Category: finance

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.

“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.

The Power of Intentional Networking: Building Relationships That Build Legacy

December 22, 2025

Networking is more than exchanging business cards or adding new connections online. At its core, networking is about building authentic relationships, relationships that open doors, share knowledge, and create opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.

For Black professionals, networking has always been more than a career tool. It’s a strategy for breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and strengthening community. When done intentionally, networking becomes a catalyst for influence, mobility, and long-term success.

Why Intentional Networking Matters

Intentional networking goes beyond showing up at events or collecting contacts. It requires clarity, purpose, and a commitment to mutual growth. When we build relationships rooted in authenticity and shared value, we create ecosystems, not just networks, where everyone can thrive.

Historically, Black excellence in business has been propelled by strong, interconnected communities. From the entrepreneurial hubs of Black Wall Street to today’s digital professional networks, progress has always been accelerated by collaboration, mentorship, and collective advancement.

Strategies for Expanding Your Network Across Industries

Here are a few ways Black professionals can cultivate meaningful, cross-industry connections:

  • Lead with authenticity. People connect with people, not titles. Show up as your full self.
  • Be intentional about your spaces. Attend events, join associations, and participate in communities that align with your goals and values.
  • Offer value before you ask for it. Share insights, make introductions, and support others’ work.
  • Stay curious. Engage with professionals outside your industry to broaden your perspective and uncover unexpected opportunities.
  • Follow up and follow through. Consistency builds trust—and trust builds influence.

A Legacy of Collective Advancement

Our history shows that when Black professionals unite, we create pathways that uplift entire communities. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or shared resources, networks have always been a driving force behind our progress.

Today, organizations like the National Black Professional Networking Association continue that legacy by creating spaces where connection becomes empowerment, and empowerment becomes impact.

Key Takeaway

Strong networks are the lifeblood of sustainable success.
When we invest in relationships, we invest in our future, our community, and our collective legacy.

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.

Financial Insight

December 13, 2025

Navigating the Economy: Paycheck to Paycheck and Retirement Accounts

Introduction
As we close out 2025, the economy continues to send mixed signals. For many Americans living paycheck to paycheck, rising costs and uncertain job markets make financial stability feel out of reach. At the same time, those with retirement accounts are watching U.S. stocks, fixed income, and international markets closely, trying to understand how global and domestic trends will shape their future security.

Living Paycheck to Paycheck: The Everyday Economy

  • Inflation pressures: While headline inflation has cooled from pandemic highs, essentials like food, housing, and healthcare remain stubbornly expensive.
  • Wages vs. costs: Wage growth has slowed, leaving many households stretched thin. The reality is that even small increases in rent or utilities can destabilize budgets.
  • Resilience strategies: Families are relying more on credit cards, gig work, and community support networks to bridge gaps. This reflects both resilience and vulnerability in the current economy.

U.S. Stocks and the Economy

  • Market performance: U.S. equities have shown resilience, with tech and healthcare sectors leading gains. However, volatility remains high as investors weigh interest rate policy and geopolitical risks.
  • Retirement accounts: For those with 401(k)s or IRAs, diversification has been key. Growth stocks have rebounded, but defensive sectors (utilities, consumer staples) continue to provide stability.
  • Outlook: Analysts expect moderate growth in 2026, but caution that earnings may be pressured if consumer spending weakens further.

Fixed Income and the Economy

  • Bond yields: Higher interest rates have made fixed income more attractive than in recent years. Treasury yields remain elevated, offering safer returns for conservative investors.
  • Impact on households: For paycheck-to-paycheck families, higher rates mean more expensive borrowing, from mortgages to credit cards. For retirees, however, fixed income provides a welcome cushion.
  • Strategy: Laddering bonds or using short-term instruments can help balance risk while capturing yield.

International Stocks and the Economy

  • Global growth: Emerging markets have struggled with currency volatility and debt burdens, while developed markets in Europe and Asia face slower growth.
  • Opportunities: International diversification remains important. Sectors tied to energy transition, healthcare innovation, and infrastructure are showing promise abroad.
  • Risks: Geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions continue to weigh on investor confidence.

Practical Tips

For Those Living Paycheck to Paycheck

  • Track spending weekly to identify small savings opportunities.
  • Prioritize essentials (housing, food, healthcare) before discretionary expenses.
  • Build a small emergency fund, even $20–$50 per paycheck, to reduce reliance on credit.
  • Explore community resources (food banks, utility assistance) to ease immediate burdens.

For Retirement Investors

  • Rebalance portfolios annually to maintain diversification.
  • Consider increasing exposure to fixed income for stability in a high-rate environment.
  • Keep some international exposure to hedge against U.S. market volatility.
  • Avoid panic selling, long-term discipline is more valuable than short-term reactions.

Takeaway

The economy is a tale of two realities:

  • For those living paycheck to paycheck, the struggle is immediate, rising costs, stagnant wages, and limited safety nets.
  • For those with retirement accounts, the challenge is long-term, navigating volatile markets, balancing risk, and securing stability.

Whether you’re focused on today’s bills or tomorrow’s nest egg, the message is clear: adaptability is essential. Staying informed, diversifying investments, and advocating for policies that support working families will be critical as we move into 2026.

Closing Note

At the end of the day, numbers tell us part of the story, but people tell us the rest. Whether you are stretching every paycheck to cover essentials or watching the markets to protect your retirement, the common thread is resilience. The economy may shift, interest rates may rise, and global markets may wobble, but our ability to adapt, to plan, and to advocate for fairness remains constant.

Financial insight is not just about dollars and cents, it’s about dignity, security, and legacy. My commitment is to keep you informed, to connect the dots between policy and people, and to remind you that even in uncertain times, knowledge is power. Let’s carry that power into 2026, not only to survive the economy, but to shape it for ourselves and for the generations that follow.

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

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The Empowerment and Resilience Framework: A New Era of Healing for Black Women

December 1, 2025

Climbers, y’all know I love amplifying powerful Black women who are doing transformational work and today I’m honored to spotlight my colleague, friend, and fellow doctor, Dr. Lila Elliott.

Her brand-new self-help journal, Unleashing Empowerment and Resilience, is officially OUT on Amazon and it is a must-have for anyone serious about healing, breaking cycles, and stepping into their birthright of strength.

Dr. Elliott is more than an author, she’s a visionary. With 19 years of clinical practice, research, and her doctoral capstone, she created the Empowerment and Resilience Framework (ERF), a groundbreaking model that blends Black Feminist Theory, Trauma-Informed Care, and Academic Resilience into a practical blueprint for real life.

This journal is not just for social workers or therapists. It’s for:

  • Black women healing childhood trauma
  • Corporate leaders rising above burnout
  • Teachers building safe spaces
  • Hairstylists listening to stories every day
  • Veterans, parents, and anyone ready to stop surviving and start thriving

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Practical strategies you can apply immediately
  • Journaling prompts to guide reflection and growth
  • Stories from women who reclaimed their power
  • Tools you can use in your home, workplace, community, and relationships

Dr. Elliott recently joined me on America in Black and White, where she shared how her work is rooted in truth-telling, resilience, and the power of Black women’s voices. Her insights reminded us that healing is not just personal, it’s communal, and it’s historical.

This book transforms you from the inside out. Imagine having a guide that teaches you to turn your pain into power, your voice into your weapon, and your story into a legacy. That’s exactly what Unleashing Empowerment and Resilience delivers.

Grab your copy today: Amazon link
Learn more about Dr. Elliott’s work: Her website

If you have a sister, coworker, friend, or colleague who needs a reminder of who she is, gift her this journal. Healing starts with one choice. One self-help journal. One moment.

Let’s support this incredible Black woman author and help get this book into the hands of every person ready to rise. 

Norovirus cases are surging across the U.S., with test positivity nearly doubling since late summer. States most impacted include Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming, Louisiana, Michigan, and Indiana. The CDC stresses that prevention hinges on thorough handwashing with soap and water, safe food handling, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces. NBC News CBS News ABC News CDC

November 30, 2025

Norovirus: America’s “Winter Vomiting Disease” on the Rise

Norovirus, often called the “winter vomiting disease”, is once again sweeping across the country. Unlike other viruses with a fat-based envelope that alcohol sanitizers can break down, norovirus is encased in a rugged protein shell called a capsid, making it resistant to hand sanitizers. That means soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most effective defense.

Current Trends and Data

  • CDC data shows nearly 14% of tests were positive for norovirus during the week ending Nov. 15, 2025, compared to just 7% three months earlier CBS News ABC News.
  • Last December saw a record-breaking 25% positivity rate, and experts warn this winter could bring another harsh season Gizmodo.
  • Epic Research and WastewaterSCAN data highlight the hardest-hit states: Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming, Louisiana, Michigan, and Indiana NBC News ABC News Gizmodo.
  • Outbreaks are being reported in schools, cruise ships, and communities nationwide, with more than 200 passengers sickened aboard a luxury cruise ship this fall CBS News.

CDC Recommendations for Prevention

The CDC emphasizes several key steps to stop norovirus from spreading CDC CDC:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before preparing food.
  • Do not rely on hand sanitizer alone, it does not kill norovirus.
  • Avoid preparing food or caring for others while sick, and wait at least 48 hours after symptoms stop before resuming these activities.
  • Cook shellfish thoroughly to at least 145°F and wash fruits and vegetables well.
  • Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using bleach-based solutions or EPA-approved disinfectants effective against norovirus.
  • Wash contaminated laundry with hot water and detergent, then machine dry at high heat.

Why This Matters

Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., responsible for 20 million infections annually, over 100,000 hospitalizations, and nearly 900 deaths each year CBS News. It spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and person-to-person contact. Symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, can appear within 12–48 hours and last 1–3 days. Vulnerable groups include young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Community Call to Action

This surge is not just a public health issue, it’s a matter of community responsibility. By practicing rigorous hygiene, safe food handling, and responsible caregiving, we can protect ourselves and those most at risk. Norovirus thrives in close-contact environments, but prevention is in our hands, literally.

Sources: NBC News CBS News ABC News Gizmodo CDC CDC