The City of Brotherly Love. That’s what Philadelphia, PA is affectionately called by those near and far. For the first time in recorded history, the same city is on target to exceed the homicide rate set in 1990 of 500 murders. No, not a typo. By the end of 2021, as people around the world are celebrating New Years Eve, a record-breaking murder rate will be recorded. Killadelphia, Pistolvania is another moniker attributed by those who choose to elate in the casualties spread across the city known for cheesesteaks, water ice, & soft pretzels. At this point, it seems like we are out of options when thinking of a plan to stop the violence. As common as talks of gun control spread over news channels, more talks of newly permitted gun owners spread across neighborhoods from North Philly to Northeast Philly, from Germantown to Fishtown, from South Street to Broad Street. Legal guns are just as widespread as illegal weapons. Is this necessary for protection? Or is this the loophole to flooding the streets with AK-47, AR-15, & more of the alphabet soup of weaponry? Arming oneself is a reaction to the violence, but how can be proactive in getting a grip on this generation before it’s too late? Martial law may be frowned upon but is this our best hope? Nobody wants to live amongst military equipment as if it’s a war zone. But that’s exactly what it appears to be.   Men, boys, girls, women & unborn babies - nobody seems to be off limits. Something’s gotta give. It’s an emergency. State of emergency. City of emergency. My city needs help!  Share your thoughts on what we can do to make a change. Share and subscribe.  Check out www.Act2Thepodcast.com to stay up to date on all things A2:TP  Follow on IG @act2_thepodcast  Thank you for listening

How often do you buy black? Is “Support Black Business” just a hashtag during social media-created “holidays” or is it a practice you employ regularly? For some, supporting black businesses is convenient only when the price is right. If a discount isn’t available or a familial hookup isn’t included, on to the next boutique, designer, or other retail outlets regardless of black-owned or not. Why are some of us like this? Is this deep-rooted “self-sabotage”, self-being those of our same hue? Or can this be attributed to the all too familiar communal mentality referred to as “crabs in a barrel”? Some black patrons may say the customer service experience received when buying black is lackluster and leaves quite a few things to be desired. Are “we” harder on ourselves than we are on others? Why are we so keen to broadcast a negative interaction without showing the same motivation to announce when the opposite encounter happens? 

Do we show the same energy when shopping with Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel or Bottega Veneta?  Many will attribute this less than desirable experience with black-owned businesses to the lack or opportunity to acquire the same business acumen as entrepreneurs of other cultures. Does the cultural divide we feel in society impact our perception or is this a case where perception is reality? If we, blacks with entrepreneurial aspirations, had the same generational financial literacy as those of Chinese, Jewish or another ancestry, would we be more successful in customer satisfaction and customer retention? Or, despite the lack of educational equity, have we reached a point in society where we are finally able to fulfill the dreams of our ancestors and break generational curses of poverty?

Death is part of life. We know this from the time we know what a “life” is. Yet, despite knowing death is inevitable, grief can be consuming. How is it that one of the few things in life we know are guaranteed, like taxes, rainbows, & blooming flowers, still shock us any time they occur? The sting of death is more like a dagger. The pain can seem unbearable. When does it end? Does it ever end? Grief counseling can certainly help, but is this a painful part of life we have to accept we will always carry?   Another part of life we were always so sure about just may not be as we thought. He, she, her, him, they, them - these pronouns always had distinct assignments and never took much thought when using them. Guess what? If anyone ever yelled SWITCH in life, they’re certainly yelling it now. How do we honor the transgender community while also not adding stress to our lives trying to figure out how not to add stress to their lives? Sounds confusing right? Well that’s exactly how we feel. Like an old Insecure episode…CONFUSED AF!  Let’s talk about it and give you our perspective on the certainties that still causes heartbreak and the certainties that aren’t too certain any longer.

Lights! Action! Hollywood! The city of angels yet it ain’t all angelic. Enjoying leisure time is a necessary life hack. For relaxation, reflection & restoration. But sometimes leisure time gives you time to reflect on things that maybe don’t sit well in your gut. Our leisure time gave us insight into the glitz and glamour, as well as the gasps of the Hollywood dreams. LA Nites were eye awakening. And it wasn’t just the stars in our eyes.

We're back! Bronzed, relaxed, and ready to keep giving you more. Vacation was great! Check out some of the highlights of our experiences and what we enjoyed most. Also, let us know your thought on the 3 grams of the week.

Some of the best things in life are those we experience. Memories we create. Moments we share with those we love. Having things is great. We all enjoy receiving and giving gifts. But things fade and lose their luster. Moments turn to memories and memories last forever. Join us this episode as we relive a great weekend and memories made. We like to give flowers to those deserving while they're here to receive them. Big shot out to all the greats!

Come and chill with us a we discuss life situations. How do you kick back and relax? What are you doing to make the most of your life.