Owning a car isn't about status for everyone. For most of us, it's about having a reliable vehicle that gets us safely from point A to point B without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, car repairs and unexpected maintenance are part of life, but taking care of your vehicle now can help you avoid bigger expenses later. In my latest musing, When the Math Stops Mathing, I'm sharing my thoughts on car maintenance, high-mileage vehicles, expensive repairs, and knowing when it's time to repair your car…or move on.

Throughout history, rebellions have been catalysts for change, and some have left behind powerful lessons that continue to shape how we understand the world today. In this Historical Spotlight, we’re taking a closer look at Nat Turner’s Rebellion, one of the most well-known and largest slave rebellions in United States history. Join me as we explore the events surrounding the 1831 rebellion, the people involved, and the lasting impact Nat Turner’s Rebellion had on American history. 

As families get ready for another school year, it’s easy to focus on supply lists, new teachers, and getting back into a routine. But there’s a much deeper history behind the public education system that we don’t always talk about. In this Historical Spotlight, we’re taking a closer look at the impact of school integration on Black education and the thousands of Black teachers who were pushed out of the classroom as predominantly Black schools closed. Over 40,000 Black teachers lost their jobs by 1970, forever changing the educational experience for generations of Black students.

I was born and raised in a small, country corner of Southwest Georgia, so it always brings me joy when I discover someone else who is from the area or has at least heard of it. Even though I’ve moved away, Southwest Georgia is still a part of who I am, from my mannerisms to the way my dialect can change depending on who I’m talking to. This region may be far from Metro Atlanta, but it has produced so many incredible people who have made history and influenced Black culture. In this Historical Spotlight, we’re shining a light on Alice Coachman, a trailblazing Black American athlete from Albany, Georgia, who became the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal and paved the way for generations of women in sports. 🥇🏃🏾‍♀️

For generations, Black Americans have faced discrimination and mistreatment within the healthcare system, creating a deep-rooted distrust that still exists today. Despite these challenges, Black doctors, nurses, and medical pioneers have made incredible contributions to healthcare and changed the course of medical history. In this Historical Spotlight, we’re taking a closer look at Daniel Hale Williams, the groundbreaking Black American surgeon who made history with one of the earliest successful open-heart surgeries and helped pave the way for modern cardiac surgery. 🫀

Black Americans have influenced music, fashion, food, and popularized entire cities single handedly. From Flo-Jo’s daring style that made it cool to rock vibrant, long nails to Jim Brown’s athletic skills showcased on the national stage, there have been numerous contributions that have determined what is considered cool in society. Trendsetters and pioneers created entire lanes that have grown into a rich history that continues to influence newcomers even to this day. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Big Tymer$ and how they influenced a whole genre by popularizing New Orleans hip-hop.

The history of welfare in America is far more complex than many of us were taught. For decades, Black Americans have been unfairly portrayed as the primary beneficiaries of government assistance, creating stereotypes that have shaped public opinion and influenced policy. In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at the history of welfare, how the "Welfare Queen" stereotype became deeply rooted in American culture, and who has historically benefited the most from public assistance programs.

There’s nothing better than an ice-cold Lime Coke Zero... and if you know where I can consistently find one, let me know! 😂 It’s become a rare treat since so many restaurants have gotten rid of their Coke Freestyle machines, which means I have to go on a full-blown scavenger hunt anytime I want one. In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at Coca-Cola’s history, the discriminatory policies that alienated Black Americans, and how Pepsi recognized an overlooked market that helped transform the company into a global competitor. 

There are countless examples throughout history of Black Americans standing up, organizing, resisting, and demanding to be treated with dignity and fairness. Despite generations of injustice, discrimination, and impossible circumstances, we’ve continued to push forward and fight for change rather than allow our voices to be silenced. In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at the 1970 Augusta Riot, an uprising that shook a Georgia community and became a turning point that exposed deep frustrations surrounding inequality and injustice.

Within the last year or so, my husband and I have officially added track and field to our list of must-watch sports. He loves the long-distance races while I’m always locked in on the sprinters and relay teams. Between race highlights on YouTube, following athletes online, and tuning in whenever a meet is on TV, we’ve become fully invested in the sport.

Whether it’s athletes competing for Olympic gold, elite marathon runners chasing personal records, or NCAA stars making a name for themselves, there’s something exciting about watching greatness unfold in real time.

That’s what made me want to take a deeper dive into one of the sport’s most iconic athletes.

In this Historical Spotlight, we’re celebrating Flo Jo, track legend, record breaker, and one of the greatest sprinters to ever compete. Her speed, style, and legacy changed track and field forever and continue to inspire generations of athletes today.