I want to start by sharing my love for cinema, a passion that has stayed with me since I was a little boy. Movies often reflect life, offering valuable lessons if we pay attention. Lately, I’ve been drawn to characters who betray their own group to align with those who neither care for nor respect…

How accurate is the video approximately 6 days after the election? Wake Up. Mobilize. Emerging evidence suggests that our worst fears about voter suppression may have materialized in the 2024 election. What was once dismissed as speculation is now being bolstered by hard data: the systematic disenfranchisement of voters—particularly from Black and marginalized communities—was not…

In the past few years, friends and coworkers have told me about the challenging behaviors they have to deal with at work, which can be mild or overt. From shady firings to overt power plays, many people have to deal with an unsettling truth post this recent election: the possible erosion of federal and state…

As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it’s crucial to revisit his enduring call for justice—not just racial, but economic. Dr. King believed poverty was a moral failing of society, an injustice that demanded systemic solutions. In 2025, America remains the wealthiest country on Earth, yet millions still struggle…

From the Bronx to New Beginnings In life, we often find ourselves at unexpected crossroads where resilience becomes our guiding compass. This story of reinvention begins in the Bronx, where family, culture, and community shaped a young man’s worldview. Yet, it was a leap into new industries and the embrace of uncertainty that would transform…

In the past few months, I read a book that struck a chord with me on a profound level. On top of that, it motivated me to get in touch with the author through LinkedIn. As a result of the fact that I purchased and read the book in the year 2023, it has taken…

Leadership transcends titles and positions; it’s about inspiring a shared vision, empowering individuals, fostering new ideas, and leaving a meaningful legacy. Drawing on my experience leading diverse teams, I’ve learned that effective leadership involves more than delegating tasks—it requires connecting with people, motivating them, and paving the way for growth and creativity. Below, I reflect…

On December 24, 2024, I officially returned to work after an extended recovery following surgery—a break I needed more than I initially realized. The three pictures below tell part of the story: dramatic weight fluctuations between 2019 and today. I am proud to share that I am healthier now, more conscious of my stress levels…

When art meets purpose, magic happens—and Kelsey Ferguson is a prime example of this. In a recent interview for my podcast, The Boogie Down Scholar, Kelsey shared her journey as a graphic artist, offering a glimpse into her creative process, inspirations, and the profound impact her work has on communities. Let’s take a closer look…

Stephen A. Smith built his career on bold, unapologetic takes, usually in the realm of sports. When he sticks to what he knows, his commentary is entertaining, insightful, and sharp. But when he steps outside of that arena and ventures into politics and social issues, he stumbles — often spectacularly. His latest tirade about the…

Understanding Cult Mindsets Misinformation today isn’t just an annoyance — it’s a weapon, meticulously designed to shape belief systems and keep us divided. When I created my Boogie Down Scholar video on Breaking Free from Cult Mindsets, a wave of dread hit me. The more I dug into the topic, the clearer it became that…

I recently watched a TikTok that really got to me. It was not the usual clickbait or exaggerated outrage we often scroll past. This video, from @brendonfreakinglemon, was a blunt and honest take on where America is politically—and it hit me harder than I expected. The speaker, clearly frustrated and tired, described a nation where…

I Miss You Grandma Ever heard the phrase “Kiss My Grits”? It’s a nostalgic Southern expression meaning “Take a hike” or “I’m not putting up with your nonsense.” I first heard it from my grandmother, a proud South Carolinian who raised me in the Southeast Bronx while my mother worked long hours. My grandmother, a…

I am a big fantasy movie nerd. I do not agree with all of Rowling’s views. “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light”. This iconic quote from Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban resonates deeply when reflecting on gratitude during…

Have you Ever Heard of Martin Niemöller? Do you know Martin Niemöller? I referenced him in one of my previous posts. His name might not leap off the page like a Roosevelt or a King, but his story carries a weight that demands our attention – especially right now. It’s a story of transformation—of a…

Introduction Throughout history, progress has often been met with resistance, and the United States is no exception. The battle for equality, justice, and democracy has not only shaped the country’s past but continues to define its present. Yet, in recent years-months-weeks-days, we have witnessed a disturbing trend: a desire to roll back the rights our…

This post-election period has me feeling a blend of emotions—anger, frustration, but above all, hurt. After several drafts, wrestling with the urge to let my language roam free (lol), I’ve found a place of clarity. Sometimes, a bitter wake-up call is necessary, and this election was one of those moments. It’s not a time to…

Growing up, I saw firsthand what it means to face barriers—and to find ways around them. Those living in low-income communities can be incredibly resilient and resourceful. Those experiences, unbeknownst to me at the time, shaped my commitment to education and to creating systems that work for everyone [capital E], especially in higher education. The…

The Epidemic of Deceit We are about to have an important election, and the country has to make a choice that goes beyond traditional party preferences. It’s not just about politics; the truth is being attacked in ways that have never been seen before in modern American history—full stop. The book “Invisible Rulers: The People…

I used to work out regularly and am trying to get back into it. A year and half ago, I had an injury to my adductor brevis muscle, during a run of the mill Jiu-Jitsu rolling session. Sidelined me for an extended period. I remember as I healed how I would compensate for this injury…