As we move through times filled with celebration, gatherings, and holidays, we must sharpen our awareness of what we put into our bodies and into the bodies of our children. The treats that once felt harmless—simple candies, snacks, colorful sweets—are no longer the same. The candy of yesterday is not the candy of today. Much of what is sold in stores now is engineered using artificial dyes, genetically modified sweeteners, and preservatives that are linked to serious health

This past weekend, Sister Cheryl represented our community at an annual Cancer Awareness Event at the Bolton N.C Senior / Youth Center —an educational, emotionally moving gathering designed to empower women with knowledge, resources, and life-saving information. Sister Cheryl Gresham Shaw Each year, attendance should grow, because the more women who show up, the more lives can be saved. Awareness is not enough— action is required. The Message: Breast Cancer Is Not a Stranger

East Elmhurst, Queens N.Y.C—known for producing a long lineage of creatives, from rappers to fashion designers—has always been a place where ideas breathe before the world notices them. Among those visionaries is Brother Willie Chambers , a designer whose commitment to authenticity has kept his brand alive for more than three decades. I’ve known Brother Willie for years. His creativity has always stood out. In a neighborhood where talent spilled onto every corner—rhyming on t

“The Color of Welfare: How Food Assistance Was Built on Racial Inequality” By Bro. LeVon X | Community Reporting Journal In America’s long and complex history, few issues reveal the contradictions of its ideals more clearly than the story of hunger and who deserves to be fed. From the Great Depression to the modern-day welfare debates, racism has silently shaped the nation’s response to poverty. What should have been a simple question— how do we feed the hungry? —became tangl

Today, as we face reports of SNAP benefits and food stamp programs being cut or reduced, many families are understandably anxious about how they will make ends meet. The thought of losing assistance that helps put food on the table can bring real stress and fear. But there is an ancient, proven practice that not only helps stretch what we have but strengthens our health, mind, and spirit in the process—fasting. Fasting isn’t just about going without food. It’s about learning

Stepping Into the Light: Zohran Mamdani and the Courage to Redefine Leadership By Bro. LeVon X | Community Reporting If you haven’t noticed by now, the run for Mayor of New York City has become more than just another political race — it has become a lesson in courage, authenticity, and conviction. And whether one agrees with his policies or not, Mr Zohran Mamdani has demonstrated a master class  in how a campaign should be run. Rooted deeply in the grassroots, Mr. Mamdani’s c

Domestic violence can affect both men and women, and it’s important to understand what it truly means. It is defined as violent or aggressive behavior within the home, most often involving the abuse of a spouse or partner. But beyond the definition are the real people who suffer, the emotional scars they carry, and the strength it takes to break free. There is never any justification for abuse of any kind—physical, emotional, or mental. That’s why Sister Chinita’s story is so

In these challenging times, many people are searching for ways to cope with day-to-day pressures. The uncertainty of jobs, government shutdowns, and the loss of social programs can make life feel overwhelming. When faced with such difficulties, some may turn to vices as a means of escape—and one of the most common is alcohol. Liquor stores are everywhere, open late, and easily accessible. For those struggling with pain or anxiety, it may seem like a quick solution to ease the

There comes a point in life when we must make a firm decision—a made-up mind—that enough is enough. If we want to change our health, our energy, and even our outlook on life, we must be willing to make sacrifices and shift our priorities. Today’s message is simple but powerful: What are you willing to sacrifice for your health? We all understand the demands of daily life. Between work, family, and personal responsibilities, it can feel like there’s no room left in the day for

Proverbs 19:17  — “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay them for their deed.” We’ve all seen the headlines. Since the government shutdown, millions of the poorest Americans—those who rely on food stamps and other government assistance such as SNAP—are now suffering the consequences of this political chess game. In many of our previous newsletters, we’ve discussed an undeniable truth: there is enough land and enough resources on this earth that

Depression isn’t just feeling sad—it’s a heavy cloud that lingers over every part of life. According to the Mayo Clinic, depression is a mood disorder that brings a lasting sense of sadness or loss of interest. For many, it shows up as frustration, emptiness, hopelessness, or even quiet anger. It can drain your energy, blur your focus, and make even simple tasks feel impossible. Many people cope with their problems in different ways. Some turn to food, others to distractions,

Over the weekend, on Saturday, October 18, the world witnessed more than 2,600 demonstrations from coast to coast under the banner of the No Kings Movement . Millions of voices rose across America, echoing a shared concern—that power, when unchecked, drifts toward tyranny. Protesters rallied not just against the actions of one administration, but against a global pattern of leaders who forget they were elected to serve, not to reign. Across the ocean, in London, Paris, and Be

Sister Kimarie CEO PUSH FOR LOVE My Journey with Push for Love: A Reflection on Healing, Gratitude, and Growth. By BLXCR Community Member Sister Kimarie, Founder & CEO of Push for Love Each year when I host our Push for Love Healing Retreat, I’m reminded why this work matters so deeply. It’s more than an event—it’s a sacred experience. A moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly heals us from the inside out. When I first started Push for Love, my goal was simple

Million Man March A Call to Reflection and Renewal As we approach the anniversary of the Million Man March , we are reminded of the divine moment in history when Black men from every corner of America answered the call to stand together in unity, accountability, and love. I remember back in 1995 , when the promotion began—posters, radio, and word of mouth—all echoing the same message: “A million Black men are coming together in Washington, D.C.”  As a young man at that time,

D'Angelo We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved brother, D’Angelo on October 14th 2025 — the soulful R&B singer whose voice and artistry touched millions around the world. At only 51 years old, his untimely death due to pancreatic cancer reminds us how fragile life is and how important it is to take our health seriously. May God bless his family during this time of loss, and may his legacy live on through the music and light he shared with the world. D’Angelo ga

AG Letitia James In a city where the challenges are as towering as its skyline, courage sometimes comes in the form of speaking truth to power. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James delivered a speech that reminded us all of the importance of standing firm, no matter the pressure or your position in life. On Monday October 13th, speaking at an event supporting mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, she confronted the reality of charges and political attacks with unwave

Shop and Save Many of us never think of food shopping as a science, but it truly is. It requires intelligence, planning, and awareness. Food is a necessity, yet how we shop determines whether it strengthens or weakens our bodies. In today’s world of high prices and processed convenience, learning to shop wisely has become a vital skill for our health and survival. When we walk into the grocery store, the first thing to remember is that the healthiest foods are usually found a

Soup As the fall season arrives, we are blessed to witness the beauty of nature—the colorful leaves, the crisp air, and the comforting change in weather. But while the temperature may cool, our dedication to health and wellness must remain consistent and strong. For many, the cooler months bring the temptation to slip back into unhealthy eating habits. Yet this time of year is the perfect opportunity to embrace one of the most nourishing and versatile foods we can enjoy— soup

Canning In uncertain times, one of the greatest acts of self-reliance is learning how to preserve what we grow and harvest. Our ancestors mastered the art of canning not only to survive but to thrive—keeping their families nourished year-round. Today, this timeless tradition is making a powerful comeback as more people seek natural ways to secure their food supply and reduce dependence on chemically preserved goods. The Wisdom of Our Ancestors Many of us can recall visiting o

Dear Friends and Neighbors, There is a great deal of pain, confusion, and fear in Chicago right now. Federal immigration agents working under ICE have increased their presence in neighborhoods across the city, and many residents are describing the operations as aggressive and intimidating. Local leaders—including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker—are standing firm in opposition, demanding accountability and transparency. As Mayor Johnson said, this issue is bigge