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COMMENTARY: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is About Belonging

TEXAS METRO NEWS — Whether I am offering advice, lending money, or providing emotional support, my actions makes a difference and change in people’s lives. But the greatest benefit of helping others when you feel you “hit rock bottom” is you begin to know that GOD made the Rock and he is just stopping you from falling into deeper despair. You begin to see that others may have it worse than you. Yet you also begin to rebuild your self-aware state of mind.
The post COMMENTARY: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is About Belonging first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

October 3, 2023

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By Terry Allen | Texas Metro News

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen wanted us to know that no matter, if we were not being a servant to others then our own prosperity would be in default and personal benefits would fail. What I learned, for sure, is my being willing to help others is a positive trait that can lead to strong relationships and a sense of fulfillment. I also learned that reaching out to others may lighten your own burdens that have brought you grief.

I am the one who consistently reaches out to others and I do not refuse to help anyone even when I have limited and/or no resources at all. There are some strengths to you being “that person.” You empower empathy. Your automatic behavior to help others demonstrates a high level of empathy and compassion. This allows you to connect with people on a deeper level and understand their struggles and needs.

You personify trust. Trust is the weakest link in BIPOC relationship rebuilding. By consistently offering your support and assistance, you have the opportunity to build trust filled relationships with others. Everyone will appreciate your willingness to intervene, and this builds a greater trust, loyalty, and a sense of belonging. Big Mama told me over and over again, “Your decision to help will a have a positive impact on the lives of those you pour into.”

Whether I am offering advice, lending money, or providing emotional support, my actions makes a difference and change in people’s lives. But the greatest benefit of helping others when you feel you “hit rock bottom” is you begin to know that GOD made the Rock and he is just stopping you from falling into deeper despair. You begin to see that others may have it worse than you. Yet you also begin to rebuild your self-aware state of mind.

How, you ask? I learned to prioritize self-care! I begin to look out for my own physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I actually set boundaries and learn to say “no” so I could be ok. I learned that managing the emotional burden of helping others is essential to maintaining your own well-being. I learned to apply that empathy and compassion to my issues and challenges. My biggest gift was I learned how to reflect and debrief. OMG! How powerful was Big Mama with just her 6th grade education and her God-driven values instilled within me emotional resilience.

Have you hit rock bottom and gotten better when you helped someone else rise up? Email me at Terryallepr@gmail.com and let me know.

Terry Allen is an award-winning media professional, journalist, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of City Men Cook and 1016 Media. Reach him at terryallenpr@gmail.com

The post COMMENTARY: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is About Belonging first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Tiguan’s AI Touchscreen & Gear Shift: VW Just Changed the Game! #2

Explore the Tiguan’s cutting-edge 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice control, and a new AI assistant. See how VW innovatively moved the gear shifter to the steering column, enhancing the center console and navigation system! #AutoNetwork #Tiguan #Infotainment #AppleCarPlay #AndroidAuto #AISystem #NavigationSystem #CarTech #TechReview #CarInnovation #Automotive

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

Oakland Post

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IN MEMORIAM: Legendary Funk Pioneer Sly Stone Dies at 82

Sly Stone’s musical approach radically reshaped popular music. He transcended genre boundaries and empowered a new generation of artists. The band’s socially conscious message and infectious rhythms sparked a wave of influence, reaching artists as diverse as Miles Davis, George Clinton, Prince, Dr. Dre, and the Roots.

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

Oakland Post

Sly and the Family Stone play the Opera House in Bournemouth. Mojo review. Photo by Simon Fernandez.

By Stacy M. Brown
BlackPressUSA.com Newswire

Sylvester “Sly” Stewart—known to the world as Sly Stone, frontman of the groundbreaking band Sly and the Family Stone—has died at the age of 82.

His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home surrounded by loved ones, after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other health complications.

Born March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Stone moved with his family to Vallejo, California, as a child. He began recording gospel music at age 8 with his siblings in a group called the Stewart Four. By his teenage years, he had mastered multiple instruments and was already pioneering racial integration in music—an ethos that would define his career.

In 1966, Sly and his brother Freddie merged their bands to form Sly and the Family Stone, complete with a revolutionary interracial, mixed-gender lineup.

The band quickly became a commercial and cultural force with hits such as “Dance to the Music,” “Everyday People,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—all penned by Stone himself.

Their album “Stand!” (1969) and live performances—most notably at Woodstock—cemented their reputation, blending soul, funk, rock, gospel, and psychedelia to reflect the optimism and turmoil of their era.

As the 1970s progressed, Stone confronted personal demons. His desire to use music as a response to war, racism, and societal change culminated in the intense album “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” (1971). But drug dependency began to undermine both his health and professional life, leading to erratic behavior and band decline through the early 1980s.

Withdrawn from the public eye for much of the 1990s and early 2000s, Stone staged occasional comebacks. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys in 2017, and captured public attention following the 2023 release of his memoir “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”—published under Questlove’s imprint. He also completed a biographical screenplay and was featured in Questlove’s documentary “Sly Lives!” earlier this year.

His influence endured across generations. Critics and historians repeatedly credit him with perfecting funk and creating a “progressive soul,” shaping a path for racial integration both onstage and in the broader culture.

“Rest in beats Sly Stone,” legendary Public Enemy frontman Chuck D posted on social media with an illustrative drawing of the artist. “We should thank Questlove of the Roots for keeping his fire blazing in this century.”

Emmy-winning entertainment publicist Danny Deraney also paid homage. “Rest easy Sly Stone,” Deraney posted. “You changed music (and me) forever. The time he won over Ed Sullivan’s audience in 1968. Simply magical. Freelance music publicist and Sirius XM host Eric Alper also offered a tribute.

“The funk pioneer who made the world dance, think, and get higher,” Alper wrote of Sly Stone. “His music changed everything—and it still does.”

Sly Stone is survived by three children.

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PRESS ROOM: Clyburn on 10th Anniversary of Mother Emanuel AME Church Shooting in Charleston

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following video on X, paying tribute to the 10th anniversary of the shooting that took place at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17, 2015.

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2025

Oakland Post

By Congressman James E. Clyburn

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CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following video on X, paying tribute to the 10^th anniversary of the shooting that took place at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17, 2015.

“Over 6 years ago, the House first passed my Enhanced Background Checks Act to close the Charleston Loophole that allowed a white supremacist to obtain the gun he used to murder nine worshipers at Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015.

“I’ll never stop fighting to pass this law.”