairness and justice?

Your voice matters. Share your thoughts, challenge the narrative, and let’s demand accountability together.

Alabama Football: Championships, Black Excellence, and the Head Coach They’ve Never Had

December 13, 2025

The University of Alabama’s football program, known as the Crimson Tide, is one of the most storied and successful in college football history, with 18 claimed national championships and 29 SEC titles spanning from its founding in 1892 to the modern era

Introduction
The University of Alabama football program is celebrated as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. From Wallace Wade’s Rose Bowl triumph in 1925 to Nick Saban’s six national championships in the modern era, the Crimson Tide has defined college football dominance. But beneath the trophies and tradition lies a deeper story: the contributions of Black athletes who carried Alabama to glory, and the glaring absence of a Black head coach in its 133-year history.

Timeline of Success and Integration

  • 1892–1969: All-white rosters, 10 national championships.
  • 1970–71: Integration begins with Wilbur Jackson and John Mitchell.
  • 1970s–1980s: Black athletes rise to prominence, reaching ~40–50% of the roster.
  • 1992: Gene Stallings wins a title with a roster nearly half Black.
  • 2000s–Present: Nick Saban’s dynasty built on rosters ~60–75% Black, producing Heisman winners Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, DeVonta Smith, and Bryce Young.

Timeline: Championships + Racial Integration

Era / CoachChampionshipsRacial Makeup
1892–1969 (Pre‑Integration)1925, 1926, 1930 (Wade); 1945 (Thomas); 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979 (Bryant)100% white players
1970–1971 (Integration Begins)—1970: Wilbur Jackson signed (first Black scholarship player). 1971: Jackson & John Mitchell play (first Black varsity players).
1970s–1980s (Gradual Growth)—By late 1970s, ~10–20% Black players. By 1980s, ~40–50%.
1992 (Gene Stallings)National Championship~40–50% Black players
2000s–Present (Nick Saban Era)2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020~60–75% Black players; majority of roster, including Heisman winners Ingram, Henry, Smith, Young

The Contribution of Black Players

From Jackson and Mitchell breaking barriers in 1971 to Derrick Henry bulldozing his way to a Heisman in 2015, Black athletes have not only participated — they have defined Alabama football. They are the stars, the playmakers, the faces of the program. Without them, Alabama’s dynasty would not exist.

Yet, despite their central role, Alabama has never entrusted its program to a Black head coach. The message is clear: Black athletes are good enough to win games, sell tickets, and generate millions, but not to lead.

  • Layer 1 (Red dots): Marks championship years and the coach who led them.
  • Layer 2 (Black line): Shows the percentage of Black players, from 0% before 1970 to ~75% today.
  • Blue markers: Highlight the breakthrough years of Wilbur Jackson (1970) and John Mitchell (1971).

This visualization makes the contrast undeniable: Alabama’s dynasty was built on Black athletes after integration, yet leadership has remained exclusively white.

Why No Black Head Coach?

This is the uncomfortable truth. Alabama football thrives on the labor, talent, and brilliance of Black athletes, but leadership remains guarded by tradition. The program reflects a broader pattern in college football: Black players dominate the field, but white coaches dominate the sidelines.

Is this simply “tradition”? Or is it exploitation, using Black faces to win and profit, while denying them the authority to lead? As the saying goes: if you can get the milk for free, why buy the cow? Alabama has built its empire on Black excellence, but refuses to acknowledge that excellence in leadership.

  • Wallace Wade (1923–1930): 3 national titles, including the landmark 1925 Rose Bowl win.
  • Frank Thomas (1931–1946): Guided Alabama through WWII, winning the 1945 championship.
  • Bear Bryant (1958–1982): Built a dynasty with 6 national titles, cementing Alabama’s dominance.
  • Gene Stallings (1990–1996): Captured the 1992 championship, restoring Alabama’s glory.
  • Nick Saban (2007–2023): Another dynasty, with 6 national titles in the modern playoff era.

Call to Action

Football is supposed to be about unity, teamwork, and trust. But Alabama’s refusal to hire a Black head coach reveals a deeper fracture. If the Crimson Tide truly believes in “team,” then it must extend that belief beyond the field. Until then, the program’s legacy will remain incomplete, a dynasty built on Black talent but limited by old traditions.

Dr. Keyimani Alford: Reclaiming Narratives, Empowering Voices

December 6, 2025

Dr. Keyimani Alford is more than a leader; he is a storyteller, healer, and advocate whose life’s work bridges the worlds of education, authorship, and empowerment. Born in Oakland, California, and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Alford grew up navigating instability, poverty, and family absence. Those early challenges shaped his belief that education is not only a pathway to freedom but also a tool for rewriting one’s story.

As a first-generation college graduate who went on to earn his Ph.D. in Education, Dr. Alford understands the barriers faced by students from marginalized backgrounds. His research focuses on retention and persistence for first-generation and minority male students at predominantly White institutions, emphasizing that relationships and belonging are critical to success. Today, as Associate Vice President of Student Access & Success at Madison College, he leads initiatives that help students overcome financial, systemic, and personal obstacles so they can thrive. His leadership is rooted in empathy, accountability, and the conviction that systems should serve students, not the other way around.

Championing Underserved Communities

Dr. Alford’s commitment extends far beyond campus walls. Through his involvement in organizations such as WASFAA, College Goal Wisconsin, and MASFAA (where he serves as President-Elect), he advocates for policies that expand access and equity in higher education. His work ensures that underserved students, veterans, first-generation learners, and minority communities, have the support they need to persist and graduate.

He also founded Keywords Unlocked, LLC, a publishing and coaching company designed to amplify everyday voices, particularly Black and underrepresented authors. By equipping writers with tools and strategies to move from manuscript to marketplace, Dr. Alford is dismantling barriers in the publishing industry and ensuring that marginalized stories are not only told but celebrated.

Author and Storyteller

Dr. Alford’s own catalog of books reflects the power of storytelling as a tool for healing and leadership:

Oakland Hills, Milwaukee Rivers: A Memoir of Survival, Identity, and Purpose

In Oakland Hills, Milwaukee Rivers, I invite readers into the quiet rooms, crowded churches, and complicated family moments that shaped me as a Black boy learning to survive, belong, and believe in his own worth. This memoir walks through childhood trauma, father loss, religious shame, identity questions, and the hidden weight of silence, while tracing how grace kept showing up in unexpected people and places. It reads like sitting across from a friend who is finally telling the whole story, not the edited version.

Readers will see their own questions on these pages. The book helps them name what hurt, grieve what was taken, and begin to reclaim their voice with honesty and dignity. They walk away with language for things they have carried for years, a deeper understanding of how identity and faith can coexist with pain, and a renewed belief that their story is not over. This memoir becomes a mirror and a map for anyone who has ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or afraid to be fully themselves.

Unshaken Leadership: A Practical Blueprint for Overcoming Challenges, Learning from Mistakes, and Growing in Confidence

Unshaken Leadership pulls back the curtain on what leadership really feels like when the title sounds good, but the pressure is heavy. Drawing from more than two decades in higher education, community, and faith-based spaces, I walk readers through the unspoken realities of leading people, managing politics, navigating conflict, and making hard decisions when you still feel like you are figuring it out yourself. Each chapter blends story, reflection, and practical strategy so readers see the lessons in real situations, not just theory on a page.

This book is written for new and growing leaders who are tired of pretending they have it all together and are ready to lead with honesty, courage, and emotional intelligence. Readers gain language for the challenges they are facing, tools for balancing vision and boundaries, and frameworks they can immediately apply with their teams. The goal is simple: to help leaders stand firm when things shake around them, learn from their missteps without shame, and grow into a version of leadership that feels both effective and authentic.

Self-Publishing from Scratch: A Practical Guide for Authors to Publish Successfully with Insights for Black Voices

Self-Publishing from Scratch is a step-by-step roadmap for everyday people who feel called to write a book and have no idea where to start. I walk readers through the full journey from idea to published book in plain language, breaking down what to write, how to edit, how to find a cover, how ISBNs work, what platforms to choose, and how to price and promote their work. Along the way, I share real stories, checklists, and behind-the-scenes lessons from my own publishing journey so readers avoid costly mistakes and gain the confidence to hit “publish” with clarity.

This book especially centers Black and underrepresented voices who have been told their stories are “too much,” “too specific,” or “too risky” for traditional publishing. Readers come away with practical tools, a realistic plan, and the encouragement that they do not have to wait for permission to become an author. By the end, they understand the business and the heart of self-publishing, and they know exactly what to do next to turn a manuscript, a journal, or even a set of notes on their phone into a book in readers’ hands.

Mile Markers of Life: A 100-Day Christian Devotional for Direction and Strength

Mile Markers of Life is a 100-day devotional born from years of driving Wisconsin highways and noticing how the mile markers along the road mirrored the seasons of my own life. Each entry starts with a real-life scene and then connects it to Scripture, reflection, and a short prayer, helping readers see that God has been present in both the ordinary and painful parts of their journey. The readings are honest and accessible, designed for people who are carrying a lot and need encouragement that fits into real schedules and real emotions.

Readers will experience a devotional that speaks to fatigue, grief, uncertainty, hope, and new beginnings with gentle clarity. Every day offers direction for the heart and a small step they can take to move forward, whether that is letting something go, forgiving themselves, or daring to dream again. By the time they reach Day 100, they have traced their own “mile markers,” recognized how far they have come, and rediscovered that even in detours and delays, God has been guiding them toward healing and purpose.

A Voice of Hope and Action

Whether speaking in lecture halls, boardrooms, sanctuaries, or behind a microphone, Dr. Alford blends truth-telling with practical tools. His keynote themes, leadership with integrity, healing from trauma, equity in higher education, and empowering everyday voices, resonate because they are lived experiences, not abstract theories. Audiences leave not only inspired but equipped with frameworks and next steps to move forward.

Across every platform, Dr. Alford reminds people that their story still has chapters left and that hope is always within reach. His work as an author and advocate continues to light the way for underserved communities, proving that beginnings do not define destinies.

Connect with Dr. Keyimani Alford

Name: Dr. Keyimani Alford

Email: drkeyspeaks@gmail.com

Speaking & Books: www.drkeyspeaks.com

Publishing Company: www.keywordsunlocked.com

Social Media:

  • YouTube: @drkeyspeaks
  • Instagram: @drkeyspeaks
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  • Facebook: @drkeyspeaks
  • LinkedIn: Dr. Keyimani Alford (search on LinkedIn by name)

Jalen Hurts has become the face of the Philadelphia Eagles, but recent drama raises questions about the team’s unity. Is the organization truly behind its franchise quarterback, or are outside voices stirring unnecessary doubt?

November 23, 2025

Jalen Hurts: The Relentless Leader

Since arriving in Philadelphia in 2020, Jalen Hurts has never had the same offensive coordinator in back-to-back seasons, a challenge dating back to his college days at Alabama and Oklahoma. Yet, he has never complained. Instead, he has put in the work, adapted, and excelled. His leadership carried the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances in five years, including a Super Bowl LIX victory in 2025, where he was named Super Bowl MVP media.nfl.com The Hilltop.

AJ Brown vs. Team Unity

Fresh off that championship, wide receiver A.J. Brown has publicly voiced frustration about being left out of the offensive game plan Sports Illustrated. His complaints echo the infamous Terrell Owens saga with Donovan McNabb after the Eagles’ 2005 Super Bowl loss. Owens’ selfishness fractured the team, leading to Andy Reid’s firing, McNabb’s trade, and Owens’ departure.

Brown’s lack of effort on contested catches and his media outbursts have drawn criticism. Meanwhile, DeVonta Smith has emerged as a true WR1, battling for every ball and proving his reliability. The Eagles gambled by keeping Brown past the trade deadline, but his behavior continues to cast a shadow.

Outside Voices: Seth Joyner & LeSean McCoy

Former Eagles Seth Joyner and LeSean McCoy have suggested that some in the organization are unhappy with Hurts. But let’s be clear: letting Hurts walk would be unthinkable. Every other NFL team would break the bank to sign him. Joyner was a solid linebacker but never a game-changer, while McCoy’s career fizzled after early promise. Their critiques seem more rooted in bitterness than fact.

Jalen Hurts Career Stats (NFL) ESPN NFL Pro-Football-Reference.com

SeasonGPComp%Pass YardsTDINTRush YardsRush TD
20201552.0%1,061643543
20211561.3%3,14416978410
20221566.5%3,70122676013
20231765.4%3,858231560515
20241568.7%2,90318563014
20251066.9%1,9951612656
Career8764.7%16,662101403,39861

a chart comparing Jalen Hurts’ passing and rushing yards by season.

This dual-axis chart highlights how Hurts has balanced his game since entering the NFL. His passing yards steadily climbed from 2020 to 2023, peaking at nearly 3,900, while his rushing yards consistently added another dimension to the Eagles’ offense. Even in seasons with coordinator changes, Hurts adapted and delivered.

Jalen Hurts’ Accomplishments media.nfl.com Sportskeeda The Hilltop

  • Super Bowl LIX Champion & MVP (2025)
  • Super Bowl LVII appearance (2023)
  • 2× Pro Bowl selection (2022, 2023)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2022)
  • Bert Bell Award (2022)
  • Holds NFL record for most rushing TDs in a season by a QB (15)
  • Career playoff record: 5–3, with 1,592 passing yards and 9 rushing TDs

Final Thoughts

The Eagles’ success is inseparable from Jalen Hurts. He has proven himself as a franchise leader, overcoming instability at coordinator, silencing critics, and delivering championships. The real question isn’t whether Hurts is the problem, it’s whether the organization can keep the locker room united and silence distractions.

Readers, what do you think? Is Jalen Hurts the long-term answer for Philadelphia, or do the Eagles risk repeating history by letting drama overshadow their success? Comment below, subscribe, and join the conversation.

Sources: Sports Illustrated media.nfl.com Sportskeeda The Hilltop ESPN NFL Pro-Football-Reference.com

Jellybean Johnson, a Pioneer of the Minneapolis Sound, Remembered

November 23, 2025

Garry George “Jellybean” Johnson, legendary drummer, guitarist, producer, and founding member of The Time, has passed away at the age of 69, just two days after celebrating his birthday. His sudden death marks the loss of one of the architects of the Minneapolis Sound, a genre-defining fusion of funk, rock, R&B, and new wave that continues to influence music today Rolling Stone FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul Wikipedia Bring Me The News.

Honoring His Legacy

Jellybean Johnson was born in Chicago in 1956 and moved to Minneapolis at age 13. It was there that he befriended future icons like Prince, Morris Day, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis, forming the creative nucleus that would shape an entire era of music Rolling Stone FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.

  • The Time (1981–1984): Johnson was the original and only drummer for Prince’s band The Time, appearing in Purple Rain and helping deliver hits like 777-9311, Jungle Love, and The Bird. His drumming style became a cornerstone of the Minneapolis Sound Rolling Stone Yahoo Wikipedia.
  • The Family (1985): After The Time split, Johnson joined Prince’s short-lived project The Family, which released the original version of Nothing Compares 2 U AOL Wikipedia.
  • Graffiti Bridge & Pandemonium (1990): Johnson reunited with The Time for Prince’s film Graffiti Bridge and their album Pandemonium, which included the chart-topping single Jerk Out AOL Wikipedia.
  • Collaborations & Production: Beyond Prince, Johnson worked with Janet Jackson (Black Cat), New Edition (Crucial), Alexander O’Neal (Criticize), Mint Condition (Breakin’ My Heart), and Nona Hendryx (Why Should I Cry) Wikipedia Discogs. His versatility as both drummer and guitarist made him an in-demand session musician and producer.
  • Solo Work: In 2021, he released his long-awaited solo album Get Experienced: The Jellybean Johnson Experience, showcasing his guitar artistry Wikipedia Bring Me The News.
  • Later Performances: Johnson performed with The Time and Rihanna at the 2008 Grammys, and returned for Prince tributes in 2017 and 2020 Billboard Wikipedia.

Visual Timeline of His Career

Here’s a timeline chart capturing his milestones from 1976 to 2025:

Preserving the Minneapolis Sound

Johnson’s vision extended beyond performance. In 2021, he co-founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum, dedicated to preserving the history and cultural impact of the genre he helped pioneer Bring Me The News. His final reflections on legacy emphasized community, mentorship, and ensuring future generations had access to creative spaces like those that shaped him North News Bring Me The News.

Tributes

Musicians and fans alike have poured out tributes. Morris Day called him “more like a brother than a bandmate,” while Sheila E. remembered him as “a kind human being, extremely talented and funny.” Susannah Melvoin described him as “the master of loving you like no brother could” Rolling Stone Yahoo International Business Times UK.

Closing Thoughts

Jellybean Johnson’s artistry was not confined to the stage—it was embedded in the DNA of modern pop and R&B. His drumming, guitar work, and production shaped hits across decades, while his mentorship and museum project ensured the Minneapolis Sound will live on.

Credit: This blog post is based on reporting by Daniel Bird and expanded with details from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Fox9, and other sources Rolling Stone FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul Yahoo Billboard Wikipedia Bring Me The News Discogs.