Urban City Podcast – Urban City Podcast Group

What Grandma Never Measured: 5 Powerful Lessons From the Black Southern Kitchen

Felicia Kelly-Brookins — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:26:22 +0000

UrbanCity Podcast | Cultural Autopsy Author Q&A What Grandma Never Measured

By Felicia Brookins Award-Winning Author & Screenwriter | Host of Cultural Autopsy | Urban City Podcast Contributor Award-Winning Author, Markette “Sugar” Sheppard, invites us beyond the recipe and into the heart of the Black Southern kitchen, where memory lived in a grandmother’s hands, family stories traveled by word of mouth, and love was measured by instinct rather than cups and spoons. In this intimate Cultural Autopsy Q&A, Sheppard reflects on the rituals, family secrets, inherited wisdom, and everyday moments that inspired ‘Grandma Dee’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake ‘and reminds us why some of our most precious family stories must be preserved before the people who carry them are gone. By Felicia Kelly-Brookins | Cultural Autopsy Some family recipes are written on index cards, tucked inside cookbooks, and passed carefully from one generation to the next. Others were never written down at all. They lived in grandmother’s hands. In the way she knew when the batter was ready by looking at it. In the pinch of this, the handful of that, and the quiet confidence of a woman who had made the same dish so many times that measuring cups were unnecessary. But the kitchen held more than recipes. For many Black Southern families, it was also a classroom, Children listened while elders cooked. Stories surfaced between meals. Wisdom was passed down in pieces. And beneath the laughter, gossip, advice, and familiar smells were histories that no one thought to write down. That is the world at the heart of Markette “Sugar” Sheppard’s Grandma Dee’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. In this special Cultural Autopsy Author Q&A, Urban City Podcast goes beyond the pages of the book to ask a larger question: When Grandma leaves us, what happens to everything she never wrote down? 1. In your book, Grandma Dee does not measure the ingredients. She explains that this is simply how they made the cake on the farm. What does that moment reveal about the kind of knowledge our grandmothers carried, and how they passed it down? Grandma Dee, just like all our grandmothers, carried knowledge on their hands, on their faces and in their heads and hearts. The wisdom and wherewithal our foremothers had to be able to navigate the conditions of the Deep South is nothing short of remarkable. Back then, wisdom moved through word of mouth, song and dance and the love they baked into every recipe. That is what is so special about our grandmothers who didn’t use measuring cups and such. The true measurement came from their life experience and wisdom. 2. Would you say that Grandma Dee’s hands became her recipe book? How did you translate that kind of inherited, instinctive knowledge into a story children could understand and appreciate? Grandma Dee’s hands were a rich cinnamon-color with fine lines. They were strong, but at the same time gentle. When I would bake with her in the kitchen, I would inevitably ask her, “Ma! How much flour? How much sugar? (In a rush to get my answers, I would sometimes shorten Grandma Dee’s name to simply, “Ma”). She would just hold up one hand and touch the tip of her thumb with her pinky finger and say, “About this much.” I would laugh and so would she because we both knew I had no idea what that meant! Grandma Dee was proud of her recipes. She wasn’t just going to give them away to the first, second or even third grandchild who asked (and I believe I was her seventh grandchild)! But I now know she had spent a lifetime perfecting her cakes and pies and potato salads. They were her pride and joy and that “thing” she did very well. THey are now a part of her legacy. 3. In many Black Southern families, the kitchen was more than a place where meals were prepared. It was where children listened, women shared wisdom, problems were discussed, and family history was preserved. What did the kitchen represent in your family? In my family, we cooked and cleaned just like any other household. But the kitchen was also a place where we hot combed our hair. Grandma Dee had an old school iron hot comb with a wooden handle. That’s the hot comb that taught me how to set still! Because if you didn’t, you already know! Sitting in the kitchen, eating home cooked Southern snacks like fried okra and hoe cakes while getting my hair done was almost like a rite of passage. That’s when the girls in my house knew they were moving from little girls to young ladies. With that transition came the kitchen gossip. With each dab of grease, a part to the hair and a swipe of the comb you got a little more info on what happened to Cousin “So and So” and her kids! The kitchen seemed to hold all the family secrets. 4. Black families have often created food, fellowship, and celebration during extremely difficult circumstances. What role do you believe food has played in helping Black communities preserve joy, comfort, dignity, and connection? We celebrate with a good meal. We sulk with comfort food. One time, I was upset about something that happened in school and came into Grandma Dee’s kitchen with my head down and shoulders slumped. She didn’t say much. She just started making some biscuits. By the time the biscuits were done, and we were sopping them up with maple syrup and butter, I had told her all my worries. She just calmly sat there and said, “Yeah, I figured you needed some comfort food.” It wasn’t too long after that moment that I began to realize that food can do what words cannot. A hug comes close, but it’s something about warm, fresh baked goodness that can calm a mind and soothe a soul. Mamas can’t do that the way grandma does it. Grandmas simply have more experience having raised our moms, aunties, sisters and neighborhood friends. That’s why grandmothers are so grand and why they truly are the keepers of our joy, comfort, dignity and connection. 5. Recipes can disappear when an elder passes away because the instructions were never written down. What do you hope your book inspires families to ask, record, or learn from their elders before those traditions are lost? I hope this book inspires grandchildren to get in the kitchen and start baking with their grandmothers, and really pay attention. Grandma Dee was never going to write down her recipe, but I could’ve taken notes. I wish I had taken notes. So, in the book, after the story is done, I have designed a recipe journal for all my readers to write down their favorite family recipes. Final Question: When children finish reading Grandma Dee’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, what conversation do you hope they will have with their own grandmothers, grandfathers, or family elders? After grandchildren read my book, I hope they are inspired to ask their grandmothers that one thing they’ve always wondered about. Grandmothers are like vaults, so I hope they just spend enough quality time with their grandmothers to unlock a little bit of that wisdom. My grandmother is gone and I’ll never get her back. It sounds shocking to even think about it because she lived 96 years. I had about 25 years with her about a quarter of her life and I could have used those years better. But when we are kids, we think grandma is just going to be baking us cakes and pies forever. The biggest thing I know now is that I can keep her legacy alive by writing and also baking with my son and his little cousins the way Grandma Dee did with me.

Fever Clinch WNBA Playoffs, Kelsey Mitchell vs. Marina Mabrey & Nneka Ogwumike Retires | Ep.47

Urban City Podcast Group — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:33:40 +0000

Why’d you hit the basket support like that? Everybody thinks you’re so nice. You’re not nice. Nice black, though. I see you playing defense. I literally play defense, though. I don’t think you don’t. Whatever. I mean, you you not defending me. Oh, wow. Here we go. You lucky I quit. You’re lucky I quit. No. Here we go. I was literally like the old parent that like plays their kid and quits right before they lose. That’s what I did. Right before they That’s why I retired. What’s up everyone? Welcome back to Post Moves. I’m Candace Parker here with my co-host Aaliyah Boston. Miss me? Look at that fresh braids. Did you notice? Look at my part. I did. I was going to say something, but you had an attitude. So, I was like, “Let me just wait till the show. Let me just wait till the show to say I like your braids so I could get a smile.” The listeners don’t know that Aaliyah be having attitude sometimes, but No, I know. She cool. She cool. She cool. She typical little sister vibes. Uh, follow us, Postmoosh Show on all socials. And don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcast. New episodes drop every Wednesday. And I do not have an attitude. So, you have an attitude. It’s okay. It’s okay to have attitude. No, I just feel like sometimes I don’t get my nap. And you literally live by yourself. Or do you live by yourself? I don’t know if you live by yourself. Girl, don’t assume you live by yourself. Don’t have something right now. But why are you so tired? Wait a second. So, you live by yourself. You have Aussie goes to daycare. So, like, why are you tired? You should be able to get a nap. No, I didn’t have time today. I didn’t have time. So, now this is why you Okay, so she needs her nap. Um, you’re back from your road trip. I’m sure you got lots of naps on your road trip. How was that? I mean, barely, but on the planes. But yeah, that road trip was long. I don’t know why it felt like that longer than like it was supposed to. It was like 10 days, but we were we played every other day and it was like boom boom boom boom boom boom boom. She’s pointing her finger around the country for those that are just not watching. She was saying boom and the listeners are like, “We don’t know what that means.” Um, but yeah, she was doing geography with her finger of where they were. You know, I’m actually not great at geography. See, this had nothing to do with anything, but I’m just not good at that. Like the whole like north, east, west. See, you can tell me like where to go, but don’t tell me north. Like you can tell like north should just be like where am I? But it’s hard. Yeah. Like people are like 405 and then you go north towards whatever. I’m like what? Like I’m not doing that. Just send me the like please. Yeah. I’m not I’m not very I’m not a compass. Hall of Fame recap Hall of Famer. Hall of Famer. How was it? Give me the whole rena. How’s the experience? Like, come on. And then you was outside after that. So, come on. Oh, we Listen, I was not outside. Um, I stay inside. I’m 40. Uh, it was amazing. It was so overwhelming with emotions and just um to be honest with you, I’m going to keep it real quick. It’s weird when you’re on stage and it’s like your entire career, you’ve watched all the people that you’ve idolized growing up and they’re legends. And then when you’re on stage, all the legends are looking at you and it’s just um it’s like a celebration of life for your basketball career. Yeah. Uh and so it was happy. It was amazing. My whole family was there. Uh my son had a little bit in my speech where he was not paying attention at all. And that was funny. Watching he was watching his trains video cuz he watches trains, locomotive trains 24/7. like he can watch trains and he’s like knows all of them and can point them out and he’s watching the video and he sees himself on the big screen so he turns the camera around to show not like that’s my mom up there. It’s more so like the train. So that was amazing. But um having Allan Iverson show up wearing a suit that was my number. Uh obviously Cheryl Miller I grew up watching her. Tama Catching’s Big Sis Dwade big bro. I mean, just the whole weekend, all the Hall of Famers that were there that went in on my class. I played against Elena Deleadon forever. Sylvia Foul since I was 14. Um, I still have the orange jacket hanging in my office. I don’t know quite what I’m going to do with it. Uh, you see the deep deep cut though. You see me? I was on my soft girl. I was on my soft girl era. I don’t know what you you know what I’m saying. I was like, give me that deep t cut. But I was worried. I had a boob tape. Don’t worry. So, it was okay. Um, but my daughter was just there. She’s been around for my entire career. She was like, she put the jacket on me and it was just like that was cute. It’s just surreal. So, um, took it all in. Uh, was excited to be able to, I don’t know, just be there with all the people I love and really be in the moment. So, did you miss me? I totally missed you. I was looking around. I was like, Aaliyah’s going to pop up. Like, you knew I was on the way. I know. I’m sorry I disappointed you. No, it was amazing. And then um yeah, I had the party afterwards. Uh you was outside. That’s what I said. I was outside. My family was there. My wife threw a great party. Um and we just had a great time, man. Like you know us. We going to kick it. That’s one thing we going to do. We going to kick it. What was crazy was I knew we were parenting, right? Cuz all my nieces and nephews were there. And um I looked on the dance floor and we were all on the dance floor like my brothers, myself, my nieces and nephews, so you know exactly my daughter. And so I looked around and was like, man, we’re we’re doing something right because our kids are dancing with us. Um yeah. So it was just it was amazing. So it is surreal. It’ll be something definitely to to look back at. So hey, and and honestly though, in all the pictures, if you don’t mind, could you just edit me like Mhm. in the corner. Well, you said that too fast. You didn’t make that you were gonna do that. I’m gonna do that. I’m I’mma do that. I’m use my best picture. Yeah. With the fresh braids in the scalp. I got you. I got you. And then it was crazy cuz um got back from the Hall of Fame weekend, which was crazy. I didn’t feel like myself until like that Wednesday just Hawaii trip because we were so exhausted and it’s like next thing after next thing and um man had to go to Hawaii. Unfort I had to go to I had to go to Hawaii. My daughter my daughter had a volleyball tournament. So had to go to Hawaii. Um and how was Hawaii? Man, I want to move there. I have never been to Hawaii, but it looks very nice. And I started thinking I was like, do you know any hoopers that have come from Hawaii? Cuz you know, I’m all about like the first, right? Like you said, I don’t know from Hawaii. That’s what I’m saying. And I’m thinking I’m going to take my boys out there and they’re going to be like the sevenfooters from Hawaii. Like the 7 foot backcourt from Hawaii. I see that. I can see that. Period. Fall wedding season is coming and I feel like getting the invitation is the easy part. Then you read the dress code and you’re like, “Wait, what exactly are we wearing?” That’s where Macy’s can help. This fall, I love the richer colors, terracotta, rose, those beautiful deep greens, and dresses with a little movement. Give me something flowy, an asymmetrical neckline, maybe a little lace, because if I’m going to a wedding, I need to be able to hit the dance floor. And don’t forget the accessories. A great mini bag, some metallic heels, or beaded jewelry can completely change the look. Whatever the dress code, Macy’s has a complete fall wedding dressing guide to help you put together that head to toe look so you can worry less about what you’re wearing and more about making it to last call. Okay, Candace, we talk all the time about taking care of your body, but here’s something I didn’t realize. Only about 6% of sports science research focuses exclusively on women, which is honestly kind of wild when you think about it. That’s why I’m excited about Gatorade Body of Science, a multi-year research initiative to help close the gap in women’s health, hydration, and nutrition science. And as a brand that continues to invest in women’s sports, it’s another example of Gatorade’s commitment. Initial sweat testing results conducted by Gatorade Sports Science Institute or GSSI, which will be presented on July 25th and 26th at the American Society for Nutrition Conference, showed that nearly half of women who participated in the study were showing up to practice already dehydrated. On top of that, many weren’t replacing enough electrolytes lost during training and carbohydrates for energy. And that’s not just important for pro athletes. That’s information that can help women at every level. Exactly. And the cool part is that you can actually help move this research forward. Just download the GSSI labs app and take the female athlete hydration survey. By sharing your experience, you’ll help researchers better understand women’s hydration, fueling, and performance needs. So download the GSSI labs app and be a part of the future of women’s sports science. Study this body. Look, real talk. The best part of the game was never just the game. It’s the group chat blowing up, the hot takes at halftime, the debates that outlast the series. But here’s the thing, it’s not just about the takes. It’s about the community that forms from those conversations. And right now for women’s basketball, that’s happening on threads. Fans finding each other, breaking down plays, calling out the bad calls, dropping perspectives that flip how you see the game, not yelling into the void. People who actually get it, talking back. Oops. Spilling into music, fashion, culture, your people all in one place. It’s the difference between watching alone and being where it’s all going down. So, if you love women’s basketball, but you’re not on threads, you’re missing out on the conversation. Get in there. Find your people. Women’s basketball on threads. Get into it. All right, it’s time for what we want to talk about, Fever Updates, cuz we got Aaliyah Boston back from her fiveame road trip. Fever road trip recap Um, that kicked off in actually Atlanta on August 16th. That was a long time ago. Jeez, that doesn’t that feel like a long time ago? Yeah, that was a long time ago. I hope y’all had some off days. Um, girl, you got a win in Atlanta 95 91 in overtime. You had a solid double double, 18 and 14, four assists, five steals, three blocks. Timson scored a career-high 20 points. She’s been playing really well for you. She is hooping. Like, she’s just and and and there’s a thing where it’s like you’re not going to ever throw her the ball and be like, “Yo, go get a bucket.” But like the ball just finds her because of her movement and her feel for the game and she cuts at the right time. She don’t get she don’t get in the way of the offense. She sets solid screen. She separates. So I really have enjoyed watching her like develop in you guys’ offense. I mean obviously knew she was a defensive player. Uh but let’s talk about Kelsey Mitchell three-pointer with uh one minute and five seconds remaining to tie the game which by the way is like man with a back court like Kaitlin and Kelsey and then now you shooting a three. It’s like sniping though they’re really sniping. They Kelsey’s on a heater though. I mean she got the streak now for most 20 plus games. I think she’s up to like 25 like Yeah. And it’s not even like barely making it either just like no I got 31. She’s like she’s like 30 30 and just chill. I’m like oh my gosh. But uh did you see the because obviously you guys went to overtime. You ended up coming out on top but the Dream had another possession to close the game. Caitlin Clark’s meme moment And did you see Kaylin’s reaction to the Dreams miss put back. Did you see it? I we saw it after but like in real time you see nothing but we saw it after and I was like here we go. Oh my goodness. Um like here we go. Yeah. No, cuz like we just like peace, love, and happiness. We we will never be free. I just think it’s hilarious. You and her literally cuz at the end of this year, at the end of the WBA season on Post News, we gonna have Meme Queen. We’re going to have five memes that have happened or things that have happened throughout the year and we’ll have our postups vote as to which one is the top one because you guys probably have top five. We probably probably have top five. Uh did you see the photo of Kelsey Mitchell going one on four, but when you had 20 straight Yeah. Look at this. This is kind of like hanging in the loop. Seen that. This is kind of like reminds me of the Anthony Black dunk where it’s like four defenders and he dunks on. That’s this one right here. Goodness. You can get some. Crazy. You can get some. And she finishing with her little right hand or her little off hand. Miss PhD. That’s what we going to call her. Uh August 18th, you all went to uh Canada. Canada. How do you say it? Toronto. Toronto. Canada. Uh and you all beat the tempo. Obviously, we saw the Holly Row meme and the thing that went viral where she was literally could not get herself together looking around at the crowd in Toronto. Just a soldout crowd. Just a testament to like the growth of women’s basketball. You all got your fifth straight win in Toronto. Was it cool? Was this your first time playing? It was nice. Yeah, my first time playing there. It was nice. The crowd was great though. They were great. They filled the arena. Like it was great. And they got loud. Like I feel like there’s no better feeling than playing in just a loud crazy arena and that was the energy that they gave. It was fire. And what um did you go were you I mean I know this is like a quick trip, but did you get to see Toronto at all? Like not I mean a little bit. It wasn’t like I mean you walked I walked a little bit take got my steps in found a little Italian restaurant. Um but we didn’t really have time cuz we came to Atlanta flew there played left went to like it was but they did have some good Italian though that possibly Yeah, I hear Italian food in Toronto is actually pretty good. It’s crazy. It’s crazy. You know where else Italian food is really good? In Berlin. Berlin has really good Italian food. So we’ll get to that after this little World Cup. We might have to get some Italian food. Uh, you all had a 33-point first quarter. 16 of those points came from Kelsey Mitchell on a heater. You had 16 six and three. Monster block playing a little defense. Okay. Little defense. I feel like I feel like I defend. Oh, and then you hit the basket support. Why’d you hit the basket support like that? Everybody thinks you’re so nice. You’re not nice. Nice black though. I see you playing defense. You on my you on my Listen, you got these last like six games to be on that like DP oi. That’s the crazy part is I do play defense. I don’t think you don’t. I mean, you you not defending me, but play a little defense. You lucky you lucky I quit. You lucky I quit. No, no, no. I think you’re lucky. I was literally like the old parent that like plays their kid and quits right before they lose. That’s what I did. That’s why I retired. Uh, obviously the moment of the game, you guys, you know, you won by six. It was kind of back and forth, but there was a little separation, but Kelsey surprised us all with a heated moment. I’ve never seen her be heated like this ever in my life. Kelsey goes off on Marina Mabrey When Kelsey put her hand up like that, you just know when like you know when somebody is really No, but like Kelsey being heated like this and then putting her finger in her face and Marina, she crazy. We all know I play with Marina. I love her to death, but she crazy. But her looking off into the distance, it’s like separate crazies in this right here. So like Kelsey putting her finger in the face and Marina just looking off into the distance like this. And then they just got teed up and we just kept going. Yeah. And then it’s like keep it moving. Oh my goodness. I love it. Hey, this is getting closer to the playoffs. We about to see some real heated moments. Uh August 20th you all lost to the Wings at Dallas. Kelsey Mitchell tighter season high with 37 points. AB 14-9. Fever were held to only 28 points in the paint and allowed 46 points in the paint. That stat and then listen. It’s not me. You can you don’t need to do all that. I won’t point any fingers but it’s not me. Uh Ambawa had a season high 32 points and um obviously we saw the dominance of what the Fever were able to do. They kind of took the season series so they’re up 2-1 on UL. Uh Paige and Kayn kind of got tangled up. We’re continuing the heated the memes and “Don’t tell me to calm down” the heated moments. Uh the lip reading experts are saying Paige told Caitlyn to calm down. But here’s the thing. I kind of blame the refs a little bit because it’s like if you don’t hear a whistle and obviously Paige was trying to foul. She was trying to foul right here. She’s fouling and then she fouls again. And I feel that a little bit. I mean obviously Kaitlyn, come on man. But at the same time the rest like didn’t call the first one. So just call the first one. I would have been I would have been like Paige though too. I’d been like calm down. I’m trying to foul you. No, I don’t care. Everybody just calm down? I don’t care. Everybody just This is the person like in the history of ever. Does calm down ever work? No, it doesn’t. Cuz now I’m even more mad cuz don’t tell me to calm down. Why would you tell me to calm down? Exactly. So that’s Yes. I’m here for that. August 22nd, that was a game that a lot of people tuned in to uh your loss against the Liberty 109 102, but the Fevers big three led the way. All of you all had 20 plus points and what can you talk about when you’re in a Mental battle of the free throw line game and you know that the separator is kind of the free throw line cuz early on you all missed some free throws. Does it become a thing? No, but like how is it mentally? Like what do you guys talk about huddle? I mean cuz you guys were 11 for 22. Just focus. Just focus. But from the free throw line it’s I don’t know. You know, sometimes it’s just dang. Like I feel like that’s just what it was. It was like damn. Okay. I mean, let’s try another one. Okay. Well, well, but is there anything that is said about the free because I always wonder like the different philosophies because free throws are like sometimes you don’t want to mess with people. I would go through spans where I would miss free throws and it I I would get in my head. Yes. It’s just the mental battle. That’s literally what it is. It is like I mean people can tell you like you got this just make the next one or or take a breath and do all that but if you it’s sometimes it’s like dang you just missed the first one. It’s like okay hold on hold on let’s find our way back. I remember I was I was going through like a streak where I was just missing free throws for the Spark. That’s the worst. And I would just walk up there knowing I was going to miss. So I would just go up there and everybody would see my face and be like uh cuz I was just going through this or everything. And Christy Talber, you’re probably young, but like Angels in the Outfield, they used to do this like they used to flap their wings like angels when they would throw a pitch like this baseball movie. And so Christy Toiver to make me laugh would go behind me and do this. And it just like kind of lightened the load a little bit. Like it made me laugh and smile and like obviously I got out of it. But she had to resort to angels in the outfield to get me to hit free throws cuz I was going through a span where I was like, I wish I tell you though. The worst the worst is literally when you hit that like when you hit that span of just it’s just not going in. But then you sit there and you go practice them and you just shoot a bunch of free throws and you’re like calm and collective and you make them and you’re like, “Okay, great. We got a touchback.” Then you go in the game and it’s like, “Wait, I just shot.” Yeah. I’m acting like I can’t shoot no more. Like I just shot so many by myself. Yeah, shooting in the gym. But that pressure when you step to the free throw line, I’m telling you, it’s like a penalty kick. Everybody’s like, “How can you not make a penalty kick?” It’s like, “All right, go up there and make one.” That’s what I said. I I think you need like a normal person next to anything on television just doing what’s just so you could see how hard it is. Like surfing, it it looks hard, but not really, right? No, it’s really hard. We need like a normal person doing it to see what it looks like. Uh back to the Liberty game real quick. Uh Feebish is back. uh which I think she gave them a huge spark and with Satu um you know announcing that she’s she’s gonna be out uh you know for World Cup Phoebe coming back it gives them a little bit more of their size. She had 25 and five. So it’s good to see her healthy for the league. I’m not saying for the fever because um she she kind of for the league we’ll take she was a she was she was a little bit of a matchup problem but we’ll we’ll we’ll go to the next game back to back. You guys beat the sky at sky, ended the road trip on a high note, and now have the most wins in a season in franchise history. 25 wins and counting. Win number 25 Fever shot 54.5% from three. Caitlyn had uh 37 and 10, new careerhigh eight threes, her fifth career with 30 and 10. AB, you kind of sat on the sideline was like, “Y’all got it. Y’all got it. I’m cheering them on.” Like, what? I was just round of applause. Yeah. Three and0 on back toback. So, um, the fever have taken care of business. Youth, youth is youth is wealth. That’s what we’re going to say. Uh, before the break, you all only have one more game, which would be August 28th uh, at home versus Connecticut, which is nice. Then you have the Feeble World Cup break. FIBA WC Break Let’s talk about that because this World Cup break is a little later than most of the other World Cup breaks. You all only have four games and most teams only have four games remaining. The playoffs are set pretty much. I think everybody is clenched that’s in the playoffs unless something happens where somebody loses like six games and the other team wins five games. I think everybody is pretty much clinched if I’m I think the only one that hasn’t is Dallas. I think yes, but they still but but they’re still they still have a 6 and a half game lead over Portland Portland. And so yeah. Yeah. So they’re my point in is the teams that are going into this break with nothing to play for. I wonder what they’re going to do during this break. That’s what was on my mind. Bro, we’re coming in at training camp for let’s see, World Cup break is the 30th through So for three weeks I’m coming in or two and a half weeks. I’m coming in and like we No, they’re going No, I think everyone’s at least going to get like a week and a half. I’m just like we playing for the spirit of the game, like the joy of it. What is Seattle coming in for? For the love of the game. Okay, well September 18th, I want to see how many people actually are participating in training camp. We need a list of that. September 18th, you guys play Toronto away home against Washington with the series tied 1-1. Minnesota links on the 22nd. Lynx are up 10. And then away Minnesota. So, it’s going to be interesting to see how many teams sit. Minnesota will have clinched by then. Those last two games in terms of the first seed if they handle business like they’re supposed to. Uh you all are still battling it out. You guys are three games. No, you guys are two games out of second. You’re in fifth. And if playoffs ended today, you guys would play Atlanta, but you all are two games out of second place. So, with five games remaining, so obviously we’ll get to playoffs later, but it’s just kind of exciting. Uh Valks defeated the Lyns for the first time in franchise history. Watched that game yesterday. Uh the Valkyrie won 80 to 66. Valkyries top Lynx They’re in a standings clash right now. A win for the Lynx would have secured the number one seed. So again, they are pretty, you know, um in the clear. They just got to get one more victory. The Lynx were without Courtney Williams for the first time. She suffered a foot injury. She hasn’t missed a game in 11 seasons. That’s crazy. Which is actually kind of crazy. Um yeah, that was a great game. I think it’s a playoff implications. Everybody was talking about the way that the Valkyrie have defended Olivia Miles. She scored in single digits both times that she’s played the Valkyrie. So, that’s an interesting stat. Tiffany Hayes half court shot. Steph Curry and the Warriors were also loving this right here, man. It must be something in the water. She held it, too. It must be something in the water right there, man. Look at Steph. Steph. Look at Gary Payton up there. Uh anyway, Valkyries went on to win 78 to 70 to clench a WNBA playoff birth for the second time in its second season. What athlete That got me thinking like what athlete would you pull would you want to pull up to watch you? I’ll wait. I’ll wait for your answer. Um Oh, we’re going to wait for my answer. Yeah, I’m gonna wait. I think we should come back. Okay. You can’t think of one athlete on the top of your mind that you would want to pull up. I honestly think it would be cool if I honestly think it would be cool if Serena came to a game. Okay. I think that’d be pretty dope. Okay, that’s your answer. Has came to She has came to a game. Oh, and you know her man’s on the Colts. So, sorry. I forgot that you’re famous. My bad. Sorry. She’s like, “What athlete hasn’t come to see us play?” Okay. You know what? One thing I love about this time of year, we talked about the spiciness, the heated competition, Becky Hammon ejected all that stuff. Um, Becky Hammond getting tossed in the second quarter of the Aces dream game. Oh my gosh, we got our game. That was like the second quarter. She didn’t even wait till they flip sides. She thought Asia got fouled at one end and then it was like a decision that she made because you could tell you could tell people she got the first text one ref walked away and then Asia was trying to hold her back. Uh yeah, people on social were confused what Becky was even mad about because it seemed like she was going off about the Asia layup which maybe it was a foul but I don’t know if it was that egregious. Um, but at the time sometimes you just get mad and it’s irrational. It’s that time of year again. Maybe we should ask that was like the second quarter back the second quarter. Uh, maybe we should ask her similar to how we did DJ Jane when Dane got ejected and she had to go to the back like what did she do? She tweeted and you know went on X or whatever or threads. Sorry. She went on threads. Ask Becky what she um Yeah. I want to know what Becky did. Did she watch the game? Does she have the half time speech like when people come in? I really want to know. I want to know. Uh Neca Agum, this is big news. After 15 seasons in the league and 13 with the LA Sparks, Neca Agum will retire at the end Nneka Ogwumike announces retirement of this season. She became the Sparks all-time leading scoreer in field goals made, steals, and double doubles. The first overall pick in 2012 draft, she was my rookie. uh 2016 league MVP, 2016 champion, 11time all-star WNB PA president. And honestly, I think it’s time to check in on threads because women’s basketball and threads, we like to get into it. Uh Jay_bug12 asked, “Who is a player that got drafted by a team that you think will also retire with that team?” Asia Wilson is for sure retiring with Aces. I see Jackie retiring with them, too. That’s good. I can see like Sabrina staying in New York. People think she’d go to the Bay because she from there. I mean, maybe, but I feel like I just feel like New York is like, you know, I don’t know. I mean, Sloot Sloot is probably going to retire with this guy. She got drafted by this guy, retired with this guy. So, I would see Sloot. Um, yeah, that’s that’s what I got. I think everybody there’s a possibility that, you know, you could choose to go somewhere else, but right now those are probably the two. I would say Sabrina or Sleep would be the two. Yeah. Yeah. It’s always good. It’s always fun to go back home, though. Just throwing that out there. Uh we already talked about the standings um as of this recording uh which is Tuesday. The Minnesota Links have clinched their number one. Golden State uh would right now be playing Washington, which would be an insane matchup. Minnesota would be playing Dallas right now. Um let’s see. Vegas would be playing New York and you know playoffs are all about would be this this what I’m saying this first round is about to be insane. It doesn’t matter how we flip-flop and flop flip whatever you want to do these first rounds I mean Atlanta Indiana and it’s best of three right? Yeah. No, I think I think it’s fine. It’s best of three cuz I know with prime we’re covering first round and it’s best of three. Um, I think the second round is best of five and then it’s seven. And then it’s seven. And then it’s seven. Uh, is this the year the Lynx get over the hump? Could Fee and Olivia. Nope. When? Sorry. Not their time. No. I don’t know if I should be the ones asking this question because this could be no for everything to you. Like, not it’s not their time. I’m sorry. They could try again next year. This is our time. Hey, I I think all of the questions for postseason are valid. Um, it’s going to be exciting. I just love great basketball. I really do. And obviously, you know, things happen at this point in the season. I hate to see players go down at this point in the season. Something to keep our eye on as well. Melissa Smith going down. Oh, no. For Yeah. For so sad. I Vegas um and she was having such a great year. That’s the thing. Like she was having such a great year and then also um the buyout with Phoenix buying out Dana Bonner. There’s three teams that she can go to that have the money to sign her. Liberty, Las Vegas Aces, and the Dallas Wings. It’s interesting because I think maybe before I don’t know if I would have looked at the Aces as somebody to sign DB, but now with Nelissa Smith out, it might be a possibility. So, we shall see. Other big news in the WBA. Lots of big news. I need like a synonym for big. Gigantic news. Uh 2027 AT&T WBA Allstar weekend is headed to the Bay. Going to the and Fran. That’s actually going to be like pretty dope. So, first time All-Star weekend will be hosted by Golden State Valkyries. I mean, it’s their third season, so everybody calm down. But, uh, it is time to start planning for 2027 because, you know, we going to do a live show. We going to pull up. You already know. So, Bay Area, college basketball schedules are starting to drop and you guys already know how serious we take college hoops around here. Women’s college basketball schedule drops Cops up, baby. This is SEC territory. Can we be on the same team for a second? Can we’re we’re both in the SEC. We like SEC basketball. I get that. Like I said, up. So, of course, we have to check in on our teams and see what we’re working with in conference play this season. Uh obviously, we know how last season went. Whatever blas If you ain’t first, you’re last. and you guys made it to the national championship game and y’all came ringless like us. It don’t matter if you’re not first. But but we want a ring in the SEC though, man. Whatever. We talk about the big dance count. If we want to count SEC championships, let’s go. Okay. Uh we know how last season went. You all finished and one. Who did you all lose to? Texas, I think. No, it wasn’t Texas. It was uh No, you guys lost early to Wait, please don’t yell at me right now. Like Missouri or lose to Missouri? Oh, it was No, it wasn’t. I could tell you who it was. It was Oklahoma. Okay. I’m like, y’all lost early. We did lose to Texas. Yeah, but it was Oklahoma in overtime. Oh, that game upset me. I was in studio watching it. I was like, I can’t even do my work. Sign me up. Exactly. Exactly. But who lose? What was your record at home? Um, we actually started off 6 and0 and then SEC was a doozy. Uh, but obviously South Carolina overall 36 and4 conference 15-1 SEC tournament actually runner up to Texas. No. Yeah, you guys lost to Texas and then NCAA runner up. So, um, they like number two. They like being number two. And I mean, you didn’t even make it. Um, call him Shay Gilas Alexander. Lost second round. Lost first round in the tournament. Wow. How is that? Like I said, if you’re not first, you last. That’s that’s my thought process. I’m like, we no participa brought home. She her team got third place. I was like, take that thing off there. Don’t even take that thing off your neck. We don’t put that up in the We don’t. But we got to be locked in January 28th, though. January 28th. I’m putting that on a calendar. January. And it’s at Tennessee, correct? Yeah, I’m there. Okay, I bet I’m really excited about this. So, January 28th is a date that we are going to circle. We are also going to circle that February 21st match up against LSU. That’s always a good one. The Texas matchup. Do you guys play Texas? Yeah. Uh where? Oh, I see it. January 3rd. You guys are January 3rd. Okay. Sorry, I didn’t see the Longhorn. Okay. Well, we got some key matchups circled and then Tennessee schedule. I mean, you only I mean, you play LSU pretty like last. That’s Yeah, we play LSU February 25th, which I like playing the tougher teams earlier because they don’t they haven’t figured it out yet. Haven’t figured it out. February, I’m like, dang it. Look at this run. We got We got South Carolina on the 29th. We about to have a doozy of February, man. Yeah, this is about to be rough, but uh it’s really a fresh squad. So maybe it’s best y’all wait. But listen, sometimes it’s like the surprise attack. You No, I know. That’s what I’m saying. It’s a fresh squad. We don’t know and neither does anybody else. So that’s Yeah, that’s what we’re going to do. I I I mean, obviously I think Texas is going to have to revamp because Rory Harmon is gone. Madison Booker’s still there, still a bucket. I’m still a firm believer if you have the best player on your team, you always give yourself a chance because offense is so important. But obviously South Carolina still there. Yeah, Michaela Blakes’s another one. We gonna have some exciting, you know, bucket getters. But in terms of teams, like South Carolina, what was that stat I read where you guys have nobody on your roster under six foot? Like, yeah, nobody on your roster under six foot. Please use that length. Please. You guys are going to be the monsters. She’s going to throw it off the backboard and duck it. Oh yeah, cuz we got Big O. She could dunk. That’s what we going to do. And Ashlin, and the French. Yeah. Well, all I know is Don Don talking about it’s a guard’s world, but she done proved that correct. She ain’t recruited no guards. She out here recruiting six, five. They’re big guards. They’re big guards. Don, I call I I call your bluff. You think you know the deal. You know who runs the world. It’s always going to be post. Every team needs the right support system. In basketball, it might be the teammate who changes the game or the people behind the scenes keeping everything running. And for small businesses, that support system can be just works. Small business owners are doing everything, wearing every hat, solving every problem, building something from the ground up. And that hustle is real. But there’s a difference between the work you actually want to spend your time on, your product, your people, your vision, and the work that takes over your nights and weekends, payroll, benefits, compliance, hiring. That’s where Just Works comes in. Just Works is an integrated platform built for small businesses. It combines easytouse software with real human support to help manage the admin side of running a team. And if you ever need help, their experts are available 24/7 because you don’t have to figure it out all alone. You focus on growing your business. Just works helps take care of the rest because you don’t have to worry when it just works. You know, Aaliyah, one of my favorite things about where the W is right now is that we’re celebrating 30 years of incredible history. But what really stands out is seeing how much closer fans are getting to the game and the players they look up to. Absolutely. Some of my favorite moments aren’t just during the game. They’re getting to meet young fans, hearing their stories, and seeing how much this league means to them. Those connections stick with you. That’s one of the reasons we’re excited to partner with AT&T. They’re helping create those moments by giving customers access to game tickets, bringing fans together during All-Star Weekend, and creating opportunities for people to connect with the players and the game they love. And those experiences can have real impact. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one autograph, or one chance to meet your favorite player to inspire the next generation. That’s what makes this partnership so meaningful. It’s about bringing people together and creating experiences that last long after the final buzzer. Learn more at att.com/baskball and keep supporting the future of women’s basketball. Connecting changes everything. All right, before we wrap Fan questions things up, let’s get into our AT&T fan connection. Connecting changes everything. Okay, first question is from mandy_mood_. Happy Kobe Bryant Day. What’s your favorite Kobe memory? I actually posted one of my favorite memories. I was at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and we’re all just like standing around before opening ceremonies and I kind I have a camera and I’m asking everybody like where are you from? Where you from? Where you from? Like we’re representing us. Where are you from? So I go to Chris Bosch. He’s talking about Dallas. And then I pan back over to Kobe and Kobe’s like I’m global. And I’m like, if there is one thing that just is solid and like Kobe is gonna come up with some stuff that you just like, really? That’s what you gonna say? Talking about Italy, uh, you know what I’m saying? Philly, uh, everywhere. LA, he global. And it’s true cuz everybody in China when I went over there and played is named Kobe. So, um, you get to pick your American name and there are five billion Kobes. So, Kobe is global. Um, I always smile at Kobe Day because it it just reminds me of how much a competitor and how amazing it was to like know him and to be in his orbit. And so, um, super special to be able to have his birthday and then Kobe day and then now to to know his little girls. I mean, man, one of his little daughters makes the same Kobe face that he makes and it just makes me smile every time. So, um, yeah, happy Kobe day. Were you a eight or a 24 fan? Like what was your favorite Kobe? 24. 24. I don’t know. I like baby figuring it out. Kobe eight was kind of I don’t know. Anyway. All right. Next question at 808. I saw the Sparks asked this question and need y’all’s answer, too. Is the WNBA logo doing a left-handed or right-handed layup? Well, if it’s like flip, you know, when you take a picture, it’s like the other way. What do you think? I mean, it’s giving left. Looking at it like this, it’s giving a left-handed layup. How many people really go left, though? So, but I think, you know, you take a picture, it’s flipped. So, I think it’s a right-handed layup. It’s a right hook. Oh, actually, now that I’m looking at it, I’m front facing, but actually looking at it this way, back facing, it’s right. She’s going like that. Yeah, I think she’s doing it right-handedly. Yeah, that’s kind of looking at it front facing first, but because again, like what are you paying homage to the 12 lefties in our league? That’s what I was going to say. How many people are actually going left? I mean, not very many. The scouts literally sit on their right hand, but Okay, so next question is from overtimethoughts22. Thoughts or thoughts? Thoughts. Either way. Thoughts. Thoughts. Thoughts. Thoughts or thought? Thoughts? Thoughts? Thoughts or thoughts? Thoughts. If logistics could be worked out for any team in this league, where do you see DB going? I personally feel like at this point, especially if you’re getting a buyout at this point in your career, um, and you want to go play to win a championship, I mean, the best odds in doing that, especially with the news with Melissa Smith, I would think she would go to Vegas. Um, Vegas. How you said that? Vegas. How do you say Vegas? Vegas. Vegas. Vegas. Vegas. Okay. I didn’t sound like that. I think she’s going to Vegas, but I mean, listen, maybe Dallas, maybe New York. New York has the size already. I don’t know. I think best case scenario would probably be Vegas. Uh, the next question is from fastbreak_fan_. For a player who’s meant so much to the game, what do you think about Russell Westbrook retiring without getting that final season or proper sendoff? Honestly, are you washing clothes? No. Wait, is that me? Oh, yeah. Sorry, my clothes are drying. Okay, keep going. Keep going. I was like, wait, yeah, that sounds like something spinning. Um, I think some players you don’t I mean, the sendoff became a thing with Kobe, right? Like I don’t think MJ got a send off. And I’m not saying it like that, but I think you can appreciate somebody’s game the way that you appreciate it. And to be honest with you, Russell Westbrook’s meant so much to the game of basketball um to triple doubles. I mean, just basketball in general. And so to me, I think this was his his great sendoff. If you look at it, Michael B. Jordan narrated he was able to do it the way he wanted to with his wife and his kids. So, um I think he did it the way that he wanted to. He said he had a couple more offers and could have played, but you got to do a tour. What? You gonna do a tour with the Sacramento Kings? Like, nah, you’re not doing a sendoff tour with that. He did it how he wanted to. Here, go King Slay. Try to. All right. Next question is from Twilight 7. I got a question. Candace with She don’t read the rundown. She don’t read. Sorry. Okay. I got a question. Candace, with this new All-Star 2026 Shooting Stars event, would you want to do that in the future? And who would you want to be on your team? You can’t pick Aaliyah. You should still pick me, kids. Well, first of all, I don’t know if I would want to do the Shooting Stars event. I feel like it’s a lose-lose for me. First of all, I’m admitting that I’m old. Okay. Second of all, Okay. But I think the person that I would want on my team, I mean, if I can’t pick Aaliyah, I’m picking a shooter. So, I’m picking either Kelsey Mitchell or I’m picking um who’s like a shooter? Kelsey Plum or I’m picking Chelsea Gray. All everybody’s shooting above 40 something percent. So, I’m picking shooters. Straight up shooters. We trying to win. We’re trying to win here, Aia. We’re not trying to lose. We’re not trying to get third place trophies. I get that. You’re right. We’re not happy with runners up. No, we’re not. We win or you lose. Exactly. I’m with you. And you learn. That’s a wrap on this week’s episode of Postmuse. Uh, subscribe on YouTube and wherever you get your podcast and follow Postmoose Show on all socials, postmow. That’s two sussy sleeping. Pow pow pow. Such a great dog mom. Thank you. Sync to video time All From your search From Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston

5 Reasons Marnee Tompkins Is Redefining Entrepreneurial Leadership Through Insurance, Education, and Trust

Urban City Podcast Group — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 18:13:05 +0000

Major Takeaways

Marnee Tompkins has built BEST Coverage Solutions, LLC on a foundation of education, trust, and personalized customer service.
Her commitment to faith, mentorship, and community leadership has made her a respected entrepreneur beyond the insurance industry.
By teaching clients about their coverage before making a purchase, she empowers families to make informed financial decisions.
A Personal Mission Born From Loss
For many entrepreneurs, a business begins with an idea. For Marnee Tompkins, part of her mission was born from personal tragedy.
When Marnee launched BEST Coverage Solutions, LLC, her goal was to educate families about protecting what matters most. But after experiencing a series of devastating losses, her purpose became even more profound.
In 2021, Marnee lost her grandmother to COVID. Just one year later, her family suffered another unimaginable tragedy when her nephew was murdered. Then, in 2024, she experienced perhaps her greatest heartbreak when her mother unexpectedly passed away after battling cancer.
Those experiences forever changed the way she viewed financial protection.
Rather than allowing grief to define her, Marnee transformed her pain into purpose. She expanded BEST Coverage Solutions by adding life insurance to the company’s growing portfolio of services, determined to help other families prepare for moments no one ever wants to face.
“Life taught me the hardest lessons. Now I’m here to help you prepare.”
That statement is more than a slogan. It reflects the journey that has shaped Marnee’s work and the compassion she brings to every client she serves.
While nothing could ease the emotional pain of losing the people she loved, there was one blessing that provided peace during an incredibly difficult time. Each of her loved ones had life insurance or financial resources available. Instead of worrying about how funeral expenses would be paid or where money would come from, her family was able to focus on what mattered most, honoring their loved ones, supporting one another, and beginning the healing process.
That experience reinforced a lesson Marnee now shares with every family she meets. Preparing for the unexpected is not about living in fear. It is about making sure the people you love are protected when life changes in an instant.
Today, every life insurance policy she writes represents more than a transaction. It represents an opportunity to spare another family from unnecessary financial hardship during one of life’s most difficult seasons. It is a mission rooted in experience, driven by compassion, and carried out with a genuine desire to educate and serve the community.

The $95 Million Question: If Leigh Bridges Allegedly Took Millions from JAFCU, Why Aren’t There Criminal Charges?

Urban City Podcast Group — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 18:22:54 +0000

Major Takeaways

A civil lawsuit alleges former JAFCU CEO Leigh Bridges and her husband Chad Bridges diverted approximately $95 million from the credit union.
No criminal charges have been announced, raising questions among members, regulators, and the public.
The case highlights broader concerns about oversight, accountability, and public trust in financial institutions.

A civil lawsuit alleges nearly $95 million was diverted from a Mississippi credit union. As the courts examine the allegations, many Mississippians are asking why no criminal charges have been announced.

An Urban City Podcast Opinion & Analysis• 2 min read An Urban City Podcast Opinion & Analysis For years, members of Jackson Area Federal Credit Union (JAFCU) trusted the institution with their paychecks, savings, and financial futures. Now, former CEO Leigh Bridges and her husband, Chad Bridges, are accused in a civil lawsuit of diverting approximately $95 million from the credit union through an alleged long-running scheme. The allegations are staggering. According to the lawsuit, millions of dollars were allegedly spent on luxury vehicles, jewelry, designer handbags, real estate improvements, artwork, and other personal expenses. The case would represent one of the largest alleged financial scandals involving a Mississippi credit union. The question many people are asking is simple: Why haven’t there been criminal charges? Civil Lawsuit vs. Criminal Investigation It is important to understand that the current case is a civil lawsuit, not a criminal prosecution. A civil lawsuit is designed to recover money and assets that were allegedly taken. Criminal charges, on the other hand, can only be brought by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors after a thorough investigation. The absence of criminal charges today does not necessarily mean criminal charges will never come. Financial crime investigations often take significant time as investigators review records, trace money, interview witnesses, and determine whether criminal laws were violated. Questions That Need Answers Beyond the allegations themselves, many people are asking other important questions: How could this allegedly happen for years without being detected? Were internal controls and audits effective? Did anyone else know what was happening? Were warning signs overlooked? These questions are critical because this case is about more than one individual. It is about trust in financial institutions and the systems designed to protect consumers. What Should Happen? If investigators determine that crimes were committed, criminal charges should be pursued wherever the evidence leads. No position, title, or level of influence should place anyone above accountability. At the same time, every person accused of wrongdoing is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. The Bigger Picture The courts will ultimately decide whether the allegations against Leigh and Chad Bridges are proven. Until then, they remain allegations contained in a lawsuit. However, one fact remains clear: when millions of dollars are alleged to have disappeared from a financial institution trusted by working families, the public deserves answers. Mississippi is watching.

3 Historic Shifts That Rewrote Black Worth in America

Urban City Podcast Group — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:43:49 +0000

MAJOR TAKEAWAYS

• Enslaved Black Americans helped build the economic foundation of America while being denied basic human rights and freedoms.

• Following emancipation, Black Codes and discriminatory laws were used to restrict opportunities and maintain control over Black labor.

• The 13th Amendment’s exception clause created a pathway for convict leasing, allowing forced labor to continue under a different legal framework.

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

By Felicia Kelly-Brookins• 2 min read

An Urban City Podcast Featured Opinion Editorial

PART I- How America Rewrote the Story of Black Worth After Slavery
There is a question America has spent more than 160 years avoiding, How did a people once
considered valuable enough to build a nation become a people so often viewed with suspicion
inside the nation they helped build? It is a question rooted in history and reflected in policy. And
it is a question that still echoes through courtrooms, classrooms, neighborhoods, businesses, and
headlines today.

For more than two centuries, enslaved Africans and their descendants were considered among
the most valuable commodities in America. Their labor fueled an economy. Their bodies
generated wealth. Their hands built fortunes they would never inherit. Yet, America denied them
freedom, citizenship, education and the right of humanity. Yet somehow, America never denied
their value.

No one questioned whether Black people were hardworking while the nation’s
agricultural economy depended upon their labor. No one questioned their reliability when entire
industries were built on their backs, and no one questioned their productivity when their labor
enriched plantation owners, banks, railroads, merchants, and businesses throughout the country.
Their labor was valuable. Their lives were not. Then slavery ended and something remarkable
happened.

The value assigned to Black labor began to disappear, while the stereotypes assigned
to Black people began to grow. The Civil War ended slavery but it did not end America’s
dependence on controlling Black labor. The emancipation of four million formerly enslaved
people created an economic crisis for those who had built wealth through free labor. Suddenly,
the workforce that had once generated enormous profits could no longer legally be owned.

The solution was not equality; The solution was adaptation. Southern states quickly enacted
Black Codes designed to restrict the movement, employment, and freedoms of newly
emancipated African Americans. Laws were written that criminalized unemployment. They
targeted loitering, vagrancy, movement and the very existence of black people.

Thousands of Black men found themselves arrested not because they were dangerous, but because they were
Black and free in a society struggling to accept either. Then came one of the most overlooked
realities in American history, The 13th Amendment. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery and
involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. That exception became a doorway to
convict leasing in the South .

3 Powerful Reasons Da’Brya Clark Chose Tomekia Reed and Charlotte

Urban City Podcast Group — Wed, 27 May 2026 15:45:18 +0000

Major Takeaways

Da’Brya Clark leaves Norfolk State after becoming one of the MEAC’s top two-way guards and an HBCU All-American.
Tomekia Reed continues building Charlotte through experienced, culture-driven players with championship backgrounds.
Clark’s transfer highlights the growing national respect for talent developed at HBCU basketball programs.

Former Norfolk State star Da’Brya Clark brings championship experience, elite defense, and HBCU pride to Charlotte under respected coach Tomekia Reed.

Urban City Sports Desk• 5 min read

One of the biggest offseason moves in women’s HBCU basketball now has a new chapter, and it connects two of the most respected names in Black college hoops. Former Norfolk State Spartans standout Da’Brya Clark is officially heading to Charlotte 49ers women’s basketball to play under Tomekia Reed, giving the 49ers another proven winner with deep HBCU roots.

Clark arrives in Charlotte after building one of the most decorated careers in recent Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference history at Norfolk State. During her time with the Spartans, the Baltimore native became known as one of the MEAC’s toughest two-way guards, combining elite perimeter defense with explosive scoring ability.

The move is significant for several reasons. First, it represents another major HBCU talent making the jump into a larger Division I conference while still staying connected to the culture and coaching pipeline that helped shape her career. Second, it continues Reed’s strategy of building Charlotte’s roster around players who understand winning basketball instead of simply chasing recruiting rankings and social media hype. Old-school basketball people call that building a program, not just collecting names. Funny how that still works in 2026.

Clark’s resume speaks loudly enough on its own. She earned first-team All-MEAC honors during the 2025-26 season while also being selected to the MEAC All-Defensive Team. She was also recognized as a BOXTOROW HBCU All-American after averaging 13.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 2.2 assists per game for Norfolk State.

Her offensive growth became one of the biggest stories of the Spartans’ season. Clark knocked down a school-record 76 three-pointers and attempted a program-record 243 shots from beyond the arc. She scored in double figures 22 times, recorded four 20-point games, and delivered three performances of 30 points or more. Her career-high 34-point performance against Dillard showcased just how dangerous she had become offensively.

Still, coaches around the MEAC often praised Clark more for what she did defensively than offensively. She developed a reputation as a relentless perimeter defender capable of disrupting passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and changing the pace of games with her energy alone. That toughness helped Norfolk State maintain its position as one of the top programs in HBCU women’s basketball.

During Clark’s run with the Spartans, Norfolk State captured multiple MEAC Tournament championships and made repeated NCAA Tournament appearances. The program became nationally recognized for its discipline, physical defense, and winning culture, and Clark was right in the middle of that identity.

Now she joins a Charlotte program led by one of the most accomplished coaches to come out of the HBCU ranks in recent years. Reed built a powerhouse at Jackson State Tigers women’s basketball before accepting the Charlotte job in 2024. During her tenure at Jackson State, Reed transformed the Tigers into a national HBCU powerhouse, winning multiple SWAC championships and earning widespread recognition as one of the top coaches in women’s college basketball.

Reed’s reputation as a culture-builder appears to be paying immediate dividends in recruiting. By bringing in Clark, she adds a player who already understands high-pressure games, championship expectations, and the defensive mindset Reed has preached throughout her coaching career.

For Charlotte, the addition signals that the 49ers are serious about competing in the American Athletic Conference with experienced talent instead of relying entirely on freshmen. In today’s transfer portal era, coaches are searching for proven production and maturity, and Clark checks both boxes.

For HBCU basketball supporters, Clark’s move is also another reminder that elite talent exists throughout Black college athletics. Players developed at HBCUs are increasingly earning opportunities at larger programs because of their experience, toughness, and readiness to contribute immediately. The days of overlooking HBCU athletes are slowly disappearing, even if some people in mainstream college sports still act surprised every time one of these players succeeds. At this point, the scouting report should already be written in permanent marker.

Clark announced her decision publicly, expressing excitement about the next stage of her basketball journey and the opportunity to compete under Reed’s leadership.

As Reed continues reshaping Charlotte’s program, adding a player with Clark’s championship experience could become one of the more important transfer portal additions in women’s basketball this offseason. Her scoring ability, defensive intensity, and postseason experience give the 49ers a player capable of making an immediate impact.

More importantly, the partnership between Da’Brya Clark and Tomekia Reed represents something larger than basketball statistics. It reflects the continued rise of HBCU talent and leadership across college athletics a pipeline that keeps producing winners no matter how often the broader sports world overlooks it.

4 Haunting Truths About Race, Power, and American Justice

Felicia Kelly-Brookins — Fri, 22 May 2026 14:00:21 +0000

Major Takeaways •Law and Order Should Not Change Faces •America Often Responds Differently to Different Forms of Disorder •Black Communities Have Experienced Collective Harm Beyond Individual Loss Op-Editorial by Felicia Kelly-Brookins• 6 min read

Whose Pain Counts? The Unequal Politics of Justice in America

America has always claimed justice is blind. History suggests it often recognizes faces before it recognizes facts. Millions of dollars. For many Americans, that number immediately sounds like compensation for victims of violence, families who lost loved ones, communities destroyed by hate, or people whose lives were permanently altered by injustice. But recently, national attention has turned toward lawsuits and settlements involving figures connected to the political world surrounding former President Donald Trump, including legal claims brought by some individuals tied to the January 6 Capitol attack who say they suffered physical and emotional harm during law enforcement& #39’s response to their riot. The debate surrounding those claims is larger than politics. Because for many Americans, particularly many Black Americans, the conversation immediately creates an uncomfortable question: When did America become willing to revisit certain wounds while leaving others buried beneath history? The issue is not whether individuals possess legal rights. They do. The issue is not whether courts should hear claims. They should. The issue is something deeper. Because when people hear discussions about compensation, sympathy, and restoration attached to an event where the nation's Capitol was stormed, some cannot help but remember generations of people who watched homes burn, businesses disappear, families scatter, and lives end, without seeing equal urgency toward restoration. And suddenly the phrase law and order begins to sound less like a principle and more like a mirror. A mirror reflecting who America believes deserves understanding. And who does not. Recent conversations surrounding legal claims connected to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack have reignited a deeper issue in the American conscience, not simply whether people have legal rights, because they do, but whether the meaning of law and order has shifted depending on who is standing before the law. America watched the Capitol under siege in January 2021. Windows shattered. Officers struggled against crowds. Members of Congress evacuated. The seat of American democracy was breached by rioters. Years later, some individuals connected to that event have argued that they suffered injuries from police response tactics and have pursued legal remedies through the court system. And that raises no issue by itself. Every American has the right to due process. Every American has the right to seek legal redress. That is not the problem. The deeper question is why the national emotional response surrounding law and order sometimes appears to change according to identity, politics, and history. Because Black Americans know another version of the story. They know communities where law arrived late, or not at all. Communities where order existed only after destruction had already happened. Communities where laws protected property more aggressively than they protected people. Consider what happened when Black communities attempted to build prosperity. In places across America, economic success did not always produce protection. Sometimes it produced hostility. In some communities, businesses were burned. Homes disappeared. Lives were taken. Families fled. Generational wealth evaporated. Entire neighborhoods became historical footnotes. And often the people responsible were not held accountable. The question is uncomfortable because it is not simply asking whether laws existed. It is asking whether laws functioned equally. There is a difference. Because law and order are not merely words on paper. They are lived experiences. For some Americans, law represented protection. For others, law represented delayed justice. For some, disorder meant immediate national outrage. For others, disorder became inheritance. Inherited stories about grandparents who ran, Stories about property that disappeared, Stories about violence no one answered for, Stories about silence, And silence can become its own form of inheritance. America often frames justice as punishment. But perhaps justice asks harder questions. Who gets seen as troubled instead of dangerous? Who gets called misguided instead of criminal? Who gets viewed as redeemable? And who must constantly prove their humanity before receiving empathy? Because perhaps the issue was never simply about law. Perhaps it has always been about interpretation, About who receives understanding, grace, and who receives the presumption that their pain matters. America says justice is blind. History suggests justice may occasionally peek beneath the blindfold. And if that is true, then perhaps the conversation that should be had is whether America has applied justice with equal urgency, and humanity. Because law and order means very little if the meaning changes depending on who is standing before the law. About the Contributor Felicia Kelly-Brookins is an award-winning author, screenwriter, playwright, and the Founder and Executive Director of the S.A.F.E. S.P.A.C.E. TheaterTherapy Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating emotionally safe spaces for youth, teens, families, and communities through storytelling, theatrical dialogue, literacy, and mental health advocacy. Known for blending cultural commentary, emotional truth, faith, family dynamics, and social awareness into her work, Brookins uses her voice to challenge difficult conversations surrounding identity, trauma, generational silence, mental health, relationships, and the complexities of Black culture. Her work is deeply rooted in advocacy, authenticity, and the belief that storytelling has the power not only to entertain, but to heal, confront, educate, and transform communities

4 Harsh Realities From Rashee Rice’s Marijuana Test Fallout

Urban City Podcast Group — Tue, 19 May 2026 20:05:49 +0000

Major Takeaways

Rashee Rice reportedly violated probation after testing positive for marijuana tied to his 2024 Dallas street racing case.
The probation violation triggered a 30 day jail sentence that could impact offseason preparation for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Questions are now growing about Rice’s long term future, accountability, and whether the NFL could revisit disciplinary action.

Kansas City Chiefs star Rashee Rice faces renewed scrutiny after violating probation with a failed marijuana test connected to his Dallas street racing case.

The spotlight is back on Rashee Rice and not for a touchdown catch or highlight reel play.

The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver has reportedly been ordered to serve 30 days in jail after testing positive for marijuana while on probation tied to his 2024 Dallas street racing crash case.

The latest development adds another chapter to what has become a turbulent stretch for one of the NFL’s rising stars.

According to court documents out of Dallas County, Rice violated the terms of his probation after testing positive for THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. The violation triggered enforcement of a previously agreed upon jail sentence connected to his plea agreement from last year.

Rice had originally pleaded guilty in 2025 to felony charges related to a high speed crash that occurred in Dallas in March 2024. Prosecutors said the crash involved street racing and resulted in multiple injuries. As part of the plea deal, Rice received five years of deferred probation and a 30 day jail sentence that could be served during the probationary period as long as he remained compliant with court conditions.

That flexibility appears to have vanished after the failed drug test.

Reports indicate Rice was booked into the Dallas County jail on May 19 and is expected to remain incarcerated until mid June. That timeline means he will miss Organized Team Activities and mandatory minicamp for the Chiefs, a significant setback heading into the 2026 NFL season.

The Chiefs organization has reportedly declined public comment on the situation so far, while Rice’s legal representatives have not released a detailed statement regarding the probation violation.

For Kansas City, the timing could not be much worse.

Rice has become one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes most explosive weapons since entering the league. Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Rice quickly emerged as a major piece of the Chiefs offense. He helped the franchise secure a Super Bowl championship during his rookie season and set an NFL postseason rookie record with 26 receptions during Kansas City’s playoff run.

On the field, Rice has looked every bit like a future star. Off the field, however, the conversation continues to drift toward legal trouble and accountability.

And here is where things get complicated.

Marijuana laws in America have shifted dramatically over the last decade. Many states have legalized recreational or medicinal use, and public attitudes toward cannabis have softened considerably. In some circles, a marijuana related probation violation may not seem especially severe compared to other criminal offenses.

But probation conditions are probation conditions.

Courts generally require strict compliance regardless of changing cultural attitudes, and athletes are rarely granted special treatment once legal agreements are signed. Rice’s situation serves as another reminder that NFL talent does not erase courtroom obligations. Judges tend to care far more about compliance than public opinion polls.

There is also the football side of the equation.

Rice already served a six game NFL suspension during the 2025 season related to the original crash incident. Earlier this year, reports indicated the NFL would not pursue additional discipline connected to separate investigations involving Rice.

Now, questions are emerging about whether this latest development could reopen league scrutiny under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

At the moment, there has been no official announcement from the league regarding additional punishment. But even without another suspension, missing offseason preparation matters, especially for a player expected to carry a larger offensive workload in Kansas City’s system.

The Chiefs are still viewed as perennial Super Bowl contenders under head coach Andy Reid, but distractions like this create unnecessary uncertainty for a franchise that already operates under constant pressure to compete for championships every season.

Rice’s talent is undeniable. That part is not up for debate.

The bigger question is whether he can finally separate himself from the off field issues that continue to follow him. NFL history is filled with players who had elite ability but struggled to stay clear of legal and personal setbacks. Teams can tolerate mistakes. What organizations fear most is repeated patterns.

At just 26 years old, Rice still has time to rewrite the narrative. But the window for second chances in professional sports can close fast, especially when headlines keep returning to courtrooms instead of football fields.

Right now, the Chiefs need stability heading into another title chase.

Instead, one of their brightest young stars is sitting in a jail cell over a failed marijuana test tied to probation from a street racing case that already damaged his reputation once before. And in the NFL, availability matters almost as much as ability.

43 Songs, 3 Albums, 1 Drake: Did Drake Just Flood the Internet on Purpose?

Urban City Podcast Group — Mon, 18 May 2026 20:00:13 +0000

Major Takeaways

Drake shocked fans by releasing three separate albums containing 43 total songs in one massive rollout.
The project reignited discussion around Drake’s rivalry with Kendrick Lamar and competitive rap culture.
Despite criticism about the album length, the release dominated streaming platforms and social media conversations instantly.

Drake’s massive 43 song triple album release sparked streaming chaos, rap debate, Kendrick Lamar comparisons, and nonstop internet reactions overnight.

Urban City Digital News Desk• 5 min read

Some artists drop an album. Drake apparently looked at the music industry, laughed, and said, “Why not drop three?”

In one of the wildest surprise releases in recent hip hop memory, Drake returned with a triple project rollout: Iceman, Habibti, and Maid of Honour a combined 43 track marathon that immediately sent social media, streaming platforms, and group chats into complete chaos.

And honestly? The internet reaction looked like people trying to drink water from a fire hose.

One fan joked, “It’s too many Drake songs… which ones am I even supposed to start with?” Another basically declared AirPods worldwide had entered a state of emergency.

The three albums each carry their own personality.

Iceman leans heavily into rap, diss records, and darker themes.

Habibti slides into melodic R&B territory.

Maid of Honour chases dance floor energy and club vibes.

That split actually makes the release more interesting than it first sounds. Instead of one bloated album trying to do everything, Drake packaged three moods separately, though critics still argue the total runtime feels excessive. Some reviews praised the ambition, while others compared the experience to trying to binge watch three Netflix seasons in one sitting.

Still, whether people loved it or hated it, everybody listened.

That’s the thing about Drake. Even when critics are exhausted, the numbers rarely are.

Let’s be honest: there was no way Drake was making a comeback album without addressing the elephant wearing Compton sneakers in the room Kendrick Lamar.

Multiple tracks reportedly revisit fallout from their explosive 2024 rap feud, including shots aimed at loyalty, industry politics, and public perception.

Some listeners feel Drake sounds energized again because of that rivalry. Others think he’s still fighting last year’s war.

But rap has always thrived on competition. Historically, some of hip hop’s best albums came after artists got publicly challenged. Whether fans admit it or not, Kendrick may have pushed Drake into creating his most talked about release in years.

That old school pressure still matters in rap. Competition sharpens the pen.

One reason the project has people talking is the emotional zig zagging.

Drake goes from reflective and vulnerable to hilariously petty in a matter of minutes. One moment he’s opening up about family struggles, including revealing his father is battling cancer on “Make Them Cry,” and the next he’s firing lyrical side eyes at celebrities, athletes, and former allies.

That emotional unpredictability has basically become Drake’s brand at this point.

The man can make a heartbreak anthem, a club song, and a passive aggressive subtweet all before lunch.

That depends on how much Drake you can handle in one weekend.

Some critics called Iceman his strongest work in years, praising sharper production and more self aware writing. Others said the massive release felt bloated and repetitive, arguing Drake still hasn’t fully evolved past the same themes of fame, betrayal, and ego.

But commercially? Drake may not care.

Reports already point to massive streaming numbers and record setting activity on Spotify after the surprise drop.

That’s the modern music business in a nutshell:

People complain for six straight hours… while streaming the album the entire time.

Love him or hate him, Drake understands attention better than almost anyone in music.

Dropping three albums at once wasn’t just a music release. It was an internet event. Memes exploded, reaction videos flooded YouTube, and everybody suddenly became a part time music critic overnight.

And maybe that’s the real genius of it all.

In an era where albums disappear from conversation in 48 hours, Drake found a way to dominate timelines, playlists, debates, and barbershop arguments all at once.

5 Explosive Jackson Bribery Scheme Revelations Rocking Mississippi Politics

Urban City Podcast Group — Sun, 17 May 2026 17:25:15 +0000

Major Takeaways

Federal prosecutors claim Hinds County DA Jody Owens was the central figure connecting developers and Jackson city officials in the alleged bribery scheme.
Former Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and former Councilman Aaron Banks are expected to stand trial alongside Owens in federal court.
The case has intensified political division in Jackson, with supporters alleging FBI overreach while critics point to deeper corruption inside city government.

Federal prosecutors claim powerful Jackson officials operated a behind the scenes bribery network tied to a downtown development deal, placing Hinds County DA Jody Owens at the center of one of Mississippi’s biggest political corruption cases in years.

The federal corruption investigation surrounding Jackson city leadership is continuing to send shockwaves across Mississippi, with prosecutors now calling Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens the “lynchpin” in an alleged bribery scheme tied to a proposed downtown convention center hotel project in Jackson. The case involves former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, former Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks, and Owens, one of the most recognizable political figures in Hinds County. Federal prosecutors allege the three men participated in a conspiracy involving undercover FBI agents posing as developers seeking political influence and support for a major downtown development project. According to federal court filings, investigators believe Owens served as the key connection between developers and city leadership. Prosecutors claim he coordinated communications and helped facilitate agreements involving political favors, financial arrangements, and influence tied to the proposed hotel project near the Jackson Convention Complex. Owens now faces multiple federal charges including conspiracy, federal program bribery, honest services wire fraud, money laundering allegations, and making false statements to investigators. Federal authorities say the investigation began developing in early 2024 when undercover FBI operatives approached Jackson officials while pretending to represent developers interested in bringing a luxury hotel project to downtown Jackson. Prosecutors allege conversations eventually shifted from economic development discussions to alleged requests involving money and political support. Court documents claim former Councilman Aaron Banks allegedly requested $50,000 in exchange for supporting the development proposal. Prosecutors further allege Owens later communicated that developers would provide a portion of the money upfront. The defense continues pushing back aggressively against the government’s accusations. Owens has repeatedly accused the FBI of misconduct and claims investigators crossed ethical and legal lines during the undercover operation. His legal team has filed motions seeking dismissal of the charges, arguing federal agents used entrapment tactics and manipulated circumstances during the investigation. The case took another dramatic turn when Owens’ attorneys released documents and exhibits tied to the investigation, prompting federal prosecutors to request protective orders limiting what evidence could become public before trial. A federal judge later sealed portions of the filings while attorneys argued over what information should remain accessible. Federal prosecutors also attempted to move the trial from Jackson to Gulfport, arguing the intense media coverage and public attention surrounding the case could influence potential jurors in Hinds County. However, U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan denied the request and ruled the trial would remain in Jackson. The judge also denied requests for separate trials, meaning Owens, Lumumba, and Banks are currently expected to stand trial together. The political fallout has already become massive inside Mississippi’s capital city. The allegations dominated conversations during Jackson’s recent mayoral election cycle and added fuel to public frustration over transparency, infrastructure failures, crime concerns, and economic development struggles throughout the city. Critics argue the scandal damaged public confidence in city government during a period when Jackson continues facing serious financial and infrastructure challenges. Others believe the case represents a larger problem involving political influence and backroom dealings inside local government. Supporters of the accused officials see the situation differently. Some argue federal investigators unfairly targeted prominent Black political leaders in Mississippi and relied heavily on undercover tactics designed to create criminal opportunities instead of exposing existing corruption. That debate is now becoming one of the defining issues surrounding the case. Legal analysts following the proceedings believe the government’s case may depend heavily on recorded conversations, financial records, cooperating witnesses, and whether jurors believe officials were actively seeking bribes or were manipulated by aggressive FBI tactics. At the center of the controversy remains the government’s claim that Owens allegedly served as the primary connector linking political influence, business interests, and financial negotiations behind the scenes. The case is expected to receive national attention because it combines allegations of public corruption, undercover federal investigations, race, politics, and economic development inside Mississippi’s largest city. For many Jackson residents, the proceedings could become one of the most important public corruption trials in recent city history. And as the courtroom battle approaches, another war is already happening outside the courthouse: the battle for public opinion.

Urban City Podcast – Urban City Podcast Group

What Grandma Never Measured: 5 Powerful Lessons From the Black Southern Kitchen

UrbanCity Podcast | Cultural Autopsy Author Q&A What Grandma Never Measured

Fever Clinch WNBA Playoffs, Kelsey Mitchell vs. Marina Mabrey & Nneka Ogwumike Retires | Ep.47

5 Reasons Marnee Tompkins Is Redefining Entrepreneurial Leadership Through Insurance, Education, and Trust

A Personal Mission Born From Loss

The $95 Million Question: If Leigh Bridges Allegedly Took Millions from JAFCU, Why Aren’t There Criminal Charges?

A civil lawsuit alleges nearly $95 million was diverted from a Mississippi credit union. As the courts examine the allegations, many Mississippians are asking why no criminal charges have been announced.

3 Historic Shifts That Rewrote Black Worth in America

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

3 Powerful Reasons Da’Brya Clark Chose Tomekia Reed and Charlotte

Former Norfolk State star Da’Brya Clark brings championship experience, elite defense, and HBCU pride to Charlotte under respected coach Tomekia Reed.

4 Haunting Truths About Race, Power, and American Justice

Whose Pain Counts? The Unequal Politics of Justice in America

4 Harsh Realities From Rashee Rice’s Marijuana Test Fallout

Kansas City Chiefs star Rashee Rice faces renewed scrutiny after violating probation with a failed marijuana test connected to his Dallas street racing case.

43 Songs, 3 Albums, 1 Drake: Did Drake Just Flood the Internet on Purpose?

Drake’s massive 43 song triple album release sparked streaming chaos, rap debate, Kendrick Lamar comparisons, and nonstop internet reactions overnight.

5 Explosive Jackson Bribery Scheme Revelations Rocking Mississippi Politics

Federal prosecutors claim powerful Jackson officials operated a behind the scenes bribery network tied to a downtown development deal, placing Hinds County DA Jody Owens at the center of one of Mississippi’s biggest political corruption cases in years.