Nurah Speaks

Since there is no maximum capacity to learning, it is great to keep an open mind. Doing so avails us the great potential of learning new and useful information and applications to improve our lives. But we block those blessings, so to speak, when we make roadblocks of pride, fear or even guilt, preventing our accessing solutions to many of the problems we face. In this week’s episode, I discuss our unconscious habit of shooting down advice without any attempt to use or even consider it. This is often an inconspicuous thing and without someone bringing it our attention, we may never notice it. This episode is a reminder for each of us to stay openminded, even when thinking objectively is a major challenge. Take a listen and share your thoughts! 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 and reading her blog by clicking this link. Follow Nurah

The political season is bearing down upon us. Candidates will soon be stomping in your town seeking your vote. But what considerations do you have when choosing your elected officials? Choosing our elected officials, especially at the local level, is one of our most important acts of civic engagement because it is these electeds who will be voting on legislature that will directly impact our families and our communities. These are the folks who will be in the closed door rooms when decisions are made affecting us. We want to have folks in these rooms who will advocate staunchly on our behalf, not capitulate to access, money and prominence. Therefore, let's consider the following: • 1. Do they sacrifice consistently of their persons and resources, even in the absence of an ‘important’ title? • 2. Do they practice what they preach? • 3. Are they dignified and do they respect the dignity of others? • 4. Are they solution-oriented? • 5. Are they ‘big meeting members' or consistently a

It’s been a while since I’ve done a ‘Drive Time’ episode and this week’s 'Drive Time' conversation is about our Facebook habits. The content that we post online says a lot about our values, our character and our discipline. Take a listen to this episode as I discuss: •Why we should treat Facebook like Main Street •Content that is not good to share on Facebook •Policies your employer, organization or school may have regarding social media •Online practices to protect yourself and your children from predators •Why it is good to think five times before you post Remember to subscribe to Nurah Speaks on SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Radio Public, CastBox or wherever you stream great podcasts. Be sure to leave a rating and review. If Nurah Speaks is not on your streaming platform, please send an email to info@NurahSpeaks.com so we can get to the bottom of it. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listeners can also learn mor

Negative thinking is not only an impediment to personal and professional growth but also to our health and wellness. We must learn how to prioritize the good over the bad by ‘settling on the best part’ of our lives, of our families, of our communities and of ourselves. Why is it so important to settle on the best part and avoid persevering on the negative? Inclining to negative thoughts and attitudes can increase our stress levels. When our stress levels are increased, especially on a chronic basis, we cause our bodies to maintain high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone can impact the body in a variety of ways including depressed immune system, cardiovascular disease, digestive issues and increased blood sugar levels. These health impacts over an extended period of time can lead to significant health issues. Cortisol is the same hormone that is released when we are in a fight or flight situation. This hormone prepares us to react quickly in emergencies by increasing heart rate,

It was an honor to sit with this week’s guest, Andrea Lawful-Sanders. Andrea is many things. She is a writer, a wife and a mother, a child and family advocate, a mentor, a columnist, a radio show contributor, an executive director and so much more. And in all that she does, one words resonates loudly: authentic. Andrea lives her life authentically and she challenges others to do the same. Listen to this episode to learn how she is impacting students, parents, organizations and corporations in the Philadelphia region with her straight-no chaser-message of authenticity and truth. Andrea can be heard regularly on the Michele Speaks Radio Show and you can find her column in the Philadelphia Sun. Learn more about Andrea by visiting her website: www.alawfultruth.com and be sure to follow her on social media: Facebook: @ALawfulTruth, Twitter: @ALawfulTruth and on Instagram: Instagram: @islddva. Be sure to purchase your copy her book of affirmations “A Lawful Truth-Words of Affirmation: Simple Truth

Temporary responses to the permanence of racism is getting us nowhere. As it is the cycle, once the offenders of racism issue their apologetic platitudes, we are soon thereafter pacified back to neutral. We are too easily placated with interim damage control in the form of sensitivity forums, promotional opportunities and temporary access. Our short term memory of the sustained offenses against our humanity has been an ongoing problem in our community. We fail ourselves with acceptance of these cosmetic fixes. In this episode, I share six steps that we can and should take immediately. We must start the internal work of self examination and start the corollary work to create sustained change. Otherwise we will remain vulnerable to the damaging effects of racism and the clear disregard with which others have of 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: Nurah

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 info@NurahSpeaks.com.  Listener

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