Authentic Filters

There are many issues going on in the world right now. As a nation, we must not lose sight to the senseless attack and war going on against Ukraine. Innocent civilians are being brutally murdered every day and millions have escaped with just the clothes on their back trying to seek asylum elsewhere. News outlets are reporting and displaying images of dead bodies along the dark, eerie streets. The atrocities that are going on in Ukraine are haunting to everyone in the world. Russia is committing war crimes against Ukraine and sanctions are not enough to end this war. Putin can no longer serve as President to his country. The US and NATO must find a way to put a stop to the madness.

Another trending topic that is taking over the internet is the slap that was heard around the world, the night of the Oscars. Will Smith decided to take matters in his own hands when comedian, Chris Rock decided to make an inappropriate comment about Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith's buzz haircut. He said he looked forward to seeing her in the next G.I. Jane II  movie. Somewhere along the way, Will made the poor judgement of walking on the stage at the Oscars to slap Chris Rock. The world was in complete shock and disbelief from his actions.

In the aftermath, Will did apologize for his behavior by saying that what he did was wrong and inexcusable. We hope and pray that both men can forgive and move on. 

#SupportBlackBusinesses

• If you love ART, check out this talented Young Queen: https://uzoart.com/
• If you love DOGS, order some yummy Dog Food Topper: https://www.thirstypaws.com/

Welcome to Season Three of Authentic Filters episode Nine. If you enjoyed what you listened to and want to keep the conversation going, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your family and friends. We want to thank you for taking the journey with us thus far and we're excited to see where it goes next! Let's Get Into It.

This week we are discussing the days long confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. While there were plenty of disappointing moments in how she was treated by a # of Senators, there were more warming moments in how she was embraced.

A woman with an amazing pedigree and background of accomplishments, it's a well deserved nomination and confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court.

#SupportBlackBusinesses

• If you love ART, check out this talented Young Queen: https://uzoart.com/
• If you love DOGS, order some yummy Dog Food Topper: https://www.thirstypaws.com/

Welcome to Season Three of Authentic Filters episode Eight. If you enjoyed what you listened to and want to keep the conversation going, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your family and friends. We want to thank you for taking the journey with us thus far and we're excited to see where it goes next! Let's Get Into It.

There is so much going on in the world right now, that we wanted to dedicate another episode to giving short updates on many relevant topics from the War in Ukraine, Lost life of a Golf Team, to the close of tax season, ending Daylight savings time, a March Madness update and the firing of Chris Cuomo from CNN. 

The war in Ukraine is not getting better and the world is seeing no end in sight for either side. Putin recently held a rally for the people of Russia, declaring why he feels military action is needed. He then goes into quoting a bible scripture, John 15:13, “There is no greater love than if someone gives his soul for his friend”. This evil-spirited man is committing genocide in Ukraine and he sees nothing wrong with the inhumane behavior that he is displaying.

A thirteen-year-old was driving a vehicle when he lost control of the car and crashed into a van carrying a golf team of students from the University of Southwest. A total of 9 people lost their lives including the thirteen-year-old driver.

The end of the Tax season is quickly approaching with a deadline of April 18, 2022. More and more people are dreading doing their taxes each year. There must be a simpler approach in what a taxpayer owes, less all the credits and deductions they are eligible for. Honestly, it would be nice to do away with the entire process

Daylight savings time is now a big top of discussion in many households and even with Congress. Just recently, the Senate voted and passed the bill to do away with adjusting clocks forward and backs for Daylight savings time. Right now, the bill is with the House; if it passes there, it will then make its way to the President to sign the bill into law.

It’s March Madness and folks are tuning in to college basketball. All teams are well deserving to be there, but only one can win. Rock Chalk, Jayhawk.

The last topic of discussion is Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon. Chris Cuomo was recently fired from CNN and now he is demanding $125 million dollars, or he is going to take everyone else down with him. The only fitting response for this is, what happened to “I Am My Brother’s Keeper”. 

#SupportBlackBusinesses

• If you love ART, check out this talented Young Queen: https://uzoart.com/
• If you love DOGS, order some yummy Dog Food Topper: https://www.thirstypaws.com/

Welcome to Season Three of Authentic Filters episode Seven. If you enjoyed what you listened to and want to keep the conversation going, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your family and friends. We want to thank you for taking the journey with us thus far and we're excited to see where it goes next! Let's Get Into It.

Welcome back to another fresh episode of Authentic Filters. We are halfway through Season 3 and on this episode, we’re talking about a number of topics around the world. Everything from Kim Kardashian West to Supply Chain Issues. Ukraine and Russia updates to Iraq and Iran.

We’re firing on all cylinders in this near hr long segment and we hope that you enjoy.

#SupportBlackBusinesses

• If you love ART, check out this talented Young Queen: https://uzoart.com/
• If you love DOGS, order some yummy Dog Food Topper: https://www.thirstypaws.com/

Welcome to Season Three of Authentic Filters episode Six. If you enjoyed what you listened to and want to keep the conversation going, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your family and friends. We want to thank you for taking the journey with us thus far and we're excited to see where it goes next! Let's Get Into It.

President Joe Biden addresses the nation on March 1, 2022, during his State of the Union Address. Here are some of the key highlights from his powerful speech. President Biden began by acknowledging the war that is going on currently in Ukraine. He praised the Ukrainians for standing strong and fighting for democracy. President Biden made it clear that we as a nation stand with the Ukrainian people. He also sent a clear message to Russia, by stating that we will hold them accountable for their actions. The Russians are currently facing a freeze on their economy and the United States has placed a freeze on Putin’s assets along with his top officials’ assets as well.

The President briefly spoke about the 6.5 million jobs that were created last year that grew the economy by 5.7 percent during that time. We will stay on track with improving infrastructure for decades into the future. The President stated that 65,000 miles of highways will be repaired and around 1,500 bridges will be updated. He mentioned that all poisonous lead pipes will be replaced so that everyone can have clean drinking water. In addition, everyone should have access to affordable high-speed internet and housing.

The President spoke about the misstep with the Pandemic Funds that were intended for small business owners. There were supposed to be watchdogs overseeing how the funds were allocated out and there was a lack thereof. The Justice Department will soon name a Chief Prosecutor for Pandemic Fraud and how they plan to remedy it.

The President continued by addressing the issues with nursing facilities. He stated that the quality has gone down, and the prices are up. Nursing homes will also be held accountable on how they handle day to day business and how they care for loved ones.

As the President continued, he briefly mentioned the Paycheck Fairness Act that would raise the minimum wage to $15/hr. He also spoke highly about the nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson that will serve on the US Supreme Court.

President Joe Biden took the time to recap what his administration has done so far while in office and he also outlined what his plans are for the future. This speech was delivered at the right time with so much going on in the world today.

Welcome to Season Three of Authentic Filters episode Five where we are recapping the State of the Union Address delivered by President Joe Biden.. If you enjoyed what you listened to and want to keep the conversation going, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your family and friends. We want to thank you for taking the journey with us thus far and we're excited to see where it goes next! Let's Get Into It. 

The Ukraine and Russian tension can be traced back decades to when Ukraine gained it’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. 

Things came to a head in February of 2014 when Russia invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine (which resulted in thousands of casualties). This event took place in the aftermath of the Revolution of Dignity and is part of the wider Russian-Ukrainian War.

From 2021 to present, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sought  to prevent Ukraine’s drift toward the United States and it’s Westernized allies. This would allow NATO countries to set up military bases around the Russian border and potentially gain better intelligence into the Russian military and surrounding areas. 

Completely unprovoked, Putin doesn’t want Ukraine to become more westernized and have a truly fairy democracy that he can’t dictate. So by force, he is trying to intimidate allies in NATO, and in many ways the world that there would be dangerous consequences for anyone who tries to intervene with his attempt to overtake the country of Ukraine.

NATO has responded swiftly by sanctioning not only Russia as a country and cutting off many of their resources including their large banks ability to access the global economy but have also sanctioned Putin specifically .

Welcome to Season Three of Authentic Filters episode Four where we are talking the full segment about the Ukraine and Russian war. If you enjoyed what you listened to and want to keep the conversation going, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your family and friends. We want to thank you for taking the journey with us thus far and we're excited to see where it goes next! Let's Get Into It. 

Are you ready for the Metaverse? Defined as a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connections in futurism & science fiction,  it is often described as a hypothetical iteration of the internet as a single universal virtual world that is facilitated using virtual and augmented reality headsets. Basically, it’s giving “Ready Player One”....but the creators are on to so much more.

The Metaverse for some will feel like The Matrix, a world where you can go and be whatever or whoever you want to be. If you want to travel back in time, you can do so in a flash; heading to a party or meeting, teleport in an instant. It’s currently a world where there are little to no rules; and time doesn’t exist.  

For some, they might make the most of this experience and really focus on building as many social connections outside the real world; while others might enter this realm with no set expectations and see this as an outlet to free their minds.

Many are capitalizing in the Metaverse world through online shopping and real estate transactions, just to name a few. In this virtual world, you can use cryptocurrency to purchase goods and services, and many early adopters are investing in cryptocurrency through the Metaverse and finding ways to cash out in the real world. We will soon discover if the Metaverse is the way to go or if there is an underlying ulterior motive. 

Welcome back to another fresh episode on Season Three of Authentic Filters! If you enjoyed what you listened to and want to keep the conversation going, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your family and friends. We want to thank you for taking the journey with us thus far and we're excited to see where it goes next! Let's Get Into It. 

Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. It’s been a chance to highlight the many accomplishments of Black culture, the advancements made, and what’s to come. But to be 100 with you, Black History is American History, it’s World History, and is certainly worth more than a month. It’s a part of our lives and runs deep within many of our DNA. It’s why we are here today.

We wanted to highlight 6 phenomenal individuals past and present who have not only inspired us but millions across the globe  to be the best they can be regardless of race. Simply on a humane level, a grateful for the day now let’s get after it level, a you can be who you want to be and accomplish what you so choose regardless of your circumstances level, a fierce courage & faith level. 

This is a celebration of Black Excellence to those known and those not known. To past, present, and future generations to come. We’ve been given the torch and NOW we must run with it.

#SupportBlackBusinesses 

• If you love ART, check out this talented Young Queen: https://uzoart.com/
• If you love DOGS, order some yummy Dog Food Topper: https://www.thirstypaws.com/

Again, welcome to Season Three of Authentic Filters! If you enjoyed what you listened to and want to keep the conversation going, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your family and friends. We want to thank you for taking the journey with us thus far and we're excited to see where it goes next! Let's Get Into It. 

At the top of the pandemic, many businesses were applying for the PPP and EIDL loans. However, it didn’t take long for individuals to figure out how to game the system and take advantage of the process. It was recently reported through Bizjournals.com that roughly 90 billion dollars have been paid out in fraudulent applications. 

Currently, there are District Attorneys (DA’s) throughout several states that are going through the applications that were approved in their state to determine which applications were approved in error. Upon discovery, many of these DA’s are seeing red flags and are questioning how these applications got pushed through the verification process. 

After much research, these DA’s are making a clear point to go after every applicant that lied and defrauded the government during a world pandemic. People are being charged, convicted, and doing time for committing wire fraud and money laundering. Many of the sentences seem to range from 18 to 51 months in prison for the crimes committed.

This should serve as a message to everyone, that every action has a reaction whether good or bad whether intentional or unintentional.

**Our condolences to the “King Family” and the “Kryst Family” on their heartbreaking losses and to anyone who has had to deal with such a tragedy. If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, please check out your resources as there are some many that are willing to help.

Resources:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Additional Resources can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/resources/index.html

Welcome to Season Three of Authentic Filters! If you enjoyed what you listened to and want to keep the conversation going, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your family and friends. We want to thank you for taking the journey with us thus far and we're excited to see where it goes next! Let's Get Into It. 

It’s time we have a serious conversation about Reparations for African Americans. For over 32 years, the Slavery Reparation Bill has been introduced at every congressional session since 1989 and just this year, they decided to vote on the bill to move it into the Study and Development proposal phase. If we continue to sit back and do nothing, another 30 years will pass by and the wrong that was inflicted on our ancestors will never be repaired.

The slave trade began in the 1400’s with the Britain’s going over to Africa to trade gold/silver for slaves and transport them to the West Indies by ship. During these times, the slave owners, didn’t care about the welfare of the slaves and many of them died from starvation and unhealthy conditions on the ships. During those times, If the slaves were of no value to the slave owner, they would toss them over the boat, still with shackles around their necks, hands, and feet. They murdered hundreds of slaves by throwing them overboard.

By the 1600’s, North America was well into the slave trade and the rest is history. History that you should read upon and educate yourself of in order to fully grasp why Reparations for African Americans is so important and how it helps to alleviate one of the country's original sins.

Welcome to our final episode of Season Two, #12 where we're diving deep into the history of slavery and what we believe would be good sensible options for Reparations. If you enjoyed what you listened to and want to keep the conversation going, be sure the like, subscribe, and share with your family and friends. We want to thank you for taking the journey with us thus far and we're excited to see where it goes next! Let's Get Into It.