Nurah Speaks

When contending with others for a political seat, position or job remember that you are only opponents. You are not enemies and you do not need to respond as such. Do not let policy, platforms or party affiliation make us enemies to each other and conduct ourselves on the campaign trail in a manner lacking integrity and pride. I cannot say how many times I have seen others hostile, emotionally inf...

To be progressive, a good rule of thumb is, "Beware of unhappy people!" You know the sort of people I’m talking about who have a problem for every solution or a sad story to tell every - single - time you encounter them. For the purposes of this episode, I reference them by first and last name: Bad News Barry, Whispering Wilma, Gossiping Gloria, Negative Nancy and Gloomy Glenn. If you want to be s...

Closing out the Nurah Speaks 'Buy Black' series is Dr. Nicole Muhammad, Founder and CEO of Sew Elevated. Sew Elevated is an online boutique of fabulously stylish garments. Sew Elevated designs have been described as alluring, elegant and fashion forward. Featured in both Philly Fashion Week and Chicago Fashion Week, these garments are created to make a statement. Start your New Year in style. Visi...

Yosef Ben Asiel is the force behind ‘Black Royalty Wear’ sports apparel and is this week’s feature in the Nurah Speaks Buy Black series. Black Royalty is a premier athletic clothing line made from cotton and bamboo. Whether you're in the gym or doing daily chores, Black Royalty Wear provides you the most comfortable fit possible. Order yours today! Visit BlackRoyaltyWear.com. Follow Yosef on Insta...

When you find a good thing you run out and tell others right?!? That is why Essential Nutrientz, an all natural hair care line, is next up in my 'Buy Black Series!' Sulaiha Turner, founder of Essential Nutrienz, created this line specially formulated to produce highly moisturized, healthy and beautiful hair. Sulaiha feels that this should be achieved without hormone altering chemicals or synthetic...

Nisha Blackwell, founder of Knotzland is featured first in my Black Business Series. Knotzland produces artisan bowties made from 98.9% reclaimed fabric ad materials. I learned about Nisha and Knotzland from a google commercial detailing Nisha’ journey from unemployed to entrepreneur. Her story is both intriguing and inspiring and demonstrates the sort of possibilities available to us all. Support...

There is no biblical commandment directing us to $PEND-$PEND-$PEND to honor the birth of sweet baby Jesus. However, year after year, the season has become less religious and more commercial. This episode I share tips that will benefit your wallet and your community. So what should we do in this season of spending? For starters, I advise us all to be aware of the clever campaigns retailers use to i...

It is such a blessing to have reached 100 episodes of Nurah Speaks! When I started this podcast, I had no other goal in mind except reaching the ears and hearts of my people with a message that vibrates within our souls. And now, after 100 episodes under my belt I feel that I have just gotten started. I am humbled and grateful for the support of great listeners and exceptional guests who have lent...

As I near episode 100 and the two year anniversary of Nurah Speaks, I reflect on this incredible journey. Achieving such a milestone could only have happened if I was unwavering and consistent in my efforts with the podcast. That does not mean perfect. Nor does it not mean exact. I knew I only needed to be dedicated and unwavering in my goal to provide insightful and engaging content to my listene...

This week I welcome fashion designer, Dr. Nicole Muhammad, to the podcast. Nicole is the founder and CEO of Sew Elevated, a modest fashion brand. She is also a clinical psychologist by education and training. In this episode, Nicole explains the psychology of fashion and how fashion affects our thoughts and feelings about ourselves and how what we wear impacts others. This is a very sober and thou...

Sellout is a term often tossed about to neutralize the adoration of someone who has made significant achievements in life. Our low expectations and limiting beliefs are causing us to be traitors to our own promise! •What about those from among us who are recruiting our children to illicit lifestyles for personal profit? •What about entertainers getting rich promoting killing and drug abuse? •What...

Chabree Muhammad is back on the podcast sharing her perspectives on educating the Black child. Hers is a perspective not heard in the mainstream so this is a great opportunity to introduce an unorthodox voice. Chabree understands the science of education and why conventional education misses the mark with our children. As you listen to this episode, have a pen and pad nearby to take notes and re-l...

We are so frequently accosted in these ‘living while black’ incidents wherein someone calls the police on us as we engage in normal, non-criminal activities in our own communities, sometimes in our own homes. And nearly as often during these incidents, the accused begins explaining his occupation, salary or education as a means to suggest why the accusation is a complete implausibility. But I say,...

With unchecked vanity, leaders or would-be leaders may appear bullying, arrogant, selfish and insecure. Too much is required of a good leader to allow pride to interrupt progress. A remedy for vanity ‘gone wild’ may include being reminded of the bigger picture, getting attuned to the needs of others and being grateful for the opportunity to serve. Being in the mind of the greater good can alleviat...

This week’s guest is Vallrie Dorsey an attorney, entrepreneur and a newly minted host of the podcast, ‘When We Get Out.’ Vall’s podcast will discuss the challenges facing our second chancers as they re-enter society, search for employment, re-connect with friends and family and more. The podcast will feature ex-offenders, advocates, attorneys, judges and the family of ex-offenders. Vall’s extensiv...

This episode will help listeners navigate their career, social and familial circles by identifying into which categories those around us fit. ‘Friends, Foes and Phonies’ highlights the features of each of these people and explains why knowing them is a protection for us. How do you deal with foes and phonies? Have you learned that someone you thought was a friend actually is a foe or phony? I am c...

Without order, there is chaos. And our diminished self consciousness and self control has damaging impacts on our community. If we do not restore restraint and discipline to our language and behavior, how can we grow? How can our families be successful? And how will our communities improve? If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to info@NurahSpeak...

I am excited to welcome Kimme Carlos to the podcast. Kimme is the Founder and Executive Director of the Urban Mental Health Alliance: Advocating for Healthy Minds in Urban Communities. She is a a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid and author of the published book The Window of Grace: Living in Recovery through Christian Faith. I asked Kimme to be a guest on Nurah Speaks to discuss he...

We treat our ‘smart’ devices in many ways as a retreat from the world around us. But what happens when we spend more time distracted in our escape than we do our reality? In episode 89, I share five key areas of our lives affected when we are distracted by our smart devices. What has been your experiences? I look forward to your feedback and observations. If you would like to engage with the Nurah...

There is no joy without gratitude! This episode was recorded while I watched the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean. In moments like these gratitude can come easy. But are we grateful even in life’s mundane or even challenging moments? This episode is a reminder to us all to be grateful in all of the moments. If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions...

Mother is the first teacher, doctor, nurse…mother in many ways is a child’s first god. That is why the saying goes, “The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.” I read an article recently in which a woman discussed having hired a wife which resulted in her legal career flourishing. By her own admission, she could not be a great attorney and a great mother at the same time. So she enlisted a...

Many corners of America are reluctantly acknowledging the 400 year anniversary in which the first slaves were brought to the New World colonies in 1619. But very few historians will concede that the actual import of the first slaves to North America by Sir John Hawkins occurred in 1555. This episode explores the true history and why the 64 Hidden Years were ever concealed from conventional knowled...

There is a destructive trend in our community that prevents us from celebrating the good that comes to our brothers and sisters. Think about it! Have you ever payed to attention to the ways in which we diminish the shine coming to those among us who are successful? “He always gets lucky but that so and so ain’t...” “She sold out, that’s how she got in office.” You’ve witnessed this hardship that w...

“You better wake up and smell the real flavor/Cause 911 is a fake life saver!” If you remember the classic Public Enemy hit song, “911 Is A Joke” then you remember this line. This is the song that came to mind when I overheard a conversation about religion and our youth’s rejection of it. I do not actually think that religion is a joke-I am being facetious with the title of this episode. But I do...

“I found it dehumanizing that there’s some segment of white America that still see us as N’s no matter how much money we make, no matter where we live. So to me, it was a wake up call that the good ol' boy network still exists.” This was the comment from Jerrick Jackson, a Black patron at J. Alexander’s in Bloomfield, Michigan who claims he was discriminated against in the restaurant. He also says...