(BALTIMORE – February 4, 2025) – I didn’t write this post on my own—I was led to write it. There will be no cavalry coming to “save us.” There was none for my ancestors. They did what had to be done—for their families and neighbors. Today, as I sat in Morningstar Baptist Church, Woodland—attending morning service and evening Communion—I looked around at my church family, including Bishop Debnam and Lady Carla. I was struck by our unity, shared faith, and the Pastor’s reminder that our history is one of resilience—of people who, no matter what, stood firm in the strength…

(BALTIMORE – January 27, 2025) – The federal government, as the largest employer in the United States and in every single state, has long carried the responsibility of setting an example for equity and fairness in hiring practices. However, this duty has been upended by the actions of the Trump administration, which, through a series of executive orders and directives, has dismantled diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives under the guise of combating “discrimination.” These actions truly achieve not a restoration of fairness but an institutionalization of bias that undermines the progress toward equality in federal employment. The first…

President Jimmy Carter Epitomized the Meaning of Healing and Transformation

Bates, Baron, and Frost must sidestep future fights with Brandon Scott. Such fights are counterproductive!

He explores the journey of resilience, struggle, and triumph that led these individuals to establish a thriving community against all odds.

(BALTIMORE – January 6, 2025) – I’d like to share some highlights from the Black Wall Street Empowerment Summit on Saturday, where I had the honor of participating in an award ceremony and listening to an incredible guest speaker panel. Key Takeaways: ++ Advocacy and Community Impact: We must stay committed to ensuring our local neighborhoods receive the resources and funding needed for healthy, thriving communities. + The Power of Networks: As Charlyn Nater shared, supporting one another in our journeys creates a full-circle process—what we give to our network comes back to us. She is passionate about advocating for…

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,…