Entertainment

Quote Of The Month

“They exchanged strange fruit for yellow tape and chalk lines.”
Salt from Salt and Pepa at NAACP Image awards

Celebrating the Life of Oliver “Power” Grant

We honor a true architect of culture — Oliver “Power” Grant — a visionary whose influence extended far beyond music, shaping how hip-hop artists build empires, assert ownership, and define cultural identity.

Power passed away in February 2026 at the age of 52, leaving behind a legacy that few can match. His death was confirmed by the Wu-Tang Clan, and later the cause — pancreatic cancer — was publicly shared, adding a human and vulnerable chapter to a life defined by strength and innovation. 

The Silent Force Behind a Movement

Power didn’t rap. He wasn’t on stages spitting verses. But without him, the Wu-Tang Clan as we know it — its structure, its business strategy, and its cultural reach — might never have existed. Born in Jamaica and raised in Staten Island’s Park Hill projects, Power grew up alongside RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, and the rest of the Clan. 

It was over a game of chess that he earned the nickname “Power” — a fitting title for someone whose force would push ideas into realities. 

In Wu-Tang’s earliest days, when the group was unsigned and unknown, Power was instrumental in securing funding and studio time for what would become Protect Ya Neck and the seminal Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). He served as executive producer, linking their raw talent to the mechanisms that turned underground sound into global phenomenon. 

Vision Beyond Music — Building a Brand

Power understood something rare in hip-hop’s early days: the music was only one part of a bigger cultural identity. In 1995, he launched Wu Wear — one of the first large-scale artist-owned fashion lines in hip-hop history. Wu Wear became an instant symbol of ’90s culture, carried nationwide in department stores and generating millions in revenue at its peak. 

About that venture, he once said:

“Wu Wear was pretty much like our entry in the fashion biz… everything that we learned was hard-knock life. You figure it out as you go along…” 

His willingness to enter uncharted territory — fashion, merchandising, gaming, and branding — helped lay the blueprint for artists today to own and control their narratives and revenue streams.

Power didn’t stop there. He helped extend Wu-Tang into the world of interactive media with the Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style video game, blending hip-hop mythology with new platforms. He also ventured into acting, appearing in films like Belly and Black and White, sharing the screen with icons and bringing Wu-Tang energy into visual storytelling. 

Tributes and Legacy

When news of his passing spread, the reactions from those closest to him spoke volumes:

• Method Man wrote, “Paradise my brother safe travels! I am not OK.”  
• GZA said, “Wu wouldn’t have come to fruition without Power…” acknowledging his foundational role.  
• Raekwon shared, “POWER we been everywhere… now you everywhere! The most high is merciful.”  
• Industry peers like DJ Premier called him a “pioneer for the culture.”  

These are not just words of respect; they’re testimonies from men whose careers — and lives — were shaped by the infrastructure Power helped build.

Far-Reaching Influence

Power’s life reminds us that hip-hop’s greatest architects don’t always stand in the spotlight. They shape systems, mold opportunities, and create pathways where none existed. His entrepreneurial instincts — from record production to fashion to gaming — set precedents that today’s artists now take for granted.

Many hip-hop artists now leverage fashion lines, multimedia ventures, and global branding — moves that were once unconventional. Power saw that early. He built forward.

Remembering a Builder

Oliver “Power” Grant’s passing is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. But it’s his legacy — of innovation, ownership, and culture — that will endure. The Wu-Tang Clan’s massive global impact, its influence on music, fashion, and brand ownership, stands as proof of his vision.

For those who wear the “W,” for those who grew up in Wu Wear, for those who learned what it means to own your art and your future — his spirit still resonates.

Rest in Power, Power. 

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Sinners Sweeps Award Season

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan Lead Historic Wins for the Film

By Maurice Woodson

Few films have dominated an awards season the way Sinners has in 2026. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler, the film has captured the attention of critics, audiences, and award voters alike, sweeping major ceremonies and solidifying itself as one of the most celebrated films of the year.

The film’s momentum reached a major milestone on March 1 when Sinners swept the 32nd Screen Actors Guild Awards—now known as the Actor Awards—winning Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, one of the ceremony’s most prestigious honors.

Leading man Michael B. Jordan also took home Male Actor in a Leading Role, adding another major accolade to an already impressive awards run.

During his acceptance speech, Jordan reflected on the journey of making the film and the power of collaboration.

“This film was about truth, sacrifice, and the power of community,” Jordan said. “Working with this cast and with Ryan again reminded me why storytelling matters. We poured everything we had into Sinners, and seeing it resonate with audiences like this means the world.”

Jordan’s win is part of a broader recognition of his performance this season, with critics praising the emotional intensity and depth he brought to the role.

A Historic Run at the NAACP Image Awards

The film’s success continued at the 57th NAACP Image Awards, where Sinners delivered one of the most dominant performances in the ceremony’s history, taking home 13 awards.

Among the major wins:

NAACP Image Awards – 2026

• Outstanding Film – Sinners
• Outstanding Directing – Ryan Coogler
• Outstanding Actor – Michael B. Jordan
• Outstanding Supporting Actress – Wunmi Mosaku
• Outstanding Supporting Actor – Delroy Lindo
• Outstanding Breakthrough Performance – Miles Caton
• Outstanding Stunt Ensemble
• Outstanding Cinematography – Autumn Durald Arkapaw
• Outstanding Soundtrack / Compilation Album
• Outstanding Original Score

The night was particularly historic for Coogler. With his win for directing, he became the first director to win multiple times for projects recognized for their ensemble excellence, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most influential storytellers of his generation.

In his remarks, Coogler emphasized that the film’s success belonged to everyone involved.

“This film was built on the strength of an incredible ensemble,” Coogler said. “Every person—from the actors to the stunt team, the cinematographer, the musicians—brought their soul into this story. Awards like this remind us what happens when a group of artists come together with one shared purpose.”

The Coogler–Jordan Creative Partnership

The continued collaboration between Coogler and Jordan has become one of the most celebrated partnerships in modern Hollywood. From Fruitvale Station to Creed and Black Panther, the duo has consistently delivered culturally resonant and commercially successful films.

With Sinners, they once again proved their creative chemistry.

Jordan spoke about that partnership while accepting one of his awards during the season.

“Ryan challenges me every time we work together,” Jordan said. “He pushes me to go deeper, to be more honest, to bring the full humanity of a character to the screen. That trust is something every actor hopes to find with a director.”

Building Momentum Toward the Oscars

The film’s victories at the Actor Awards and the NAACP Image Awards have significantly boosted Sinners’ momentum heading into the Academy Awards, where many industry insiders now consider the film a major contender.

Beyond trophies and accolades, the success of Sinners signals something even larger: a continued demand for powerful, unapologetic storytelling that centers Black voices, history, and artistry.

For Coogler, Jordan, and the entire cast and crew, this award season has become more than a celebration of a film—it’s a moment of cultural recognition.

And if the momentum continues, Sinners may not be finished making history just yet.

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Celebrating Beyond the Gates: Year One of a Cultural Milestone

By Maurice Woodson

I don’t remember a time in my life when soap operas weren’t playing in the background of my home.

Thanks to my mother, I grew up on Another World, As the World Turns, All My Children, Guiding Light, Dark Shadows, Generations, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful. In a house with one television, what she watched — we watched.

So when I say I understand daytime television, I mean it.

And then came Beyond the Gates.

It didn’t ease onto the screen. It arrived with a bang — literally — when Dani Dupree fired a gun at her ex-husband’s wedding to her daughter’s close friend. It was shocking. It was messy. It was dramatic.

It was soap opera done right.

Historic — But More Than Historic

Created by Michele Val Jean, Beyond the Gates became the first new daytime soap in 27 years. While Generations broke ground decades ago with a Black family at its center, this series goes further — placing a wealthy, politically connected Black dynasty front and center with no apology and no dilution.

Val Jean has spoken about her intention to create a show that reflects “the fullness of Black life — the glamour, the legacy, the complexity.” And that is exactly what she delivered.

The show revolves around the Dupree family in an elite gated Maryland community founded by Vernon Dupree’s father — a sanctuary built out of both protection and pride.

At the helm:

• Clifton Davis as Vernon Dupree, the dignified patriarch. Davis has described the role as portraying “a man who carries history in his bones.”
• Tamara Tunie as Anita Dupree, whose elegance masks steel. Tunie has called Anita “a woman who understands power but leads with grace.”
• Daphnée Duplaix as Dani Dupree, the show’s emotional wildfire. Duplaix has said Dani is “wounded, passionate, and unapologetic about wanting more.”
• Karla Mosley, bringing veteran soap grounding and nuance to the ensemble.

Season One didn’t just entertain — it confronted.

The show tackled racism, generational trauma, “sundown town” legacies, political ambition, entrepreneurship, ageism, romance, Black hair politics, and the delicate balancing act of legacy versus reinvention.

But what elevated it beyond social commentary was its texture. It allowed Black wealth to be seen without caricature. It allowed vulnerability without victimhood. It allowed joy.

By the end of 2025, critics and fans were calling it the best soap opera on air. The show earned NAACP Image Award recognition and multiple industry honors, affirming what audiences already knew: this wasn’t a novelty — it was excellence.

As Clifton Davis reflected in an interview, “This show isn’t about proving we belong. It assumes we do.”

That confidence defines Year One.

And Season Two has only raised the bar.

Tray Chaney, Creating His Own Path with Love & Larceny

By Maurice Woodson

For years, audiences have known Tray Chaney as “Poot” — the loyal, conflicted corner boy from The Wire. For five unforgettable seasons, Chaney helped shape one of television’s most revered dramas. He later expanded his résumé with six seasons on Saints & Sinners and a two-season run on BMF, executive produced by 50 Cent.

But in 2025, Tray Chaney made a different kind of move — one not defined by casting calls or network deals.

He created his own path.

Chaney proudly announced the release of his first independently produced television series, Love & Larceny, now streaming exclusively on Tubi. The series marks a major milestone: his first television project starring and executive producing without the backing of a major network.

This isn’t just another credit. It’s ownership.

Betting on Himself

In an industry where validation often comes from major studios and network budgets, Chaney took the independent route — a path filled with risk, sacrifice, and relentless faith.

Love & Larceny represents more than a new show. It symbolizes autonomy. It’s about creative control, culture-driven storytelling, and building something from the ground up.

“This project represents our blood, sweat, and tears,” Chaney shared. “We’re proud of what we’ve built independently, and we’re just getting started.”

That “we” is intentional.

The series is a collaborative effort between Chaney and filmmaker Jordan Marcel, known as “FoolWithTheCamera.” Love & Larceny is their fourth project together, solidifying a creative partnership built on trust, grit, and shared vision. In an era where many chase viral moments, this duo is building legacy.

Surviving the Storm — Literally

Chaney’s independent spirit feels even more profound considering what he endured earlier this year. On May 29, 2025, he survived a devastating tornado — a real-life storm that could have easily rewritten his story.

Instead, it sharpened it.

Survival changes perspective. It clarifies purpose. It reminds you that tomorrow isn’t promised — so if you’re going to build something, build it boldly.

There’s something poetic about a tornado survivor choosing to create a project called Love & Larceny. Life takes. Life gives. You lose things. You fight for others. And sometimes you reclaim your narrative entirely.

From Character Actor to Architect

For many actors, landing a role on The Wire would be enough to define a lifetime. The show remains one of television’s most respected cultural touchstones — dissected in classrooms and debated in barbershops decades later.

But Chaney refused to let nostalgia box him in.

His career progression — from gritty crime dramas to faith-based series to premium cable hits — demonstrates range. Yet Love & Larceny signals something even more powerful: transition.

He is no longer just portraying the story.

He’s shaping it.

Executive producing independently requires more than talent. It demands business acumen, resilience, and the willingness to risk reputation and resources. Without a major network safety net, success hinges on audience connection and authentic storytelling.

Chaney understands his audience. He understands the culture. And most importantly, he understands himself.

Independent — But Not Alone

Streaming platforms like Tubi have opened doors for creators who once had to wait for corporate green lights. Independent filmmakers and actors now have a viable path to distribution without compromising their voice.

Chaney walked through that door.

Love & Larceny is proof that ownership is the new currency. It’s proof that the grind doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling. And it’s proof that survival — in Hollywood or in life — often births the boldest art.

Just Getting Started

When Tray Chaney says, “We’re just getting started,” it doesn’t sound like a cliché. It sounds like a declaration.

After surviving a literal storm, after decades in the business, after iconic roles and steady success — he is still hungry. Still building. Still betting on himself.

From “Poot” to producer.

From network actor to independent architect.

From surviving storms to creating legacy.

Tray Chaney didn’t just create a series.

He created his own oath.

Love & Larceny is now streaming on Tubi

Black Zone Social: More Than Just a Social Media Platform

By Maurice Woodson

Nothing has reshaped modern society quite like social media.

It’s where we share thoughts in real time. Where we break news before networks do. Where we laugh at memes, debate politics, promote businesses, and document everyday life. Social media has made content creation and public conversation the norm.

But there’s a growing problem — and it may not be what you think.

The issue isn’t just screen time. It isn’t just algorithms.

It’s control.

Today, nearly every major platform — from X to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok — operates under ownership structures and leadership that often feel disconnected from the communities that fuel them. Content moderation policies fluctuate. Hate speech policies are inconsistently enforced. Bots amplify division. Political agendas seep into timelines whether invited or not.

For many Black users, these platforms no longer feel neutral — let alone safe.

That reality sparked a question:

What would a social platform look like if it were designed intentionally — with us in mind from day one?

That question became Black Zone Social.

More Than a Feed

Yes, Black Zone Social allows you to post thoughts, share updates, comment, and build community — much like traditional platforms.

Yes, you can go live — audio or video — and connect directly with your audience.

Yes, you can upload or film short-form videos.

But Black Zone Social was built to be more than a feed.

It’s a hub.

We integrated interactive games like chess, single-player spades, dominoes, Space Defender, football quarterback challenges, and basketball free throw — games many of us grew up on. Social media shouldn’t just be scroll and argue. It should also be play.

And then there’s my personal favorite:

Get On The Mic

“Get On The Mic” takes me back to after-school days — when we’d gather around a beat and freestyle for hours. No contracts. No pressure. Just rhythm and creativity.

On Black Zone Social, users can choose from more than 60 music tracks, rap or sing over the beat, record directly in the platform, and post their creation. It’s not about being a professional artist — it’s about expression. It’s about fun. It’s about culture.

You can even challenge others to friendly rap or song battles.

If that isn’t community, what is?

Safety First — By Design

Black Zone Social wasn’t just built for creativity. It was built for protection.

We’ve implemented advanced bot-blocking systems to limit coordinated misinformation and automated harassment. Reports of racist or abusive behavior are reviewed swiftly. Suspicious or false accounts are monitored 24/7.

We also built in layered youth safety features:

• Users 15 and younger can only interact with others in their age group.

• Children under 10 cannot register.

• Adults cannot view or engage with content from users 15 and under.

Because community means responsibility.

Ownership Matters

Black Zone Social is 100% Black-owned. No outsourced investors. No leased infrastructure. No hidden controlling interests.

We built it ourselves.

The goal was simple but ambitious: create an all-in-one social hub that centers culture, protects users, and gives people space to build community without feeling algorithmically suppressed or politically manipulated.

Social media should not feel hostile.

It should not feel biased.

It should not feel like your voice is being limited.

It should feel like home.

The Invitation

Black Zone Social is live now at www.blackzonesocial.com, with mobile apps launching before the end of April.

This isn’t about abandoning other platforms overnight.

It’s about building something of our own.

A place where your rhythm is understood.

Your voice isn’t filtered.

And your culture isn’t an afterthought.

Black Zone Social.

More than just a platform.

A community.

FINDING JOY DURING CHAOS

By Maurice Woodson

In a time when the world seems to be unraveling in real time—news cycles dominated by the aggressive behavior of immigration enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ongoing wars in multiple regions across the globe, and the renewed public scrutiny surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein Files—many people are asking themselves a simple but profound question: How do we find peace in the middle of so much noise?

The weight of constant crisis can feel overwhelming. Social media feeds overflow with disturbing headlines, political battles, and endless debates about the direction of the country and the world. For many, the emotional toll of witnessing injustice, conflict, and uncertainty day after day can leave the spirit drained.

And yet, even in the midst of this chaos, people are finding ways to reclaim moments of peace, joy, and balance.

Across the country, individuals are turning inward—not to ignore the world, but to protect their well-being within it. Mindful living is no longer seen as a luxury or passing trend; it has become a necessary act of survival. From busy city apartments to quiet rural homes, people are intentionally creating spaces where calm can exist.

Simple rituals have taken on deeper meaning. Scented candles flicker in living rooms not just for ambiance, but to slow the mind after a long day. Meditation apps now live permanently on smartphones, offering a few moments of stillness between the chaos of daily life. Yoga studios, community centers, and online wellness classes continue to grow, giving people space to breathe, stretch, and reconnect with their bodies.

But perhaps the most powerful source of joy during uncertain times isn’t found in solitude—it’s found in community.

Friends gathering for dinner, neighbors checking in on one another, families laughing around kitchen tables—these moments of connection are becoming essential medicine. In a world that often feels divided and isolating, community reminds us that we are not alone. Shared laughter, honest conversations, and mutual support provide emotional grounding that no headline can take away.

Dietary habits are also evolving as people rethink what wellness means in their everyday lives. Many are choosing to step away from alcohol, instead embracing herbal teas, fresh juices, or nutrient-packed smoothies. Blenders hum in kitchens across the country, mixing vibrant combinations of leafy greens, antioxidant-rich berries, tropical fruits, and plant-based proteins.

These choices may seem small, but they represent something much larger: a deliberate effort to care for the body and mind.

The pursuit of wellness spans generations. Teenagers navigating social pressures and digital overload are exploring mindfulness and self-care practices earlier than ever before. Meanwhile, older generations are rediscovering health routines that bring renewed energy and purpose. From morning walks with friends to group fitness classes and meditation circles, people of all ages are redefining what it means to live well.

For some, wellness is physical—better sleep, stronger immunity, and more energy to face the day. For others, it is emotional: reducing anxiety, protecting mental health, and cultivating inner peace despite the storms raging outside.

But at its core, the movement toward mindful living is about something deeper: reclaiming agency in a world that often feels out of control.

We cannot always stop wars. We cannot always control the decisions made by powerful institutions. We cannot silence every scandal or prevent every injustice.

But we can choose how we respond.

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Sex Diaries

Men and Women Share Intimate Stories of Sex and Intimacy

We don’t talk about sex enough — not honestly, anyway.

When we do, it’s often reduced to spectacle or silence. Either exaggerated or erased. Rarely given the space to be what it actually is for many of us: layered, emotional, healing, confusing, powerful.

At Black Zone Magazine, we wanted to slow the conversation down.

Because intimacy isn’t loud.

It doesn’t rush.

It doesn’t perform.

It listens.

So we invited men and women to the table — different ages, different experiences, different truths — and asked them not how they have sex, but how they experience intimacy. What emerged wasn’t just desire, but memory. Not just passion, but healing.

These are their diaries — intertwined, unfinished, deeply human.

“I forgot what it felt like to be touched without expectation.” — Monique, 42

Monique hadn’t realized how guarded her body had become until someone noticed her hesitation. After divorce, intimacy felt like something she had survived rather than enjoyed.

“The first time he reached for me, he didn’t pull. He waited.”

That pause mattered.

She remembers how he held her face before kissing her, how his hands rested without claiming. How he asked what made her feel safe.

“No one had ever asked me that in bed.”

For Monique, that moment marked the beginning of healing sex — not dramatic or overwhelming, but restorative. Sex that didn’t demand anything from her. Sex that felt like permission to soften.

Healing sex, she learned, isn’t about forgetting what hurt you.

It’s about being with someone who respects where you are.

“I was taught to take desire, not receive it.” — Andre, 35

Andre grew up believing masculinity required dominance, confidence, certainty. Vulnerability was something you hid — especially in the bedroom.

Then he met someone who paid attention.

“She noticed when my breathing changed. When my shoulders tensed. She’d stop and ask where my mind went.”

That question stayed with him.

For the first time, sex felt like presence instead of performance. He didn’t have to prove anything. He didn’t have to lead every moment.

“Being desired like that — fully, intentionally — changes how you see yourself.”

Andre’s experience speaks to a truth many men carry quietly: intimacy becomes deeper when masculinity is allowed to be tender.

Anticipation as Intimacy — Tasha, 29

For Tasha, intimacy begins long before the bedroom.

“It’s the way he texts me during the day. The way his hand finds my lower back without thinking.”

She believes desire is cultivated.

“When we come together, it feels earned. Built. Sacred.”

That intentionality feeds long-term desire — the kind that doesn’t fade with time, but evolves with care. Romance, for her, isn’t grand gestures. It’s consistency. Thoughtfulness. Emotional presence.

“Feeling chosen all day makes intimacy feel natural at night.”

Relearning Each Other — Marcus, 47

Marriage didn’t dull Marcus’s desire — disconnection did.

“There was a point where we were touching, but not connecting.”

It wasn’t until he and his partner began speaking honestly — about disappointment, fantasy, fear — that intimacy returned.

“We slowed everything down. Talked more than we touched.”

That slowness brought depth.

Long-term desire, Marcus learned, isn’t sustained by routine. It’s sustained by curiosity. By choosing to keep learning the person you think you already know.

“I savor intimacy now.” — Renee, 51

Renee doesn’t rush anymore. Not conversations. Not connection. Not sex.

“I want presence before passion.”

She knows what she wants — and what she won’t accept. For her, intimacy is rooted in self-respect. In agency. In choosing partners who add to her peace.

“When someone listens without trying to fix or control, that’s seductive.”

Her story reminds us that desire doesn’t diminish with age — it clarifies. And intimacy becomes richer when it’s no longer tied to validation.

Freedom Without Scripts — Jordan, 33

For Jordan, intimacy meant liberation.

“We didn’t have roles. We didn’t perform.”

Their relationships were built on communication — desires named, boundaries honored. That openness made sex feel collaborative instead of scripted.

“The safest intimacy I’ve known came from being seen without explanation.”

Intimacy after trauma often requires this kind of freedom — the absence of pressure, the presence of patience. A reminder that closeness doesn’t have to hurt to be real.

Where All These Stories Meet

Across every voice, a quiet truth emerges:

• Healing happens when sex is intentional
• Desire lasts when intimacy is nurtured
• Trauma softens when safety is prioritized

Intimacy after trauma isn’t about forcing yourself forward.

It’s about allowing yourself to arrive.

Sometimes slowly.

Sometimes imperfectly.

Always honestly.

And long-term desire?

It’s less about keeping the fire burning and more about tending the warmth.

The Power of Being Seen

What makes sex unforgettable isn’t technique.

It’s trust.

It’s being held without performance.

Desired without demand.

Touched without fear.

In a world that teaches us to armor up, choosing intimacy is radical.

These diaries don’t offer answers — they offer permission.

To feel.

To slow down.

To heal.

To desire deeply and responsibly.

Because when intimacy is rooted in care, it doesn’t just satisfy the body.

It restores the soul.

30-Day Ab Challenge: Strengthen and Sculpt Your Core

There’s no shortcut to a strong core, but with consistency, discipline, and the right plan, you can transform your midsection in just 30 days. A strong core isn’t just about toned abs — it’s the foundation of your body. It improves balance, posture, stability, and helps protect against injuries. Whether you’re aiming for definition or simply more strength in your everyday movements, this 30-day challenge is designed to get you there.

The Rules of the Challenge

1. Commit to 30 Days
   No skipping. This challenge is about building consistency. The workouts are short (10–15 minutes), so make it non-negotiable.
2. Progressive Overload
   Each week gets harder — reps increase, moves combine, and intensity builds to push your muscles to grow stronger.
3. Form Over Speed
   Proper form is everything. Keep your core tight, move slowly and with control. Quality > quantity.
4. Pair with Cardio + Nutrition
   Abs are built in the gym but revealed in the kitchen. A balanced diet with lean protein, vegetables, whole grains, and reduced processed sugars will accelerate your results. Add light cardio (walking, cycling, HIIT) to burn fat.
5. Listen to Your Body
   Soreness is normal, pain is not. Modify if needed, but don’t quit.

The 30-Day Ab Challenge

Each day should take about 10–15 minutes. You don’t need equipment — just a mat and commitment.

Week 1: Build the Foundation

Focus: Core activation, basic strength

• 20 crunches
• 15 leg raises
• 20 Russian twists (each side = 1 rep)
• 30-second plank
• Repeat 2 rounds

Week 2: Turn Up the Heat

Focus: Endurance, stability

• 25 crunches
• 20 bicycle crunches (each side = 1 rep)
• 20 reverse crunches
• 40 Russian twists
• 45-second plank
• Repeat 2–3 rounds

Week 3: Define and Sculpt

Focus: Strength, definition

• 30 sit-ups
• 25 mountain climbers (each side = 1 rep)
• 20 flutter kicks (each leg = 1 rep)
• 25 leg raises
• 1-minute plank
• Repeat 3 rounds

Week 4: Push for Power

Focus: Maximum burn, sculpting

• 30 crunches
• 30 bicycle crunches
• 25 reverse crunches
• 30 mountain climbers
• 25 V-ups
• 90-second plank
• Repeat 3–4 rounds

Pro Tips for Success

• Stay Hydrated: Muscles (including abs) need water to recover.
• Add Resistance: Hold a weight or water bottle during twists or sit-ups in Weeks 3–4.
• Engage Your Core All Day: Sit tall, pull your belly button toward your spine, and move with intention.
• Track Your Progress: Take photos on Day 1, Day 15, and Day 30. You’ll see the difference.

The Payoff

After 30 days, you’ll not only see a tighter, stronger midsection, you’ll feel the difference in everything from sitting at your desk to climbing stairs to carrying groceries. The abs you’ve been chasing aren’t just for show — they’re the engine that powers your entire body.

So grab your mat, set your timer, and commit to yourself. In one month, you won’t just look stronger — you’ll be stronger.

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Teen Roundtable

How the Next Generation Sees America—and How They Think It Can Be Saved

Adults keep telling young people they’re the future while actively setting that future on fire.

From rising racism and open xenophobia to endless foreign bombings justified by lies dressed up as patriotism, the message being sent is clear: profit matters more than people, power matters more than peace, and truth is optional.

We wanted to know how the generation coming of age in this moment actually feels—and more importantly, what they think needs to change.

This roundtable brings together teenagers from different races, identities, and backgrounds, all between the ages of 13 and 18. They are not experts. They are not politicians. They are simply living inside the consequences of adult decisions.

We asked them two things:

How do they see the state of the country going into 2026—and what do they believe could change its direction?

Here’s what they said.

Moderator Question

Racism and xenophobia are at an all-time high. Trump has bombed multiple foreign countries during his second term, including starting a war with Iran, while openly talking about taking resources and making people rich. What do you feel is the state of this country going into 2026, how will it affect your future—and what do you think needs to change for things to get better?

The Teen Roundtable

Jalen, 17

“America feels angry and divided. Like everyone’s choosing sides instead of choosing people. As a Black kid, I already feel like I’m behind before I even start. As for the war with Iran...we shouldn't even be in it. I'm scared of the war coming here. These are scary times for real.”

Way Forward:

“Schools need to teach real history, not just the ‘white’ parts. And politicians need to actually listen to young people instead of talking down to us. I know most of us are against war.”

Sofia, 16

“My family came here for safety, but now it feels like we’re constantly being blamed for everything. It makes me worry that no matter how hard I work, I won’t be accepted and won't be allowed to succeed. Trump and Republicans are saying the quiet parts out loud..and that is that they don't care if we exist or not. They want a white country for white people. It makes me feel powerless.”

Way Forward:

“People need to meet immigrants in real life. Not just hear about us on the news. And the government needs to stop using us as political targets. We get it...racism is alive and well in America, but we are here and most of our families have fought and bled to be here. Most companies couldn't survive without people like us. They need to acknowledge that and just stop with all this crazy.”

Marcus, 18

“Bombing countries like it’s nothing makes me feel like human life doesn’t matter. It’s scary to think that’s the kind of leadership we’re supposed to trust.”

Way Forward:

“We need leaders who care about diplomacy and peace, not money. War shouldn’t be the first option—it should be the last.”

Aaliyah, 15

“Adults keep saying ‘you’re the future,’ but they don’t protect us. Not in schools, not online, not in the world. We do mass shooting drills weekly. We now get lessons on what to do if approached by ICE. Ive been called the "N" word more times in the last year than I have in my entire life. I'm not going to lie, I'm angry and terrified. I'm 15, how do you think all of this affects my mental state. I know, no one wants to hear this...but the truth is, with they way things are, so many kids my age have those "I don't want to be here any more" thoughts. Its not normal ”

Way Forward:

“Start protecting kids for real. Mental health support should be normal, not something you get judged for. We’re dealing with way too much.”

Ethan, 14

“Some kids repeat racist stuff they hear at home or online. Adults pretend it’s not happening, but it is.”

Way Forward:

“Parents and teachers need to call it out instead of ignoring it. If kids are taught better, things can actually change.”

Naomi, 17

“Being a Black girl already feels like I’m seen as a problem. Watching the government value money over people just proves the system isn’t built for us. I deal with racism everyday..from classmates, teachers, and people I encounter. Why? because they think I don't matter and am less than them. I'm not. We're not.”

Way Forward:

“We need more Black leaders who actually care about communities, not just their careers. And voting needs to be easier, not harder. True history needs to be taught because nothing shuts up a racist then them learning not only are they almost always the villian of every story, but that Black people have contributed so much to this country through inventions, innovations, heroics, exploration and so much more. My parents have taught me so much about all the things that every in this country still enjoy today that is thanks to people who look like us. But its not generally taught so no one knows. and more importantly we all must remember that we matter!”

Luis, 16

“When politicians lie and everyone knows they’re lying, it makes you not trust anything.”

Way Forward:

“We need honesty. Even if the truth is ugly, I’d rather hear that than be manipulated.”

Jordan, 18 (transgender)

“My existence feels like a debate topic. That makes the future feel unsafe. I shouldn't need to debate whether I have worth or not. How is that our reality?”

Way Forward:

“Let people live. Laws should protect us, not erase us. Respect shouldn’t be political.”

Kayla, 13

“We’re young, but we’re paying attention. It feels like adults broke things and expect us to fix it. And how do we do that when the police are always on our ass, just for existing. We hear what they call us in the media and at the White House. We fell the hate at our schools. After President Obama, the world just lost its mind. Trump has created an environment that is insane. I was 3 when he became president, meaning My whole life has been filled with MAGA craziness, not to mention Covid, ICE and wars.”

Way Forward:

“Give young people real voices. Not just on social media—actually let us help make decisions. And Get Trump out of office. This guy is going to get us all killed when those he picks fights with decide to begin bombing this country.”

Closing Reflection

What stands out isn’t just fear—it’s awareness.

These teens see the patterns adults claim are invisible. They recognize when war is about profit, when racism is rebranded as policy, and when young people are praised in words but abandoned in action.

They aren’t asking for perfection.

They’re asking for honesty, protection, inclusion, and peace.

If this country wants to change its trajectory, it won’t start with bombs or blame—it will start by listening to the very people who will inherit whatever America becomes next.

This is Teen Roundtable. And this generation has something to say.

The ABC's Of Black History

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