Nurah Speaks

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 cl

“…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

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-

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

“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,

“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 Mui.ChabreeMuhammad@ymail.com. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to questions@NurahZaheerah.com.  Listeners can also learn more abo

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 accla

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 questions@NurahZaheerah.com.  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 support@NurahZaheerah.com. 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 questions@NurahZaheerah.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: http://NurahZaheerah.c

It is never too soon to encourage our youth to start mapping out their life plan. However, they cannot be expected to chart the course of their lives on their own. We must help them plan, organize, strategize and steer their lives towards the goals that they ultimately set for themselves. This starts with a simple conversation. Let's ask them the following questions and have them write their answers: ••What outcomes do they want in their lives? What do they want their lifestyles, careers, families to be like? Be specific! What car do they want and how does the leather smell? What are their vacation destinations and how does the ocean breeze feel on their skin? And how's the water? What does their home look like? What color paint is on the walls? •••What can catalyze their outcome(s)? What can you do to ensure achieving your outcome? What actions need to be taken? For example, to purchase a first home by age 25, earnings will need to be saved, credit will have to be built, income needs to be stea

This episode marks the One Year Anniversary of the Nurah Speaks Podcast! I am so grateful to all who've listened, subscribed and shared the podcast over the last year. Special thanks of course to the great guests who have joined me to share their work and insights with the Nurah Speaks audience. This anniversary episode was LIVE CAST on Facebook! That was a new and unique experience for me as a podcaster! In this episode, I share many of my wins, hurdles, next steps and more. I am so proud of this incredible journey and I am even more blessed that you have joined me on it! If you have not already, please rate and leave a review or comment. Let me know what you think of the podcast and be sure to share it with others. ------- If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to questions@NurahZaheerah.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog Nurah ca

There is no biblical commandment directing us to $PEND-$PEND-$PEND to honor the birth of sweet baby Jesus. However, year after year, the season has become less religious and more commercial. This episode I share tips that will benefit your wallet and your community. So what should we do in this season of spending? For starters, I advise us all to be aware of the clever campaigns retailers use to incite our excitement to spend. We should be sober and buy what we need, when we need it. There is no sudden urgency wherein a large flat screen tv is needed. The jewelry, apparel, appliances now set at ‘markedly reduced’ prices can wait. Advertisers know the perfect strategies to persuade spending. Here are my five tips for to help you this season: 1. Don’t!----Just don’t spend. Save your money. Invest your money. Refrain from making the rich even richer. 2. Buy Black!----If you like the tradition of holiday shopping, buy black. Identify black business with which you can spend. Buy black in brick a

This interview with Terina Nicole, founder of Jypsea Leathergoods was so much fun! This is one of those episodes that will have you smiling from beginning to end. Terina is one of those bright, joyful and energized souls who makes you feel happy just being around her. Just listen to this interview and you’ll see! Terina is a creative, interior stylist, modern leather artisan, product designer, diy instructor, design blogger and so much more. She has been featured on and in NBC, ABC, HGTV, Centric, Essence, Upscale, Philadelphia Magazine and more. Terina is the cofounder of DIY MakersCon which is an annual one day conference for women which celebrates, educates and gives a platform to creative entrepreneurs. On this coming Black Friday 2018, Terina will be hosting the Independent Designer Showcase: Pop-up Shop & Fashion Show. Get your tickets here: https://independentdesignersshowcase.eventbrite.com/. Terina continues to create platforms for designers and would-be designers and she actively

"Cowards Quote the Revolutionary but Do Not Revolt Themselves!" Nurah Muhammad This is harsh language-I know- but I believe that the power of Malcolm X's language is used to enhance the speech of many without the many emulating Malcolm's activity. How many times have we heard someone using impassioned words of Malcolm to push their argument but have no evidence of organizing others and creating real sustaining change themselves? We have taken to entertaining one another by how many leaders we can quote. As a member of the Nation of Islam, as a student of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad-Malcolm X engaged in real work-not just speeches to improve the conditions of our people. But today, we have folks claiming to be so-called Malcolm X experts who quote the man-but have not and will not walk the walk of Malcolm that made him great. I claim not to be a Malcolm X expert, however I recognize his wisdom to be that of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the work which produced the solutions to our problems.

WARNING! This episode may be triggering for some… Protection of our youth should be paramount in the minds of parents and all adults responsible for the welfare of children. Unfortunately, we live in a culture wherein children are the prey of sexual predators. And these predators not are not only targeting girls, but also our boys. They are after our infants, toddlers, prepubescent children and beyond. There is no exemption of victim or victimizer. Perpetrators are fathers, mothers, teachers, preachers, coaches and doctors. In so many cases, they are the most trusted members of our society. We are shown news story after story that the worst is happening to our children -sometimes for years- unbeknownst to parents. To protect our children from the ungodly intentions of these people, we must not be reckless with whom we leave our children alone. And we must be proactive. Unfortunately, some of what I relate may be upsetting because I believe in very strict boundaries. I do not believe we should leave

To be Relevant one must possess Character, Capacity and Function. Without these, we find ourselves useless, irrelevant or only useful for inconsequential things and people Character is dignity, decency and ethics. Having character is choosing right over wrong, honesty over dishonesty. Capacity is the ability to a complete task, perform a duty, endure circumstances or produce results. Some people are high capacity individuals. To develop capacity, one must train, study, practice, endure without quitting and with the goal to improve ourselves. Capacity is not developed on the sidelines. It is gained in the field of endeavor. Function is the activity, role or natural purpose of a person-it’s why something exists. To be functional means that one can operate competently within the world. It is having the ability to get things done.

I cannot tell you how excited I am to present this week’s guest, Nisha Blackwell. Nisha is the Founder and CEO of Knotzland Bowties. Knotzland is a company that sources the discarded waste from upholstery and textile manufactures to create unique hand sewn bowties. And Nisha's journey? Just Remarkable! But let me tell you how I learned about Nisha. One random, lazy Sunday I was watching a morning news program when an amazing google commercial caught my attention. The ad was about a young black woman (Nisha) who found herself unemployed-but after attending a child's birthday party-she was an entrepreneur. I kid you not! But I won't tell the whole story here-you'll get the journey as you listen. Still, this episode is full of wisdom that Nisha shares from that journey. When you listen, you'll learn about the challenges black women led startups face, gentrification and urban renewal and how being open to new challenges can take you to places you'd never expect. Her message to anyone with a dr

This episode comes in response to Bette Midler’s recent tweet, “Women are the n-words of the world.” We are witnessing the absolute co-opting of the historical trauma and terrorism sustained by Blacks in America . We are a people who’ve endured American slavery, sharecropping, Black codes, Jim Crow and today, we experience modern day lynchings. As others are hijacking our suffering to illustrate their hardships, we cannot ignore their implicit devaluing of our humanity. But I wonder - what will WE do to value ourselves and our interests? Below you will find Bette Midler's full tweet as well as partial lyrics from the song ‘Woman Is The Nigger Of The World,’ by John Lennon. This is the song which she references in her tweet. Bette Midler’s tweet: “’Women are the N-word of the world’ Raped, beaten, enslaved, married off, worked like dumb animals; denied education and inheritance; enduring he pain and danger of childbirth and life IN SILENCE for THOUSANDS of years…They are the most disrespected crea

This week's guest is Taylor Ali, founder of Brown Girls Nirvana. Brown Girls Nirvana is an organization striving to empower and restore sisterhood between brown girls of all shades and ages. It is her goal to create a safe space for brown women to thrive and flourish. Taylor hosts the monthly women's groups 'Queens Court' which provides women the opportunity to decompress from the world that expects so much from them. Taylor continue to develop both Brown Girls Nirvana and Queens Court to provide encouragement and support for brown women. On November 10, 2018 Taylor hosts 'I Like My Coffee Black' a women's empowerment and networking conference. This conference will empower, inspire and equip attendees through conversation and networking with an amazing panel of women speaking on real life issues! I am grateful to be a panelist at this great event! To learn more and get your tickets to "I Like My Coffee Black" use the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-like-my-coffee-black-tickets-49876245192?utm-me

In this episode of the Nurah Speaks Podcast, I share with listeners some of the lessons I have learned in my study of life, in my podcast journey and in my community and public service. These 8 lessons that I share here have benefited me well and I know they will benefit listeners too. If you would like to engage with the show, submit your listener questions to questions@NurahZaheerah.com.  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 support@NurahZaheerah.com. Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!