Enoch Muhammad works with young people. To serve them parents must first change themselves, he says. (CHICAGO – December 30, 2024) – Nothing can be more important in the New Year than saving our children in the face of threats from within and outside our community. Mental health challenges, failing education, violence, unemployment, police abuses, poverty, housing insecurity and other pressures erode family and community, often leaving our babies vulnerable, feeling neglected and forgotten. Enoch Muhammad, of Chicago-based Hip Hop Detoxx, has been working with young people for more than two decades. He shared some important lessons on what we must…

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 27, 2024) – Not long after her adopted twins came to live with her in Freeport, Texas, Melanie Oldham saw their health start to decline. Both children were diagnosed with severe asthma. As Oldham sent the twins to school – every day with their inhalers – she realized a lot of the kids in her part of Brazoria County had bad asthma. She also began to see that other serious chronic illnesses were rampant in her community. “It’s shocking the number of people in their 50s that already have severe COPD, all the skin problems we know…

(BALTIMORE – December 18, 2024) – Chrissy Thornton, President and CEO of Associated Black Charities (ABC), has responded robustly to the media following a recent local media article that inaccurately reported on duplication of a grant approved by the Baltimore City Council for ABC. In her opinion piece, titled “Let’s Leave Healthy Holly in 2024, Shall We?”, Thornton calls attention to the harmful impact of outdated narratives and biased portrayals of Black leadership while highlighting the need for accountability and balance in media coverage. The article, initially framed as a critical exposé, later unceremoniously published a follow-up piece that revealed that its concerns…

Chicagoan Dina McReynolds Everage’s home is the West African nation of Ghana. Not only is Ghana her home, it is also her country. (CHICAGO – December 17, 2024) – Can you go home even if you have never been? Even if you’re not sure where home is? For Chicagoan Dina McReynolds Everage home is the West African nation of Ghana. Not only is Ghana her home, it is also her country. Naba’a Richard Muhammad’s Straight Words is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Upgrade to paid In November,…

US faces crises and questions about her very survival. We see racial, political, social, economic, and other divisions. How about some solutions? By Naba’a Richard Muhammad, StraightWords.com (CHICAGO – December 12, 2024) – Go thou and thy brother with My messages, and do not be remiss in remembering Me. Go both of you to Pharaoh; surely he is inordinate; Then speak to him a gentle word, haply he may mind or fear. —Holy Qur’an, Chapter 20, Verses 42-44, Maulana Muhammad Ali translation Watching what is happening inside America, as the nation unravels before our eyes. Clearly, the country faces crises and…

BPALiveWire recognizes the robust bench in the conservative movement. (WASHINGTON, DC – December 9, 2024) – In a recent Politico article, an unnamed source expressed skepticism about the pool of Black Republicans available for potential appointments in a future Trump administration, claiming, “There’s no bench.” This statement not only reflects a lack of awareness but also perpetuates a misconception about the depth and breadth of Black voices within the conservative movement. Contrary to such uninformed opinions, the conservative movement boasts a robust and dynamic array of Black leaders, thinkers, and practitioners who contribute significantly across policy, business, and grassroots activism.…

By The Nefertiti Network White House Correspondence Team BMORENews (BALTIMORE – December 5, 2024) – In a world that often overlooks the brilliance of Black men, Donald Morton “Doni” Glover refuses to remain unseen. He is a force—an architect of change, reshaping narratives, and leading with purpose. His work, vision, and unwavering commitment to amplifying Black voices have crafted a legacy that resonates within the heart of Black America. Through his groundbreaking media platforms, Glover revolutionized the way Black communities receive and engage with the news, offering a reflection of themselves that was long missing from mainstream outlets. By putting Black…

(BALTIMORE – November 28, 2024) – When you turn on the daily news, it’s often filled with stories that perpetuate a skewed narrative about the Black community. The adage “If it bleeds, it leads” seems to dominate local news coverage, prioritizing sensationalism over substance. While this approach might boost ratings, it often leaves viewers feeling disheartened, asking, Is this all there is? Stories of violence, corruption, and despair seem to overshadow the rich and diverse realities of Black life. For Baltimore, a predominantly Black city, this narrative can be especially harmful. If we’re not vigilant, we risk internalizing the misconception that…

By Dan Morhaim, M.D. (PIKESVILLE, MD – November 24, 2024) – Private equity firms (PEF) and publicly traded companies (PTC) are now involved in the hospice business. What do you think the outcomes are? Healthcare has become a cash cow manipulated by the financially sophisticated. PEF and PTC now run hospitals and medical practices, joining insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and others in taking over almost every aspect of the American healthcare system. Their #1 goal is to maximize profits by reducing access, quality, staff, and services while shifting expenses to others. The result? The US spends more per capita than…

By Deana Bass WIlliams and Dee Dee Bass Wilbon (WASHINGTON, DC – November 15, 2024) – The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election revealed a pivotal shift among African American, Hispanic, and female voters, signaling a reevaluation of long-standing party loyalties. President-elect Donald Trump’s increased support within these groups reflects economic discontent, evolving social priorities, and a clear desire for change. As these voter groups express frustration over the current financial landscape and align with culturally conservative values, both parties have a compelling challenge: understanding and effectively engaging with these emerging priorities. One of the starkest indicators of this shift is the…