success
The road to success is always under construction; share your equations for success — and learn some new ones.
JEKALYN CARR
JEKALYN CARR IS MY GIRL! Hardly twenty-four years old, Jekalyn is a Black gospel singer, whose voice exudes power; skill; resonance; and beauty beyond her tender years. Her singing style is similar to that of a well-seasoned veteran, such as the much acclaimed Shirley Caesar of the Black Gospel genre. Jekalyn also has the gift of sharing biblical excerpts and illustrations in her lyrics that have such a meaningful, that is, relevant connection to current life situations that transcend race or color or status. It is often said that life's great equalizer is that one is either in a storm... just coming out of a storm... or about to enter a storm --- c'est la vie!
By C.J. London5 years ago in Motivation
Paradise Falls
Paradise Falls When I first saw the black book in the mail, I didn’t know what I was getting. All I saw was the twenty thousand dollars buried in the coffin. I thought about the dollars pouring over me, but I didn’t know what it would cost. That it would cost me everything. I frantically flipped through the black book pages and I read the rules. Their were Eight rules I had to fallow to keep the money or id lose my life. The first rule is to quit your job. The second rule was to give up your dreams. The third rule was to make new ones for a year. The fourth was to find happiness every day. The fifth was to not tell anyone about the book as it was being written. The sixth rules was to save six people. Seven was to touch a cloud. Eighth was the hardest, I had to make a masterpiece. I thought deeply on this, how I could make a masterpiece. The premise felt impossible and I felt the gravity of the situation immediately like a fissure pulling me in. I knew there was only thing I possibly could do to make a masterpiece. I looked over to my laptop in the left corner of the room. As I walked over and grabbed it, it felt heavier like Mjolnir. It was like God putting his hand on my shoulder and showing him the way. I felt stupid trying to win anything. I had never won anything before. I couldn’t help but to at least put my fears and anxiety aside and try to fix my life. By typing this story I would slowly becoming who I wanted to be. Someone I thought I could never be. If I completed this list I could keep all of the money but if I didn’t Ieould lose it all. I frantically started to work on this Black Book. I already had so many projects so many things I needed to do. My life was a dumpster on fire and it felt that way constantly. I hoped that this would be the end of that. I put my fingers to the keys and I began to play my symphony.
By Rodney Thomasearl5 years ago in Motivation
Bozoma!
The first time I saw a press photo of Bozoma Saint John she blew my mind wide open. A statuesque African woman, dripping in stunning fashion, her nails wildly long and bright, while daring to be a successful Apple executive? No shade to "pant-suit nation”, but this femme energy is a whole other thing! Fierce, shameless, and unabashed.
By Skipper Knudson5 years ago in Motivation
Dreams & Determination
I have always had a passion for technology since a young age. Since I was a child, I have been intrigued by the capabilities, conveniences, and advancements of technology and technical systems. My 13 year journey in the tech industry has been full of learning, growth, and fulfillment. Starting in tech as a Technical Assistant at Michigan State University, I furthered my education, read, learned and researched daily to advance my technical skills. Taking courses, reading books and practicing self-development in addition to obtaining my Master’s degree in Instructional Technology helped propel me into the dream job of Regional Technology Specialist that I have today. I have held IT roles in different industries such as Telecommunications, Media, Global Defense and now Automotive.
By Cydney McMillon5 years ago in Motivation
Biddy Mason- The Real Estate Entrepreneur Who Birthed A City
Background Once upon a time, Los Angeles was a dusty, sparse township seething with violence erupting from the estimated 2,500 inhabitants. These inhabitants were of Native Californian, Anglo, Mexican, Spanish, Chinese, French, and African- American heritage.
By Njideka Kingsley5 years ago in Motivation
Under The Umbrella
Believe it or not finding my one inspiration was a daunting task because as an artist myself I find inspiration in all I cross paths with. The hunger and passion I see is motivation enough. The growth between interactions from those I have come to know simply through the art. It touches my heart in such a way I had to share. First thing that came to mind were all of the writers and poets I know, having a connection made it was easiest especially with shared passion. There was already an understanding considering how highly we revered the written word. Every writer’s first love was a pen. Giving nothing but adoration and love to all of the beauty that music brings without having to be a creator within the craft. It has been humbling to meet musicians who write lyrics, as well as those that play instruments stimulate that euphoric part of mind. Pulling you inside of their heart and mind only to create its intended back drop of admiration. Broadening the scope, on the artists that have inspired. Many came to mind, scanning through the many that I have watched blossom either in person or through online platforms. From sketch artists to sculptors and painters that know there is a certain something that brings us all to life when we see, touch and feel their work deeply. From the owner and founder of Karibu book store in Iverson Mall to a woman I worked with in a mall for two years sharing stories of how we would one day make it. We all share this driving force of emotion. Therefore, several black creators and innovators came to mind when I sought out the perfect candidate of inspiration
By Joey Renee5 years ago in Motivation
The Williams Agency
A Black Woman is God’s secret weapon for success, phenomenal in every way. We can withstand the hardest things in life, from slavery to child rearing and raising. We are the backbone to the Black Man and have proven to be able to do almost everything that they can do, including run a business. Our survival rate is so much higher than any other species and our melatonin gives us our super strength. Let me tell you guys about one phenomenal Black Woman/Queen. But we will get to her in just one minute. Despite the pandemic and racial injustices, we as Black People have truly come a long way. Thank you to the people that kept up the fight to be successful and live meaningful lives. I consider myself and take pride in being what I like to call a spiritual person. I love people of all nationalities and races but living in a world where people are judged by the color of their skin, it is kind of hard to appreciate life and consider All Lives mattering until Black Lives Matter. In the Black Communities we rarely see or have role models for our kids to look up to. Way too often we let our gifts and skills go to waste. Due to lack of resources and or support. So, when a person of color becomes successful by means of building their own foundation or starting their own business it is worth the acknowledgement and celebration. Inspiration can come in any form, word, color, or size. Michelle Williams, an extraordinary and beautiful woman of color needs no introduction because her work speaks for itself and she is my inspiration. A phenomenal woman of course! Some might even say she is the Black Super Woman, our own community hero. Some people have the power to motivate us and help us to live more intentionally and she has done just that for me. There is no doubt about it she is what we call, a Go Getter. Starting her professional career as a certified Paralegal, she served 14 years dedicated to law with a master’s in Law/Legal Studies. She has been committed to her community by Pro bono consulting, volunteering and Joining a nonprofit board. But that wasn’t the end for Michelle, she dared to do the unthinkable…..dream. But she turned that dream into a reality, her ambitions, hard work and determination lead her to be not one of the best but the absolute best in the Insurance game for our district, she became the first woman and first Black woman to reach that level. Living up to her zodiac sign a Leo being born 08/15/1977, she is a Lion/Lioness confronting life head on, an awesome mom and wife, and lets no obstacle stand in her way. She has been self-employed since Aug 20, 2018, but the true Boss that she is, started her own Life Insurance Business, The Williams Agency just a year later, March 7, 2019 and she has been succeeding with every graceful touch. She has her own Team of motivated eager cubs to follow in her footsteps under her coaching and motivation. She had the drive and the passion to do and be the unexpected. She encouraged me to be more than just an employee but an employer, entrepreneur and most importantly my own Boss. Michelle answers to no one and her attitude and bank account makes her a 100% boss with the urban word to back her up, Period. After meeting her I told myself that I wanted to follow in her footsteps. A person that is in arm reach, that I can see strive, has so greatly encouraged me. Just this morning I got a text saying, she wants to see me write at least three applications this week. Michelle will push you to your limit and beyond to reach your goals. I know my self-worth but because of her, I can invest and live up to that worth. I now know that dreams can come true for little black girls and black women. My 9-year-old daughter was so inspired that she wrote her own book. Even though my daughter looks up to me, she was able to meet a successful woman of her same color that took out the time to give her encouraging words and instill the mind frame of a Boss. Our definition of a Boss is not someone that is being Bossy but someone that has their own business, own their house and car, inspiring others and holding down a bank account of at least six figures. Michelle has a heart made of gold and is my MVP with her sassy, smart, still a little street when need to be but fiercely business minded, and she even makes her own family make an appointment to see her. She is truly about her business, a natural born leader, motivator, and coach. She does not mind sharing what she knows and wants to see as many Black women/people winning as possible. As of Jan 2021, she became the first black female to make and become the $100,000 income ring earner. Her drive just does not stop. If anyone ever wants to join a winning Team, especially people of color, look her up you will not regret it. Being her on Boss she can hire people of color and help them be self-sufficient to evolve from generational curses, government dependency, low income, and debt. She is always willing and happy to help anyway possible. Team Elite at The Williams Agency will make sure that you reach your income goals, with the knowledge and training to succeed. Here is someone every Black person in my community can learn from and be inspired to dream and make it into a reality. Michelle Williams You Go Girll!!
By NyYonce Thomas5 years ago in Motivation
The Plight of Former Gifted Kids
The internet is chock full of people who reminisce about their early childhood when they effortlessly earned As and exceeded academic expectations. Then they entered high school or college, and suddenly they had to work to keep their grades up. The once-easily attained 4.0 GPA slipped out of their grasp, and they may have fallen into a depression that persists to this day. I know I'm one of those people. Science was my favorite subject as a kid, but I barely passed each of my STEM courses in college. I take Prozac for depression and anxiety, and I struggle with organizational skills that came naturally to me in my youth.
By Amelia Lee5 years ago in Motivation
"Money issues"
“Money issues” She ripped her university acceptance letter. Her parents had no idea about this. They had a feeling Sophia is not into academics. They pushed her to get out there and figure out what she wants to do for the rest of her life. Until she turns 65. She is fully supported to find one profession and stick to it till retirement.
By Marzi Banilohi5 years ago in Motivation
My college life
In this big world with billions of people all of us living different lives, there is me. A struggling college student in America. My life seems to have changed as I notice how late I was running to a very important college exam. The night before I fell asleep studying after working the late shift at my town's local diner. It was a peaceful morning the birds were chirping, the light shining ever so brightly through my window. I lift up my head off the desk and wipe the drool running from the corner of my mouth. Stretching from a long night's rest I glance down at my clock to see the time is 9:30 am. I continue to stretch and yawn until it clicks. It’s 9:30 am!! I rush to my calendar and skim with my finger through to today’s date, it is May 19th, 2017. My calendar was marked for an exam at 10:00 am. Today was the last day of exams before the beginning of my summer break. I stumble to my closet tripping over months worth of study material in piles across the floor, jumping into a pair of jeans, and sliding on some old worn-out purple vans. I wore the shirt I went to bed in, there is too many to pick from this just seemed like the obvious choice to stick with what was already on my body. Putting my hair up in a messy bun I slide into the bathroom. After splashing water on my face and gurgling some mouth wash I rush into the kitchen. I grab a cold slice of last night's pizza and my bag then head out the door. I check my phone to see that it was already 9:45 am and it takes about 10 minutes to walk to school walking fast-paced. I sprint to school huffing and puffing, as I stop to catch my breath I see something from the corner of my eye a little black book hidden in the slightly overgrown grass propped up next to the edge of the sidewalk. I look around to see if it belongs to anyone and with no one insight I grab the book and continue my sprint to school shoving the little black book in my back pocket. It’s now 10:00 am and I finally made it. I go to take my seat when suddenly I am stopped by my professor. There he stood with his hand out. I pause to think of what he could be possibly be waiting for. My heart drops immediately, I swing my bag in front of me rummaging through the pockets. I clench my jaw and cover my face as I’m overwhelmed with stress. My exam ticket! I forgot it on my desk the only thing I was so sure I couldn’t possibly forget. I pleaded with my professor to let me take the exam but he states that without my exam ticket there is no way he can allow me to take the exam. Which means of course I’ll fail the class. I restrain myself from bursting into tears in front of him and everyone else, walking away devastated knowing that failing this class means that Ill have to pay the school back for this semester. Lost in thought I tripped down the steps at the campus entrance the little black book slides out my pocket in front of me, looking down I see drops on the pavement just to notice that it was me crying. Wiping my face I grab the little black book to see if there is anything that could take away this feeling even just for a moment. Opening the first page the book reads: Are you ready to start over? Are you tired of living the life you’re in right now? Continue reading to start anew and be provided with enough money to never have problems in your next future. Can you believe this? Is this real? My questions were soon to be answered. The wind around me began to pick up. A portal appeared out of thin air and suddenly sucked me in. On the ground, the book drops in front of me. Reaching for it I realize I am not in front of the campus anymore. Standing up I am shaken to see that I have landed in a meadow full of multicolored flowers with a sunset like no other. The breeze runs through my hair as fresh air seeps into my lungs. Taking in the paradise I notice out the corner of my eye, I see a glistening light. I turn to see all the money the book said it would provide. It looked to be at least $20,000 at least where I came from. I couldn’t help but smile. I pick up the black book from the ground and kiss it with gratitude. Raising it to the sky I think to myself. Is this where my life begins? Did this little black book really make all this happen? Clenching the book I shout “MY ADVENTURE BEGINS!”
By Cheyleen Griffin5 years ago in Motivation
Why Quadrell Jones Best Represents Black In Business
“What it do YouTube!” As my favorite black creator, youtuber Quadrell Jones would say in his YouTube video intros. His YouTube Channel goes by the name Black Hustlers Club. The channel is self-explanatory as it does just that, motivating black people potentially all over the world with ways they can make money and hustle.
By Mark Holsey5 years ago in Motivation
