Looking For Good Eats in Dallas? You're Welcome.

An excerpt from Travel Noire -

8 BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANTS TO VISIT IN DALLAS, TEXAS

Black restaurant owners are proving that Dallas deserves a seat at the table when it comes to the best culinary cities in the country.

By Mitti Hicks

Dallas will surprise foodies. While its southern sister, Houston, gets all the love for its flavorful food scene, Dallas is not lacking despite its nickname as the “City of Hate.” In fact, there’s a lot to love about Dallas’s food scene thanks to the Black restaurant owners providing some of the most flavorful and creative dishes throughout the metro.

Between fine dining, take-out, and gourmet fast food, Black restaurant owners are proving that Dallas deserves a seat at the table when it comes to the best culinary cities in the country. Get your appetites ready because the meals and flavors are big inside Black-owned restaurants in Dallas.

BIG CHICKEN

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Retired Hall of Fame National Basketball Association star Shaquille O’Neal is the brains behind the national chain Big Chicken. While people know the center for his impressive stats as a professional basketball player, he’s giving people a taste of his childhood. The menu reflects flavors and favorites from his childhood. 

Big Chicken is known for its finger-licking chicken sandwiches. Guests can pair the sandwiches with the brand’s signature dish: Lucille’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese, just like his mom made it.

• Location: Fort Worth
• Owner: Shaquille O’Neal
• Type of Cuisine: American
• Menu Spotlight: The Ultimate Chicken Sandwich features its signature mac ‘n’ cheese, crispy fried onions, roasted garlic, and barbecue aioli sauce. A simpler option is available for people who don’t want the dressings. The Original Big Chicken Sandwich has pickles and the secret “Shaq sauce.”
• Before you go: The Fort Worth location officially opens in late 2024.

INVASION

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Chef Airric Heidelberg is the brains behind Invasion, a trendy and modern restaurant open for lunch, dinner, and late-night hours. He created a unique menu filled with what he calls “gourmet fast food.” His burgers and chicken sandwiches are a specialty packed with so much flavor that the restaurant is known as one of the best chicken sandwiches in the city.

• Location: East Dallas
• Owner: Chef Airric Heidelber
• Type of Cuisine: American, “Gourmet Fast Food”
• Menu Spotlight: The Kardi B is one of the most popular sandwiches on the menu. It comprises buttermilk-fried chicken breast, spicy mayo, and a pickled coleslaw jalapeno blend on a buttery toasted bun. Pair the Kardi B with Invasion Potatoes, country-style potatoes tossed in house-made invasion sauce and a sour cream ranch.
• Before you go: The restaurant is not open on Mondays. You can order before you go.

https://travelnoire.com/best-black-owned-restaurants-dallas

Arabic Baby Names

An excerpt from Parade - 

205 Beautiful Arabic Names and Their Meanings to Inspire You

From last names to baby girl and boy names—we've got them all.

By LAURA BECK

Canva

1. Layla – meaning "night"

2. Omar – meaning "flourishing"

3. Fatima – meaning "to abstain"

4. Ali – meaning "sublime, supreme"

5. Zara – meaning "flower"

6. Ibrahim – meaning "father of many"

7. Noor – meaning "light"

8. Ahmed – meaning "highly praised"

9. Aisha – meaning "living, prosperous"

10. Yusuf – meaning "God increases"

https://parade.com/living/arabic-baby-names

He's Made New Fans All Over the World By His Kind Gesture, Including Me

An excerpt from InspireMore - 

Coldplay’s Chris Martin Stops On Way To Concert To Pick Up 64-Yr-Old Fan Struggling To Walk

By Kelsey Bjork

At 64 years old, Saundra Glenn says she doesn’t really go to music festivals anymore. That said, when she learned that Coldplay was making a rare visit to her UK city, Luton, she couldn’t resist. The popular band was set to perform during Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Everything was going smoothly at first, but on the way there Saundra began to struggle with what she calls her “dodgy right hip.”

As a result, Saundra took a moment to rest just as she was walking toward the accessibility box office. For a moment, she even considered going home to watch the performance. But the thought of never seeing Coldplay in her hometown again made her stay. Then, just in time, a black Mercedes parked next to her. A woman from inside offered to pick the struggling fan up — little did Saundra know, however, that Coldplay front-man, Chris Martin, was inside!

“The door opens and I said, ‘Oh that’s Chris Martin, I can’t get in with him’ and they said ‘yes you can,'” Saundra recalls.

As you can imagine, the ride to their destination is one that Saundra will never forget! In fact, the two of them became fast friends, joking around like “two old women,” as Saundra describes them.

https://www.inspiremore.com/coldplays-chris-martin-stops-on-way-to-concert-to-pick-up-64-yr-old-fan-struggling-to-walk/

The Best Ads of All Time?

An excerpt from CreativeBlog - 

The definitive best adverts of all time list, as chosen by experts

By Tom May 

Ranging from the 1930s to the 2020s, we select the best ads of all time, and explain why they work.

(Image credit: Guinness, Old Spice, Always, US Government,
Coca-Cola, Hovis, Malboro, Dove, Budweiser, Apple)

 These stellar ads from across the ages have a lot to teach creatives today. That's why over the last few months we've been pulling together guides to the finest commercials of previous decades, from the 1930s to the 2020s. 

From whimsical illustrations to blockbuster TV ads to groundbreaking social media campaigns, these adverts have not only captivated audiences but also shaped the very fabric of our society. Now, in this article, we're reaching into our repository of the best adverts by decade to bring you a carefully curated selection of the best ads overall.

So join us as we delve into iconic campaigns spanning almost a century, each a testament to the power of storytelling, imagery and the human experience. These adverts go beyond just selling products to become cultural touchstones, reminding us of the profound impact that advertising can have on our perceptions, beliefs, and aspirations – and some already appear in our best print ads list, of course.

09. Levi's 501: Launderetee (1985)

               

https://youtu.be/wT4DR_ae_4o?si=LkXhmr77WrSVCam3

Is this the sexiest ad of all time? Created by Levi's advertising agency BBH, it featured model Nick Kamen stripping down to his boxers in a 1950s-style laundromat to the sound of Marvin Gaye's 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine'.

This combination of classic Motown, a heartthrob model, and the nostalgic all-American setting captured the rebellious spirit of jeans in their prime era. It was an instant cultural phenomenon.

“With young potential buyers romanticising the ‘50 and ’60s and the stars of that era, setting this commercial in that time was the perfect move to grab their attention," explains director Caroline Hajny. “This ad played a huge role in reviving Levi’s as a brand, cementing it as a desirable staple piece in every young person’s wardrobe. Sales were up by 800% as a result, so if that doesn’t speak for itself, I don’t know what will.”

18. Nike: You Can't Stop Sport (2020)

               

https://youtu.be/pcXTnyCmQbg?si=owAo__nIOtEhiXuR

The advertising industry offered many poignant responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. But this Emmy-winning ad, crafted by Wieden + Kennedy is our favourite. It brilliantly interwove various sporting moments and diverse participants together through a split-screen format. And this was accompanied by a stirring narration that acknowledged the widespread cancellation of events while instilling optimism about the enduring spirit of sports.

"This ad wasn’t just a beacon of hope in the midst of a pandemic," says Shelley Adamson, creative director at UNIT9. "It was also a work of visual mastery, at a time before Gen AI was widely available to help. A message of togetherness is reinforced by the seamless joining of contextually different frames, while perseverance is embodied in the knowledge someone probably spent hundreds of hours scouring through footage to find just the right moments."

Check out the rest at . . . 

https://www.creativebloq.com/features/best-adverts-of-all-time

How many Dads to collapse a Stroller! 🤣

https://youtu.be/hllhtXSMum0?si=EoXzt4fRfOspqMMU

Ken Burns Warns About Trump in Brandeis Commencement Speech

https://youtu.be/vM84fdO7EdQ?si=S7RzZykuo0bCLpPd

How Goldee's BBQ Earned Its Spot at No. 1 in Texas — Smoke Point

https://youtu.be/kFNI2jCxRmQ?si=mOfiNHOoXZr0DLb1

Ruby Bridges: Racism Is A Grown-up Disease. Let’s Stop Using Our Kids To...

https://youtu.be/GW7tbMF1Wto?si=I2hVNHa2H2LHnoYE

Kindness Quotes For When You'd Rather Say . . .

An excerpt from TiffyTaffy -  

Kindness Quotes to Remember When Someone Gets on Your Nerves

By Jade Small

You should always try your best to be kind to others, even if they are starting to get on your nerves. Being a kind person is a strength in today’s world. If you can show inner strength and patience while someone else is trying to tear you down, you will inspire those around you to do the same. It’s a cycle of kindness that you can lead with positivity and gentleness. One way to remember how to keep your cool in a tough situation is by recalling quotes about kindness when you need them most.

Life throws curveballs our way all the time. We will not like every single person we meet, and we will likely encounter a few who truly try our patience. Overall, the most important thing you can do for your own well-being and happiness is to be kind to others. It will create less drama, and fewer trivial matters will consume your time. Lastly, it is the easiest thing you can do sometimes; just smile. Here are some quotes about kindness that might help you get there.

1. “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan

Maybe someone is having a terrible day. Maybe they got some terrible news, or lost their job, or are reaching their breaking point. You never know what someone else is going through, and one simple act of kindness could be just what they need to keep going. You might change someone’s life simply by being kind and showing goodwill rather than retaliation.

2. “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams

When you are kind to someone else, that is an act that is reflected in others as well. They notice, and they remember. You might impact more than just one person, so why not choose kindness?

3. “Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” – Charles Glassman

The truth is, we are all going through something. Some of us are dealing with more than others. There are those people who carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, and they never let anyone know how heavy it is. Then one day, they yell or say something rude to express their frustration. Of course, it’s misdirected anger, and you can choose to attack them right back, or you can choose to remember that everyone struggles. Maybe they are struggling too.

4. “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey

Is there someone who is really getting on your nerves? The best way to calm the tensions is to do something completely unexpected and kind for them. Send them flowers at lunch, leave a nice plant on their desk, ask them out for drinks to get to know each other better. Maybe you have more in common than you know!

https://tiffytaffy.com/quotes-about-kindness/

Jimmy Carter's White House Jazz Festival June 18, 1978 "In Performance a...

https://youtu.be/cI4EB1jm8QU?si=of1sKlkCqNlNCFL9

Tree Trunks Painted White in Texas

An excerpt from Newsbreak & ESPN 960 San Angelo - 

Why Do So Many Texans Paint Their Tree Trunks White?

By Brad Elliott

Imagine a hot day in Texas, where the sun shines so brightly it feels like it's baking everything it touches. Now, imagine you're a tree in the middle of all this. It's rough. This is where the cool trick of painting tree trunks white comes into play. It's an interesting story that blends nature with some human ingenuity.

Why are some tree trunks in Texas painted white? According to an article from Taste of Home, it's all about protecting those trees from the sun's harsh rays. It's much like how we put on sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned.

Canva

Trees, especially young or thin-barked ones, can suffer from something called "sunscald". This is when their trunks get too hot from direct sunlight, causing the bark to crack and damage the tree. By painting the trunks white, the sunlight is reflected away keeping the trees cooler and preventing that damage.

But that's not the only reason. This white paint also helps keep bugs away. Just like how we use bug spray in summer, the white paint acts as a barrier against certain insects that might harm the trees. It's a simple but effective way to help trees stay healthy and strong.

Read More: Why Do So Many Texans Paint Their Tree Trunks White? | https://espn960sanangelo.com/ixp/143/p/white-tree-trunks/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Southern Etiquette

An excerpt from Newsbreak - 

15 Southern Etiquette Rules That Should Exist in the Rest of the Country

By Amy Williams

It’s no surprise that many consider Southerners to be some of the most polite people in the country. If you spend a day or two in a Southern state, you’ll see how differently people treat you compared to other states.

Even though Southern hospitality and manners are a common stereotype of the South, there’s a lot of truth to the stereotype. While every Southerner may not follow the unspoken etiquette rules of the South, you will find that those from the South are generally more polite and friendly.

Southern etiquette rules are a vital part of Southern culture. Many of these rules are unspoken, yet they’re widely practiced by most people who live in a Southern town or city. Some of the unspoken rules of the South may seem strange or outdated to people from other areas. However, there are many Southern etiquette rules we wish existed in the rest of the country.

Simple things like saying please and thank you or holding the door for the person behind you should be common practice everywhere, but they’re a thing of the past in many places. Not everything about Southern culture makes sense for other regions, but when it comes to manners and etiquette, those in the South know how to make you feel welcome.

To create a list of Southern etiquette rules that should exist in the rest of the country, 24/7 Tempo reviewed some of the most common Southern manners and rules from publications like Southern Living, Town & Country Magazine, and Reader’s Digest. Here are 15 Southern etiquette rules that should exist in the rest of the country. (After this article, find out if you’re making these common etiquette missteps.)

Saying please and thank you

Saying please and thank is pretty basic when it comes to manners, but you’re less likely to hear those words nowadays. In the South, you always say please and thank you, no matter who it is you’re speaking to or what position they hold. A simple please and thank you can go a long way to show someone you recognize their effort and this etiquette rule should exist everywhere.

Holding the door for the person behind you

Holding the door for the person behind you is another aspect of Southern etiquette that has become less common in other areas of the country. While someone isn’t necessarily going to let the door slam on you if you’re walking behind them, intentionally holding the door for someone and letting them walk in first isn’t as common today. If you’re in the South, you can expect someone to hold the door for you and they’ll likely give you a friendly greeting along with the gesture.

Chewing with your mouth closed

No matter how beautiful your food may have been when it was on your plate, no one wants to see it once it’s in your mouth. Many of the unspoken rules of the South revolve around food and how you should behave at the dinner table. It’s not polite to chew with your mouth open or to talk with food in your mouth. We think those manners should be practiced everywhere.

Don’t eat until everyone is served their food

Another rule that we should all practice when sitting together at the dinner table is waiting until everyone is served before digging in. If you’re sharing a meal in the South, it’s polite to wait until everyone has food on their plate before you begin eating. Instead of worrying about your food getting cold, you should wait until everyone has their food before you chow down.

https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3464380517233-15-southern-etiquette-rules-that-should-exist-in-the-rest-of-the-country?_f=app_share&s=i0&pd=04GSxOoR&lang=en_US&send_time=1716777673&trans_data=%7B%22platform%22%3A0%2C%22cv%22%3A%2224.21.0.30%22%2C%22languages%22%3A%22en%22%7D

Black Cookout Laws Just in Time for Memorial Day

An excerpt from Travel Noire - 

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: THE LAWS OF THE BLACK COOKOUT

To ensure that you are in good form this year, here is a little reminder of just how to act.

by Leah Freeman-Haskin

Photo Credit: monkeybusinessimages | Getty Images

It’s that time of year. Memorial Day weekend is approaching and you can almost hear the claps of The Electric Slide and the smoky scent of ribs. To ensure that you are in good form this year, here is a little reminder of just how to act.

DON’T COME EMPTY HANDED

This is rule number one, because, let’s be honest, it is a cardinal rule when it comes to black cookouts. Thou must bring something. Whether it’s paper plates or a rack of ribs, just make sure the host knows you contributed. And when in doubt, bring some heavy-duty aluminum foil – there is never enough. 

KNOW THYSELF

If cooking isn’t your thing, please be honest with yourself and stay out the kitchen. If you’re just not that good at Spades, stay out the game. Your feelings are bound to get hurt if you try your hand at Aunite Phyllis’ famous mac n cheese when you were specifically (and strategically) told to just bring the plastic cups. Know thyself and be proud of whatever contributions you bring to the cookout. If it’s plastic cups, make them the best damn plastic cups that Target has to offer. 

DON’T EAT AND RUN

Didn’t you know? This is an all-day social event. Clear your calendar and make sure little Eddie has a change of clothes. We gonna be here for a while. This may as well be the second cardinal rule. So please don’t show up late, eat, and then leave. You will be called out. And most likely, shamed into staying another hour (or four). So save yourself the time and get comfortable. 

Continued . . . 

https://travelnoire.com/memorial-day-weekend-laws-black-cookout

Unique Cruises

An excerpt from FinanceBuzz - 

14 Unique Cruises You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Escape the mundane with cruise experiences that redefine the art of exploration.

By Lucy Clark;  edited by Chris Kissell

Whether you’re a diehard cruise lover or a casual tourist looking to step up your travel game, cruise ships offer a wonderful way to see the sights in multiple locations.

There are plenty of recognizable cruise ships that specialize in specific experiences or themes. However, these lesser-known cruise ship lines may offer a unique experience for those seeking something a little different. 

1. Sea Cloud Cruises

Mainstream cruise ships are often huge and fully modernized. At Sea Cloud Cruises, they focus on a smaller, more intimate sailing experience.

The private yachts primarily use hand-set wind sails to guide the ship. In fact, the routes periodically change to adapt to the weather. The yachts also dock at smaller ports, creating a more unique and personalized travel experience.

       2. Emerald Cruises

With Emerald Cruises, you can enjoy a river cruise through Europe and Southeast Asia.

Some river routes include the Danube, Rhine, Douro, and Mekong. The company also offers yacht cruises on the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Red Sea. You can also cruise through the Caribbean and Central America.

Emerald Cruises is also committed to sustainability, sourcing local ingredients at port and avoiding single-use plastic entirely.

        5.  Ocean Endeavour

Courtesy of Swoop Antarctica

If you’re seeking a true adventure, book a trip on the Ocean Endeavour, which takes guests on a tour of Antarctica.

With limited off-board options, the on-board amenities are vast, including saunas, spas, a pair of restaurants, and more. The experience is also intimate, with the passenger headcount capped at 199.

https://financebuzz.com/unique-cruise-adventures-2?pid=1692

Checkout This Black-Owned B&B in Gettysburg

An excerpt from Travel Noire - 

INSIDE KEYSTONE INN, GETTYSBURG'S FIRST BLACK-OWNED B&B

Not only is the Keystone Inn making history as Gettysburg's first Black-owned B&B, but they are putting ownership and legacy at the forefront.

By Jasmine Osby 

Photo Credit: Photo credit: Keystone Inn

The Campbell family are no strangers to ownership. Back in the 1970’s the African-American family owned 14 properties in the United States. The legacy of property ownership began with their great-great-grandfather in Charlotte Hill, Maryland decades ago. Now, the family is making history in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 

Purchased by siblings Christine, Stephen, and Patrick in 2020, the Keystone Inn is Gettysburg’s first Black-owned bed and breakfast. Built on a family and community, the inn is the newest addition to the city’s rich history. The Campbell family wants Keystone Inn to help shine a light on Gettysburg’s often-overlooked Black history. 

“One of the things we’re very proud of is adding to the story of Gettysburg and highlighting this unique aspect to it,” Patrick told Travel Noire.

Dedicated to ensuring travelers have experiential moments, the Keystone Inn wraps classic charm in modernity. Although the renovated, late-Victorian colonial home is unlike any B&B Gettysburg has had in the past, the Campbell family aims to make their inn an integral part of the city’s historical landscape.

The vision of the Keystone Inn extends far beyond the travel and tourism industry. Through their endeavor, the Campbells pride themselves on showcasing the power of Black ownership in real estate. After their great-great-grandfather died, he wrote in his will that his property couldn’t be sold until all 14 of his children had passed away. When the last one died in 2008, the home remained in the family, continuing a legacy of property ownership. 

Leaving a lasting legacy is at the forefront of the Keystone Inn’s brand. The Campbells believe it’s time for African American owners to take up space in the hospitality industry. Not only are they focusing on the future of the Keystone Inn, but the siblings are working with other Black innkeepers to build a network of support across state lines. 

https://travelnoire.com/keystone-inn-gettysburg-first-black-owned-bb

2-year-old Math Genius on AGT

An excerpt from Meaww.com -

'AGT' Season 19: Simon Cowell demanded help after seeing 2-year-old Baby Dev's skills

After witnessing Baby Dev do the calculations during the 'AGT' Season 19 audition, Simon Cowell insisted on having a calculator

BY ARITRI PAUL

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: An early-release audition from the first episode of 'America's Got Talent' Season 19 has been released by the program ahead of its May 28 airing. It highlights 2-year-old Devan Defreitas, known as Baby Dev, a math prodigy who dazzled the judges with his abilities, even making Simon Cowell demand a calculator amidst it all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP5-zKvjDoY

https://meaww.com/agt-season-19-judge-simon-cowell-demands-calculator-after-2-year-old-baby-dev-shows-off-his-amazing-skills

Theresa Claiborne - a United Airlines Captain who made history

https://youtu.be/_jtJouJTyNw?si=DkdR0uDE84wNJfyf

PILOT SURPRISES MOM

https://youtu.be/nN9Bm1JvOUM?si=sGbj6BDa25vE4G6v

Rockin' Horse

 

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Meet Abdon Atangana: The African Ranked #1 Mathematician in the World

https://youtu.be/broyJbHweZI?si=4U1xNw8ITXeanq6m

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (Official Video 2019)

https://youtu.be/o5TmORitlKk?si=om2wikJnaPbYDUMm

A Dad's Lesson For Us All

From Cafe Mom - 

My Dad Watched Me Get Dumped Then Sent Me a Powerful Text I'll Never Forget

By Michelle Stein

Recently, a college student shared the text messages she received from her father following a breakup. Fallon Thompson, who plays volleyball at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, posted a video of her dad's touching advice, and the internet instantly fell in love with him.

https://cafemom.com/lifestyle/internet-praises-emotionally-intelligent-dads-message-daughters-breakup/scott-then-left-is-daughter-with-a-fitting-analogy

Texas valedictorian delivers speech right after dad's funeral

https://youtu.be/q_uXK18DeL8?si=oHDcLa61P0nvkmM6

Sister Circle | Sisters Of The Court: Sisters Who Rule | TVONE

https://youtu.be/8vxb37hknvg?si=Ojc3S7Cn-T54pGPT

Southern Comments to Avoid

An excerpt from the Wealthy Nickel - 

16 Comments You Should Never, Ever Make to a Southerner

by Rebecca Holcomb

1. Sweet Tea

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

During a trip to Michigan with my southern husband, we were invited to lunch, where my husband kindly asked the waitress for sweet tea. Word to the wise: If someone asks you for sweet tea, it is far better to say you don’t have any than to offer them iced tea with sugar from the table.

Anyone who makes sweet tea knows you cannot add sugar to cold tea and get good sweet tea. At most, you’ll end up with iced tea with gritty crystals.

2. Instant Grits

Having moved to Florida in 2003, I can tell you people in the South are serious about their grits. Cheesy grits are especially favored, but cooking them well is a big part of most “Southern” cooking. Creamy with a texture similar to cream of wheat, these savory grains are a great addition to Southern specials like fried chicken and excellent barbecue.

However, never are they “instant,” and asking someone if they are may get you disinvited from dinner.

4. Y’all

When I was growing up and in school, a contraction of the words you and all wasn’t a word. However, down South, it’s been an accepted part of everyday vocabulary since before I was born. One particular sticking point, though, is where you place the apostrophe.

Y’all is the correct way to write it; anything else is unacceptable. Also, ain’t, which wasn’t a word when I was in school, is now proper (according to Webster’s Dictionary) language and should be spelled correctly.

12. Bless Your Heart

While hearing this phrase may make you think that the sweet grandma you met at the grocery store is complimenting you, it’s more likely that she thinks you’re a bit dim. “Bless your heart,” or any version thereof, is not often given as a nice comment. Take a moment to evaluate the situation, and you’ll know whether someone’s insulting you. If you’re unsure, chalk it up to indifference and move on.

https://wealthynickel.com/things-not-to-say-to-southerner/

Leading By Example

 

@jesssaysitsokaytobeweird #coparenting #treatothershowyouwanttobetreated #mothersday #raiseemright #JessSaysBeWeird #leadbyexample ♬ original sound - Jessica.Anne

I Can't Take My Eyes off You

https://youtu.be/3AoRPY0nOJE?si=wRuwVIbIRr7o8yXL

Black-Owned Pilot School

An excerpt from Travel Noire - 

A NEW BLACK-OWNED FLIGHT SCHOOL IS MAKING WAVES IN THE RACE FOR MORE MINORITY PILOTS

Gwinnett County has opened its first Black-owned flight school, joining a nationwide effort to increase the number of minority pilots.  

by Faith Katunga

Gwinnett County, in Atlanta, Georgia, officially has its first Black-owned flight school, joining a nationwide effort to increase the number of minority pilots.  Look Up Flight Academy, owned by Mike Ojo, is a much-needed opportunity for aspiring minority aviators. As a successful pilot in his own right, Mike Ojo has always felt a deep connection to the air. However, he did have some reservations on his way to the skies. 

“I always thought it wasn’t for me because I never saw anyone who looked like me in a pilot uniform,” Ojo expressed during an interview with WSB-TV’s Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson. His experiences reflect a larger issue within the industry. Minority pilots currently make up only about 3% of the total aviation workforce.

With Ojo’s dedication to expanding minority access to aviation, the Look Up Flight Academy is a vanguard of progressive change. The Gwinnett County airport, recognizing the significance of this initiative, approved a 25-year lease for the academy. The school will open its doors by summer. This launch will follow the renovation of a vacant building and hangar at Briscoe Field, creating a conducive learning environment for students.

https://travelnoire.com/gwinnett-county-black-owned-flight-school-opens

The inspiration for New Orleans' St. Mary's Academy

https://youtu.be/x02NUryZn3I?si=kZSJafKGqsNUZPqj

Malcolm X Quotes

 An excerpt from Newsone.com - 

20 Malcolm X Quotes Every Black Person Should Know

His eloquent, but fearless style of writing and reciting still resonates with people from all walks of life.

Written by Bilal G. Morris 

                                                                                                                                                                      

A father, a civil rights leader, and a symbol of courage; Malcolm X was a true pioneer to the advancement of human thought.

On Sunday, May 19, the civil rights leader would have turned 99 years old

Source: Richard Saunders/Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images /
Richard Saunders/Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Malcolm X Quotes About Violence

1. “If violence is wrong in America, violence is wrong abroad. If it is wrong to be violent defending black women and black children and black babies and black men, then it is wrong for America to draft us, and make us violent abroad in defense of her. And if it is right for America to draft us, and teach us how to be violent in defense of her, then it is right for you and me to do whatever is necessary to defend our own people right here in this country.” — Speech, Nov. 1963, New York City.

2. Concerning non-violence: “It is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks.” – Malcolm X

3. “I am for violence if non-violence means we continue postponing a solution to the American black man’s problem just to avoid violence.”

4. “I don’t favor violence. If we could bring about recognition and respect of our people by peaceful means, well and good. Everybody would like to reach his objectives peacefully. But I’m also a realist. The only people in this country who are asked to be nonviolent are black people.”

5. “I don’t even call it violence when it’s in self defense; I call it intelligence.”

Malcolm X Quotes About Education

 6.”Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

7. “Without education, you are not going anywhere in this world.”

Malcolm A Quotes About Media

8. “The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent.”

9. “The press is used to make it look like (the black man) is the criminal and (the police force is) the victim.”

https://newsone.com/4186419/malcolm-x-quotes-you-need-to-know/

Favorite Movies Nobody Has Watched

An excerpt from BuzzFeed - 

"This Is My Favourite Movie Of All Time And I've Never Met Anyone Else Who Has Seen It" — 21 Of The Best Films You've Never Heard Of

"This is my favourite movie of all time and I've never met anyone else who has seen it, or even heard of it."

By Amy Glover

1. Breaking Away (1979)

20th Century 

"It won an Oscar for the best screenplay... There aren’t many movies as human and decent as this one, especially not ones that also make you feel good about life and make you smile. The movie is an American classic and is so little known decades later. There's such little interest that it appears to be out of print on Blu-ray and possibly DVD as well. The last time I saw it on TV was on AMC circa 2012.

Roger Ebert gave it four stars and called it 'a precious cinematic miracle.'"

u/WhatsMyAgeAgain-182 

8. The Station Agent (2003) 

Miramax

u/Camille_Toh  

"This is a lovely film. I’m going to mention that Peter Dinklage is the leading character (in a tremendous ensemble cast) in order to get more people to watch it." 

u/Dogs_Akimbo

11. Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai (1999)

Arthaus / Lionsgate Films, Madman Entertainment / MORE

u/jinyx1

"That recurring bit in Ghost Dog where he and the French guy talk every day despite not understanding each other was so endearing." 

u/alltherobots

https://www.buzzfeed.com/aglover/best-hidden-gem-movies-most-people-dont-know

Success Depends On This One Skill?

An excerpt from CNBC Make It - 

Amazon CEO: An ‘embarrassing’ amount of your success depends on this one skill

By Morgan Smith

Andy Jassy on stage at the 2022 New York Times DealBook in New York City,
November 30, 2022.Thos Robinson | Getty Images

The trick to getting ahead at work isn’t being the fastest learner or the smartest in the room — it’s having a positive attitude, says Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.

Jassy, who took the top job at Amazon after Jeff Bezos stepped down in 2021, shared his “best career advice” in a new interview with LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky. 

“I think an embarrassing amount of how well you do, particularly in your 20s, has to do with attitude,” Jassy, 56, said. 

It’s not just about being cheerful, he explained. Having a positive attitude means you work well on a team and honor deadlines, among other strengths. 

If you have the right mindset, Jassy said you should be able to confidently answer “yes” to the following questions: 

• Do you work hard? 
• Are you more can-do than naysaying? 
• Do you do what you said you were going to do? 
• Can you work in a team? 

These strategies are “so simple” and yet often overlooked, he said. 

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/19/amazon-ceo-an-embarrassing-amount-of-your-success-depends-on-this-skill.html

Extraordinary Black Scientists

An excerpt from AfroTech - 

15 Black Scientists That Changed Our Understanding Of The World

By Leah Jones

Shirley Ann Jackson (b. 1946)

Photo Credit: Nicholas Kamm / AFP

Dr. Shirley Jackson is a physicist and the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Jackson’s research has primarily focused on theoretical physics, semiconductor physics and condensed matter physics. She conducted groundbreaking research in the field of semiconductors, leading to advancements in telecommunications and computing. Her work laid the foundation for technologies such as fiber optics, solar cells and the portable fax machine. Jackson also served as the chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 1995 to 1999, becoming the first woman and first Black American to hold this position.

~~~~~

Neil deGrasse Tyson (b. 1958)

Photo Credit: John Lamparski

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, author, and science communicator known for his efforts to popularize science and make complex concepts accessible to the public. yson has made significant contributions to astrophysics through his research on star formation, galaxy evolution, and the structure of the Milky Way. However, he is perhaps best known for his work in science communication. Tyson has hosted several television series, including “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” and “StarTalk,” where he discusses scientific topics in an engaging and entertaining manner. He has also authored numerous books aimed at making science understandable and engaging for people of all ages. Tyson’s ability to convey complex scientific concepts with enthusiasm and clarity has made him a beloved figure in the world of science and education.

~~~~~

Katherine Johnson (1918-2020)

Photo Credit: Eddy Chen/Disney General Entertainment Content

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of NASA’s early space missions. She is one of the most famous Black scientists in history. Johnson’s mathematical genius played a pivotal role in the Mercury and Apollo space programs. She calculated trajectories, launch windows and re-entry paths for many of NASA’s missions, including Alan Shepard’s 1961 flight and John Glenn’s historic orbit around the Earth in 1962. Her calculations were so accurate that Glenn specifically requested her verification before his flight. Johnson’s work was instrumental in ensuring the safety and success of NASA’s missions during the space race.

Katherine Johnson’s contributions to space exploration were recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Her story gained widespread attention following the publication of the book “Hidden Figures” and the subsequent film adaptation, bringing her achievements to a broader audience. She is celebrated not only for her groundbreaking work as a mathematician but also for breaking barriers as an African American woman in a male-dominated field.

https://afrotech.com/black-scientists/

Black-Owned Hotels in New Orleans

An excerpt from Travel Noire - 

5 BLACK-OWNED HOTELS TO VISIT IN NEW ORLEANS

Whether a bed and breakfast or a luxury hotel, these Black-owned accommodations are fan favorites when visiting the Big Easy. 

By Jasmine Osby

THE DUTCHESS BB

Steeped in Southern charm, the Dutchess BB is a lovely accommodation in the historic Irish Channel neighborhood. It has eight bedrooms spread out over two stories. Travelers will fall in love with the beautiful home with all of the fixings of a modern home. There’s a private backyard for outdoor vibes, laundry access, free breakfast, a jacuzzi, and more. The Dutchess is great for a personal experience while visiting New Orleans. 

*Location: The Irish Channel 

*Type of Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

*Accommodation Spotlight: The Dutchess is located near the trolley for easy access to transportation to restaurants and excursions. 

*Before You Go: This is a great B&B for group trips with a downstairs and upstairs space with multiple bedrooms on each floor.

HUBBARD MANSION

The Hubbard Mansion opened in 2000 and is a beacon of hospitality in New Orleans. It’s located minutes from everything you want to see in the city including the French Quarter, Central Business District, and the Zoo. The Black-owned hotel in New Orleans has always been in the family and offers five rooms with suite accommodations for visiting guests. The mansion overlooks the Mississippi River and has a graceful flair you won’t find at any other bed and breakfast. 

*Location: St. Charles Avenue

*Type of Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

*Accommodation Spotlight: Hubbard Mansion is decorated with an array of antiques and historic heirlooms for guests to see and experience during their stay. 

*Before You Go: It took the Hubbard family three years to build this NOLA stay.

https://travelnoire.com/black-owned-hotels-new-orleans/

This Info Could Save Your Life

 

@doctorhoeflinger Knowing this about drinking could save your life! #fyp #party #drinking #alcohol #foryou #holiday #christmas ♬ Storytelling - Adriel

Denzel Breaks It Down

An excerpt from MadameNoire

Denzel Washington Breaks Down Why ‘Fences’ Needed A Black 

by marysymone

Washington began, “It’s not color, it’s culture. Steven Spielberg did Schindler’s List. Martin Scorsese did Goodfellas, right? Steven Spielberg could direct Goodfellas. Martin Scorsese probably could have done a good job with Schindler’s List. But there are cultural differences.”

He continued to give an example, “I know, you know, we all know what it is when a hot comb hits your head on a Sunday morning, what it smells like. That’s a cultural difference, not just color difference.”

The Equalizer star expressed the importance of what August Wilson did for the culture. “August Wilson is writing how we feel. That’s why I’m producing all 10 of [his plays]. Because of all those people who laid the groundwork for me to be in the position I’m in, I’m going to make sure that there’s hundreds of roles for the next generation and utilize the power that I have at this moment to do that, and nobody’s going to get in my way,” he told SiriusXM.

https://madamenoire.com/1364832/denzel-washington-fences-black-director/

Repurposing Old Teacups

An excerpt from House Digest - 

18 Clever Ways To Repurpose Old Teacups Around The House

BY MASIE O'TOOLE

1. Bird feeder

Bird feeders are easy to make out of just about anything, but this teacup idea is one of the most fun and whimsical out there. All you need is a teacup, a saucer, some string, and an adhesive. Turn your teacup on its side with the handle facing upwards, then attach it to the saucer with your adhesive of choice. Once it's dry, attach your string to the handle of the teacup to hang it from a branch. After you fill the cup (and likely some of the saucer, too) up with birdseed, birds can fly up and rest on the rim of the saucer to eat.

2. Candle vessel

Making your own soy candles is surprisingly easy, so much so that finding appropriate vessels for your creations is oftentimes the hardest part. If you're tired of filling plain jars with wax, try thinking outside the box and making a teacup candle. Teacups are already meant to withstand high heat, so there's a low risk of cracking as you fill the teacup and eventually burn your creation, and the handle on the side can make it easy for you to move the candle from place to place, even when it's still hot. Add on the fact that it's absolutely adorable, and you have a winning DIY idea.

3. Succulent garden

Succulent gardens are a low-maintenance way to bring some interesting greenery and freshness to your home décor. Once you start adding to your collection of plants, however, it can be hard to find planters that are the perfect fit for a collection of different succulents. To give yourself more freedom, consider potting your succulents in individual teacups, then displaying them together. Teacups are small and shallow, making them a great choice for succulent planters, and putting your succulents in several tiny pots instead of one large one can make it easier add on new plants and take away old ones that might not be faring so well.

https://www.housedigest.com/1584661/ways-to-repurpose-old-teacups-around-house/

Blue-Eyed Black Babies

@heyy..cheryl #greenscreen ♬ Storytelling - Adriel

Still Want 'Em?

 

@elle.cordova Replying to @the_lonelyest_pickle dare accepted. RX Side Effects Redux! (Deja vu now also makes a recurring appearance per commenter requests) #rx ♬ original sound - Elle Cordova

A Mother's Love

An excerpt from USA Today - 

She was the chauffeur, the encourager and worked for the NSA. But mostly, she was my mom

By Mike Freeman

Mike Freeman and his mom in the 1970s.  Provided by Mike Freeman

I remember the exact day I first saw my mother’s strength. I mean, really saw it. My father had left us. Not long after, my mom sat next to me on the stairs of the house, put her arm around me, and kissed me on the cheek. She told me we were going to be OK, and there was no doubt in my mind she was right. Because she was Mom. She always made everything right. Even moments like that one.

She’s called me Mickey or Mickey Joe forever. We’ll be all right, Mickey. I promise. And her promises meant something. They meant everything.

She was the chauffeur who took me to soccer practice, the cook, the child psychologist, the encourager, the disciplinarian and the empath. She did all of that while working at the National Security Agency, where she was a senior executive, and one of the highest-ranking Black women at the agency. She’d also get her law degree by going to classes at night.

We sometimes think of power as physical strength or wealth, but true power is what my mom did for me growing up, and what so many other moms have done. She used her strength to create a protective forcefield over the ordinary and mundane, which are so important to kids: going to school; playing sports; hanging with friends; having food and clothes and support.

Her love has always had the power of a splitting atom. But another strength was just as buttressing. Mom’s almost unrelenting desire to educate me about the world and how things work, from making pancake batter, to handling myself if stopped by the police, to emphasizing the power of Black pride when much of the outside world constantly told Black people how awful we were.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/mike-freeman/2024/05/10/mothers-day-national-security-agency/73555966007/

Phoenix mom, two daughters work together as flight attendants

https://youtu.be/PuV3r4YlP-c?si=7ORRUlrTi769Kmu_

If We Only Knew Then What We Know Now

An excerpt from Buzzfeed - 

People Over 60 Are Revealing "Time-Sucking" Habits They Wasted WAY Too Much Time On In Their 30s, 40s, Or 50s

"That may have worked for men, but definitely not for women at that time."

by Raven Ishak - BuzzFeed Staff

3. "Trying so hard to be friends with people who had no time or interest in being friends with me or only wanted my friendship when it was convenient for them." —Jayne, 62 1/2, California

4. "I spent way too much time people-pleasing. Being a caregiver for my parents at a very young age left me struggling for good coping skills as I grew older. The insecurity made me way too concerned about what others thought. The best part of getting older is not giving a crap about what anyone thinks!"—Anonymous, 62, Illinois

5. "When I was younger, I wasted too much time worrying about whether a man liked me or not. My self-esteem was not very high, and I suspect I thought most men I liked were thinking about anything else besides me. Nowadays, I don't worry about whether a man likes me or not. If he likes me, he'll show it by wanting to be with me. It's now all about whether I find him interesting enough to want to be with him!"—Suzanne, 63, United Kingdom

10. "Don’t waste time being angry over something you can’t control. Don’t waste time on gossip or negativity. Don’t waste time blaming others or your childhood on present bad decisions, behavior, or situations."—fiercemoon84

https://www.buzzfeed.com/ravenishak/things-older-people-wish-they-didnt-waste-time-on

Houston teen mom raised two kids -- one who's now a doctor, the other's ...

https://youtu.be/e5m8yjGDBg0?si=b7VnOoFhhg-AX99k

Sacramento State University's president speaks on peaceful end to campus...

It's long, but worth the time. He has a powerful backstory that makes his message all the more meaningful.

https://youtu.be/nUjx7GbLPQA?si=c4YYG9zMqS11DF6i

The All-New FIAT 500e: Italy is Now in America (ft. Spike Lee and Gianca...

https://youtu.be/mZR_BEXgPV0?si=8s8AQYAg7sh-c-5u

Southern Sayings

An excerpt from the Wealthy Nickel - 

15 Phrases Only a True Southerner Would Understand

By Rebecca Holcomb

1. Yonder

There are several versions of this saying. “Right Yonder” or “Over Yonder” are the two most common examples of a word that means “over there.”  If a Southerner is trying to tell you the general direction something is in or where something is at, they’ll likely say “Right yonder” or “Over yonder” and point with a finger to help guide you.

3. Y’all

In Michigan, most people will say “you guys” when referring to a group of people. Being a proper Southerner, however, my husband uses “Y’all.” Thankfully, it is an appropriate contraction of the words you and all. We use it most often when talking to our mix of children.

5. Bless Your Heart

This phrase is one of my favorite Southern expressions because it can be a passive insult or a meaningful compliment. As an insult, it means that you’re dim in the mental acuity department. As a compliment, it means that whoever is saying it appreciated that you thought of them.

6. Fixin’ To

When I was a sophomore in college, I met a couple of girls from Texas, and it was the first time I ever heard the phrase “Fixin’ to.” This phrase can mean anything you’re planning to do in the future. However, it usually refers to something you’re hoping to do.

https://wealthynickel.com/15-southern-sayings-that-northerners-need-a-translator-to-understand-0424/

Who Benefits From Racism?

An excerpt from CNN.com - 

A White author calculated just how much racism has benefited her. Here’s what she found

By Harmeet Kaur, CNN

Tracie McMillan, journalist and author of "The White Bonus,"
outside her home in Detroit, Michigan. Sarah Rice

Exactly how much has racism benefited White Americans?

Journalist and author Tracie McMillan did the math: The advantages she’s gotten over her life from being White, she estimates, amount to $371,934.30.

To calculate that number, McMillan tallied those benefits and divided them into two categories: A family bonus, which includes money her parents spent on her college tuition, educational loans she got from her grandfather and an inheritance; and a social bonus, which includes jobs, apartments and access to credit she’s gotten throughout her life.

Those resources and capital, she concludes, wouldn’t have been available to her if it weren’t for her race.

In her new book, “The White Bonus: Five Families and the Cash Value of Racism in America,” which publishes Tuesday, McMillan traces just how much of her family’s modest wealth can be attributed to policies and practices that have systematically hurt Black Americans.

Through investigative research, interviews and personal recollections, McMillan examines how racism has shaped her life, as well as the lives of four other White, middle class families.

“It was the one story about White people that I didn’t know,” she says.

McMillan, who grew up in rural Michigan and now lives in New York, didn’t have a particularly privileged upbringing by most standards. As she details in the book, she grew up in an abusive household and an unfortunate accident left her mother unable to care for her. In college, McMillan juggled numerous jobs to support herself, and as a working journalist, she’s had her own brushes with poverty.

Despite those hardships, McMillan says the financial advantages she’s experienced because of her race are undeniable. Her grandparents benefited from federal programs that largely excluded Black people, allowing them to build wealth that was then passed on to the next generation. That enabled her parents to help her pay to attend an elite university, which in turn opened doors to employment opportunities.

But, as she writes in the book, those advantages also come with a cost — not just to Black Americans, but White people like her.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/22/us/the-white-bonus-book-tracie-mcmillan-cec/index.html

Mareena Robinson Snowden, PhD; the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Nu...

https://youtu.be/Bskf6FOkK74?si=pseviGj3ILLAZ_AC

https://shinemycrown.com/mareena-robinson-snowden-celebrating-the-first-black-woman-to-earn-phd-in-nuclear-engineering-from-mit/