Nurah Speaks

There is a stark contrast in what a Community Activist is and what some may consider a Community Terrorist.

In general, activism is lobbying special interests, confronting inequities, challenging governmental dysfunction and persuading social change, sometimes through protest and otherwise through affirming new social norms.

For purposes of this conversation, I will define community terrorism as: intimidation, character assassination, violence (or the threat of) and/or extortion in confrontation with local leaders and government officials.

Community Activists activate. Community Terrorists terrorize. Activists are solutions oriented. Terrorists are often problems oriented.

Personal attacks and verbal assaults interrupt the good that can be derived during public debate. We should understand how to instigate change through social engagement that is effective and advantageous.

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com and reading her blog: https://nurahmuhammad.com/blog.

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To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected]

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Black History in America is American History. Separating Black History as an elective, optional subject for teachers and students disadvantages not only Black students but all students. This creates misunderstandings and ill informed, conflict-ridden relationships.

Just look at how many current cases are popping up of prominent lawmakers, entertainers and government officials who engaged in some racially offensive language or behavior because, ‘they didn’t know’ the pain they’d cause.

It is silly that black, white, asian and hispanic students could sit in classrooms next to each other elementary through high school, but cultural and historical knowledge of only one group would be highlighted. I believe that the struggles, achievements, innovations and contributions of Blacks in America are a part of the American context no less than those of the Europeans who ‘settled’ on this continent.

Therefore in art class, black American artists should be discussed right along with Norman Rockwell. In science class, black American scientists should be discussed right along with Alexander Graham Bell. To exclude the contributions, trials and triumphs of American blacks in the general education and to exclusively highlight those of European descendants suggests we are irrelevant. But what we know is that we are not irrelevant to this great nation. In fact, we are as relevant as the settlers and founders themselves. Therefore it is an absolute absurdity that only “1-2 lessons or 8-9% of total class time is devoted to Black history in U.S. classrooms.” (https://www.socialstudies.org/system/files/publications/articles/se_810117014.pdf)

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com and reading her blog by clicking this link.

Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook,

Twitter and Instagram.

To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected]

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

“…if people can’t understand the implications of a white woman yelling at me and trying to badger me into saying what she says - even if I wanted to say it - I wouldn’t have said it the way in which she was speaking to us” Tamika Mallory

Tamika Mallory is not new to activism or criticism. But she has been under a new sophisticated attack since she has been co-chair of the Women’s March. These recent aggressions, charges against her character and dismissal of her self determination has really exposed just how powerful this woman is.

Tamika is the first black leader - woman or man - that I have witnessed not humiliate herself by succumbing to the paternalistic treatments to which other ‘so-called leaders’ have succumb.

There is much we can learn from her resolve and her commitment to her values. In this episode, I elaborate on just four lessons learned during these attacks.

•Define Yourself

•Honor Your Relationships and Your Work

•Only Concern Yourself with Those Who Want to Know You, Not Control You

•Don’t Allow Anyone To Infantalize You

You can also find links below to the interviews which I reference in this episode:

Tamika Mallory on The View

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRzOS7SNKmY

Tamika Mallory on Roland Martin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc5RLIcG2Ig

Tamika Mallory on The Breakfast Club

https://youtu.be/HO9Mwx4Eb6Q

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com and reading her blog by clicking this link.

Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook,

Twitter and Instagram.

To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected]

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Over 77.3% of black births were to unwed mothers in 2015 according to the National Center for Health Statistics. In Episode 57 I challenge us (the black community) to confront our staggering rate of unwed births and the social challenges that often result.

To be clear-this is not an episode about unwed mothers-it is about unwed mothers AND fathers and the need of putting Marriage ‘back' into Parenthood.

I know this can be a controversial issue and somewhat sensitive for many. As stated in the show, there is no condemnation or indictment on anyone within our community in this condition. But this episode does push us to have different conversations and even difficult conversations surrounding the behaviors and lifestyles we have accepted as normal.

I have included a few articles about the issue below and I encourage your feedback.

For more information:

https://fragilefamilies.princeton.edu/sites/fragilefamilies/files/ff_fact_sheet.pdf

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/77-black-births-to-single-moms-49-for-hispanic-immigrants

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-you-should-know-about-out-of-wedlock-births/

“The research found that children born to unmarried parents are disadvantaged relative to children born to married parents in terms of parental capabilities and family stability. Additionally, parents’ marital status at the time of a child’s birth is a “good predictor of longer-term family stability and complexity, both of which influence children’s longer-term wellbeing.”

“The Columbia and Princeton report found that father involvement declines over time for out-of-wedlock births. By age 5, only 50 percent of non-resident fathers have seen their child in the past month. While formal child support from non-resident fathers increases over time, informal cash support and in-kind support (such as buying toys or clothes) declines.According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children who live without their biological fathers and are, on average, at least two- to three-times more likely to be poor; to use drugs,;to experience educational, health, emotional, and behavioral problems; to be victims of child abuse; and to engage in criminal behavior, than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. In contrast, children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, avoid high-risk behaviors, and exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior.”

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com and reading her blog: http://nurahmuhammad.com/blog.html

Nurah Speaks can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahSpeaksPodcast and on Instagram and Twitter @NurahSpeaksPodcast.

To bring Nurah to speak at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Sonja is the Executive Director of the Kwesi Prince Foundation, a pediatric cancer organization dedicated to providing support to families suffering the devastating effects of Childhood Cancer with a focus on brain tumors. The foundation is named in honor of Kwesi Prince, Sonja’s son, who was diagnosed with a rare malignant brain tumor in 2010 when he was just 7 years old. After multiple brain surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant, Sonja lost Kwesi in 2014.

Listen as Sonja shares their journey and the amazing work of the Kwesi Prince Foundation.

This conversation with Sonja is informative and listeners will learn:

-how friends and family can support caregivers of children with cancer

-the extreme need for increased funding for pediatric cancer research

-why it’s important that caregivers optimize their own health and wellness

-what Kwesi’s journey helped her learn about life

Learn more by visiting the KwesiPrinceFoundation.org. In our conversation, Sonja also mentioned Caring Bridge which is a social media platform in which parents of sick children can share real time information and updates to family members and friends. Learn more about Caring Bridge by visiting CaringBridge.org.

If you would like to engage with the show, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  NurahSpeaks.com and reading her blog:http://nurahmuhammad.com/blog.html.

Follow Nurah Speaks on Facebook and @NurahZ20 on Instagram.

To bring Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

“All things will remain the same until the pain of remaining the same becomes greater than the pain of change.” Reverend Chris Collins

I am joined in this episode by Reverend Chris Collins, Founder and CEO of the Anointed News Journal. The Anointed News Journal is the nation’s premier weekly faith based and professional publication for winners - with a 24 year running.

This was a great conversation with Reverend Collins as he shared his journey of resilience, faith and perseverance.

In this episode you will learn:

-how personal trials can bring us face to face with purpose

-why the Anointed News Journal is thriving while many local and national print newspapers are fighting to survive

-what Reverend Collins has overcome that’s positioned him as a local leader and inspiration to many

-so much more

Listen closely to this interview, grab a pen and pad and prepare to be inspired!

To connect with Reverend Collins, support the Anointed News Journal or submit your advertisement, visit: AnointedOnline.Net, call 856-904-9429 or mail your donations to P.O. Box 309 Camden, New Jersey 08101.

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To bring Nurah to speak at your event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

“It is so important that a teacher feels that child’s vulnerability so that they can give them success at the end.… And that’s what’s rewarding!” Chabree Muhammad

This episode is why I created the Nurah Speaks Podcast!

Chabree Muhammad is a passionate educator, director, teacher of teachers, child advocate and parent advocate. Her passion for youth and families resonates in this interview and it was my pleasure to have her on the program.

In this conversation, you will hear a perspective on education that is not -but should be- part of the mainstream discussion.

We enjoyed ourselves so much and the content was so dense that we realized we must have a part two of this interview. But for now, enjoy this part one.

If you are an educator or a parent of school students and have questions for Chabree, you can email her at [email protected].

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To bring Nurah to speak at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

This REWIND EPISODE of Nurah Speaks features Lynita Mitchell-Blackwell, Esq., CPA, CCLC. One of my favorite quotes from her is, “Just because you are good at something doesn’t mean that’s what you’re supposed to be doing.”

Lynita is a Top 100 National Attorney, CPA, and Certified Christian Life Coach. She is the CEO of the Leading Through Living Community and Bold Favor Media Group which produces highly acclaimed TV and radio shows. She is also the Executive Director of the Emerging Leaders Institute.

Lynita’s complete bio is extensive and you can learn more about her on her website www.LynitaMitchellBlackwell.com.

Lynita is a LeadHership Champion! As CEO of the Leading Through Living Community, LLC, Lynita manages a multi-faceted organization that includes publishing bestselling inspirational and motivational books, as well as several magazines including the 2016 “ATL’s Hottest Magazine” under LTLC’s subsidiary BOLD Favor Media Group; produces the #1 leadership awards show “The BOLD Awards”, highly acclaimed TV and radio shows, and the PLUS-tacular full-figured calendar; serves as Executive Director of the leadership training and professional development non-profit The Jewell Jackson McCabe Emerging Leaders Institute; and loves coaching women business owners and entrepre-DO-ers!

Lynita is a Top 100 National Attorney, CPA, and Certified Christian Life Coach who lives by the motto: “When you wake up early in the morning, don’t roll over, roll OUT. Your mind is ready, get your body set, and let’s GO!”

Learn more by visiting:

www.LynitaMitchellBlackwell.com

EmergingLeadersNow.org

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To book Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

What consumes our minds controls our lives.

It is imperative that we monitor what we allow beyond our (mental) borders to impact our thinking and feelings. Since the television, music, social media and foods we consume will invariably affect our mindset and behavior-we should be always be watchful of our consumption.

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To book Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Let's not take for granted that confidence is developing in our youth without intentional and deliberate guidance on our part as parents, mentors, coaches, teachers and counselors.

I believe that we must be unrelenting in aiding the belief and esteem that our young people have in themselves. One way to help advance the development of self confidence is teaching them about: STAACK.

What is STAACK?

STAACK is their Surroundings-Thoughts-Actions-Appearance-Competence-Knowledge.

In this episode I break down how each component hinders or hastens the developing self confidence of our young people.

I urge you to share this when working with our youth to empower them to develop security in themselves. Being self assured will help protect them from seeking validation from unworthy people and means.

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To have Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!