Black History Month 2022: Sam Sanders, Zach Stafford, Saeed Jones

These three amazing voices from right now, what a troika of power and good in the world. Zach Stafford, accomplished journalist and editor, including the first Black Editor-In-Chief at The Advocate, also Editor-In-Chief at Buzzfeed, and also an investigative journalist at The Guardian. Poet in power, author, amazing voice, Saeed Jones. Thoughtful, provocative, insightful, so …

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Black History Month 2022: Sidney Poitier

Quite an air this man had about him. A certain class, a particular panache, set him apart. First African-American actor to win the Oscar Award for Best Actor. So many acclaims, so many accolades, one of the last actors of the Golden Age. Sidney Poitier: “I do know I’m responsible not for what happens but …

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Black History Month 2022: Lena Horne

Mmm, mmm, what a lady what a lady. Seasame Street was the first time I recall Ms. Lena Horne. She performed for decades, stole the hearts of countless, and shined bright for all to see. Lena Horne: “Don't be afraid to feel as angry or as loving as you can, because when you feel nothing, …

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Black History Month 2022: Jim Brown

I recall hearing this man’s name for the first time from my dad. Jim Brown played for the American Football team the Cleveland Browns, in the 1960’s. Grinder in on the gridiron. Then a grinder for civil rights after he retired from football. This quote might capture a bit of his attitude: “ I'm not …

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Black History Month 2022: Al Sharpton

Born in New York City, a Civil Rights protege of Jesse Jackson and by extension even Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist Minister like them, an outspoken voice and leader and energized force in the fight for social justice, Consistent in his demand and insistence on shining the light on racial injustice when he sees …

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Black History Month 2022: Fredrick Douglass

A visionary with a history, and a purpose; and articulate and thoughtful man who believed on decency, and what is right. Born into slavery two hundred years ago, he escaped to freedom, and became a tireless voice for those not treated equally in American society. He spoke up not only for and end to slavery, …

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Black History Month 2022: Amanda Gorman

This young woman, amazing. Amazed at her perspective, her vision, her beauty inside and out, her...words. Her words that no no boundaries, truly. Her power, from within, deep within. Her view, her words, her vision of what can be, what will be, inspired. Never more true than now, right now, with voices like hers, her …

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Black History Month 2022: Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali

Speakers of their truth, living their lives in outspoken, inspired form, both men were drivers during the Civil Rights era of the 1960’s. One made it further, the other didn’t. Provocative, provoking, unrelenting. Malcolm X: “Without education, you’re not going anywhere in this world.” Muhammad Ali: “You don’t lose if you get knocked down; you …

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Black History Month 2022: Andre Leon Talley

Didn’t know about this guy. Glad to have discovered a little about him, amazed and inspired by his fortitude, spark, and vision. 6 foot 6 inches tall, a Black, Queer Man, in a cape often times, that’s how he was introduced to me. Quite the human, quite the larger than life influencer on design, lifestyle, …

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A Year And A Day: “The Hill We [Still] Climb”

Gonna use parts of this one over the next several weeks (and beyond) -- what an amazing piece with so many insights -- but to start let’s hear the whole thing, a year and a day since Ms. Amanda Gorman shared this vision with the world... and set the tone for the way forward, forward …

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