This three part series walks through the rise, fall, and redemption of Michael Vick, NFL’s outcast turned prodigal son. If you missed it, catch parts one and two here. As Vick was made his comeback professionally he maintained his commitment to speak out against dog fighting. He traveled around the country speaking to youth and… Continue reading The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt. 3)
Year: 2017
The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt. 2)
This three part series walks through the rise, fall, and redemption of Michael Vick, NFL’s outcast turned prodigal son. Catch parts one and three here. Michael Vick’s first television interview after being released from prison in 2009 came on CBS’s 60 Minutes. African-American sportscaster James Brown conducted the interview in Virginia because Vick was not… Continue reading The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt. 2)
The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt.1)
This three part series walks through the rise, fall, and redemption of Michael Vick, NFL’s outcast turned prodigal son. Read parts two and three here. “Still touched down cause I was off Artell. Had dreams of breaking Mike Vick out of jail. Took the underground rail to the end that failed.” – Common featuring Pharrell… Continue reading The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt.1)
The Black Man’s Wellbeing
What is it to be a black man? There is no monolithic black male experience, and those who are able to answer this question have derived their answers from personal experience along their journey in life. Then there are young men like myself, trying daily to unravel, uncover, and discover self and what it means… Continue reading The Black Man’s Wellbeing
Besties: Young Thug and Masculinity
Young Thug’s emergence on the mainstream hip-hop scene was met with some backlash. He is one of the most polarizing artists in the hip-hop industry because his persona, physical appearance, lyrics, and unique fashion sense. Immediately, I (like others) dismissed his music by closing my ears, eyes, and mind. His music and wardrobe reflects his… Continue reading Besties: Young Thug and Masculinity
King and Prince of Abyssinian: Reflections on Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. and Jr.
“For we know that we are the children of God. He’ll fight my battles and I’ll be free someday. Stand together children, fight together children, worship together children. Don’t you get weary.” —Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. April 4th is a renowned date in Black America. Most blacks recognize it as the day civil rights icon… Continue reading King and Prince of Abyssinian: Reflections on Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. and Jr.
Endnotes to Jay-Z’s 4:44 : Mental Health Awareness
“It’s like my therapy, making music……When language has reached its limit, disease sets in.” – Jay-Z On June 30, 2017, Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) released his 13th studio album 4:44, arguably the most personal and socially conscious album of his career. Subscribers to his online streaming service, Tidal, are privy to music videos for the songs… Continue reading Endnotes to Jay-Z’s 4:44 : Mental Health Awareness
Founder’s Therapy with Tope Awotona
Calendly CEO Tope Awotona shares how his journey in developing a successful tech company. I grew up in an African country. Everybody there is black, but even there discrimination exists between people of different tribes. If you were poor you were discriminated against. If you were from the North you were discriminated against, or maybe… Continue reading Founder’s Therapy with Tope Awotona
Endnotes to Jay-Z’s “Moonlight”
“We stuck in La La Land. Even when we win, we gon’ lose.” – Jay-Z On June 30, 2017, Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) released his 13th studio album 4:44, arguably the most personal and socially conscious album of his career. Subscribers to his online streaming service, Tidal, are privy to music videos for the songs on… Continue reading Endnotes to Jay-Z’s “Moonlight”
Founder’s Therapy with Rodney Sampson
Author and an innovator in the tech space, and active in the Atlanta startup community, Rodney is a ‘Veteran, Tech Entrepreneur.’ He’s started four tech companies, experienced exit on two on them, and has been formally building his business for over 15 years. He co-founded Opportunity Hub and has joint ventured with TechSquare Labs to… Continue reading Founder’s Therapy with Rodney Sampson