Over a hundred days ago I was having a conversation with someone in my inner circle, and we were talking about stepping out of our comfort zones and doing something that we either have never done or that we do not feel comfortable doing. Although I am a public person…

The word godfather prompts different images in our heads. Immediately many people think of the movie starring Marlon Brando and eventually Al Pacino. While others think of rhythm and blues artist James Brown. Godfather is a term of endearment. In some cultures, godparents are revered and are looked upon as…

Technology is not my lane. I always struggle with putting things in the right place on my computer. My former assistant would always tell me I need to set up folders to file things away and not have so many things saved on my desktop. I like having things where…

Life sends us through many trials and tribulations. When we go through the highs and lows the question, we must ask ourselves, is did we just go through it or did we grow from it? If we just go through it, we are bound to experience the same adversity again…

When my first grandchild was born, I looked at him and I immediately said, he looks just like me. Whenever we have newborn family members, we always look to see who they favor. Our physical resemblance to our parents or other family members is a result of genes passed down…

I have often asked myself why it is important to become our best selves. We owe it to ourselves, as well as to others, to live the life that God intends for us to live. If we want to live our best lives and contribute to our community, we first…

As a young girl growing up in Riverside, my aunt was fascinated with butterflies, they were so beautiful and free and she would admire their elegance and grace. I wondered how could something that started out as an unattractive caterpillar turn into something magnificent. The transformation of a caterpillar into…

Do you think the United States of America should financially compensate Black Americans or Black communities for past wrongs like slavery, racial discrimination, and systemic inequality? If your answer is yes, then you believe in reparations. The history of reparations for Black Americans is a complex and ongoing issue that…

My favorite season of the year is summer. For me, summer was the time for vacations, outdoor activities, a break from school, and a time to relax. Growing up in Riverside, I can remember between June and August how the flowers would be in bloom and the overall scenery was…