And think about all the events in my life up unto the present time, the good as well as the bad, the bitter, and the sweet, my soul cries Abba, Father. Looking back upon those days I see now that the chief comfort of my soul was you Oh, Lord. In my time of doubt, it was Your assurance. In my time of darkness, it was Your light. In my time of confusion, it was Your instructions. Man’s opinion meant nothing to me because man could not help me. It was You and You alone Oh, God.
“I say a prayer every night, whatever I do, I’ll get it right. With no regrets, no guilt or shame, no not this time once I surrender, I won’t dare look back, cause if I do, I’ll get off track… Prepare my mind, prepare my heart for whatever comes… I feel like I’m so blessed. With You in control, I can’t go wrong. You showed me Your Grace, now my life’s renewed and I thank You, Yes, I thank You. So, I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen. I’ll testify about how good You are to me. The fact that You would show somebody so broke down, so-much-mercy, use me as You will, I’ll pay the price cause You made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s all because of You, that I even have life, and I’ll give my love, as a tribute, to how great You are…” [I’m Gonna Be Ready – Yolanda Adams].
All my days He had sought me, now I began to seek Him. He had called me, now I began to call upon Him, yet I thought He would never hear me. I had truly become the beggar. I wept till I had no more tears; prayed till I had no more words. Sought for advice and comfort but none could help me. Then one night by my bed side as I lay under the burden of my guilty conscience, He suddenly revealed Himself to my heart. I saw all my sin taken away in His blood. For the first time in my life, I knew the Lord, He was in Heaven, and I was on Earth, yet He had made Himself known to me through His cleansing power.
I tell you the Love of God is Unmerited. [Deuteronomy 7:7-8]. The Love of God is Eternal. [Jeremiah 31:3]. The Love of God is Universal. [John 3:16; 1st Timothy 2:4]. The Love of God is Unlimited. [Ephesians 2:4-5]. The Love of God is Immutable. [James 1:17] and He wants to bestow His love upon you. “Come to the feast.” The lamb is slain. The wine is poured. Forgiveness of sins, life and salvation is offered freely to you. God asks for the honor of your presence at the banquet of His love. He will compel you, lavish His gifts upon you, put the wedding suit on you, seat you at His table and feed you. Come. Come Now! “Come to the banquet, come to the feast. Eat the bread of life! Share in the singing, share in the joy. Drink the cup of love!”
“All things are ready,” Come, for the door is open wide… He waits to welcome thee; Delay not while this day is thine, tomorrow may never be. Leave every care and worldly strife; Come, feast upon the love of God, And drink everlasting life.” [Come To The Feast Lyrics & Chords By Charles H. Gabriel & William A. Ogden].
And “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” [Revelation 22:17].
Oh, When I Look Back Over My Life – My Soul Cries Abba, Father!
Governor Newsom: “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities”
SACRAMENTO – As California marks the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the state, Governor Gavin Newsom today released his latest “On the Record” ethnic media column highlighting California’s nation-leading measures to slow the spread of the virus and the imperative to continue the state’s progress with lifesaving boosters and vaccinations as we head into the winter months.
California has put more shots in arms than any other state – administering more than 62.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine – with 86 percent of all eligible Californians having received at least one dose and more than 6 million adults have received a booster.
“California has led the nation’s fight against COVID-19 through robust vaccination efforts rooted in science and data. This has helped slow the spread of the virus and save countless lives, especially in our most vulnerable communities,” wrote Governor Newsom. “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities…Californians have met every challenge with vigor and courage, and together, we will continue to lead the nation in the fight against COVID-19.”
Amid an uptick in transmission since Thanksgiving, Governor Newsom urged all eligible Californians to get vaccinated and receive their booster – the most impactful steps we can take to protect ourselves and slow the spread of the virus. Boosters have been approved for those 16 and up who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, those 18 and up who received the Moderna vaccine at least six months before and those 18 and over who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.
Governor Newsom also highlighted the state’s partnerships with more than 130 faith-based and 700 community-based organizations, which have helped close vaccination equity gaps in hard-to-reach communities. These organizations have served as trusted messengers at the local level, providing direct appointment assistance, at-home vaccinations and transportation services and targeted community outreach to build confidence in vaccines and mobilize Californians to get vaccinated.
With COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations increasing, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued updated guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Beginning December 15, the state will require masks to be worn in all indoor public settings irrespective of vaccine status through January 15, 2022, at which point California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic. CDPH has also updated requirements for attending mega events and issued a new travel advisory, more information can be found here.
The COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are free for all Californians regardless of insurance and immigration status. Californians can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 1-833-422-4255 to make an appointment or find a walk-in clinic and learn more about eligibility.
Jay Highsmith is a man who has transformed calamity into serenity.
Once a bullied child, Highsmith became a youth pastor who is as gentle as he is creative through his company, Jay Highsmith Productions.
“Video editing is very therapeutic for me. I can get lost in a zone and work for hours. I find peace and enjoyment in editing videos,” said Highsmith, a 35-year-old married to Shanelle and father to 19-month-old daughter, Jordin.
“I’m a husband, father, photographer, videographer, video editor, content creator, interviewer, and so much more. My main clientele is families. My goal for my business has always been to create and capture memories, laughs, smiles and true joy for generations to come.”
“Shanelle (center) and I officially met through a Bible study,” said Jay Highsmith of his wife of five years. “Our daughter, Jordin, is 19 months going on 19 years!” (Herbert Geddis)
Highsmith shared his spiritual journey with Zenger.
Zenger: Are there any particular projects you’re most proud of?
Jay Highsmith: The work that I’m most proud of is my series “The Christian Creative.” It’s an interview series that promotes, highlights and encourages Christian creativity. It was started with the vision to put a spotlight on the creativity of those who are creative in whatever field or space they’re in.
To date, I’ve conducted 34 interviews that have been posted on YouTube. I have almost 100 videos on YouTube, but those 34 interviews are the foundation of my channel and are special to me.
Zenger: How was your courtship with Shanelle and your relationship with her parents?
Highsmith: Shanelle and I officially met through a Bible study in April 2014, though there were people who tried hooking us up a couple of months prior. We were friends for a year and a half, then dated for six-and-a-half months before getting married. Shanelle and I have been married for five-and-a-half years. Our daughter, Jordin, is 19 months going on 19 years! I have a great relationship with my in-laws, Herbert and Tonie Geddis.
I couldn’t have inherited a better set of parents. They have been such a blessing to us throughout our marriage. We lived with them for two-and-a-half years before moving out and getting our own place. Living with them was very beneficial because it allowed us to save money. We purchased our first home in October 2020. It was truly an amazing feeling once we reached the finish line.
Zenger: I understand that Shanelle has a business as well?
Highsmith: My wife, Shanelle, is a foodie! Period, point blank, she loves food. She loves to explore different restaurants and cities, and loves trying new food.
She recently created a food blog on Instagram where she goes to local restaurants she’s never been to, explores the menus and highlights the food she loves on her page. Her page is quickly growing too.
Zenger: How did your relationship with your parents shape you into the man you are?
Highsmith: My parents are John Highsmith and Brenda Redman. My relationship with them helped shape me into who I am today because through them, I learned the value of hard work and determination.
They both worked long hard hours, while also doing their best to tend to us and keep us active as kids. They wanted the best for us, and I want the best for my family as well.
I have five siblings — three brothers and two sisters. My dad had two from a previous marriage. I’m the oldest of four, and the third of six. Having younger siblings made me very protective, and I still am today, but not nearly as bad.
My younger sister, Michelle, says I’m overprotective because I always made sure the boys stayed away from her, or was always ready to fight a boy because of them messing with her. I just didn’t want anything happening to them. My childhood was fun, but it was also rough.
It was fun because I was always active, involved in different sports, karate, swimming, summer camps and things like that. I played basketball, T-ball … as well as participated in band, playing the clarinet.
Zenger: What part of your childhood was rough?
Highsmith: I was bullied until I was about 13 or 14. When I was a kid, I was short and small. I don’t know if I stood 5 feet tall before I was in seventh grade. I didn’t have my growth spurt until the end of eighth grade, when I grew by about a half-foot, to 5-foot-7 or 5-foot-8.
I had older kids that pushed me around in school, teased me and called me names, and when I spoke up, they threatened to beat me up and tried to jump me. For a while I was scared to go to the playground in my neighborhood because I didn’t want to be seen and jumped by them. In eighth grade going into ninth grade, I grew. I got taller and got some size on me.
I told myself I wouldn’t let anyone pick on me again. I had three younger siblings to look after, and I didn’t want anything happening to them, which is why I became so protective. Early into ninth grade, we moved to a new neighborhood, and from that moment on, I slowly became the man I am today.
A family gathering (from left): Jay’s father, John Highsmith; Jay Highsmith; siblings Jana Highsmith, Andre Highsmith and Michelle Highsmith; grandmother Juanita Redman; Jay’s brother Brandon Highsmith and mother Brenda Redman. (Courtesy of Jay Highsmith)
Zenger: Did you attend and/or graduate from college?
Highsmith: I went to a technical school right out of high school that was a 10-month program. I graduated with a degree in graphic design. Since then, I’ve taken classes at the local community college for things such as creative writing, photography and videography. One day, I think It’d be nice to get my degree.
Zenger: What was your path into entrepreneurship?
Highsmith: I think my life experiences and spiritual foundation more than anything have influenced my decision to become an entrepreneur. I honestly hated school growing up. I always felt like I learned more through my own experiences or through the experiences of others.
My spiritual foundation has been the basis of me becoming an entrepreneur. I started my photography business in May 2015 because of my love and passion for it. I titled it Jay Highsmith Photography. In 2019, I started doing more video work and transitioned it into Jay Highsmith Productions to encompass a larger umbrella of work to fall under it.
Zenger: Does your business in any way serve as a therapeutic method of channeling or gaining peace and serenity, and is any aspect of it geared toward inspiring change?
Highsmith: I love shooting video, and I guess in a way it is therapeutic. I love capturing people in their happiest of moments. It always brings a smile to my face when I watch the videos at home while editing them.
My goal for YouTube has always been to inspire others through the stories of others … even through my own stories. I want to inspire others and hopefully through my life and videos, lead them to Christ.
SACRAMENTO, CA— Last week the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) awarded Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) the Regional Legislator of the Year Award during their 45th Annual Legislative Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Each year, hundreds of African American legislators, along with advocates, policy experts, corporate executives, and community leaders, attend NBCSL’s premier event to discuss policies addressing the nation’s most pressing issues affecting African Americans. This year for model legislation, Senator Bradford submitted Senate Joint Resolution 7, which calls for the destruction of illegal FBI surveillance tapes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Senate Bill 796, which authorizes the County of Los Angeles to return the beachfront property known as Bruce’s Beach to the Bruce family.
“This year, it was my honor and distinct privilege to serve as Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus,” Senator Bradford said. “In everything I do and in every bill I introduce, my role and my responsibility is to pick up the baton from where our predecessors left off. I stand on the shoulders of giants who championed African American issues for the state and nation long before I was born. I am honored and humbled to be recognized for this prestigious award by President Billy Mitchell and my fellow NBCSL members. I commend NBCSL’s efforts to enrich the lives of African Americans and collaborate with them to tackle the social, educational and economic challenges facing our community.”
LOS ANGELES, CA—- The cast of “ILU America” (Land of America) grace the red carpet at their world premiere on Saturday, December 4th at the Culver City Film Festival in Los Angeles, California. Stars from the film who were in attendance included Producer Director Taiwo Oduala, Actress Doris Simeon, Actress Mistura Asunramu, Actor Femi Brainard, and Actress Rosemary Huff.
ILU America (Land of America) directed and produced by Taiwo Oduala is an African full length feature foreign language film with suspense, intrigue, emotion, love, and action fully subtitled in English. An indigenous emotional classic reality story of an immigrants’ ordeal and survival. The film is a groundbreaking adventure full of humor where the film’s pessimist, Ade, is forced to discover the meaning of resilience. Despite the obstacles and hardships along the way, his mission is to obtain citizenship in a land he was not born in, so he may see his dream come true.
ILU America (Land of America) cast members include leading actors Taiwo Oduala as Ade who also directed and produced the film and Actress Doris Simeon as Stacy. The film actors also include Adebayo Salami as CEO, Bayo Bankoleas as Tolu, Ayo Mogaji as Ade’s Mom, Mistura Asunramu as Mary, Femi Brainard as Jydo, Shina Ayooyinlola as Ade’s Friend, and Israel Ogunleye Alayo as Drug Guy.
Celebrity talent in attendance included Anthony Bless (Tyler Perry BET+ “Ruthless”; Paramount Pictures “Shooter”), Michael Adegoke (15 Time USA Show Dance Champion), Actress Montana Jacobowitz (Amazon Prime “2Real4U”), Actress Gloria Garauya (ABC “Grey’s Anatomy” & How To Get Away With Murder”), Actress Samantha Bailey (CBS Soap “The Young and the Restless”), Actor Jax Malcolm (CW Network “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”; FOX “The Other Side of the Door”), Abiola Azeezat (Headwrap Designer for Beyonce in The Lion King), Actress Nitu Chandra (Mandalay Pictures “Never Back Down: Revolt”), Actress Deana Moelle (Falcon Pictures “State of Consciousness”) and many others.
Sponsors for the film premiere included Oduataj Productions & Entertainment Inc., Top Dreams Universal, Sweven Culture, Indie Vision Films, Culver City Film Festival, Strictly Industry PR, Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards, Madam Omolara Okunubi, Melody Bar & Grill, Cinemark, Advanced Protection Services, and JW Express.
It’s over! We need to understand that. There is no shortage of fire and brimstone to be found in the Bible. [Revelation 21:8]. It’s clear from the opening pages of Genesis that there is a wrath of God, which abides on every ungodly man. For it is written, “God is angry with the wicked every day.” [Psalms 7:11].
What does this mean for us? It serves to remind us that we need to take the words of the Lord to heart! What He says will happen, will happen. What He promises, He will do. Do not trifle with your salvation. Be like the wise virgins in [Matthew 25] and prepare, because I tell you like a tidal wave, judgment is heading towards us.
Yes, there’s a time when God says, “Enough” to a nation. There’s a time when God says, “Enough” to an individual. God gives grace, He gives mercy, He gives space to repent, but when man is living in rebellion to God, God will not continue forever to give him space. When God draws a line, when God says, “That’s it!” It’s over! Period!
I tell you, it is frightening when the trumpets are sounding, when the alarms and the warning bells are ringing aloud, but yet, you will not take heed, nor believe His word. Just as in the days of Noah, people are ignoring the warnings even with destruction right at their doors. Why? God says, because you rather believe a lie and trust in the arms of mere man and follow after the things of this world which are temporary, than to trust in Him and follow after the things which are established eternally, in His Holy Word.
Therefore, He says, “Enough is enough! All that are unjust, let them be unjust. All that are wicked, let them remain wicked. Do not think that I come to bring peace, but I will come with a sword [Matthew 10:34] with fire and fury and will judge the wicked and all who follow and trust in the idols of this world.” For there are only a few, a small remnant who will hear and take heed to My warnings and will run to Me for true safety.
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins,” [Isaiah 58:1].
You have a decision to make. If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Savior, then heed [Mark 1:15]. “The time has come…the Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” “Because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” [Mark 13:35-37].
Then the Lord said to me, “Even though Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not be with this people; send them away from My presence and let them go! And it shall be that when they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then you are to tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Those destined for death, to death; And those destined for the sword, to the sword; And those destined for famine, to famine; And those destined for captivity, to captivity.”‘ I will appoint over them four kinds of doom,” declares the Lord: “the sword to slay, the dogs to drag off, and the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy. I will make them an object of horror among all the kingdoms of the earth because of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem. [Jeremiah 15].
Oh, when the Spirit of the Lord says, “Enough is enough! It’s over!
“Weep for yourselves and for your children.” [Luke 23:28].
In June, California launched the nation’s first Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans this year.
The nine-member committee was established to meet the requirements of Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, which California Secretary of State Shirley Weber authored and introduced in 2020 when she served in the Legislature.
Gov. Newsom signed it into law September 2020.
“This is a debt that is owed, just because it hasn’t been paid doesn’t mean it goes away,” said the newly elected chair of the California reparations task force Kamilah V. Moore.
At the task force’s first meeting on June 1, Moore’s colleagues elected her the task force chairperson.
“It stems from President Lincoln’s promise to give emancipated Black people 40 acres and a mule,” Moore told California Black Media.
“But that failed with Johnson coming in after Lincoln’s assassination and taking all of that back, leaving my ancestors to fend for themselves in a country that facilitated their demise through discrimination,” she said.
As the task force chair, Moore, 29, aims to use her knowledge of domestic and international human rights to help guide the reparations push for African American descendants of enslaved people who live in California – and, perhaps, across the country.
Moore, an attorney, earned her law degree at Colombia University in New York City. Her specialization, she says, was the study of reparations.
Although she practices entertainment law in Los Angeles, Moore says she is determined to ensure that the task force proposes a package that is in accordance with international standards for reparations.
“I hope that the reparations package that comes out of this comports with international law standards,” said Moore.
With her deep knowledge of international law, Moore hopes that reparations for African Americans in California will follow the international guidelines provided by the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. The recommendations based on the United Nations Charter offer basic protocols on reparations for victims of gross violations of international human rights law. However, the violations need to be acknowledged by the UN and other actors on the global stage. Unfortunately, the transatlantic slave trade is yet to be acknowledged as a gross violation of international human rights law, consequently, the United States is not obligated to compensate African Americans, Moore points out.
International human rights law states that reparations must be administered in five forms namely restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition.
“The package must include all five forms of reparations under international law, not just one, two, or three, but all five would be the ultimate success,” Moore explained.
“The challenge is making sure that it is as comprehensive as possible. I know compensation is a tricky issue,” she said.
The members of the task force are collaborating with the California Department of Justice and several researchers to set guidelines for who will be eligible to receive reparations in the state.
According to data compiled by the Pew Center, there are 46 million people in the United States who identify as Black. That research shows that Generation Z, people born between 1997 and 2012, make up 35 % of the total Black population. Another 23 % are Millennials, people born between 1981 and 1996.
Moore believes it is important for young African Americans to include their voices and perspectives in the conversations about reparations, especially since census data reveals that they make up the majority of the Black population in the US.
“There are more millennial and Gen Z Black Americans than there are Black baby boomers and people who are from the Silent Generation. So, America is increasingly becoming younger and younger. But, you know, that’s not necessarily reflected in our politics,” said Moore.
“It’s important for us to have a voice, not a marginal voice, but we should be at the center of these conversations, taking the advice and insight and working alongside our elders,” she said.
According to Moore, her experiences growing up in Los Angeles, ignited her passion for social justice. She was involved in various community service projects as a teen and young woman.
While studying at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) she worked with other community organizers in the University of California (UC) system to campaign for all UC schools to divest from private prison corporations and companies that do business with them. She was among the student leaders who passed a resolution that organized for UC to sell its shares in Corrections Corporation of America to security and prison management companies.
During her time at Columbia Law, she challenged the Academic Vice Provost to offer courses on reparations. Moore worked with the university’s human rights clinic to introduce classes on reparations taught by professors and experts in the field.
Moore followed up on her interest in human rights and her track record working and organizing in her community with a Master of Law degree in international criminal law from the University of Amsterdam. Her thesis focused on reparatory justice for victims of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and their enslaved descendants who suffered numerous atrocities and centuries of legal discrimination.
Moore acknowledges that, for some activists, there is fatigue and impatience when she and other advocates push the country to do a deeper study on reparations. But she emphasized that a research study is an all-important first step.
She and the rest of the reparations committee intend to use the power of persuasion to help build enough public interest and support that will strengthen the legal argument for reparations across the US.
“I acknowledge the hesitancy because I have reservations, too. How many more years do we need to study? We see the writing on the wall. There’s ample documentation of the harms, but in order for the recommendations or the proposals to be as comprehensive as possible, the study has to be as well.” said Moore.
Before joining the task force, Moore worked with several public figures to facilitate public discussions about reparations held on Club House, the popular new audio-only social networking platform.
“It was a great opportunity to democratize the conversations around reparations and make it more accessible to folks because in the past 30 years or so it’s been mainly discussed in political and academic circles,” said Moore.
The young attorney is optimistic that African Americans from different backgrounds will contribute to conversations about reparations because “you don’t have to be an expert to join something new,” she said.
Since he arrived to the NBA as the No. 1 pick in 2017 for the Philadelphia 76ers, there has been so much misreported about Markelle Fultz.
Fultz went through two tumultuous years of misinformation by the media and fans, conspiracy theories, unfounded rumors, criticisms and internet jokes, and he was labeled a bust by people who are paid a king’s ransom on ESPN — namely Stephen A. Smith, who called Fultz “the biggest bust in NBA history.”
But what actually happened is quite the opposite. Fultz wasn’t a “bust.” He was dealing with an injury that is not only untraceable by an MRI, but also rarely (or hardly ever) seen in basketball players. In spite of all that, he was still trying to play through the pain because of his love for the game of basketball, and it’s something that he does, in fact, regret doing.
I spoke with Fultz on my podcast, “The Rematch,” and the Orlando Magic guard opened up on everything that happened with his shoulder and finally put all of the incorrect rumors to rest. Below is a snippet of our conversation:
Etan Thomas: You mentioned your shoulder. You injured your shoulder, and you initially tried to play through it and not tell anybody about the injury, right? Am I correct?
Markelle Fultz: “Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely.”
Etan Thomas: So walk me through that process because people don’t really understand how it works sometimes. And I’m sure the pressure of being No. 1 was a contributing factor to why you wanted to play through the injury. But walk me through that process.
Markelle Fultz: “Yeah. Well, a lot of people just don’t know my love for the game. Growing up in the area I grew up, you have bumps and bruises. But that’s where it becomes a business, taking care of your body. And me being who I am, loving the game so much, I feel like, although my shoulder was messed up, I feel like I can still contribute to the game and help my team win. So I wanted to go out there and just compete and have fun with the game. And also, it’s my first year. And I think that I did a poor job of communicating to my agent and my family what I was feeling, instead of just going out there and trying to compete without expressing what I was feeling. And all I was doing was making it worse. But when I realized that certain situations weren’t going my way, I knew I had to speak up, and I had to do what’s best for myself.
“And I think that was the toughest part about it, because I felt like I could still play and contribute to my team, but I wasn’t myself. I wasn’t 100%, and it wasn’t what was best for the team. So I took that time and tried to figure out what was going on. And I went to go see certain doctors and started that rehab process then. But I think the biggest thing I learned from that is just taking care of my body, and communicating what I feel to not only my agent and my family, but also trainers and stuff like that.”
Etan Thomas: So how long were you in pain before you told anybody?
Markelle Fultz: “Actually, my shoulder started hurting before training camp [in my rookie year]. But I just thought it was from how much work I was putting in, from me shooting so much that my shoulder was just sore. So I tried to work through it. I’m going in the gym, shooting thousands of shots, trying to shoot through it. And the whole time, I just continued to make it worse. But again, the mindset that I had, I’m just trying to grind. I’m trying to continue to work through these issues, and not knowing that I’m making it worse. Again, I’m just kind of being young and being selfish, I would call it, in a sense, not understanding my body. And I think that was a big part of it. And again, once I communicated, I started to get the help that I needed. And I started to work and rehab, and it started to get better.”
Etan Thomas: You mentioned you learned how to advocate for yourself. I want you to go a little bit more detail with that. And speak up because still, a lot of people don’t really understand how it works with team trainers and team doctors, and how a lot of times players have to speak up and advocate for themselves. Just go into a little bit more detail about that point.
Markelle Fultz: “Yeah. And this is no knock on any team or anything like that, but it’s a business, at the end of the day. And sometimes, again, it’s a long season, so you have bumps and bruises. And sometimes, some people play through it, some people don’t. Everybody’s body is different. So especially not knowing a person and not knowing the situation, if you don’t communicate and advocate for yourself, you never know what could happen. And it can be something as small as your toe hurting. But what I’ve learned so much about my body is your body compensates. And we’re so good, as athletes and as humans, that if we’re trying to do something, our body’s going to find a way to do it. So it might not be the right way, but we can do certain stuff and hurt ourself, in the long run.
“And so my one thing would be: try to be in tune with your body as much as you can. And [it could be something] as small as your toenail hurting. I mean, you always get this phrase of ‘You’re soft’ or you’re whatever. But what I’ve learned is I’d rather overcommunicate about how my body’s feeling and still be able to work out. I still want to work out, but I’m going to let you know, ‘Hey, my big toe’s hurting. Hey, my right hamstring is feeling like this today. My knee’s feeling like this.’ So they can start to know that you’re caring about your body, and you’re documenting certain stuff, so you don’t end up compensating and hurting yourself in the long run.”
Etan Thomas: Yeah, well, it’s interesting. You go to different gyms, and they could be even as young as high school. And you see phrases on the wall like “Pain is weakness leaving your body” and stuff like that. And I hate that. I do, because it puts the wrong mentality into players, to thinking that them being injured is somehow their fault, like they’re not being tough enough to play through an injury. And I just personally cannot stand that mentality at all.
Markelle Fultz: “Yeah. And I think that’s how I kind of grew up. Not in a bad way. But growing up, I’m playing through whatever. I don’t want to be soft. I want to show that I’m tough. But when you get to a certain point where your body is your brand… Your body is your car, so you need to take care of that thing like it’s a Ferrari. You hear phrases like that, but it’s true. You have to take care of your body.
“You have to get the right recovery. You have to get the right sleep. If not, it’s going to end up hurting you. It might not hurt you right away, but down the road it can give you certain side effects. Or you never know, it can lead to something happening right away. But there are also freak accidents that happen. But I think that’s the one thing that I would recommend to any player at any age, is just communicating about your body. [That] doesn’t mean that you have to sit out of a drill, but it can start to put an awareness on people’s mind. You can start to document certain things. And you’ll have a better understanding, going forward, of why you do what you do.”
Markelle Fultz’s story is a great example for all younger players on fighting through adversity, having the right mentality, ignoring critics and perseverance. His testimony is something every young athlete should hear. Powerful interview #TheRematchhttps://t.co/25vHkql1Rjpic.twitter.com/LpHu9jQxfG
Etan Thomas: But I think that sometimes a player does have to sit down. A player does have to say, “Okay, I can’t go. You’re going to talk bad about me. You’re going to tell…” So I use the example a lot with my son about Robert Griffin III. So when RG III first came to D.C., my son was the biggest RG III fan on earth. And then I took him to… you know when they have the open scrimmages? So he met him, and RG III was cool with him. And they took a picture, and he’s been the biggest RG III fan forever since then. And you remember that game where RG III was limping out there? And so, I’m watching that game with Malcolm. And he was like, “Why is he playing? What is he doing? He’s going to injure himself,” and so forth. This is what a young Malcolm is saying.
And sure enough, in fact his entire career, the trajectory of everything, went downhill from there. And then you saw the trainer say, “Well, I didn’t tell him to go out there.” Nobody wanted to take responsibility. But it should be the trainer’s job to tell you that you are going to hurt yourself more if you continue playing. And that’s the problem that I personally have with a lot of NBA trainers. I’m not throwing anybody in particular under the bus; this is a league-wide issue. They’re employers of the team, and they want to do what’s best for the team, not what’s best for the player.
Markelle Fultz: “Exactly. And that’s where it comes back to a relationship. So you have to have the certain people in your corner that’s going to always keep it real with you because at the end of the day, like I said, your body’s your brand. And it’s about the longevity. It’s different if it’s Game 7 in the playoffs or the championship, and you’re sacrificing for that. What I’ve also learned is rest is a big part of recovery, and getting the right amount of rest. Some days you got to go hard, and some days you have to not do anything at all. I mean, you can do some light stuff. But I think you hit it right on the head. Some people’s mind is set for the team. Not everybody has your best interest [in mind]. You have the best interest for yourself. So I think that’s why it’s huge to communicate how you feel to whoever it is — whether it’s your mom, your dad, your trainer, whoever — and do what you feel is best because you know your body the best.
“Nobody else can tell you how your body is supposed to feel, how your body feels at that time. And I think that’s where I learned how to advocate the most for myself. And I’ve gotten more respect from a lot of people when I do that. And again, it doesn’t mean you’re soft. It’s just being smart about certain things. But at the same time, you do have to push yourself in certain limits to be able to… It’s going to be certain days where you’re sore, and you still have to push through. That’s part of it, but it’s a difference between sore and hurt. So just trying to learn… The sooner you start to communicate certain things, you start to learn what’s pain, and what’s okay to work through and what’s not to work through. And that’s where I think I’ve learned the most. I’ve learned how to identify what’s going on in my body, and understand what I need to do to make that feel better, or if I need to take rest or if I need to go get treatment.”
Etan Thomas: Yeah. I mean, I always heard the saying that there’s a difference between being injured and hurting. So sometimes you’re going to have to play through being hurting. That’s just part of being an athlete. But being injured, you need to sit down.
Markelle Fultz: Exactly.
Etan Thomas: So, I want to ask a few specifics. I remember seeing some videos of you, watching you play and seeing your different routines on the free-throw line. And I just wanted to ask: Was that when you was trying to push through it? Was it part of the rehab? So there was one where you would kind of pat the ball like this, and then shoot it. And then there were some where you would go up and it would be kind of like a hitch, kind of. What exactly was going on?
Markelle Fultz: “Yes. So what a lot of people don’t know is, what TOS (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome) is. It’s a nerve… It’s when your nerves are getting pressured on, and you can start to lose feeling in your hands. So at the time when I was playing, I still had TOS. I wasn’t diagnosed with TOS. I still was working through certain shoulder stuff. But again, with my love for the game, I still wanted to be out there.
“And another thing people don’t know, TOS is not diagnosed through a MRI, CAT scan. It’s very hard to diagnose TOS, which is a big part of why, in the beginning, I kind of thought that nothing was going on. And I just thought it was my shoulder, because when I got MRIs and I got the scans, I didn’t see anything that was going on. But I had to continue. So I went from shooting 40% in college to coming into the NBA…. It’s so funny, people were like, ‘He changed his shot.’ Like, what would I change my shot for? There’s no reason. So that was one of the funniest things that I heard, then I used to hear all these rumors about me being injured on a motorcycle, but that’s another story.”
Etan Thomas: Oh, man! There were so many different rumors about you… They got the story wrong so many times. I heard so many different stories.
Markelle Fultz: And that’s what was the funniest thing because to me… I never went out to address it because I didn’t care about that. Again, my main focus was getting back on the court, doing what I needed to do. But some of the stuff I used to see, I used to be like, ‘Yo, that’s crazy that somebody actually believes that.’ But it also taught me another thing: You can’t believe everything you read, right? But yeah. So pretty much what people didn’t know is, so when I was going… The whole thing on my shoulder, when I would try to shoot, it almost felt like I had a too-small suit jacket on. So I would go, try to go up, and it felt like somebody was almost holding my arm there. I would try to move fast, but I felt like I couldn’t move fast. So what I ended up doing is continue to try to shoot on it. I ended up building up more and more pressure on my shoulder where I’m not using… where I’m starting to hinge my shoulder up. I’m starting to use the wrong muscles, and I’m building bad habits.
“But what people don’t understand is I’m out there playing, still. Still trying to shoot, still doing this. I was still making free throws. I wasn’t very high percentage, but I was still making free throws. And so the first thing, when I would go up sometimes, I would lose feeling in my hand. And so, that’s the reason I’d double clutch, because I would get here and I wouldn’t feel like the ball was in my hand. But when I’d come up, my feeling would come back because the way it is — when I’m going through a certain motion — my muscles are pushing on my nerve, which is cutting my feeling off. And when I go through, it releases off the nerve, and that’s when I would get my feeling back. So when I would do the double clutch, it was because when I would get here, I wouldn’t feel the ball in my hand. So it was no way I was shooting if I don’t feel like the ball [was] in my hand.
“So I would go up a little bit and it would come back, so I would just come from here and shoot the ball. And so when I went to practice, I’m like, ‘Alright, that’s not working, so let me try something else.’ So another thing I tried to do was, this wouldn’t have me holding the ball. So the desensitization of just moving the ball back and forth until I get into where I get feeling, which is right here, then I can just shoot. I was fine shooting from here. If I had just caught the ball here and shot up, it was perfectly fine. So that was why I went to that because I was just trying to be more efficient at the free-throw line. I didn’t care what people were saying. I was just trying to get my flow in. So when I got to where I needed to go, I can just shoot the ball fine. But again, that was another realization of me compensating. And I said, ‘Markelle Fultz, you don’t need to compensate. You need to get healthy.’
“And another instance where I talked to my agent, I just told him I have no problem playing. I just feel like I want to be myself so I can just go out there and play without thinking, just playing my game, be who I am. And so, that’s where it kind of went from. But just a lot of repetition of shooting the wrong way, it just builds bad habits and it builds your muscle memory wrong. And so, that was the biggest thing, trying to get back to… And I’m still working on it now. It’s something I’m always going to have to work on. It’s just trying to get my brain to process the ball being over my head the same way. And it’s something that is a everyday grind, but I’m enjoying it. I feel way more comfortable now, and I feel the improvement. And again, I know my body, so I know what I need to work on.
Listen to the full episode of Markelle Fultz on The Rematch here.
Once a rebellious teenager, Aurelia Geddis, now 33, is a spiritually-based, single mother to a young boy and owner of Sweet Soul Catering.
Geddis’ creations range from fried chicken and collard greens to sweet potato cheesecake and apple pie, from a soul-food feast with creamy macaroni and cheese to an intimate tea party with cucumber sandwiches and Charcuterie boards.
“Cooking is very therapeutic to me,” said Geddis, of Woodbridge, Virginia. “I thought to myself that I wanted to make sweet treats and soul food, so I came up with the name Sweet Soul. I even had a scripture to line up with what I wanted to do. Psalm 34:8: ‘Oh taste and see that the Lord is Good, Blessed is the man that trusts in Him.”
“Cooking is very therapeutic to me,” says entrepreneur Aurelia Geddis. (Courtesy of Aurelia Geddis)
The eldest of three daughters born to Herbert Geddis, a nondenominational deacon, and Toni Geddis, a minister, Aurelia was the apple of her parents’ eyes. Once she past her growing-up years, she started her business in 2015.
Geddis talks with Zenger about her journey from an 18-year-old who was twice kicked out of her home to successful culinary businesswoman.
Zenger: What is the origin of your business, and how did you arrive at that name?
Growing up, Aurelia Geddis (left) had a pretend restaurant with her sisters Shanelle (right) and Te’onya. “To this day, I’m still taking their orders,” she says. (Courtesy of Aurelia Geddis)
Aurelia Geddis: I started it in 2015 with just baking and making a few dishes for people at church. I remember writing a Facebook post with suggestions on a name. With my sisters Shanelle and Te’onya, I had a pretend restaurant called Ree’s Palace.
I had a notebook and took my sisters’ orders. The menu consisted of peanut butter and jelly, ramen and anything microwavable. My sisters always sent me ideas and the craziest and hardest recipes. To this day, I’m still taking their orders.
Sweet potato cheesecake topped with pecans and caramel sauce: a sweet specialty of Aurelia Geddis. (Courtesy of Aurelia Geddis)
Zenger: Can you describe what you do?
Geddis: I am a caterer. I provide services for people who need cuisine at their events, parties, weddings, funerals, dinner parties, etc. I have had the honor to cater at some awesome events. I have catered several weddings and proms. I’ve done the Taste of Black D.C. with the University of the District of Columbia, an event at the Embassy of Haiti.
At an event with the Greater Washington Urban League, I actually won the chefs’ competition. All of these chefs owned their restaurants, so I felt like I understood the assignment of what I do. I’m a black single mother.
Zenger: Has COVID been a factor?
Geddis: Pre-COVID, the business got so busy that I had to start rejecting business. It was stressful. I could tell I was starting to experience burnout. So when COVID happened, the break was needed. I tried to think about how to revamp the business to still accrue business without having to travel to my clients.
I started making seasonings and extracts. I plan to start advertising it in 2022. I have really advertised recently, but now that things are opening back up, I have taken on more events. I literally started out doing small things and making mistakes.
But I expanded to catering weddings and large events with over 200 people. I’m tired, but I truly love it. Now, I plan to do smaller events and dinner parties and meal prepping. I’ve also entertained the idea of being a personal or in-home chef.
Veggie shots and snickerdoodle cupcakes are among Aurelia Geddis’ creations for her catering business. (Courtesy of Aurelia Geddis)
Zenger: Can you characterize your bond with your parents and their spiritual role in your life?
Geddis: My relationship with my parents wasn’t always great. As a teen, I understood that we lived in a nice home in a nice neighborhood, but I also understood that we didn’t really have money and funds were tight. There was a time when I was being rebellious.I got kicked out of the house.
Zenger: How was life for you at that time?
Geddis: Even while kicked out, I would come visit, and they loved me. There were arguments, but I knew they loved me. I came back after a few years and got kicked out again. I lived with my pastors for a couple of months while they mentored me, loved me and convinced me I should go back home and reconcile with my parents.
My mom raised us in church. I stayed in the church I was raised in and would see them sometimes. I constantly felt God pulling on my heart, bringing me back to a life of faith instead of partying and entertaining bad influential people. I knew that God was the only way to go when I felt I didn’t have anywhere else to go.
Zenger: Were there challenges raising Caleb as a single mother?
Geddis: Being pregnant was the most difficult thing. I was having a baby with a man that I didn’t want to be with. I was depressed all day. The day I had Caleb, I wept so hard when I heard his cry. It was the most beautiful and joyous thing I’ve ever heard. I remember not sleeping at night to make sure he was alive and breathing.
I silently went through postpartum. My hair fell out and support was not coming through like I wanted it to. My son made me grow up. He makes me make better decisions. He’s the reason why I went back to school and got my degree. He’s the reason why I decided that I wouldn’t continue a relationship with his father.
My son understands that I work with cooking. There have been several late nights with being in the grocery store, doing homework and prepping meals. He rarely complains about it. We now have a deal that his job is to go to school and do well, and mine is to make the money, so we can go on vacations.
My ultimate goal with him is to raise him as a gentleman who treats women well, tells the truth, prays and seeks God for all things. Everything else will fall into place. We pray every day for his teachers and classmates and of course for my future husband.
Aurelia Geddis with her 7-year-old son, Caleb. (Courtey of Aurelia Geddis)
I recently had a meeting with his teacher. She had only good things to say about his behavior and kindness to other students. He sits next to a student that is on the spectrum, and she states that he is so kind and patient with him when other students aren’t. That only shows me that I’m parenting him well.
Zenger: How did you develop your business acumen?
Geddis: My independence as a child allowed my parents to trust me more with finances. After all the years of craziness, they helped me purchase my first car and my second. My mom always volunteers my services to any person she comes in contact with. She is the ultimate networker. My dad loves to eat. He’ll tell me if the dish was good or not.
Before I had my son, I always said I wanted to purchase a home. I’m in awe of how I actually bought a home, revamping it during the pandemic. I found out I had identity theft when my credit report was run. It took me a few months to get it cleared up.
I went to an open house on a Sunday afternoon with my dad. When I walked in, the home needed work. The previous owner didn’t take great care of it, so the cost was under market value. I was able to take advantage of a loan and get renovations included in my mortgage. Every area of my house is new. All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Zenger: What is your educational background?
Geddis: In high school, I contacted a culinary artist from Johnson and Wales [University]. The day, I called my mom to let her know what I wanted to do, she was calling me. She said God told her what I should be going to school for, and we both said the culinary arts. I actually got accepted to Johnson and Wales.
Creations by Aurelia Geddis’ Sweet Soul Catering. (Courtesy of Aurelia Geddis)
But because of the family dynamic and the finances at the time, my dream school was not in the picture. I would cook for different church functions and my church family would always hype me up and encourage me to do more. One day, I just got the courage to stop making excuses and just start.
After high school, I went to community college. I didn’t really go to classes or do well and was in and out of school for a while. It wasn’t until after I had my son that I wanted to be a good example to him. I enrolled in Mid-America Christian University and graduated in 2017 with my bachelor’s in business administration with a focus in accounting and ethics.
Zenger: Are there any causes you aspire to?
Geddis: When I attended the Greater Washington Urban League, I promoted healthy eating for low-income families.
There are several diseases the black community is more susceptible to because of the food they have access to or what is more or /less expensive.
I was able to create a meal to show that we can eat healthy — even in the means that we live in. I also created a video showing how to cook healthy meals they promoted on their site.
Zenger: Was racism ever an issue?
Geddis: I never really thought I could accomplish as much as my Caucasian counterparts. When advertising myself, I wouldn’t get as many hits or business. But through faith and prayer, resources and businesses were drawn to me like a magnet. My family, friends and extended family allowed me to believe I could accomplish anything.
By Carol McGruder, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council
It’s that time of the year again. During the holiday season, people will start to make their 2022 resolutions, and try to stick to them. While many might wait until New Year’s Day to start this process, there’s absolutely no harm in getting a head start.
As co-founder of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council with decades of experience, I know there are many reasons why people need to stop smoking and vaping. But besides the obvious harmful physical effects, smoking is also bad for your mental health. Many people who smoke think it relieves stress. Unfortunately, nicotine in tobacco products or vapes can lead to increased stress, anxiety, irritability, and impulsivity, and quitting smoking can improve your mental health and well-being. The holidays can be especially chaotic so taking care of your mental and physical health this time of year is more important than ever.
While it might be easy to reach for that cigarette, know there is a better way to manage stress and kick the habit. Kick It California, formerly the California Smokers’ Helpline, has been helping people quit using tobacco products for more than 30 years. With more than half of the people who reach out to Kick It reporting having at least one mental health issue, Kick Its comprehensive program focuses on behavior change methods that help adjust thinking and build confidence to make new, healthier habits stick. Three decades of research and results shows that people succeed when they have access to personalized programs and support like Kick It.
If you are quit-curious, quit-ready or just need a little push to move forward, now is the time, and Kick it California is here to help. They will meet you where you are in your process. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Kick It California’s new mobile friendly website, one-on-one coaching, enhanced tools, and proven methods are available to all Californians, and shown to double a tobacco user’s chance of quitting.
I know it takes a village, a support system, to quit tobacco. I also know that it will take many attempts, but the point is to keep trying. So rather than viewing relapse as a failure, people who smoke and their loved ones need to understand that it is part of the process. Or as Donnie McClurkin told us, “we fall down but we get up!” And participating in Kick it California is one big step to help you eventually get up and stay up!
I encourage everyone who uses tobacco products to make it their resolution to quit tobacco and do it sooner rather than later. With lung health so important these days, if there was ever a time to quit tobacco, it’s now. The resources are free and within your grasp. Our community needs you healthy and strong. You can start your journey to a smoke free life today by visiting kickitca.org, texting “Quit Smoking” to 66819 or calling 1-800-300-8086. Happy New You!
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