Black Life. Black Culture. Black History. Black Joy.

November 2025

BLACK ZONE Magazine is the bold new voice of Black life, Black culture, Black history, and Black joy.

In a time when Black stories are being hidden, distorted, or erased, our mission is clear: To elevate, uplift, and educate—unapologetically—on what it truly means to be Black in America.

November 2025

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Yes...We Are Living in Dark Times, But We Mustn’t Succumb to the Darkness

Message From The Editor

There’s no denying it — we are living through dark and uncertain time.Human and civil rights are being stripped away. Black history is being erased. Across the country, Black professionals are being fired under the Trump administration and conservatives’ aggressive anti-DEI agenda.

Meanwhile, diseases we thought were behind us — COVID-19, mumps, syphilis, whooping cough, and more — are resurging, even as access to vaccines becomes more difficult. Food prices continue to soar, living costs climb higher, and critical benefits are being cut. On top of it all, democracy itself hangs by a thread — if it hasn’t already been lost to the creeping shadow of authoritarian rule.

Yes, these are dark times — heavy, overwhelming, and often heartbreaking. It’s understandable to feel angry, frustrated, or deeply weary. But even in this darkness, we cannot allow the shadows to block out all the light.

As we head into the holiday season, it’s more important than ever to find and live in your joy. Hold on to your peace. Seek out small victories, quiet moments, and reasons to smile. Enduring and persevering through darkness is nothing new to us. We are built for it — not just to survive, but to thrive as if the darkness never had power over us at all.

To do that, we must come together. Support one another. Uplift and elevate each other. Lean on family, friends, and community. And never take mental health lightly — whether it’s fatigue, anxiety, or depression, talk to someone. Get help. Healing is not weakness; it’s how we keep going.

We will not let this racist system — or the administration, or a Congress that enables it — dim our shine or steal our joy. As Vice President Kamala Harris said, “When we fight, we win.”

So this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, stand strong. Find joy. Embrace love. Remember — hate, racism, and division are all designed to break our spirit. What they never account for is our endurance, our creativity, and our power to rise above anything thrown our way.

If there was ever a time to be empowered, to build our own institutions, to create our own everything, and to unite as one people — it’s now. No one writes our destiny or controls our future but us.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving — and keep shining through the darkness.

Peace,
Maurice Woodson
Editor-in-Chief

Inner Harmony

Navigating Mental Health & Ending The Stigma

By Maurice Woodson

We live in precarious times. For many, life feels increasingly unstable. Job insecurity is growing, and with it, a loss of identity and self-worth. Prices continue to rise, making everyday necessities harder to afford. The political climate is charged and divisive, often creating stress in our communities, families, and even within ourselves. Against this backdrop, mental health challenges are becoming more common, more complex, and more overwhelming.

The World Health Organization reports rising rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout globally. Social isolation, financial pressure, and uncertainty about the future have all contributed to a mental health crisis that touches people across all ages and walks of life.

And yet, while awareness around mental health has improved, access to care has not kept pace. Therapy, which can be life-changing, is financially out of reach for many. Insurance coverage is inconsistent, waitlists are long, and resources in underserved communities remain scarce. So the question becomes: how do we take care of our mental health when professional help isn’t always accessible?

1. Start with Self-Awareness

The first step is recognizing how you’re feeling—without judgment. Are you constantly tired, anxious, angry, or numb? Naming your emotions is powerful. Journaling, voice notes, or simply reflecting at the end of each day can help you track patterns and identify stress triggers.

2. Limit Exposure to Negativity

While staying informed is important, constant exposure to bad news, online arguments, and social comparison can drain your mental energy. Set boundaries with media, mute toxic accounts, and take breaks from screens when needed. Curate your environment to protect your peace.

3. Prioritize Small Routines

You don’t need a perfect morning routine or hours of meditation to feel better. Sometimes, just waking up and making your bed, going for a short walk, or drinking water regularly can help create a sense of control. Small actions add up and signal to your brain that you care about yourself.

4. Connect with Others

Human connection is a basic need. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups—even if just through a message or quick call. Vulnerability can be scary, but you might be surprised how many others are also struggling and willing to listen or share.

If traditional therapy isn’t accessible, consider peer support groups, community-based programs, or virtual mental health spaces. Many nonprofits and grassroots organizations offer free or low-cost options online.

5. Use Free or Low-Cost Resources

There’s a growing number of free tools available:

Mental health apps like Insight Timer, Moodfit, or CBT-based tools like Woebot.
Podcasts and books that teach coping strategies, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.
YouTube channels and online workshops led by licensed therapists sharing techniques for managing anxiety, trauma, and stress.

These may not replace therapy, but they can support mental wellness in meaningful ways.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You’re navigating a world that is overwhelming—and doing the best you can. Self-compassion means recognizing your own suffering and treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.

A New Way Forward

Mental health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. While systemic changes are needed to make care truly accessible for all, we can still take steps, however small, toward healing. That might mean resting without guilt, learning to say no, finding creative outlets, or simply sitting with your emotions instead of pushing them away.

Navigating mental health in uncertain times is not easy—but it is possible. And every effort you make, no matter how small it may seem, is a courageous act of self-preservation.

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You Thought You Knew...

The UnErasing & UnHiding of Black History

By Maurice Woodson

Charles Richard Patterson and Fredrick Douglass Patterson

The Erased History of the First Black Automaker - C.R. Patterson and Son

When we tell the story of the American automobile, we usually begin with mass production lines, Henry Ford, and the Model T. What rarely makes the pages is the quieter, stubborn story of a family that built wheels, bodies, and engines with the same ingenuity — and against far greater odds.

Charles Richard (C.R.) Patterson was born into slavery in 1833 and, by the turn of the 20th century, had established a thriving carriage business in Greenfield, Ohio. His sons transformed that craft into one of the nation’s earliest Black-owned automobile ventures — a company whose achievements were real, respected at the time, but later largely erased from mainstream history.

From Blacksmith Apprentice to Carriage Builder

Charles “Rich” Patterson learned metalwork and wagon repair as a young man — skills that became the foundation of his life’s work. After the Civil War, he entered the carriage trade, partnering with white craftsmen before establishing his own company. Known for their sturdiness and elegant finishes, C.R. Patterson & Sons carriages gained a loyal following, especially among professionals and families seeking dependable transportation.

By the late 1800s, the business had grown steadily — employing dozens of skilled Black mechanics and craftsmen. By 1900, as many as fifty workers were producing up to 600 vehicles annually. Patterson’s shop became a symbol of Black excellence and enterprise in an era when both were systematically suppressed.

Patents, Innovation, and Borrowed Genius

Long before the Patterson-Greenfield automobile ever rolled off the line, the Patterson family had already proven themselves as innovators. Their carriages were admired nationwide for design, durability, and winter performance — particularly the Patterson Perfect Winter Buggy, which became a bestseller across the country.

C.R. Patterson held several patents, including one for a sliding carriage door mechanism that operated much like the side doors seen on today’s vans. The design was ahead of its time — running on interior tracks that prevented doors from freezing shut in harsh weather. The quality was so advanced that larger, white-owned carriage companies paid royalties to use Patterson’s design, often agreeing to a two-year waiting period before they could legally incorporate it into their own vehicles.

In other words, decades before Ford rolled out the Model T, a formerly enslaved Black inventor’s technology was being licensed and regulated by the very people who would later write him out of history. Patterson’s ingenuity not only shaped the market — it proved that innovation had no color, even when opportunity did.

Photo Caption: Workers of C.R. Patterson & Sons stand proudly beside a row of the company’s vehicles outside the Greenfield, Ohio workshop. Patterson’s carriages and buggies — including his patented sliding-door designs — were renowned for their craftsmanship and durability, setting a high standard for American carriage manufacturing. (Image courtesy of USDA / Nelson, “C.R. Patterson & Sons Company”)

A Son with a Vision: Frederick Douglass Patterson

Frederick Douglass Patterson, born in 1871 and educated at Ohio State University, inherited not only his father’s mechanical genius but also his fearless ambition. After his father’s passing in 1910, Frederick took the helm of the company and shifted its focus toward the future — motorized vehicles.

In 1915, the firm introduced the Patterson-Greenfield automobile, a handcrafted car that cost about $850 and was widely praised for its quality and elegance. The car’s design was said to rival — even surpass — Ford’s Model T in performance and comfort. But while Ford benefited from a white-controlled system of financing, suppliers, and dealerships, Frederick Patterson’s company faced the racial barriers that defined the Jim Crow era.

White-owned banks refused loans. Distribution networks and dealerships excluded Black-owned products. Despite the excellence of their engineering, C.R. Patterson & Sons could not expand at the scale of their white counterparts.

Resilience Amid Racism

Even so, Patterson’s business continued to adapt. When automobile mass production made small-batch manufacturing nearly impossible to sustain, the company pivoted to producing buses, commercial vehicles, and school wagons. Their school transportation vehicles, capable of carrying up to 28 students, became so popular that Patterson’s firm monopolized the school market across Ohio and surrounding states.

The company endured for decades — a remarkable feat given the financial and social constraints of the time — before finally closing its doors in 1939 amid the Great Depression. But its legacy didn’t die; it simply went uncredited.

Erasure and Rediscovery

Why has Patterson’s story been so easily forgotten? Part of it is the physical absence — few, if any, original Patterson-Greenfield cars are known to exist today. But the greater reason is systemic erasure. White historians, institutions, and industrial archives celebrated Ford and General Motors while overlooking the Black innovators who paved parallel paths.

Only in recent years have historians and institutions like the National Museum of African American History and Culture begun to highlight Patterson’s role as the first and only African American automobile manufacturer in U.S. history.

The Larger Truth: Black Ingenuity and Industrial America

The story of C.R. Patterson & Sons reshapes our understanding of the Industrial Revolution. It reveals that the machinery of progress was never built by one race or one class — it was built by countless hands, many of them Black, whose contributions were buried beneath the myths of white invention.

C.R. Patterson’s company didn’t fail — it thrived under impossible odds, innovated fearlessly, and proved that brilliance was never limited by skin color. What limited it was the system itself.

To un-erase this history is to restore truth, pride, and recognition where it always belonged.

Photo: In Sinners, the car driven by the SmokeStake twins is a C.R. Patterson & Sons' Patterson-Greenfield Automobile.

Remembering The Harlem Hellfighters

By Maurice Woodson

There has never been a war that Black men did not fight in — even when the nation they defended refused to fight for them. From the Revolution to World War I, they volunteered, served, and bled for a country that enslaved, segregated, and often despised them. Yet, despite systemic racism and institutional humiliation, they fought with unmatched courage, discipline, and pride. Among those who stood tallest in that long, bitter shadow were the men of the Harlem Hellfighters — the 369th Infantry Regiment.

Fighting for a Nation That Feared Them

When America entered World War I in 1917, the idea of arming Black men terrified white America. The wounds of slavery and Reconstruction were still fresh, and Jim Crow reigned supreme. President Woodrow Wilson, bowing to pressure from the South, had resegregated the federal government in 1913 — including the military.

Black men were drafted but often denied the right to fight. Instead, they were handed shovels, mops, and kitchen duty. They were told they lacked the discipline and intellect for combat — the same racist lies that had echoed since the first enslaved Africans arrived on American shores.

But these men from Harlem refused to be sidelined. They volunteered not out of love for the nation’s hypocrisy, but out of a fierce belief in their own worth — a desire to prove their humanity in a world that denied it.

“Black Is Not a Color in the Rainbow”

Before the regiment left for Europe, they were denied a place in the farewell parade of New York’s National Guard — the so-called “Rainbow Division.” The excuse: “Black is not a color in the rainbow.”

Yet history would prove that their courage shone brighter than any color.

Formed in 1916 as the 15th New York (Colored) Infantry Regiment, the unit would become the 369th U.S. Infantry Regiment, composed primarily of Black soldiers from Harlem. Once deployed overseas, they were immediately reassigned — not to American command, but to the French army. White American soldiers refused to serve beside them, while the French, already familiar with colonial African troops, welcomed their service.

Earning the Name “Hellfighters”

The French equipped them with rifles and helmets, and the Harlem men went to war. Their German enemies would soon learn to fear them — and it was those same enemies who gave them their enduring name: the Hellfighters.

The French called them “Men of Bronze.” Their original insignia bore a rattlesnake, earning them the nickname “Black Rattlers.” But it was their ferocity in battle — the unbreakable will to fight and survive — that made the “Hellfighters” name legendary.

One story stands above all others. In the early hours of May 15, 1918, Private Henry Johnson and Private Needham Roberts were on night sentry duty when they were attacked by a German raiding party. Outnumbered, outgunned, and surrounded, the two men fought like lions. Roberts was severely wounded. Johnson, refusing to surrender, used his rifle as a club until it splintered — and then drew his bolo knife, slashing through enemy soldiers in brutal hand-to-hand combat.

Johnson killed at least four Germans, wounded many others, and saved Roberts’ life.

For their actions, both men received the Croix de Guerre, France’s highest military honor. But the U.S. Army — bound by racism and hypocrisy — failed to recognize them at the time. It would take nearly a century for America to honor Johnson with the Medal of Honor in 2015.

191 Days on the Frontlines

The Harlem Hellfighters spent an astonishing 191 days in continuous combat — longer than any other American unit of its size during World War I. They fought in key battles like the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, pushing back German lines through relentless courage.

But bravery came at a cost. Over 1,400 Hellfighters were killed or wounded, one of the highest casualty rates of the entire war. Their valor earned the entire regiment the French Croix de Guerre, and 171 individual soldiers were also decorated for gallantry.

Jazz, Triumph, and the Homecoming Parade

Their heroism wasn’t confined to the battlefield. The regiment’s famous band, led by the legendary James Reese Europe, introduced the rhythms of Harlem jazz to Europe — igniting a cultural explosion that forever changed global music. Through their sound, they carried the soul of Black America across the Atlantic.

When the war ended, the Hellfighters were the first New York combat regiment to return home. On February 17, 1919, New Yorkers — Black and white alike — lined Fifth Avenue in the tens of thousands to witness history. The same soldiers once deemed “unfit to fight” now marched in full glory through the city that had once excluded them.

Their band played triumphant jazz as they moved up the avenue — the same streets that had denied them a “color in the rainbow.” That day, Harlem rose with them.

A Legacy Written in Courage

The Harlem Hellfighters returned home as decorated heroes, but America’s racism didn’t vanish with victory. Many were denied veterans’ benefits, promotions, and recognition. Yet their record of courage became a rallying cry in the long struggle for civil rights. They had proven that valor had no color — that loyalty and patriotism were not defined by complexion but by conviction.

Decades later, their story still resonates. In 2021, the 369th Infantry Regiment was finally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest honors. A recognition that came more than a century late — but better late than never.

The Harlem Hellfighters remind us that Black greatness has never needed permission to exist. Their legacy stands as both a testament and a warning — a testament to what we have achieved despite oppression, and a warning that America’s freedom has always come with a Black handprint on its foundation.

They were not just soldiers. They were warriors for dignity.

And their story — our story — must never be forgotten.

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Historic Quote of The month

"A lie doesn't become truth, wrong doesn't become right, and evil doesn't become good, just because it's accepted by a majority" - Booker T. Washington

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Featured Articles

Holiday Spirit

Holding On To Joy This Holiday Season

By Maurice Woodson

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy — bright lights, family gatherings, and festive meals that bring people together. But beneath the sparkle, many quietly struggle. For some, the holidays bring not comfort, but loneliness. The laughter around the table may remind them of empty seats. The giving season may instead remind them of what they lack — time, money, energy, or even peace of mind.

In today’s world, those feelings are magnified. Prices for food and gifts have skyrocketed. Unemployment is rising. Many households are stretched thin, trying to create holiday magic in an economy that seems to have drained it away. These are undeniably trying times, and it’s easy to lose sight of the joy the season promises.

But that’s exactly why this year, holding on to joy is not just important — it’s essential.

Joy doesn’t always arrive in grand moments. Sometimes, it shows up quietly — in the smell of cinnamon, the laughter of children, or the warmth of a shared meal. It’s found in the small, intentional choices we make to stay connected, grounded, and grateful.

Finding Joy in Simplicity

Rather than stretching yourself thin to meet unrealistic expectations, allow yourself to simplify. The holidays don’t have to be lavish to be meaningful. Consider turning dinners into potluck gatherings, where everyone contributes what they can. This not only eases financial pressure but deepens connection — each dish becomes a shared story, a shared joy.

Say no when you need to. Protect your peace. Supporting family doesn’t mean overextending yourself — it means being present, authentic, and compassionate. Sometimes, that’s the greatest gift you can offer.

The Power of Connection

Depression often thrives in isolation. Even when it feels easier to withdraw, reach out. A short phone call, a walk with a friend, or a shared cup of coffee can make a difference — for you and for them. The holidays are a time to give joy, but also to share it. You never know who might be uplifted simply because you showed up.

If you’ve lost someone dear, honor their memory by keeping their spirit alive in tradition. Light a candle, cook their favorite dish, tell their stories. Love doesn’t end with absence — it transforms.

Caring for Your Mind and Spirit

The pressures of the season — financial stress, grief, social expectations — can be heavy. Many also experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), when shorter days and less sunlight trigger fatigue or low mood. It’s important to acknowledge how you feel. Denying pain doesn’t heal it — but naming it can begin to release it.

Create a ritual that nurtures your spirit. Take a walk in the crisp winter air. Read a book with a warm drink by your side. Meditate, journal, or listen to music that soothes you. These moments of stillness are acts of healing.

Rediscovering Magic in the Everyday

Even in hard times, there are still sparks of magic. Listen for the sounds of the season — the hum of a choir, the laughter of children, the rustle of wrapping paper. Smell the sweetness of baked goods or the comfort of a favorite meal. Look for the glow of lights reflecting on cold windows.

Joy lives in these details — it just asks that we slow down enough to see them.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude transforms perspective. Each day, take a moment to notice something good — no matter how small. A smile. A meal. A sunrise. When we practice gratitude, we teach our hearts to see light even when the world feels dim.

And Remember

This holiday season, give yourself permission to feel everything — the joy, the sadness, the hope, the weariness. But through it all, choose to hold on to joy. It may not erase the pain or solve the problems, but it gives us the strength to endure and to uplift others.

Because even in the darkest of times, the spirit of the holidays — the spirit of love, resilience, and community — still burns bright.

Cancer and the Black Community

Understanding cancers that target the Black community and prevention strategies

By Maurice Woodson

Cancer doesn’t hit everyone equally. For the Black community in the United States, the burden is heavier, the outcomes harsher — and the reasons go far beyond biology. This is about lived experience, structural barriers, culture, economics, and the very real strategies we must deploy if we are to win this fight.

A Disproportionate Toll

Let’s start with the facts: Black Americans face higher incidence and worse outcomes from multiple cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, Black people in the U.S. have the highest death rate for cancer overall and a lower five-year survival rate compared to White people.

While the incidence of breast cancer in Black women is slightly lower than in White women, Black women still suffer about a 40% higher death rate. For prostate cancer, Black men are diagnosed more often and die at higher rates than men of other racial or ethnic groups. And overall, the death rate from all cancers combined is significantly higher in Black men and Black women than in their White counterparts.

If you are Black, your risk from cancer isn’t just biological — it’s societal, economic, and structural. Let’s unpack why.

Why the Disparity?

There is no single cause. These disparities come from a convergence of genetics, environment, healthcare access, cultural taboos, economic disadvantage, and structural racism.

Biological and Tumor Subtype Factors

Some cancers are more aggressive in Black patients for reasons still being researched. In breast cancer, Black women are more likely to present with aggressive subtypes, be diagnosed at a later stage, and have fewer treatment options. When a cancer is caught late or treatment is delayed or sub-optimal, outcomes suffer.

Socioeconomic and Structural Barriers

Where we live, how much money we make, the quality of our neighborhoods, access to healthy food, clean air, and fresh water — these are not luxuries. They deeply influence cancer risk and outcome.

Early-stage detection of breast, cervical, and lung cancers is less likely in Black people. Mortality differences also widen when you consider education and income: among women who had 16 or more years of education, the risk of dying from breast cancer was still 70% higher in Black women than in White women.

As Dr. Robert A. Winn emphasizes, place and space matter — not just DNA. Access to fresh food, pollution exposure, and quality medical care all shape our risk.

Cultural, Social, and Behavioral Factors

There are cultural barriers to screening and prevention. Fear of diagnosis, mistrust of the healthcare system, lack of awareness, and stigma around certain cancers all play roles. Screening rates are often lower and delays in follow-up treatment more common. These cultural and structural elements combine to create the perfect storm: higher risk, later diagnosis, worse outcomes.

Early-stage detection of breast, cervical, and lung cancers is less likely in Black people. There are cultural barriers to screening and prevention. Fear of diagnosis, mistrust of the healthcare system, lack of awareness, and stigma around certain cancers all play roles.

Cancers of Particular Concern in the Black Community

Several cancers disproportionately impact Black Americans:

Breast Cancer — While incidence is roughly similar to White women, death rate is about 40% higher for Black women.
Prostate Cancer — Black men face the highest rates of diagnosis and death of any racial group.
Colorectal Cancer — Screenings often occur later, so detection and treatment happen at more advanced stages.
Lung Cancer — Mortality remains high for Black men due to smoking patterns, environmental exposures, and unequal access to care.
Blood Cancers / Multiple Myeloma — Higher incidence and earlier age of onset are seen among Black Americans.
Hormonal and HER2-positive Cancers — Some aggressive, estrogen-driven subtypes appear more frequently in Black women, requiring targeted and timely treatment.

Prevention, Screening, and Early Detection — The Frontline

This is where lives are saved or lost. Many cancer deaths are preventable through early detection, lifestyle change, and access to quality care.

Lifestyle Changes

Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods and low in processed meats and sugars.
Don’t smoke. Tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable cancer deaths.
Limit alcohol and avoid known carcinogens in your environment.
Know your family history — genetic predisposition can raise your risk.

Screening and Early Detection

Regular mammograms for women per guidelines — or earlier if high-risk.
PSA screening discussions for men, especially Black men.
Colonoscopies starting at recommended ages or earlier for high-risk individuals.
Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer if you have a smoking history.
Don’t wait for symptoms — by then it may be too late.

Access to Quality Care

Having access to screening is one thing; having quality care is another.

Build a relationship with a primary doctor.
Ask if your treatment is the standard of care.
Seek second opinions.
Know that your voice matters — don’t let it be silenced in a system that too often overlooks Black patients.

Community and Structural Efforts

Community screening drives, mobile clinics, and culturally-tailored education campaigns help close the gap.
Policymakers must tackle insurance inequities, transportation barriers, and work-related obstacles that prevent people from getting screened.
Research must include more Black patients so that therapies developed apply to us all.

Therapeutic Progress and Black Leadershi

We are not helpless — and Black excellence is leading the charge.

Dr. Robert A. Winn, MD, Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, is transforming how we fight cancer by focusing on community engagement, trust-building, and equitable research that reaches underserved populations.

Dr. Lori J. Pierce, MD, radiation oncologist and former President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), has made health equity her life’s work. Her message is simple: “Equity — Every Patient. Every Day. Everywhere.”

Their leadership shows that progress is being built from within our community — not imposed from outside.

The Truth We Can’t Ignore

If you are Black, you carry elevated risk for many cancers. If you live in a community with fewer resources, if you delay screening, or if you lack access to quality treatment — that risk becomes deadly.

A Black woman under 50 has twice the mortality risk of a White woman of the same age with breast cancer. The survival gap persists even with similar income and education levels. And while cancer death rates among Black men have dropped nearly 50% since 1991, disparities remain.

This isn’t fear-mongering — it’s urgency. Cancer doesn’t wait for the right time. It grows, spreads, and steals potential. Early detection saves lives. Late detection limits options.

What You Can Do

What You Can DoIndividually:

Know your family history.
Stay current with screenings.
Ask questions and demand transparency.
Eat well, move often, and protect your body.
Advocate for yourself — loudly and unapologetically.

In Families and Communities:

Break the stigma around cancer and screenings.
Talk openly about symptoms, risk, and prevention.
Support church- and barbershop-based health initiatives.
Normalize proactive health, not reactive treatment.

In Systems and Policy:

Push for equitable healthcare coverage and culturally competent providers.
Demand representation in clinical trials.
Fund research addressing environmental and social determinants that raise cancer risk for Black communities.

Black Excellence Moving the Needle

Dr. Winn’s community-driven cancer research model and Dr. Pierce’s leadership in health equity embody Black brilliance in medicine. They remind us that representation in science and healthcare saves lives. When our people lead the research, the outreach, and the policy — the solutions become real, lasting, and just.

My Final Thought

This is personal. If you’re part of the Black community — or love someone who is — this matters. Knowledge and early action are the difference between survival and loss. Cancer will not wait for a convenient moment.

Let’s raise awareness, demand access, and live with intention. Our communities are worth the protection. Our bodies are worth the investment. Our lives are worth saving.

Don’t wait. Screen. Ask. Push. Fight. Live.

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The Importance of Teaching Boys to Cook

By Maurice Woodson

When I was 12, it became mandatory that I learn how to cook. My mother, in her calm but deliberate way, simply stopped cooking dinner. From that point on, my brothers and I took turns preparing the evening meal. I didn’t mind. I’ve always loved to learn—and more importantly, I’ve always loved to eat.

I started with the basics, learning a handful of recipes I’d picked up from watching my mother, stepmother, and grandmother. My father, more of a grill master than a chef, also knew his way around the kitchen and passed on a few tricks of his own. At the time, I thought I was just picking up a useful skill. I had no idea that cooking would become the foundation for so much more than putting food on the table.

Learning to cook taught me more than just how to follow a recipe. It taught me discipline, organization, planning, and patience. It sparked my creativity. But most importantly, it taught me self-sufficiency—something every young person, especially boys, should be taught early on.

For young boys who will one day become men, learning to cook is an act of empowerment and transformation. It challenges outdated gender norms and sets the groundwork for a more empathetic, responsible, and emotionally intelligent adulthood. Teaching boys to cook isn’t just about food—it’s about fostering independence and compassion. It’s about breaking cycles of entitlement and toxic masculinity.

A boy who learns to cook learns to care—for himself and for others. He learns that nurturing is not a “feminine” trait, but a human one. He understands the value of labor, the importance of service, and the joy of sharing something he created with the people he loves.

And yes, it’s true—women love a man who can cook. But even more than that, women appreciate men who value equality, reject misogyny, and show up with empathy and respect. A man who can cook is often a man who listens, who pays attention, who contributes—not just in the kitchen, but in life.

Food nourishes the body, but cooking has the power to nourish the soul. If we want our sons to grow into strong, kind, grounded men, we should start by teaching them to cook.

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- Entrepreneur Spotlight -

The Weird, Whimsical, & Woeful Worlds of

Jacque Aye

By Maurice Woodson

In a world that often overlooks Black women in fantasy and anime, Jacque Aye has built her own universe — one that’s weird, woeful, whimsical, and unapologetically Black. The author, publisher, and creator of the lifestyle brand Adorned by Chi has carved out a colorful lane where surrealism meets self-care, and mental health meets magic.

Launched in 2015, Adorned by Chi was more than a brand — it was a declaration. Drawing from her Nigerian Igbo roots and her lifelong love of anime, Aye wanted to see more brown and Black magical girls in the worlds she adored. What began as a small, self-published vision quickly grew into a global community of over 100,000 followers and even caught the attention of Sanrio, the creators of Hello Kitty.

“Adorned by Chi was a culmination of my desire to see more brown and Black anime characters, praise God through my creativity, and explore more of my Igbo culture,” she says.

Writing as Healing, Creating as Resistance

Aye’s love for storytelling began back in elementary school in Kansas, where she skipped recess to write her first book for a class project. She’s been writing ever since — not just to entertain, but to survive and make sense of life.

Her fiction is steeped in Afro-surrealism, magical realism, and dark fantasy. Her characters — often flawed women wrestling with identity, depression, or absurd realities — reflect her own battles with anxiety and social isolation. “I write what I know,” she admits, “and I’ve made it my mission to share my experiences candidly, hoping to help others who are struggling too.”

Influenced by creators like Boots Riley, Tim Burton, Sayaka Murata, Terry Pratchett, and especially Tyler the Creator — whom she calls “both everything I am and everything I want to be: queer, weird, and expressive” — Aye’s work stands at the crossroads of introspection and imagination.

A Magical Catalog of Stories

Through both fiction and visual storytelling, Aye has developed a distinct body of work. Her titles include:

How to Be a Better Adult — a surreal, satirical look at modern life through the eyes of Hope Obiako, a weary account specialist whose life changes after discovering a mysterious handbook.
I Live to Serve the Witch and How to Escape Death — continuing her exploration of dark humor and magical absurdity.
The Magical Girl’s Guide to Life and The Magical Girl’s Self-Care Coloring Book — self-empowerment projects published by Ulysses Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster.

She even crossed into widespread general pop culture, writing for Monster High: New Scaremester under IDW Publishing, a dream gig that connected her passion for doll collecting with her storytelling.

What’s Next: “Tuesday’s Blues”

Aye’s next novel, Tuesday’s Blues, dives deeper into her signature blend of the fantastical and the emotional. It follows a broke musician who summons the monster under her bed to help pay rent — a concept so delightfully strange it could only come from Jacque Aye’s imagination. The project was successfully funded on Kickstarter and is currently in development.

"As a woman who suffers from depression and social anxiety, I’ve made it my mission to candidly share my experiences with the hopes of helping others dealing with the same."

– Jacque Aye

The Heart Behind the Magic

Behind all the whimsy is purpose. Aye, now a therapist-in-training, continues to advocate for mental-health awareness, especially among Black women. Her creative universe serves as both refuge and revelation — proving that healing and magic can coexist.

“My stories are dark, magical, and humorous,” she says. “They’re about woeful women trying their best — and sometimes that’s the most magical thing of all.”

Why Jacque Aye Matters

In an industry that often fails to center Black women, queer voices, and mental-health narratives, Jacque Aye is doing it all — and doing it with sparkle, soul, and self-awareness.

Her world is a reminder that being “too much” — too weird, too emotional, too imaginative — is exactly what makes art powerful. For those craving stories that mix Black girl magic with introspection and absurdity, Jacque Aye’s universe is one worth getting lost in.

ENTERTAINMENT

Remembering D'Angelo

Soul Legend Dies After Private Battle With Pancreatic Cancer At 51

By Maurice Woodson

Michael “D’Angelo” Archer — the voice and spirit behind some of the most soulful, intimate R&B of the past three decades — has passed away at the age of 51 after a private battle with pancreatic cancer, his family confirmed on October 14, 2025.

His death comes as a shock to the music world, as D’Angelo maintained a relatively low public profile in recent years. The news invites us to reflect not only on his artistic legacy but on the very first time I had the privilege to speak with him — back in 1995, shortly before his debut album Brown Sugar changed the trajectory of R&B.

A Moment in Time: Meeting D’Angelo, 1995

I first interviewed D’Angelo in the spring of 1995, months before Brown Sugar was released. He was just 21 — young, earnest, and quietly ambitious. At the time, EMI had high hopes for his project, but many in the industry wondered whether his soulful, organic style would find an audience.

Over brunch at the Viceroy Café in Chelsea, he told me:

“What I make next week should sound better than what I did today.”

He spoke softly but with conviction. He wanted his work to evolve, to build — not to rest on a single success. He shied from hyperbole, always returning to the craft itself: lyrics, melody, instrumentation.

In that same interview, he hinted at how careful he was with production, resisting overpolished trends in favor of rawness and emotional sincerity. That ethos would come to define Brown Sugar’s appeal.

Looking back now, that early conversation captures the essence of D’Angelo’s musical soul: always reaching, always listening, always grounded in a deep respect for sound and space.

Rise to Stardom: Brown Sugar and the Birth of Neo-Soul

Brown Sugar dropped on July 3, 1995. It quickly became more than a debut — it was the opening salvo of a movement. The album’s blend of live instrumentation, gospel-tinged soul, jazz-hued chords, and understated hip-hop influence distinguished it from the typical R&B fare of the mid-1990s.

Though many of the demos were laid down in his Richmond bedroom on a 4-track system, D’Angelo’s control over instrumentation and vocals was quietly revolutionary. He co-produced and layered much of the album himself, while working with key collaborators like Bob Power, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Raphael Saadiq.

One of the more compelling origin stories involves how the title track “Brown Sugar” emerged almost by accident: during a session with Ali Shaheed Muhammad, their studio equipment crashed, and in the ensuing downtime, D’Angelo began playing chords that became the foundation of the song. Despite initial skepticism from label executives — who found it too rough around the edges — the track made the cut and became a signature.

Brown Sugar yielded several singles — “Brown Sugar,” “Lady,” “Cruisin’” (a cover of Smokey Robinson), and “Me and Those Dreamin’ Eyes of Mine” — and earned four Grammy nominations. The album’s impact was more than commercial — it helped catalyze the neo-soul movement, influencing artists like Maxwell, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, and beyond.

In that early interview, D’Angelo spoke of wanting to stay true to the emotional core of soul, resisting the glossy veneer dominating mainstream R&B. In hindsight, that adherence to authenticity would become his signature.

The Arc of a Career: Triumphs, Struggles, and Return

After Brown Sugar, D’Angelo followed up with Voodoo in 2000, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and won two Grammys (including Best R&B Album) The single “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” became iconic, especially due to its minimalist, shirtless video which both celebrated and complicated his status as a sex symbol.

Yet as his stardom rose, he also faced pressures — over image, over expectations, over the tension between being an artist and a commodity. These stresses, along with personal challenges, led to extended hiatuses.

In 2014, he returned with Black Messiah, a politically charged, spiritually rich record that earned two Grammys and reaffirmed his place as a transformative artist. He rarely toured during that period, preferring to let the music speak.

In recent years, he was reportedly working on new projects with long-time collaborator Raphael Saadiq, though those remain unfinished at his passing.

The Final Chapter: Battle With Pancreatic Cancer

His family has confirmed that D’Angelo succumbed to pancreatic cancer, after keeping his diagnosis largely private. Reports suggest he had been under medical care for several months, though he chose to shield much of the struggle from public view. The news of his passing stunned fans and fellow artists alike, and tributes have poured in across social media and the music world.

He is survived by his three children.

Legacy of a Soul Craftsman

D’Angelo leaves behind a body of work that is sparse but mighty — just three full-length studio albums over 30 years, yet each resonant with depth, heart, and innovation.

He never shied from vulnerability. He never faked maturity. He nurtured a rare balance of sensuality and spirituality — of tension and release — in his music. In that way, his influence goes beyond genre: it’s emotional, it’s interior.

Looking back to that first interview in 1995, I remember a young man who believed deeply in music as a vehicle of truth. He wanted to evolve. He wanted to grow. He refused to settle. Over the years, those quiet convictions turned into artistry that spoke across generations.

His passing is a loss not only to soul and R&B, but to anyone sensitive to what music can do: heal, stir, elevate. But he left behind a catalogue that will continue to whisper, teach, challenge — a testament to a life lived in service of song.

Trailblazer Misty Copeland Retires from American Ballet Theatre and Takes Her Final Bow

By Maurice Woodson

When Misty Copeland stepped into the spotlight for her final performance with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), it wasn’t just a dancer retiring — it was a movement taking its graceful curtain call. For nearly two decades, Copeland has been more than a prima ballerina; she’s been a cultural force who shattered ceilings in a space that rarely made room for her reflection.

A decade ago, she made history as the first Black female principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year existence — a milestone that redefined what power, poise, and representation look like in classical ballet. Her journey, however, began far from the pristine studios and elite circles of the dance world. Raised in San Pedro, California, Copeland discovered ballet at the age of 13 — considered “late” by industry standards — yet within just four years, she was winning national competitions and joining ABT’s Studio Company.

Her rise was meteoric, but it didn’t come without resistance. Critics questioned her body type, her muscular frame, her presence — the very attributes that would later make her iconic. Copeland turned every doubt into discipline and every rejection into rhythm. Her performances in Firebird, Swan Lake, and Coppélia were not just art — they were acts of defiance and triumph.

As she took her final bow this week, the audience was on its feet — a sea of admiration and emotion. The stage was showered in glitter and flowers as Oprah Winfrey, Debbie Allen, and countless fans celebrated a woman who danced her way into history. “You make me proud to spell my name W-O-M-A-N,” Oprah said during her tribute, summing up what Copeland has meant to a generation of dreamers who now see themselves reflected in spaces once closed off.

Offstage, Copeland’s influence runs even deeper. She’s authored best-selling books (Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina), founded the Misty Copeland Foundation to make dance accessible to underrepresented youth, and used her voice to champion diversity in the arts. Brands and organizations that once overlooked Black dancers now court her vision of inclusion.

As she moves into this next chapter, Copeland says her mission continues — this time, to open more doors for those coming behind her. “My purpose has always been bigger than dance,” she shared in a recent interview. “It’s about showing young people of color that they belong anywhere their passion leads them.”

For the world of ballet, her final bow marks the end of an era. But for the culture, Misty Copeland’s dance is eternal — a rhythm that will echo every time a young Black dancer stands tall, points her toes, and knows she belongs.

Milestones in Motion: Misty’s Major Moments

1998 — A Late Start, A Quick Rise

At 13, Misty Copeland discovers ballet at a Boys & Girls Club in San Pedro, California. Within four years, she’s performing professionally — a feat almost unheard of in the ballet world.

2000 — Joining American Ballet Theatre

Copeland joins the American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company, quickly climbing the ranks with standout performances that defy the traditional mold of the “ideal ballerina.”

2007 — Rising Star

Promoted to soloist, she becomes one of the few Black women in ABT’s history to achieve the title. Her athletic grace and expressive storytelling make her a favorite among audiences and choreographers alike.

2015 — Breaking Barriers

Copeland is named the first Black female principal dancer in ABT’s 75-year history — a defining moment that makes international headlines and inspires a generation.

2017 — Author and Advocate

Her memoir Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina becomes a bestseller, bringing her story from the stage to the page and amplifying her role as an advocate for diversity in the arts.

2022 — The Misty Copeland Foundation

She launches her foundation to expand access to dance education for children from underrepresented communities, proving her mission to diversify ballet didn’t retire with her pointe shoes.

2025 — The Final Bow

Copeland closes her extraordinary career with one last standing ovation — celebrated by icons like Oprah Winfrey and Debbie Allen — marking the end of an era, and the continuation of a legacy built on excellence, resilience, and purpose.

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Photo: Ke Ke Palmer and Souther Fried Rice Show Creator Nakia Stephens

Why Keke Palmer’s KeyTV Show “Southern Fried Rice” Is Problematic

By Maurice Woodson

Keke Palmer has long spoken about the importance of being more than just talent — about the need for Black and Brown people to be writers, producers, and owners of the stories that define us. It’s a message we at Black Zone Magazine deeply believe in and have championed for years. Ownership of our narratives is essential to our cultural and creative survival.

But sometimes, even well-intentioned projects miss the mark. Southern Fried Rice, produced under Palmer’s KeyTV brand, feels like one of those misses — the right concept at the wrong time.

At its core, the show centers an Asian character navigating life at an HBCU, while Black characters — the very people who built and embody these spaces — are pushed into the background or, worse, portrayed as antagonists. That dynamic is not just misguided; it’s tone-deaf in the current cultural moment.

To understand why, we have to “read the room.”

At a time when the loudest voices against affirmative action and Black enrollment at elite universities included plaintiffs and groups whose actions were associated with Asian American applicants — and when those legal battles helped shape the Supreme Court’s decision to end race-conscious admissions — a show that centers an Asian protagonist inside an HBCU lands differently. Context matters. Creating a show that places an Asian protagonist at the center of an HBCU — a space born from Black struggle, resistance, and resilience — while casting Black characters as obstacles is not representation; it’s erasure disguised as inclusion

HBCUs were established because Black Americans were barred from white institutions. They are monuments to self-determination and community. To reimagine them as settings where Blackness becomes secondary or adversarial is not only disrespectful — it’s historically tone-deaf.

That said, Palmer and the show’s creator have publicly defended the series.

“What you like is subjective, but the support of Black creatives is not,” Keke Palmer said in a video responding to backlash, arguing KeyTV’s mission is to fund and give creators of color chances to make and learn from work in public.

And Nakia Stephens, the show’s creator, framed the project as an exploration of identity and belonging:

“I wanted to tell a story that speaks to what it feels like to exist between cultures — to love where you come from while still figuring out where you belong,” Stephens said. “Southern Fried Rice is a love letter to HBCUs, to the South, and to anyone who’s ever questioned their identity but found power in embracing it.”

Those statements make the creators’ intentions clear: the series aims to examine cross-cultural identity and to employ Black creatives behind and in front of the camera. Palmer has also emphasized KeyTV’s goal to put people of color in production and business roles, not only on-screen.

But intentions don’t erase impact. The criticism — much of it coming from Black press and social commentators — centers on two main points: (1) HBCUs are space with a specific history and value to Black life that require authentic center-stage Black storytelling now more than ever; (2) the optics of centering a non-Black lead in that setting while Black characters are sidelined or portrayed as antagonists feels like a misstep given the political moment. Representative reactions include blunt social-media commentary: “Wasn’t KeyTV built to spotlight black creators? SO WHY would a Black woman need to tell a story of an Asian girl going to an HBCU??” — a common refrain captured across several outlets reporting the backlash.

Black press outlets that covered the premiere and reaction — BET, Black Enterprise, Blavity, AllHipHop and others — have highlighted these concerns, noting that many viewers called the project “tone-deaf” and questioned the timing and choice of perspective. Those outlets also reported Palmer’s and Stephens’ defenses and emphasized KeyTV’s stated mission to elevate creators of color, which complicates the debate: support for creators vs. the responsibility to center Black stories in Black spaces.

While it’s important to celebrate Black-owned media platforms like KeyTV and to extend grace for experimentation, accountability must accompany ownership. Supporting Black enterprises doesn’t mean overlooking missteps. Southern Fried Rice represents a clear misread of the moment and a misunderstanding of why HBCUs matter to Black life and storytelling. If the goal is genuine conversation about identity, the creators should listen to Black critics, amplify HBCU voices in future episodes, and make sure the show’s storytelling choices reflect the community’s historical and cultural stakes.

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Noted Quotes: "Going to a HBCU prepares you for your life." - Woody McClain

Photo: Michele Val Jean - Creator, Showrunner, and Executive Producer

Above and Beyond

The P&G and NAACP Soap Continues Significant Rating Gains

Beyond the Gates, the new CBS daytime soap opera, has continued to build momentum, posting significant ratings gains throughout September and October 2025. The surge marks a strong follow-up to its impressive February premiere, which drew in one of the largest daytime audiences CBS has seen in recent years. Eight months later, the show’s combination of sharp writing, layered characters, and cinematic production values appears to be resonating with viewers, helping it carve out a loyal fan base and reenergize the daytime drama landscape.

Photos: Colby Muhammad, Amber Michelle, Keith D. Robinson, Daphnee Duplaix, RhonniRose Mantilla

Photo: Clifton Davis and Tamara Tunie

Photo: Karla Mosley and Daphnee Duplaix

Photo: Marguita Goings and Timon Kyle Durrett

BOOKS ON OUR RADAR

Guilty by Dee Whitelocke

One accident. One lie. And one relentless pursuit of revenge.

In Guilty, author Dee Whitelocke delivers a chilling, edge-of-your-seat thriller that begins with a deadly hit-and-run and spirals into a tangled web of deceit, guilt, and vengeance. When a college student’s life is cut short, Detective Penelope Stone is drawn into a case where the truth hides behind privilege and power—and every uncovered secret brings her closer to danger.

But Stone isn’t the only one looking for answers. Someone else is watching, waiting, and determined to balance the scales of justice… in blood.

Twisted, intense, and impossible to put down, Guilty grips readers from its haunting opening to its shocking final reveal. Whitelocke masterfully weaves a narrative that explores the ripple effects of one fateful decision—and how guilt can consume even the most guarded souls.

“Guilty delves into the chaotic aftermath of a hit-and-run that changes everything,” Whitelocke explains. “It’s about guilt, consequence, power, and justice. I wanted readers to feel the tension of every choice and the weight of every secret.”

Writing, for Whitelocke, is more than craft—it’s a calling. “I’m constantly amazed by how the mind can create limitless settings, characters, and emotions,” she says. “It’s a true skill to bring those creations to life, and I refine mine every day by writing snippets on any subject that sparks my imagination.”

Her creative reach is just as broad as her curiosity. Just as she appreciates all forms of music, Whitelocke embraces every genre of storytelling. Her published works reveal a writer who refuses to be confined by boundaries—whether it’s psychological suspense, drama, or romance, her pen finds authenticity in every tone.

With Guilty, Dee Whitelocke invites readers into a world where no secret stays buried—and every lie has a price.

Preschool Paychecks By Tyliah Chanel

Tommy might only be in fourth grade, but his ambition is already supersized. Every time he rides past a drive-thru, his craving for fries and nuggets kicks in—only to be met with his mom’s familiar question: “Do you have drive-thru money?”

Tired of hearing “no,” Tommy decides it’s time to change his answer. With a five-dollar weekly allowance and a sharp sense of hustle, he hatches a plan to make his own money. What begins as a simple idea—selling snacks to his classmates—quickly turns into a full-blown business adventure.

In Preschool Checks, author Tulsa Chanel crafts a hilarious and heartwarming story that captures the essence of childhood determination. Through Tommy’s entrepreneurial journey, young readers learn lessons in financial literacy, goal setting, and creative problem-solving—all wrapped in a laugh-out-loud story that feels both real and inspiring.

From negotiating with his parents to managing his mini snack empire, Tommy shows that it’s never too early to start thinking like an entrepreneur. Preschool Checks isn’t just a fun read—it’s a blueprint for big dreams, reminding kids (and adults alike) that age is no limit to ambition.

Thickly Settled: Cape Cod Horror Stories — Rashad Roulhac Turns Fear into Art

In Thickly Settled: Cape Cod Horror Stories, author and filmmaker Rashad Roulhac takes readers deep into the eerie side of New England. This chilling collection of short stories brings together the shadows and folklore of Cape Cod—told uniquely through a suburban African American and Cape Verdean lens. Each story reveals how terror, culture, and community intertwine in unexpected ways along the quiet coasts and wooded backroads of Massachusetts.

But Roulhac’s journey to becoming a storyteller didn’t begin in darkness—it began with determination.“Growing up I was diagnosed with severe adolescent ADHD,” he recalls. “I had stuttering issues, ticks, and a slight reading disorder. My mother got me a tutor—Mrs. Morton, a retired African American teacher—who helped me get my disorder under control and opened my mind to reading and storytelling.”

That mentorship changed everything. Once Roulhac mastered the written word, the stories poured out. “Writing film scripts and short stories became a surefire way to express my creativity,” he says. “During the pandemic, I had tons of written scripts laying around and decided to put them in book form—with hopes of getting them made into films in the future, similar to how Stephen King started off.”

Roulhac’s cinematic background shows in his writing. Formerly with ABC News and Good Morning America, and a graduate of the prestigious Valencia Film School in Orlando, Florida, he crafts each story like a movie reel—rich in suspense, atmosphere, and emotion.

Already a bestselling author with Fables & Fairy Tales of Cape Verde, Roulhac continues to push boundaries and genres. He’s currently completing his next novel, a prequel inspired by George A. Romero’s classic Night of the Living Dead—a project that promises to merge his love of film, horror, and cultural storytelling.

With Thickly Settled, Rashad Roulhac transforms Cape Cod’s postcard-perfect scenery into a chilling backdrop for stories that are as haunting as they are human—proving that sometimes, the most unsettling places are the ones we call home.

Excerpt:

GIRLS ALIVE

The city is a corpse. Buildings burn like pyres, smoke curling into an ashen sky. Fires erupt sporadically, flickering orange through the chaos. Streets are deathly still–no cars, no people, only the ghostly shuffle of wind scraping through debris.

The silence is temporarily broken by the screech of two alley cats–feral, desperate–clawing over scraps in a filthy gutter. Their fight ends as abruptly as it started.

The Boston skyline looms: broken, abandoned, and unforgiving.

A once lush, thriving gated community on the city's outskirts is now a wasteland of gasless cars, trash, and scattered debris.

Two young African American girls, clearly in junior high, cautiously make their way through the cul-de-sac. Dirty battle-worn backpacks hang from their shoulders. Their grungy, disheveled appearance suggests they haven't washed or eaten properly in weeks. They clutch baseball bats like lifelines.

Rio’s voice broke the stillness—tired but teasing. “My water bottle’s empty, do you have any left?”

Rome shot her a look, irritated. “Oh my God, Rio! You’re always using my water bottle. We both fill up when we can, so you shouldn’t drink so much, deep throat.”

“Please, Rome, I’m thirsty!” Rio begged.

Rome rolled her eyes, then, in disgust, handed Rio her half-full water bottle. “Here! And just a little bit. Always putting your lips all over the bottle like a damn moose when you drink.”

Grateful, Rio snatched the bottle and chugged down a large gulp, her thirst unquenchable.

“Okay, Rio! That’s enough!” Rome snapped.

“Thanks. I needed that,” Rio replied, catching her breath.

Rome snatched back her water bottle, glaring at her sister.

“You don’t have to snatch, nasty!” Rio said.

Rome smirked. “You’re nasty, nasty.”

Rio shrugged. “Whatever, let’s keep trying these houses. We need to fill up on supplies anyway.”

“Yeah, and water!” Rome added, her voice bitter but resigned.

The girls walked up the driveway of one of the townhomes. As they neared the front door, they cautiously checked their surroundings. The door was open. Rio exchanged a glance with Rome, and they both silently agreed to enter.

Inside, the girls gripped their baseball bats tightly as they entered the house.

“Okay, you know the drill,” Rio whispered, her voice barely audible. “Backpacks off first, we need to move fast if they come.”

They swiftly removed their backpacks and placed them to the side of the front door.

“Make sure you keep watch and shout if you see anything,” Rio continued. “I’ll check upstairs, you do downstairs.”

“I got it,” Rome replied, her voice clipped but focused.

Rio surveyed the entrance and foyer before heading up the stairs. Meanwhile, Rome entered the living room, her eyes scanning for any signs of danger. She methodically cleared the living room, dining room, and kitchen before heading to the pantry to collect supplies.

“All clear down here!” Rome shouted.

On the second floor, Rio was checking the bedrooms and bathroom. “All clear up here!” Rio shouted. Suddenly, she heard a loud thump above her. Panic gripped her as she realized she’d forgotten to check the attic. Quickly, she grabbed her bat and hurried to the staircase leading to the third floor loft. She paused, listening carefully. Then, movement. A low, eerie moaning reached her ears.

A dark, staggering figure appeared at the top of the stairs. It threw its twisted, bloodied body down the steps toward Rio. Startled, she tripped and fell on her backside, scrambling to her feet as the creature lunged toward her.

“Get out, Rome! Move! Get out!” Rio screamed, her heart racing.

She reached the bottom of the steps and looked back, only to see the creature leaning over the railing above, hurling itself down toward her. It landed with a sickening crack, just inches from her. She dove out of the way, landing hard on the floor, and found herself face to face with the creature as it reached for her, gnawing at the air.

The creature managed to grab Rio’s ankle, its jaws opening wide to sink its teeth into her flesh.

“Get off me! Get off me!” Rio screamed, fighting to break free.

Just as the creature’s bloody mouth neared her calf, Rome appeared above it, holding a screwdriver. Without hesitation, she plunged it into the creature’s head, stabbing it several times. The creature slumped to the floor, lifeless, and Rio was freed from its grip.

“You alright?” Rome asked, her voice laced with concern. “I thought you said it was all clear?”

Rio nodded, still panting. “I know, I know. I forgot about the third floor.”

Rome shook her head. “Again? You really need to pay attention, girl.”

Rio winced, embarrassed. “I know, I know. Thanks.”

Rome helped Rio to her feet. “Bet you didn't find anything, but I did!”

Rio’s eyes widened as Rome pulled a pack of fruit cups from her backpack. “Heck yeah! Check it out… fruit cups!”

Rio’s face lit up with a grin. “Whoaaa!”

Later, outside, the girls sat on the patio, their bellies full of fruit cups and bottled water. Rome was seated between Rio’s legs, carefully greasing and braiding her sister’s hair.

“Remember when Mommy used to do our hair on the weekends?” Rome asked softly, her hands gently working through Rio’s hair.

Rio nodded. “Yup, sure do. Now stay still so I can finish.”

Rome retrieved a journal from her backpack and opened it to the bookmarked page. She unfolded the bookmark and began reading the letter.

MOM’S LETTER:

“Dear girls,

I wish I was with you during all this craziness in the world. I know your Dad is taking care of you the best way he can and will protect you to the end. Remember you are mommy’s girls, but you’re definitely your father’s daughters. You know I don’t care for all that hunting and fishing and guts and stuff y’all like, lol. So if anything did happen, I know daddy taught you well how to keep going no matter what. And survive!

I know my girls are alive and will survive. If anything happens, make sure you get to me on the Cape. You know the way. Up 95, past the big blue bug, straight through New Bedford and onward to the Cape. When you reach Wareham, you’re almost there, but not quite. You still have to cross the Bourne Bridge (which your Uncle Fred worked on), past the two roundabouts, and down to East Falmouth. I’m pretty sure you know the way from there.

I’ll be waiting for you at Falmouth Heights Beach, where we always go for vacation. I love you very much. Don’t fight with each other even though you both work each other’s nerves. And most importantly, stay alive.

Love, Mommy.”

Rome closed the journal with a quiet sigh.

The two sisters gathered their backpacks, stood up, and headed down the driveway, making their way out of the development and into the woods.

The End

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INDEPENDENT MUSIC ARTISTS ON OUR RADAR

The independent music scene has never been more alive. Across genres and continents, a new wave of artists is redefining sound, story, and soul on their own terms. From experimental dreamers to soulful storytellers, these rising stars are proving that creativity shines brightest outside the mainstream.

Here are a few independent artists we’re vibing with right now—each bringing something fresh, fearless, and unforgettable to the mix.

RYBE - Sisters Regan Aliyah and Ryan Asher

Regan Aliyah: Actress-singer-producer from Los Angeles; part of an entertainer family whose history includes funk group The Honey B’s.

Ryan Asher: Multi-talented singer, writer, musician (guitar/piano) and dancer/model; she and Regan make up the duo.

Latest: The duo (formerly or currently going by RYBE/RYNE) have a single titled “Hot” out now.

Why we’re watching: They combine performance training, family musical roots and youthful energy—bringing fresh female voices and visuals to the indie scene.

Moses Sumney

Bio: California-born and Ghana-raised (part of his childhood spent in Ghana) singer-songwriter whose work blends soul, folk, art-pop, indie rock and ambient R&B.

Notable: His debut full-length album Aromanticism (2017) won wide acclaim.

Latest release: Though no very recent album listed in our sources, he remains active as a genre-defying artist and storyteller. (Still very much on the radar.)

Why we’re vibing: He isn’t just following one path—his sound is bold, exploratory and rich in texture. Perfect for audiences looking for something beyond mainstream.

Leon Thomas III

Bio: Born August 1 1993 in Brooklyn; started as a child actor (Broadway, TV) and transitioned into a singer-songwriter & producer.

Latest release: His album MUTT (2024) and the deluxe version MUTT Deluxe: HEEL feature collaborations with major artists and mark a clear step into full-fledged music artistry.

Why we’re watching: The crossover from TV/film to authentic music, combined with his songwriter/producer credentials, makes him a strong indie artist to follow.

Summer Banton

Bio: South-East London based singer-songwriter; self-taught pianist, began writing music as a teen; influenced by R&B/soul and Afrobeats.

Latest release: Single “Boyfriend” released recently, followed by upcoming single “Superfan”.

Why we’re vibing: A young artist with clear dedication, blending nostalgia and modern sounds—ready to grow in the indie space.

Bellah

Bio: British-Nigerian singer-songwriter from North London; dubbed UK’s “new princess of R&B”.

Latest release: EP Adultsville and a single “Bad Day To Be My Ex…” (2025) showing maturity in her songwriting.

Why we’re vibing: She brings a strong UK R&B flavor, genuine storytelling and promises growth in the independent scene.

Maia Reid

Bio: Emerging singer-songwriter from South-West London, blending reggae rhythms with soulful melodies; Jamaican roots.

Latest release: Debut single “Your Light”.

Why we’re vibing: Fresh on the scene, strong stylistic identity and a vibe that suggests she’s just getting started.

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LIFESTYLE & LEISURE

A Journey to Wellness, Peace & Joy

By Maurice Woodson

In a world that often feels increasingly chaotic, many are turning inward, seeking a path to wellness, peace, and joy. Whether sparked by global uncertainty, personal health concerns, or a deep desire for transformation, individuals across all walks of life are embracing mindful living as more than just a trend—it’s becoming a way of life.

From bustling city dwellers to those in quiet rural communities, people are reaching for practices that soothe the mind and strengthen the body. Scented candles now flicker in living rooms not just for ambiance, but for aromatherapeutic benefits. Meditation apps have found a permanent place on smartphones, while yoga studios and virtual classes flourish, providing space for movement, breathwork, and mental clarity.

Dietary habits, too, are shifting. Many are opting to forgo alcohol, replacing it with herbal teas or nutrient-packed smoothies. Kitchens are buzzing with the sound of blenders whipping up all-natural health shakes—vibrant blends of leafy greens, antioxidant-rich berries, tropical fruits, and protein boosters.

The pursuit of wellness doesn’t discriminate by age. Teenagers and retirees alike are making time for self-care routines, redefining what health means at every life stage. This universal embrace of well-being speaks to a collective yearning for balance—a return to self.

For some, wellness is rooted in the physical: better sleep, increased energy, and a stronger immune system. For others, it’s emotional: reducing anxiety, feeling grounded, and fostering inner peace. But for all, it’s about reclaiming agency over one’s own life and finding joy in the small, meaningful choices made each day.

As this movement grows, one thing is clear: the journey to wellness, peace, and joy is deeply personal, yet beautifully universal. And perhaps the greatest gift it offers is the reminder that amidst all the noise, we still have the power to choose calm, health, and happiness.

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20 Black Owned Hotels and Vacation Locations

If there was ever a time to stand up and support Black enterprise, it’s now. And yes — that means when you’re booking your next getaway. How many times have you pulled into a hotel, smiling with excitement, only to feel that invisible barrier tell you, “You don’t belong here”? Now imagine checking into a place where the owners look like you, where the welcome is genuine, and you’re treated with the respect you deserve — all while putting your dollars into a Black-owned business working to thrive.

When you’re planning a break — whether it’s a long holiday or a quick weekend escape — choosing where you stay isn’t just about comfort or aesthetics. It has weight. With that in mind: consider staying in hotels or resorts owned by folks who identify with the African diaspora.

Below you’ll find 20 spots worth your consideration — from a boutique mansion in Brooklyn to a five-star resort in Virginia, from a beachfront resort in the Caribbean to a lush oasis abroad. Think of this as your Black Zone Magazine guide to travel that uplifts our people, our business, and our culture.

1. Anguilla Great House Beach Resort (Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla)

Nestled right on the white sands of Rendezvous Bay, this property has welcomed guests since 1985 under owner W. Fleming. You’ll find 35 spacious rooms — some with garden views, some with ocean views. If you’re all about a stress-free vacation, go all-inclusive here (meal plans, activities included). From glass-bottomed boat rides to seeing coral reefs and turtles, to guided hikes and beach horseback rides — it’s pure island luxury with a host who looks like you and wants you there.

2. Urban Cowboy Hotel – Nashville (Nashville, Tennessee)

Owned by Jersey Banks (co-founder of the Urban Cowboy brand), this adults-only spot in East Nashville offers eight themed suites inside a Victorian mansion. The Penthouse is serious — ensuite bathroom, huge clawfoot tub, big comfy space. It’s just nine minutes from downtown, yet you feel tucked away. Grab a craft cocktail at the bar, watch live music, or simply soak on the porch or garden. Your city escape done right.

3. Akwaaba Mansion (Brooklyn, New York)

This one’s personal: Monique Greenwood (yep, former ESSENCE EIC) opened this landmark 1860s mansion in Brooklyn. Four guest rooms, high ceilings, antique touches, and Afrocentric styling. Just 15 minutes by subway from Manhattan — easy reach yet you’re in your own space. The morning spread is serious: chicken & waffles, fish & grits, that Southern soul. Stay here if you want urban, elevated, heritage-rich vibes.

4. Jnane Tamsna (Marrakesh, Morocco)

Owned by Meryanne Loum-Martin & Dr. Gary J. Martin, this property fuses traditional Moorish design and lush gardens across 24 rooms in five houses. You’re surrounded by style and serenity. Take a cooking class, explore the Atlas Mountains by bike, or ride a camel through palm groves. This isn’t just travel — it’s an experience. Go here if you’re ready to step off the usual path.

5. La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa (Gosier, Guadeloupe)

Opened in 1975 and built on the French-Creole vibe, this resort (owned by Daniel Arnoux & Patrick Vial-Collet) houses over 200 rooms + suites, infinity pool, spa, kids club, Creole jazz club and full beach access. Between yoga & aqua gym sessions or jet-skiing and diving, you’ll rediscover the Caribbean on your terms. Add the fact that it’s Black-owned, and you’ve got authenticity and luxury in one.

6. La Maison in Midtown (Houston, Texas)

This boutique B&B run by Sharon Owens & Genora Boykins has just seven rooms—luxury hotel amenities inside a B&B setting. Walk to great dining and live music spots, yet come back to spa tub rooms, rain showers, Jacuzzi tubs and Texas hospitality that feels like home. If you’re in Houston and want something beyond the big chain, this is the move.

7. Elephant Plains Lodge (Katunguru, Uganda)

Adventure meets elegance. Owned by Amos Wekesa’s Uganda Lodges, this 10-cottage luxury lodge sits in 80 acres of wilderness near Lake Kikorongo. Game drives, boat safaris, chimp tracking, elephant views out your window. If you’re ready for safari but want Black-owned, this is it. Expect both wild and refined.

8. La Maison Michelle (St. James, Barbados)

Husband & wife Guy & Michelle Jenkins own this seven-suite villa on the hilltop of Barbados’ Platinum Coast. On-site chef turning out African/West Indian/Euro-inspired meals, full staff, trainer if you want, spa by the infinity pool. Whether a romantic escape or friends’ getaway, it checks the boxes and then some.

9. The Oak Bluffs Inn (Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts)

Rhonda & Erik Albert own this 10-room Victorian inn with lighthouse style touches, a short walk to beach and island charm. Celebs stay here. Island vibe + heritage + Black-owned = solid pick for your next East-Coast luxury escape.

10. Ocean West Boutique Hotel (Nassau, Bahamas)

Ten-room boutique hotel with views of Lake Killarney to the south and Atlantic Ocean to the north. Rooftop fitness center, indoor/outdoor bar, walk to major nightlife and beach scene. Get your island escape while supporting Black-ownership in one of the most visited spots in the Caribbean.

11. Salamander Resort & Spa (Middleburg, Virginia)

Owned by Sheila Johnson (co-founder of BET), this 340-acre luxury retreat has 168 rooms, 23,000-sq-ft spa, horse riding, zip-lining, hiking, biking, vineyards. If your holiday is about upscale relaxation and nature, this is your stay.

12. Spice Island Beach Resort (Grand Anse Beach, Grenada)

Family-owned since 1987 (Sir Royston O. Hopkin and daughter Janelle now runs it). All-inclusive resort with 64 suites, gourmet dining, private pools in some suites, sailing, diving, biking. Caribbean luxury with a Black-owned flag—very powerful.

13. Blue Apple Beach (Tierra Bomba Island, Colombia)

Off the coast of Cartagena, boutique hotel & beach club by British-Trinidadian Portia Hart. Ten rooms, cabanas, on-site farm feeding its kitchen, mix of locals and global guests, inclusive vibe. For the modern traveler who wants unique + heritage + sun.

14. Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens (Spartanburg, South Carolina)

Owned by Pontheolla & Paul Abernathy, 4-room B&B plus vintage-rail caboose suite in lush gardens. Small town charm, wedding hosting, big soul. If you want quiet luxury, real history and Black ownership, this is your spot.

15. Concord Quarters (Natchez, Mississippi)

Debbie & Gregory Cosey converted former slave-quarters of Concord Plantation into a B&B with rooms full of Black art and history. Five minutes from downtown, it’s intimate, meaningful, and supportive of Black heritage in tourism.

16. The Hamilton Howell House (Atlanta, Georgia)

Located in the heart of the MLK, Jr. Historic District, this 1893 built house is owned by the Howell/Youngblood family. Rooms named after icons (Maya Angelou, John Coltrane, etc.). Historic, stylish and rooted in Black legacy. Stay here if Atlanta is your destination.

17. The Ivy Hotel (Baltimore, Maryland)

Owned by Eddie & Sylvia Brown, this 19th-century mansion turned boutique hotel blends luxury, culture and Black excellence. Spa, fine dining, afternoon tea, large rooms. If you’re on the East coast and want a refined stay, this is it.

18. Magnolia House Inn (Hampton, Virginia)

Lankford & Joyce Blair’s five-star B&B listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Queen Anne architecture, gourmet breakfast, private spa tubs. For couples wanting heritage meets elegance.

19. Negril Treehouse Resort (Negril, Jamaica

Negril Treehouse Resort is owned by Gail Jackson, an American-born entrepreneur who moved to Jamaica decades ago to build something meaningful for Black travelers and local culture.

This beachfront resort sits right on the famed Seven Mile Beach, offering 70 air-conditioned rooms and suites, easy-going Caribbean luxury, and water sport options like snorkeling, parasailing, and yoga on the beach.

20. Akwaaba Inns (Collective) (Multiple U.S. Locations)

From Brooklyn to the Poconos, Cape May to DC, the Akwaaba brand by Monique Greenwood offers boutique experiences rooted in Afrocentric elegance and hospitality. Pick your region, stay with Black-ownership and support the culture.

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Food & Drink

FOOD PICKS

Every month, we explore our favorite Black-owned food businesses — the tastemakers, creators, and culinary artists changing the flavor of our communities. This month, we’re turning our attention to something sweet: Black-owned bakeries.

From soulful southern kitchens to sleek New York patisseries, these bakers are mixing tradition, innovation, and love into every bite. Here are 10 of our favorites serving up excellence across the country.

Here Are 10 Sweet Spots Redefining Black Excellence Through Baking

Cloudy Donut Co.

Baltimore, MD / Brooklyn, NY

Cloudy Donut Co. is a brand of firsts — NYC’s first 100% vegan donut shop and the first Black-owned food and beverage business in Brooklyn Heights and Nolita. Founded by Derrick Faulcon in 2020 after spending 11 years in prison, the shop is proof that second chances can be delicious. With flavors like maple bacon and strawberry shortcake (all plant-based), Cloudy Donut is changing what a comeback story tastes like.

Back in the Day Bakery

Savannah, GA

Founded by Cheryl and Griffith Day, this Savannah staple blends Southern hospitality with vintage charm. Their cupcakes, biscuits, and pies are baked with the kind of love that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen. Known for their bestselling Old-Fashioned Cupcakes and buttery Cinnamon Sticky Buns, Back in the Day Bakery has become a must-stop destination for locals and tourists alike.

Brown Sugar Bakery

Chicago, IL

Founded by Stephanie Hart, Brown Sugar Bakery is not only famous for its decadent caramel and chocolate cakes — it’s also the first and only Black woman-owned chocolate manufacturer in the U.S. With every slice, Hart celebrates Black culture, community, and the sweetness of perseverance.

Je T’aime Patisserie

Brooklyn, NY

Owner Jatee Kearsley brings a French flair to Bed-Stuy with Je T’aime Patisserie — a space that’s elegant, inclusive, and community-minded. Known for its rich croissants, fruit tarts, and the rare move of accepting EBT, Je T’aime Patisserie proves that fine pastries can still be accessible to everyone.

The Black Bread Company

Chicago, IL

Brothers Charles Alexander, Mark Edmond, and Jamel Lewis made history by creating the first Black-owned gourmet sliced bread company. Their fresh loaves — from honey wheat to Texas toast — are now available nationwide, making breakfast a little more revolutionary.

Blondery

Brooklyn, NY

Founded by pastry chef Auzerais Bellamy, Blondery is known for its luxurious, mail-order blondies and cakes. Bellamy brings fine-dining expertise into the world of online desserts, offering flavors like pecan and salted caramel that ship fresh to your doorstep.

Pelah Kitchen

Brooklyn, NY

A micro-bakery inspired by the botanical beauty and flavors of Sierra Leone, Pelah Kitchen is where culture meets cake artistry. Every creation by founder Isata Kamara is hand-crafted, visually stunning, and rooted in African heritage.

Maya’s Cookies

San Diego & San Marcos, CA

Founded by Maya Madsen, this gourmet vegan cookie company is serving up soft, chewy perfection with a mission. From Chocolate Chip S’mores to Birthday Cake, Maya’s Cookies proves that plant-based can still mean indulgent — and it ships nationwide.

The Little Fat Girl

Harlem, NY

Don’t let the name fool you — this Harlem bakery is all heart. Known for its creative custom cakes, gooey brownies, and vegan-friendly desserts, The Little Fat Girl has become a local favorite that celebrates individuality and joy through every batch.

Lloyd’s Carrot Cake

Bronx, NY

A family-owned legacy that started in the Bronx over 30 years ago, Lloyd’s Carrot Cake is legendary. Their rich, perfectly spiced carrot cake — slathered in cream cheese frosting — is the stuff of NYC dessert history. What started as a small neighborhood bakery has grown into a sweet institution that continues to honor the late Lloyd Adams’ dream and recipe.

From sweet redemption stories to generational family recipes, these bakeries are more than businesses — they’re reminders that our culture doesn’t just make history, it makes flavor.

FROM MY KITCHEN

Maurice Woodson

Cooking has always been one of my greatest joys—especially during the holidays. From turkey and mac and cheese to collard greens and pot roast, I love preparing all the classics. But over the past few years, I’ve started putting my own twist on tradition—like adding shrimp and lobster to my mac and cheese (a trick I picked up from Patti LaBelle back in the ’90s). My latest favorite? A rich, flavorful Seafood, Chicken, and Andouille Sausage Gumbo. This holiday season, I’m sharing that recipe with you. Enjoy!

Seafood, Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo

Ingredient For the Roux:

½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup all-purpose flour

For the Gumbo:

1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 bay leaves
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
6 cups chicken stock (or seafood stock)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb lump crabmeat or claw meat (picked clean)
1 tbsp gumbo filé powder (optional, for thickening and flavor)
Chopped green onions and parsley, for garnish
Cooked white rice, for serving
Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Make the Roux:
In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, combine the oil and flour. Stir constantly for 20–30 minutes until the roux is a dark brown color (like chocolate). Be careful not to burn it.
Sauté the Sausage & Chicken:
Add sliced andouille sausage to the roux and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
Season:
Add salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, cayenne, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
Simmer:
Add the diced tomatoes (if using) and pour in the stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Seafood:
Add shrimp and crabmeat. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, until shrimp is pink and cooked through.
Finish:
Stir in gumbo filé powder if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves.
Serve:
Serve hot over white rice, garnished with chopped green onions and parsley. Offer hot sauce on the side.

BONUS RECIPE

Extra Cheese Southern Soul Shrimp & Lobster Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

Seafood:

1/2 lb lobster meat (tail or claw, chopped)
1/2 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined, chopped if large)
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic (minced)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional: a squeeze of lemon

Pasta:

1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi
Salted water (for boiling)

Cheese Sauce:

4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar (shredded)
1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack (shredded)
1 cup smoked gouda (shredded)
1/2 cup mozzarella (shredded)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
Salt & pepper to taste

Topping:

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
2 tbsp melted butter
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Cook Pasta:
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Seafood:
In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.Add garlic, shrimp, and lobster. Season with salt and pepper.Cook for 3–4 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.Optional: squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top. Set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce:
In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp butter.Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring until smooth and thickened (about 5–7 minutes).Reduce heat to low and stir in all the cheeses (reserve a little cheddar for topping).Season with smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Combine:
Fold cooked pasta, shrimp, and lobster into the cheese sauce.Taste and adjust seasoning.
Bake (Optional):
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.Mix panko, parmesan, and melted butter, then sprinkle over the top with remaining cheddar.Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
Finish:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

If you like to add a little crunch (and eat pork" sprinkle some bacon crumbs and parmesan cheese on top.

Cocktails We Love

Peaches and Cream Martini recipe:

Ingredients:

2 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz peach schnapps
1 oz heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
1 oz peach nectar or puree
Ice
Fresh peach slice (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vanilla vodka, peach schnapps, heavy cream, and peach nectar.
Shake vigorously until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a peach slice if desired.

Want it a little sweeter or creamier? You can tweak the peach nectar or cream to taste.

Here’s a simple Mint Fresh Martini recipe:

Ingredients:

2 oz vodka
1 oz white crème de menthe
Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Ice

Instructions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vodka and white crème de menthe.
Shake well until chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Let me know if you want a chocolate twist or a non-alcoholic version!

Coconut Lime Martini

Ingredients:

2 oz coconut rum (e.g., Malibu)
1 oz vodka
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz cream of coconut (e.g., Coco López)
Ice
Optional: lime wheel or toasted coconut for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add coconut rum, vodka, lime juice, and cream of coconut.
Shake well until chilled (about 15 seconds).
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lime wheel or a rim of toasted coconut, if desired.

This Holiday Try Non-Alcoholic Beverages

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POLITICS

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Pictures Speak A Thousand Words

These images from a little over a year ago still carry so much weight. Representation matters

Doctoring Ourselves

Why Black Patients Need Black Doctors

By Maurice Woodson

Let’s be real — medicine in America has never been color-blind. While there are many white and non-Black doctors who genuinely honor the oath to do no harm, history and lived experience remind us that the care isn’t always equal. Too often, when a Black body is lying on a hospital bed, it doesn’t receive the same urgency, the same belief, or the same effort that a white patient would.

This is why Black patients need Black doctors.

When a Black doctor walks into the room, they carry more than a stethoscope — they carry understanding. They carry the shared history of being doubted, dismissed, and devalued. They know the subtle ways racism can hide behind a clinical smile. And because of that awareness, Black doctors tend to treat every patient — Black, white, Latino, Asian — with equal respect and care. But most importantly, they make it their mission to give Black patients the quality of care our community has been too often denied.

For generations, the neglect of Black patients by white doctors has been rooted in systemic racism, implicit bias, and outright discrimination. Research after research shows what we already know: Black people’s pain is undertreated, our symptoms are brushed aside, and our voices are too often muted in exam rooms. Some medical students still hold the false belief that Black people have a higher pain tolerance — a racist myth dating back to slavery that continues to shape how Black patients are treated today.

This history of disregard has built a wall of distrust between our community and the medical establishment. Many Black Americans simply don’t believe the healthcare system is built to protect them — and for good reason. Studies reveal that doctors are more likely to use language of doubt in the medical records of Black patients: quotation marks around symptoms, words like claims or hearsay to describe their pain. These aren’t small details — they’re acts of disbelief written into our medical history.

Even worse, the bias isn’t just in people — it’s baked into the systems themselves. Algorithms that guide treatment decisions, diagnostic tools, and even risk calculators are often built using data that reflects the same racial disparities that harm us. The result? Black patients are more likely to face misdiagnosis, undertreatment, and preventable complications.

And when it comes to malpractice, the numbers are staggering. Studies show that Black patients are more likely to experience medical negligence — and nearly 90 percent of those cases involve white doctors. That’s not a coincidence. That’s a pattern.

But here’s the truth — we have the power to change that pattern by doctoring ourselves. By supporting and uplifting Black medical students, by seeking out Black physicians, and by demanding representation in hospitals, research, and healthcare leadership.

Because when we see ourselves in the doctors who treat us, we see a healthcare system that finally recognizes our humanity.

We deserve care that listens, believes, and fights for us — every time.

The Cutting of SNAP and How It Affects the Black Community

By Maurice Woodson

More than 40 million Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — better known as SNAP — to put food on the table. But you wouldn’t know that if you listened to the political noise. For decades, propaganda and stereotypes have painted the picture that Black and Brown families are the face of food stamps. The truth? The majority of SNAP recipients are white Americans living in rural and suburban areas. That’s not opinion — it’s fact backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which reports that about 63% of SNAP recipients are white, while only about 27% are Black.

Still, that truth hasn’t stopped politicians from weaponizing hunger and using race as a distraction. As the government once again dances on the edge of a shutdown, SNAP funding hangs in the balance — and it’s our communities that will feel the hit first and hardest. When benefits are delayed or cut, the ripple effect runs deep. In predominantly Black neighborhoods, where grocery stores are already scarce and prices run higher, the loss of SNAP means entire households go hungry. Children, seniors, single mothers, and working families suddenly find themselves making impossible choices between food, rent, and medicine.

Let’s be clear: hunger has no color and no race. But the impact of hunger is not color-blind.

According to Feeding America, more Black households experience food insecurity than not. And with grocery prices up 25% since 2020 and rents reaching record highs, every dollar counts — especially in communities where wealth gaps and job disparities are already part of the struggle.

Then there’s the other side of the crisis: food banks. Many are running out of supplies and funding. And those located in Black neighborhoods often receive smaller donations and lower-quality goods than food drives in white communities. A volunteer at a D.C. food pantry put it plainly:

“We’re trying to feed people with dignity, but the shelves are getting bare. The need keeps growing, and the donations just aren’t keeping up.”

So, what do we do as a community?We organize. We share. We support.

Now more than ever, this is the time to lean into collective care. If the government can’t feed us, we must feed each other.

Here are a few steps we can take:

Support Black-led food programs — Groups like The Black Church Food Security Network and Soul Fire Farm are reclaiming food justice through community gardens and local distribution.
Start neighborhood co-ops — Pooling money and resources to buy groceries in bulk can help families stretch their budgets and avoid price gouging.
Advocate locally — Push city councils and state reps to protect SNAP funding and invest in food access in underserved neighborhoods.
Check on your people — Sometimes a single meal or a grocery run for a neighbor makes all the difference.

This isn’t just about survival — it’s about resistance.

Because when the system fails, the community rises. And in times like these, that unity isn’t just how we endure — it’s how we win.

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News & Headlines

Project 2025 Raises Civil Rights Concerns

Civil rights organizations continue to sound alarms over Project 2025, a conservative-led transition blueprint many warn could roll back decades of progress. The NAACP and National Urban League have called the initiative a direct threat to equity and justice, citing potential harm to housing access, reproductive rights, environmental protections, and civil liberties.

Critics say the proposal’s push to dismantle key federal agencies and weaken civil service protections would devastate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs—placing Black workers and families at greater economic risk. The NAACP’s latest report calls it “a policy agenda designed to silence and suppress Black advancement.”

Black Baltimore County High School Student Handcuffed After AI Tech Mistook Bag of Chips for Weapon

Seventeen-year-old Taki Allen, a student at Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, found himself handcuffed last week after an AI-powered surveillance system flagged his snack bag as a potential weapon. The AI alert triggered a school lockdown and a police response—only for officers to discover the “threat” was a crinkled bag of chips.

Parents and community advocates are demanding accountability, calling the incident another reminder that automated systems often reflect the same racial bias they’re supposed to eliminate. “If AI can’t tell the difference between a Dorito bag and danger, maybe it shouldn’t be policing our children,” one parent said. The district says it will review its use of the technology, but critics argue this is yet another example of how “machine learning” too often learns the wrong lessons—especially when it comes to Black youth.

Shutdown Hits Black Federal Workers Hardest

The U.S. government shutdown that began October 1, 2025, is taking a steep toll on Black federal employees and their families. While Black Americans make up about 18% of the federal workforce, they represent only 14% of the U.S. population, meaning layoffs and furloughs are hitting disproportionately hard.

In regions like Prince George’s and Charles counties, Maryland, where many Black federal workers live, local economies are feeling the strain. The threat of no back pay and the suspension of SNAP benefits for November are compounding economic insecurity—especially for families already managing lower median household wealth.

Advocates say the crisis underscores how federal instability often deepens existing racial inequities.

Reading Rainbow” to Return, with Viral Librarian Mychal Threets as Host

The sky’s the limit again for young readers. Nearly two decades after its original PBS run, Reading Rainbow is returning—this time with viral librarian and mental health advocate Mychal Threets at the helm.

Known for his heartfelt social media videos promoting kindness and literacy, Threets brings a new generation’s energy to the beloved series once hosted by LeVar Burton. The reboot aims to blend nostalgia with digital-age storytelling, continuing its mission to make reading an adventure for every child. Burton, who served as executive producer on earlier revivals, praised Threets’ appointment, calling it “the perfect choice to carry the torch.”

Looks like it’s time once again to take a look—it’s in a book.

Americans Face Rising Healthcare Costs and No SNAP benefits

Beyond the civil rights rollback, analysts warn that Project 2025 represents a deeper restructuring of federal priorities. The plan includes drastic cuts to social programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, along with the “weaponization” of civil rights enforcement—redirecting it away from systemic discrimination and toward protecting corporate or political interests.

Experts caution that such policies would exacerbate racial wealth gaps, reduce access to healthcare, and dismantle safety nets vital to Black communities. As the NAACP notes, “The project’s economic agenda is not about smaller government—it’s about smaller opportunity.”

Pardon Me? Combs Reportedly Seeking Presidential Pardon

Sources close to Sean “Diddy” Combs say the embattled music mogul is exploring the possibility of a presidential pardon amid ongoing federal investigations into alleged assault and trafficking charges. While no formal request has been made public, insiders suggest Combs’ legal team has been in quiet talks with high-level officials.

The move has reignited public debate over the celebrity justice gap and accountability in cases involving powerful figures. Civil rights advocates warn that leniency at this level could send the wrong message about equal justice under the law. Combs began his Fort Dix Prison Sentence October 30th.

Erasing Black History — and the Truth

Across classrooms, museums, boardrooms, and government offices, a coordinated movement is erasing Black history and distorting the purpose of DEI initiatives. Once seen as tools of inclusion and fairness, DEI programs are being reframed as divisive or unnecessary—creating cover for the dismantling of equity gains hard-won over generations.

As one advocate put it, “Democracy flourishes when Black Americans advance.” But the numbers tell a darker story. Onyx Impact reports that since January, 306,000 Black women have lost jobs and $3.4 billion in community investment grants have been slashed—including $9.4 million from sickle cell research, $42 million from maternal health programs, and $31 million from initiatives targeting asthma and air pollution in Black communities.

The intent is clear: erase, suppress, and rewrite the nation’s progress to maintain power.

Bizarre items found in singer D4vd’s house

Although musical artist D4vd (legal name David Anthony Burke) has not been accused of any crime in connection with the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, investigators say the discovery of unsettling items at his Los Angeles residence has intensified speculation in this gruesome case.

According to law-enforcement sources, the body of Celeste Rivas — missing from Lake Elsinore, California, since April 2024 — was found on September 8 2025 inside the front trunk (“frunk”) of a Tesla registered to D4vd. The vehicle had been abandoned on a public street in Hollywood Hills, flagged for parking violations, and eventually towed after neighbors reported a foul odor.

Investigators executed a search warrant on a rental home in the Hollywood Hills where D4vd had been staying (though he doesn’t own the property). At the residence, detectives reportedly seized electronics, computers, and other items of interest. The home is located only a few blocks from where the Tesla was parked for weeks.

While the investigation is ongoing, authorities emphasize that D4vd is not currently a suspect and no formal charges have been filed in connection with Rivas’s death. The cause and manner of death have not yet been determined by the medical examiner.

Timeline

Date	Event
April 5 2024	Celeste Rivas Hernandez (then about 13 yrs old) is reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California.Â
August 2025	d4vd begins his â€œWithered World Tourâ€ in support of his debut album.Â
September 6 2025 (approx)	A Tesla registered to David Burke is towed in the Hollywood Hills area after being abandoned/parked for several days.Â
September 8 2025	The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is called to a tow-yard due to a foul odour from the Tesla. Inside the front trunk (â€œfrunkâ€ ) of the vehicle they discover severely decomposed human remains.Â
September 17â€“18 2025	The medical examinerâ€™s office identifies the remains as Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Around the same time, law-enforcement officials execute a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills property where d4vd had been staying.Â
September 19 2025	d4vd cancels remaining U.S. tour dates amid the ongoing investigation.Â
September 23 2025	Celesteâ€™s body is released to her family for memorial services.Â
October 6 2025	Funeral service for Celeste Rivas held in Rowland Heights, California.Â

Additional context

The cause and manner of Celeste’s death have not been publicly determined yet; the medical examiner has deferred classification.
d4vd is not formally named as a suspect at this stage; he has been reported as cooperating with authorities.
The shared tattoo (“Shhh…”) on Celeste’s right index finger and d4vd’s right index finger has been noted in news coverage as an “eerie connection” though not evidence of guilt.

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