Nurah Speaks

Let’s talk about our use of the term “woke” and what it really means to be woke.

For those who may not know, the term “woke” refers to being consciously aware and understanding the nature of social, economic and political injustices.

But what good is being woke if our awareness does not translate into action?

In this episode, I break down how our wokeness must move beyond awareness:

*Woke means WORK! - we must actively create the change that we need and recognize that laziness is the enemy of progress

*Woke means SUPPORT! - we must vigorously patronize establishments and back leaders who reflect our needs and goals

*Woke means SACRIFICE! - we must be willing to give something up to create a new reality

*Woke means COURAGE! - we must be willing to challenge traditions and powerbrokers who disapprove of or interrupt our efforts to freedom, justice and equality.

I filmed myself recording this episode so if you would like to view on Youtube, visit my Youtube page: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCDBHsYsvrdxbdWn8LWZpzkg

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:  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!

verb ed·i·fy \ ˈe-də-ˌfī \ Uplift, Enlighten, Dignify

If Black women are the most educated group in America...

If the Black community controls $1.2 trillion annually…

If Black people have the most significant influence on pop culture…

Why are we still confronted with century’s old dilemmas?

Considering that in 2018 we are in the age of Barbecue Becky, ID Adam, mass incarceration, unarmed police shootings and systems that socioeconomically marginalize black people-much has not changed for us.

In this episode I assert that our degrees, dollars and influence will only be advantageous when we bond them with inward efforts, collective action and group operations.

Until we do that, and ONLY until we do that (because all else has failed) we will be neither uplifted nor dignified. But the good news is, there is still time.

What say you?

For additional insight, see the links below:

http://www.kentwired.com/ksubuzz/article_f03c57b0-ac01-11e4-8e93-4304b37bd948.html

https://www.google.com/amp/amp.timeinc.net/time/5134486/how-to-slay-black-fashion-influence

http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2018/black-impact-consumer-categories-where-african-americans-move-markets.html

https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2017/beyond-bls/the-unexplainable-growing-black-white-wage-gap.htm

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:  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!

I am so proud of this episode and of this week’s guest Youth Leader, Haafiz Muhammad. Haafiz joined me to discuss the impact he’s made in his community and ways we can empower young people to tackle issues that confront them daily.

Haafiz has been instrumental in Camden, New Jersey’s efforts to mitigate violence impacting youth through his participation in the Department of Justice’s National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention. As a delegate representing Camden in such arenas as Cities United (a collective of mayors working to halt the loss of life in cities throughout America - CitiesUnited.org) Haafiz has represented on the national stage and on the front lines of change.

Haafiz shares how his heritage as a Muslim and member of the Nation of Islam makes him distinct and a role model for his peers. I am thankful for Haafiz taking time to share his perspective on current events and popular trends that affect the Black community.

This was a profound discussion and Haafiz will leave the listener encouraged that our youth are recognizing their right and responsibility to transform the world in which they live.

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:  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!

I love this couple and you will too!

Terrence and Brandy White were my guests during their recent visit to Camden, New Jersey to feature the acclaimed book Terrence co-authored, ‘Doing Time With My Son.’

The book features his journey of incarceration, recovery and re-entry to society. We discussed why the book is necessary, why their story needed to be told, how to cope when your loved one is incarcerated and so much more.

Terrence and Brandy are a dynamic couple who have endured much individually and together within their marriage. Terrence credits writing for the book as the beginning of his awakening.

To learn more or purchase your copy visit: DoingTimeWithMySon.com.

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: 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!

Emotions make for good servants but poor masters. This is a truism of which we should stay mindful. Because while feelings go away, actions fueled by feelings can have permanent consequences and detrimental ramifications on decisions and relationships.

Too many of our men and women (young and old) are experiencing this first hand from their jail cells. Lives have been lost, families destroyed and potential has been squandered from hasty decisions not lead by logic and reason.

We have to always allow ourselves time to get to the other side...because if we keep breathing and allowing time to work on us; we may find ourselves grateful for not jumping into action without the benefit of clarity and a clear mind.

Share this with our children....feelings - go - away! The pain of a breakup, the fear of a new challenge, the embarrassment of a public mistake...we can overcome anything if we endure to a new day.

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: 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!

I came across a horrendous meme recently which stated, “The Smartest Thing A Woman Can Learn Is To Never Need A Man.” Seeing this let me know that the time has come for us to start speaking up for our men, for ourselves and AGAINST the barrage of misinformation sent our way.

In this episode I share my take on this devaluing, divisive and denigrating language and share what I believe is the smartest thing a woman can know.

I also question our role in the Feminist or Women’s Movement, the role it plays for us and if the movement truly tracks and takes action on the issues Black Women face.

I believe we must control our message and determine our own narrative. Otherwise we unwillingly (or willingly) take up a narrative that perpetuates confusion and dysfunction.

I would love to hear your take on the subject discussed in this episode. Am I taking this to seriously? Do you agree? What are your thoughts?

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:  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!

Welcome to episode 28! I am happy to share my interview with Ms. Mona Pryor, business consultant and the manager of the Market Street Group. At the Market Street Group., Mona manages the company’s Tax Preparation Service, Business Planning and Financial Planning Service, Hoarders Express Cleanup Service and the Original Cafe and Bistro.

What interests me most about Mona is the impact she makes on others, particularly those whom others deem are beyond help. Whether one is a recovering addict, an ex-offender reentering society or homeless in need of permanent housing-Mona has the ability and the will to assist. As a second-chancer herself, Mona recognizes the hardship society puts on those who are looking to make a fresh start. Therefore, they are able to find a fresh start with her.

Having survived reoccurring aneurysms and 8 brain surgeries, she knows she has a purpose greater than herself. Mona is a story of resilience and generosity. And it is my pleasure to feature her here on Nurah Speaks.

To learn more about the Market Street Group visit http://529marketst.com.

If you are in the Camden, New Jersey area, be sure to visit the Original Cafe and Bistro located at 529 Market Street in downtown Camden, New Jersey.

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:  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!

This was an extremely fun conversation with Nichelle Pace, owner of Brand Enchanting Media. Not only was it an informative dialogue but I also got to bask in 80’s and 90’s culture with a fellow Gen-X’er.

In this episode you will hear Nichelle describe her journey into media and marketing and why there have been so many prominent ads recently getting it all wrong. We delve into her family’s tie to the Civil Rights movement and her efforts to empower her community.

I found talking with Nichelle easy and delightful and as you will see as our interview opens, we get right into it! You will enjoy this episode.

About Brand Enchanting Media and Nichelle Pace:

Brand Enchanting Media is spearheaded by integrated marketing expert, Nichelle N. Pace. With extensive lifestyle marketing and big advertising agency background from New York to Chicago, Nichelle has been a steward for many global and domestic brands’ integrated and digital marketing efforts including: Procter & Gamble, Estee Lauder, Jones New York, Stoli Vodka, Dell, and Sharp Electronics. Nichelle has been a featured panelist at prominent marketing, business and social media events, including: Social Media Week New York, Internet Week, Blogher Conference, NYC 3-Day Start Up, Mashable Social Media Day, and the Independent Fashion/Lifestyle Bloggers Conference.

Nichelle’s experience and leadership in the marketing community firmly laid the foundation for Brand Enchanting Media to form in 2016. BEM now serves as the parent company of STYLEMOM.com (founded in 2009), Small Biz Digital BootcampTM, and a soon to be released group of online publications. Creatively led, and strategically driven, Brand Enchanted Media takes the guesswork out of developing inclusive advertising and marketing plans that incorporate multilevel experiential, social media, and full-service digital executions.

You can learn more by visiting brandenchanting.com or by following Nichelle on social media: https://twitter.com/nichellenpace and https://instagram.com/nichellepace.

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:  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!

Chabree Muhammad is this week’s guest on Nurah Speaks! Chabree is the Director of Muhammad’s University of Islam 20 (MUI) and M.E.L. Childcare Center Inc. in Camden, NJ.

More than that, Chabree is a leading expert in educating Black Children!

Let's set the stage. Camden is one of the most challenged cities in the nation. The city struggles with poverty, crime, literacy and educational attainments. In the midst of all of this is Chabree. In the childcare center, she guides her employees to nurture the infants, toddlers and after school children who attend the center. At MUI, she leads her teachers, reminding them that school-age students require nurturing as a necessary component in education.

This show is a must for parents, teachers, school administrators and anyone interested or involved with children or education. If you are serious about the success of children-you will want to listen to this episode.

Chabree 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. 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…

Oh, please let me add…the Nurah Speaks studio (aka, my home office) is in close proximity to the local regional trauma center. In the background you can hear helicopters flying to and from but I felt that Chabree was on such a role, it didn’t seem warranted to take a break. I believe her content is well worth the minor background noise.

M.E.L. Childcare Center serves infants, toddlers and after school children and is located at 1131 Haddon. Avenue Camden, New Jersey 08103. Muhammad’s University of Islam 20 serves pre-K to 12th grade students and is located at 1157 Haddon Avenue Camden, New Jersey 08013. You can contact Chabree by calling 856-966-1722.

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!

Youth are highly perceptive and they spot sincerity as easily as they spot phoniness. Therefore it is essential that when working with them in capacities such as teachers, mentors, clinicians or coaches we must always:

Be Loving

Be Non-Judgmental

Be a Role Model

We must remind ourselves that it is a privilege to be positioned to impact the potential within our young people. Being reckless, judgmental or self promoting can damage how they see themselves and their possibilities in our world.

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:  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!