AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, the signature series from Black Public Media and WORLD, closes out its 16th season this month on Earth Day with a documentary film exploring the urgent effects of climate change on one North Carolina community. “For generations, Black people have been on the receiving end of environmental racism. Climate change is intensifying this situation, jeopardizing our health, our property and our very lives,” says Denise A. Greene, director/producer of the AfroPoP series. Set in Princeville, N.C., the oldest town in the United States chartered by ..read more

After he received a positive work review, an employee had to decide whether to take his raise as a lump sum or as a salary increase. Unsure if it was better to get the money all at once or to spread it out over the entire year, the employee sought my advicec. Here’s how I responded: “If you take the salary increase, how many months will it take to match the amount you would get in the lump sum? Are you fairly certain you will have this job at least that long? Of course there are no guarantees, so you need to evaluate your tolerance for risk. “The safe decision would be to take the lump sum, pa ..read more

You know what happens next week. Just thinking about it now makes your palms sweat and your blood pressure soar. You get mad at yourself for feeling that way, and then you feel guilty for being angry, and there you go: Next week has already moved into your home. Read “Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes” by Jennifer L. Taitz, PsyD, ABPP (Workman Publishing Co., January 2024), and eject that unwanted roommate. Dread. That’s the only word you know to describe that thing in your life that makes your brain go haywire. It starts there, with dread, and expands to obs ..read more

That wasn’t the answer you wanted. Beating around the bush, hemming and hawing – those aren’t answers. A solid yes or no, that’s what you require. A simple affirmative or negative. Is the answer hung up somewhere, or is it being withheld? You may never know, but in her new book, “What Do You Need?: How Women of Color Can Take Ownership of Their Careers to Accelerate Their Path to Success”  (Hay House Business, April 2, 2024), Lauren Wesley Wilson says you should never stop asking. Your career might depend on it. A little over a decade ago, newly graduated Wes ..read more

Once I got behind the 2024 Range Rover Velar Dynamic SE wheel, I was immediately struck by the fusion of luxury and design. This latest iteration of the Velar produced a pristine performance and exhilarating test-drive experience. For 2024, the Range Rover Velar received several updates to refine its impressive package. Among the notable changes are updated technology features, including an upgraded infotainment system with enhanced connectivity options and advanced driver-assistance features. Additionally, the exterior has subtle refinements, accentuating its sleek and modern aesthetic.  ..read more

Easter Online shopping * Approximate amount American ecommerce stores netted in sales during the week before Easter in 2023, according to data from ecommerce marketers Omnisend: $83 million. * Percent more than any other week in April that year: 30. * Amount the National Retail Foundation predicts American consumers will spend to celebrate Easter in 2024: $22.7 billion. * Percent of that amount that will be spent online: 13, or $3 billion. * Percent of Americans who will be celebrating Easter in 2024: 70, making Easter the third most celebrated event in the US after Christmas and Thanksgiving ..read more

A few years ago, it seemed a new dawn of racial equity was emerging. Then things changed. Last year, venture funding to Black-founded startups tumbled. It’s time to get back on track. The turning point was the Covid-19 pandemic, with its devastating impact on communities of color, and the murder of George Floyd. Corporations pledged billions to confront and dismantle systemic racism. DEI initiatives were everywhere. Startups with Black founders experienced a funding peak in 2021, receiving $4.9 billion. Now, the rays of potential racial equity seem dim—or maybe they never shone brigh ..read more

NAREB, the premier network of Black real estate professionals and advocates for Black homeownership, announced an action plan to help members navigate the industry’s new environment created by a lawsuit settlement that effectively upends the way real estate is bought and sold in the United States. In a move to end antitrust lawsuits brought by homeseller groups, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) on March 15 agreed to pay the groups $418 million in damages and to eliminate rules on commissions. The class action lawsuits challenged the decades-old system requiring agents of homesellers ..read more

Following the revival of the beloved Ford Bronco in 2021, the Heritage Limited edition was unveiled last year, paying homage to the original Bronco. Limited to just 1,966 models, a nod to the debut year of the first Bronco, this special edition carries forward the legacy of this iconic vehicle. The 2023 Ford Bronco continues the legacy, offering special editions across its lineup, including two- and four-door models. The Bronco Heritage Edition stands out for its off-road prowess and rugged design, blending classic styling cues with modern technology and features. Distinctive two-tone paint sc ..read more

The 2024 Audi Q7 55 TFSI Quattro deserves a serious look for those in the market for a premium luxury SUV. The Q7 exemplifies Audi’s commitment to luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. This year’s model has a refreshed design, advanced features, and powerful performance options. Newly redesigned on the outside with sharper lines and modernized LED light, the 2024 Audi Q7 has an upgraded infotainment system. It incorporates the latest Audi MMI interface with improved functionality and connectivity options. Audi also enhanced the Q7’s safety features with additional driver-assistance ..read more