Nurah Speaks

In this episode, I’m having an important conversation about gambling, online betting, and the growing impact these activities can have on our young people. Gambling advertisements are everywhere.  We see them during sporting events, on television, across social media, on YouTube, and through the apps and platforms our young people use every day. The messaging often makes gambling look exciting, gl...

In this episode of Nurah Speaks, I’m reflecting on the many issues competing for our attention—from news reports of wars and natural disasters to economic hardships with rising costs of gas and food to racial conflict plus the everyday responsibilities of working, studying, raising children, caring for aging parents, supporting our spouses and serving our communities. Sometimes, we simply need to...

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, I’m sharing five practical ways parents, caregivers and families can help young people prepare for a successful school year . Whether school has already started in your community or is just around the corner, these strategies can help children and teens transition into the structure and expectations of a new academic year. Subscribe to Nurah Speak...

In Episode 281, I build on my recent Know Your Numbers series by sharing data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics on the six leading causes of death for Black Americans: Heart disease Cancer Unintentional injuries Stroke Diabetes Assault and homicide I break down each of these causes and explore the risk factors that contribute to them—from high blood pressure, poor diet, physical...

In this final episode of my ' Know Your Numbers' series, I focus on body weight and why understanding this health metric is just as important as knowing your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. My goal isn't to promote fake beauty standards or shame anyone about their weight—it's to encourage all of us to pursue better health through informed choices. In This Episode, I D...

In this episode of Nurah Speaks, I continue my Know Your Numbers series by focusing on one of the most important health markers we often overlook: cholesterol . After discussing blood sugar and blood pressure in previous episodes, I explain what cholesterol is, why our bodies need it and why it's so important to know your cholesterol numbers before they become a serious health issue. I also en...

In this episode of Nurah Speaks , I continue my Know Your Numbers series by focusing on one of the most important health metrics we should all understand: blood pressure . High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because many people experience no noticeable symptoms until a serious medical event occurs. That's why I believe knowing your numbers and monitoring them regu...

In this first episode of the Know Your Numbers series, I discuss why understanding your basic health numbers can help you make informed decisions before serious health problems develop.  The focus of this episode is blood glucose (blood sugar)—what it measures, why it matters, and practical steps you can take to maintain healthy levels. In This Episode: •Why knowing your health numbers is an impor...

As July 4th approaches,  I explore what independence looks like. I discuss the importance of building strong communities that can educate our children, delivering adequate healthcare to our families and developing the means of sustenance rather than entrusting our needs entirely on outside systems.   I also reflect on the vulnerability that comes with dependence and why preparing today is essentia...

Episode 275 begins by honoring fathers, father figures, and the men who make meaningful contributions to their families and communities. As we celebrate Father's Day, I reflect on the irreplaceable role fathers play in providing guidance, protection, encouragement, and wisdom across generations. Then I turn to the tragic case of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton, who was killed in South Carolin...

In this episode of Nurah Speaks , I challenge the idea that Black progress can be achieved through moral appeals to the powerful or through political victories.  As I reflect on the sacrifices made during the Civil Rights Movement and the political realities we face today, I question if we have placed unrealistic expectations in systems that repeatedly prove limited. Our problems cannot be solved...

In Episode 273, I explore the growing trend of extravagant prom culture and how prom has evolved from a school dance into a highly performative social event fueled by social media, status symbols and public presentation, particularly in low income communities.  From luxury shoes,  jewelry and cars to elaborate prom send-offs and even helicopter arrivals, this episode explores the social and emotio...

In this episode, I speak directly to the health challenges facing the Black community and show the clear connection between lifestyle choices, food and chronic disease. This episode explores how generational eating habits, modern processed food and targeted marketing have contributed to widespread health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. It is emphasized that while th...

Are your choices empowering or holding you back? Let's talk about the hidden impact of what you eat.  Our lifestyle choices shape our health in ways we often overlook. From childhood, we are influenced by the foods we consume.   We must educate ourselves and our children about real nutrition versus manufactured "food" that just looks appealing.  The truth is, our choices are informed...

In Episode 270 I reflect on a compelling conversation I attended featuring Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey and Donna Brazile, hosted by the Center for American Women and Politics. Being inspired by their discussion, this episode I explore the realities of public service, the misconceptions surrounding elected officials and the importance of community involvement beyond the ballot...

American broadcasters and political pundits employ fear and anxiety concerning national and world affairs to persuade the Black community's political leanings and economic actions. It’d be better to compel us to unite our talents and knowledge towards the common needs in our local communities.  It’d be better to acknowledge the urgency of unity as a necessary component to address these collect...

This week’s episode of Nurah Speaks is a Special Tribute Rewind in honor of Munir Muhammad, whose birthday we celebrated March 27th. Brother Munir was the business manager and co-founder of CROE (Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah Muhammad). He was also known as the chief archivist and historian of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam. This interview was recorded on December...

Harriett A. Washington is featured this episode for her incredible work in cataloguing historical and present day medical abuses experienced by Black patients within the medical industry.  Her research provides the stark reality of how practically racial biases are applied everyday in medical offices, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.  Often Black patients’ suspicion of doctors is dismissed as hy...

This episode celebrates the conviction of Zora Neale Hurston in holding to her principles in spite of pressure from both the literary world and leaders within the Harlem Renaissance to write in a fashion that was both palatable and expressive of the black grief and pain of American racism. Though Zora acknowledged that Black Americans experienced hardships associated with prejudice, she did not be...

On the morning of April 12, 2015 Freddie Gray was taken into custody by Baltimore Police officers.  With his hands cuffed behind his back and feet in shackles, he was put in the back of the vehicle and transported without being secured with a safety belt. During transport, Freddie sustained a fractured neck with 80% of his spine was severed. Several days later he went into a coma and on April 19,...

On February 1, 1951 Henrietta Lacks walked into John’s Hopkins Hospital with a complaint of vaginal bleeding and a painful lump.  When tissue samples were collected and examined, they became the marvel that changed medicine forever. Henrietta’s ‘Immortal’ cells were retrieved without her consent or knowledge and scientists were in awe at their unusual ability to survive and grow unlike other cells...

In this concluding Black History Month Episode, I provide an abbreviated sketch of the great history of the Nation of Islam under the leadership of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad with present day work happening in Camden, New Jersey. Huey P. Newton, Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture), Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson Sr….we have heard mention of these incredi...

Mississippi Appendectomy refers to the involuntary and forced sterilization of Black Women in the southern United States from the 1920’s through the 1980’s.  This procedure was bolstered by the practice of Eugenics whereby scientists and political leaders enacted state control through sterilization laws to govern the population growth of Black people not unlike that which occurred on the slave pla...

The Covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainty of many Blacks towards the Covid-19 vaccine was a stark reminder of this nation’s historical mistreatment of Black patients and their resulting distrust in the medical industry. The Tuskegee Experiment, also called the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, is the most commonly known medical malpractice of physicians towards a vulnerable Black population in the U.S. Thi...

Black History Month derived from Carter G. Woodson, a journalist and historian, who established Negro History Week in 1926. Negro History Week was created, in part, to develop pride amongst Black Americans for their heritage and contributions to this nation. In February 1976 President Gerald R. Ford became the first president to issue a Presidential message urging the nation to recognize Black His...