Nurah Speaks

We are in unprecedented times. •World Wide Pandemic •National Crises •State of Emergency •Social distancing •Executive Orders •Mandatory Curfews In all of this confusion and uncertainty, I want my Nurah Speaks family to know that, "I am in this with you!"  And I believe that by being smart, safe and informed-we can keep our sanity as this crises passes. In this episode, I share tips to help you protect your physical and emotional wellness and that of your loved ones. Think of all those times that you didn't have time to do what you wanted or needed to do… •Start that home project •Start that new book •Master new recipes •Get your exercise in •Spend time loving on your spouse and children To help maintain your spirits- rise early, get dressed and do your hair. Just because you may be stuck inside, do not neglect attending to your personal care and grooming.  It also is not ideal to spend all day in the clothes that you slept in. While you may not need to put on your business suit, you can still put o

As the saying goes - “If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.” No matter how progressive one thinks himself to be, it is not truly proven until he or she works collectively in group operations with others. Organizational Success requires commitment, sacrifice, humility and maturity. Organizational success requires us to grow beyond seeing our people as economic opportunities and mature into the actual service of our people that creates long term activity and success. Last weekend I spend time visiting an organization in Chicago, incorporated 33 years ago by three men. The Coalition for Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad was founded by Brothers Munir Muhammad, Shahid Muslim and Halif Muhammad. At their 33rd Founders’ Day celebration, it was their first without Brother Munir Muhammad who departed this life last year. Yet despite the loss of this charismatic leader, the organization continues to move forward in service of their long ago established guiding principles. Therefore, t

In Episode 110 I share with listeners what I think is so great about podcasts. For one, podcasting democratizes media and the ability to communicate to a broad base.  Podcasting makes communication accessible even to those without deep corporate backing.  It lends opportunity for everyone-not just those mainstreamed to the top of the charts.  And it allows alternative voices a platform to be heard. Another thing that is great bit about podcasting is that it is inexpensive.  There are free hosting platforms and the only equipment you really need to start is a smartphone.  You do not need to invest big dollars to make a worthwhile project. Something else that I love about podcasting is the huge variety in shows and topics!  There are podcasts about news, politics and crime and justice.  There are non fiction works that are like television shows (minus the visual input).  There are shows on or by entertainers.  There are podcasts for used car salesmen, thrift store lo

Here to discuss vision health and more is this week’s guest Dr. Sandra West.  Dr. West is an optometrist having 27 years of practice. She also happens to be my own doctor. I met Dr. West several years ago when I scheduled a routine vision exam and to my surprise and delight the doctor was a Black woman.  Interestingly enough, when I attended a business conference in New Orleans several months later, we found ourselves meeting again as attendees of the same conference. We talk a little about that in this episode. I asked Dr. West to be a guest on the show not because she is my personal doctor but because of what I knew she would offer Nurah Speaks listeners.  Not only does Dr. West teach us when we should begin vision checks, but also what our doctors are checking for and some of the latest technology aiding optometrists today.  Additionally she shares insights into her own childhood, how she was raised by dynamic parents and what parents can do to prepare children for future success.  

Several months ago I came across an article titled, ‘Black Women Can No Longer Afford To Save Broken Black Men.’ Now you ‘know’ this is something I had to discuss on Nurah Speaks! Not only do I find that some Black women have a misplaced 'savior' complex, but often we assign responsibility to men for many of our own ill advised choices. For example: •Who decided we are supposed to save or capable of saving any man? •If a man is broken, why are we entering a relationship with him? •Why would we give a man our resources, time and even our bodies if they’ve demonstrated no commitment and worthiness? These questions must be raised in a discussion such as this that condemn broken black men and sanctify the black women who get involved with them. That said, this episode is not meant as a ridicule of the sister who penned the article. However, I believe that we must be cautious of the messages funneled to us, as well as the intent and potential hazards of those messages. The article appeared in an online publication

This episode was inspired by actual events.  Several months ago, I saw a black mother curse out and slap her teen son in public for absolutely no reason other than her own gratification.  I describe the incident in this episode and another that was captured on cell phone video that went viral in late 2019. The brutish language and treatment we mothers render to our black boys is shaping the men they will eventually become.  We often seem to forget that our children are people like us who are deserving of respect, compassion and love. They will grow to be adults required to function in the world.  So we must ask ourselves, is our mothering preparing them to function as: •Confident and Compassionate Men •Timid and Insecure Men or •Brutal and Bullying Men? We must find the patience, admiration and love required to shape our sons to grow into great men.   The original video mentioned in the episode has been removed from YouTube.  However, you can use the following link to view the

Pictured from the back. Lewd poses in sexually suggestive photos. Deceptive messaging is encouraging our young women to believe their power lies in their sex appeal when attraction is naturally occurring with no significant effort on our part.  It is already installed in the human nature. But the real and genuine power is in the ability to influence peace or war, create harmony or strife, generate love or hatred and in general shape the future.   We help our young women cheat themselves of their great potential when we teach them to misdirect their value. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or 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 info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Mo

In an era popular with youth task forces and social programs serving ‘at risk’ youth, we must ask what we can do to head off delinquent behaviors in our young people. In this episode, I suggest that ‘Family Is The Best Social Program’ and I have research that I share to support this assertion. The research indicates that, “Children born to unmarried mothers generally receive lower human capital investments because the contractual partnership between the parents is less stable, and sometimes nonexistent (**Becker, 1981).” In other words, we increase the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes for our children when we do not anchor them in families to provide them the needed moral, social and economic supports. Frankly, we cannot reasonably expect to make a healthy community when a large segment of our children are conceived by people who neither parent likes or desires to create a family with. Families are the beginning of life lessons that cultivate us to interact within our broader community and nation. So if we

I am joined this week by Sister Aquila Ali.  Aquila is a member of the Coalition for Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad (CROE) and is an integral part of their media production team.  Unfortunately for black women in media, the bar has been set very low in terms of image and content.  However Aquila continues to endure as an example of character and integrity In this conversation, Aquila chronicles her journey in becoming a member of CROE and a student of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, her role within the media production team and she shares what she believes black women must understand about the root of our confidence.   You are going to enjoy this conversation and it will surely enlighten listeners to the unexplored prominence that women have in the Nation of Islam.   To learn more about CROE and the Honorable Elijah Muhammad visit CROE.org. Make sure you watch and subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC--UCt5LqFF3IW5fLn5lH2g and follow on facebook @CROETV. Email your i

On this MLK Day of Service be reminded of the fullness of Dr. King’s movement.  We cannot let him be another figure we memorialize in distortion. He was more than his passive resistance.  He was a fierce opponent of injustice, standing in full defiance to racism, poverty and unjust war. On this 25th MLK Day of Service, 52 years after his tragic assassination, be reminded that the justice he sought then, we still seek today.  The work must continue and it must continue with us. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or 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 info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

When contending with others for a political seat, position or job remember that you are only opponents. You are not enemies and you do not need to respond as such. Do not let policy, platforms or party affiliation make us enemies to each other and conduct ourselves on the campaign trail in a manner lacking integrity and pride. I cannot say how many times I have seen others hostile, emotionally inflamed or personally affronted when challenged for the same position. Taking a challenge personally speaks to the character and maturity of the person seeking the opportunity. And how one reacts speaks of the same. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or 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 info@NurahSpeaks.c

To be progressive, a good rule of thumb is, "Beware of unhappy people!" You know the sort of people I’m talking about who have a problem for every solution or a sad story to tell every - single - time you encounter them. For the purposes of this episode, I reference them by first and last name: Bad News Barry, Whispering Wilma, Gossiping Gloria, Negative Nancy and Gloomy Glenn. If you want to be supported in your goals or if you simply just want live a pleasant lifestyle, you have no place for them in your life. Instead, you have to yoke yourself with others who share in the objectives you have for your marriage, career, education, health and fitness or lifestyle goals in general. Unhappy people love to create converts. Listen to this episode to learn how to avoid becoming one of them. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her bl

Closing out the Nurah Speaks 'Buy Black' series is Dr. Nicole Muhammad, Founder and CEO of Sew Elevated. Sew Elevated is an online boutique of fabulously stylish garments. Sew Elevated designs have been described as alluring, elegant and fashion forward. Featured in both Philly Fashion Week and Chicago Fashion Week, these garments are created to make a statement. Start your New Year in style. Visit SewElevated.com. Follow @SewElevated on Instagram and Facebook. Remember to subscribe to the Nurah Speaks podcast and remember to rate and review. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or 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 info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Yosef Ben Asiel is the force behind ‘Black Royalty Wear’ sports apparel and is this week’s feature in the Nurah Speaks Buy Black series. Black Royalty is a premier athletic clothing line made from cotton and bamboo. Whether you're in the gym or doing daily chores, Black Royalty Wear provides you the most comfortable fit possible. Order yours today! Visit BlackRoyaltyWear.com. Follow Yosef on Instagram and Facebook @ NaskiYosef and be sure to listen to his weekly podcast, Know Thy Self Radio! If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or 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 info@NurahSpeaks.com Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

When you find a good thing you run out and tell others right?!? That is why Essential Nutrientz, an all natural hair care line, is next up in my 'Buy Black Series!' Sulaiha Turner, founder of Essential Nutrienz, created this line specially formulated to produce highly moisturized, healthy and beautiful hair. Sulaiha feels that this should be achieved without hormone altering chemicals or synthetic oils. Since trying this product, it has become the only one I use in my own hair care routine. It’s not heavy and greasy and I totally love the scent. So I suppose in a way, this is also my own testimonial. Try Essential Nutrientz for yourself and I’m sure you’ll agree. Listen to learn how Sulaiha’s own health scare prompted her search for an all natural hair care product and how her journey finally compelled her to create her own. To learn more about Essential Nutrientz, visit www.EssentialNutrientz.com. Follow Essential Nutrientz on IG: @EssentialNutrientz_he and on Facebook @ Essential Nutrientz.

Nisha Blackwell, founder of Knotzland is featured first in my Black Business Series. Knotzland produces artisan bowties made from 98.9% reclaimed fabric ad materials. I learned about Nisha and Knotzland from a google commercial detailing Nisha’ journey from unemployed to entrepreneur. Her story is both intriguing and inspiring and demonstrates the sort of possibilities available to us all. Support this Black woman led company as she supports her community and the environment through reclamation of discarded textiles used to produce these elegant and exquisite bowties. Visit knotzland.com to learn more. Follow Knotzland on Instagram and Facebook at @knotzland and you can follow Nisha on twitter @Naturalknotz. To see Nisha’s google commercial, click here:
youtu.be/6R8euQeU-Fc If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking th

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 and mortar stor

It is such a blessing to have reached 100 episodes of Nurah Speaks! When I started this podcast, I had no other goal in mind except reaching the ears and hearts of my people with a message that vibrates within our souls. And now, after 100 episodes under my belt I feel that I have just gotten started. I am humbled and grateful for the support of great listeners and exceptional guests who have lent their wisdom and insights to the podcast. This work continues as it remains imperative that our people are enlightened with what we can do to improve the outcomes for our communities. I am blessed to be joined in this episode with previous guests and my great friends Chabree Muhammad and Dr. Nicole Muhammad. The tables are turned as they pose their questions to me and allow me to reflect on this amazing journey. We also take the opportunity to announce our newest endeavor and an amazing collaboration. In January 2020, we will launch our own show, ‘Lead, Teach & Style” which will be a show sharing the n

As I near episode 100 and the two year anniversary of Nurah Speaks, I reflect on this incredible journey. Achieving such a milestone could only have happened if I was unwavering and consistent in my efforts with the podcast. That does not mean perfect. Nor does it not mean exact. I knew I only needed to be dedicated and unwavering in my goal to provide insightful and engaging content to my listeners. What a milestone! We learn so much about ourselves no matter our journeys. Time will always expose our strengths and weaknesses, our talents and handicaps. If we pay attention along they way, we can capitalize on these lessons. I encourage all who listen to this podcast to mark your own milestones with celebration and appreciation of your own achievements as well!!! THANK YOU to my listeners! I am grateful to you and I thank you for your support over these last two years! If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners ca

This week I welcome fashion designer, Dr. Nicole Muhammad, to the podcast. Nicole is the founder and CEO of Sew Elevated, a modest fashion brand. She is also a clinical psychologist by education and training. In this episode, Nicole explains the psychology of fashion and how fashion affects our thoughts and feelings about ourselves and how what we wear impacts others. This is a very sober and thoughtful conversation with Nicole explaining her intention to use fashion to elevate women’s ideas about fashion and their ideas about themselves. Visit sewelevated.com and follow Nicole on social media @SewElevated on Instagram and Facebook. You can email her at Nicole@SewElevated.com. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: NurahSpeaks.com or reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah Speaks @NurahSpeaksPodcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To bring