YouTube video by America in Black and White

YouTube video by America in Black and White

YouTube video by America in Black and White

YouTube video by America in Black and White

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YouTube video by America in Black and White

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.

As I look back on 2025, I’m overwhelmed, not by the challenges, but by the grace, the connection, and the extraordinary people who walked with me through this season. This year was more than another chapter of America in Black and White and Changing Trends and Times. It was a year of healing, rebuilding, and rediscovering purpose. And that’s because of you, my guests, my supporters, my community, my family. Season 3: A Year That Changed Me Season 3 wasn’t just successful, it was transformational. Every guest who sat across from me brought wisdom, vulnerability, humor, and truth.

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.

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.

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.

Jason Collins has always been a trailblazer. In 2013, he became the first openly gay active NBA player, shattering barriers and inspiring countless athletes and fans. Today, he faces another battle, Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain cancers known to medicine. Collins first experienced symptoms in August 2025: confusion, memory lapses, and difficulty focusing. By September, his family announced he had a brain tumor. On December 11, Collins himself revealed the diagnosis in an ESPN essay, describing the cancer as a “monster with tentacles” spreading across his brain.

YouTube video by America in Black and White

YouTube video by America in Black and White

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…

YouTube video by America in Black and White

YouTube video by America in Black and White

Navigating the Economy: Paycheck to Paycheck and Retirement Accounts IntroductionAs 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.

IntroductionThe Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to expand access to health coverage for millions of Americans. Enhanced subsidies, first enacted during the pandemic, have kept premiums affordable for over 22 million people. But now, as Congress fails to extend these subsidies, the future of affordable healthcare hangs in the balance. What’s at Stake 22 million Americans currently benefit from ACA subsidies. Without extension, premiums will rise by an average of 114% in 2026. Families earning $75,000 could see costs increase by $3,368 annually. The Congressional Budget Office estimates…