Musings of Jessica Marie

The Olympics represent the pinnacle of dedication, sacrifice, and national pride, but for many athletes, simply getting the chance to compete required breaking barriers first. As the excitement of the 2026 Winter Olympics wraps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the pioneers who made space for others to follow.  Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Debi Thomas, a trailblazing Black figure skater who made history with her national titles, Olympic medal, and groundbreaking presence in a sport where representation was once nearly nonexistent.

The idea of driving an electric car once felt like something out of the future, but today, it’s becoming part of the modern American dream. As brands like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid Motors compete with more traditional manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, and Ford, electric vehicle technology continues to reshape the automotive industry. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Denise Gray, an influential Black American engineer whose work helped revolutionize battery technology and move the car industry toward the electric future we’re seeing today.

Tennis was the first sport I truly fell in love with. What started as curiosity after watching the Australian Open quickly turned into passion, even though the sport has long carried stereotypes rooted in racism, elitism, and exclusion. Black women in tennis have often been labeled unfairly, scrutinized more harshly, and pushed to the margins, but some refused to be silenced. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Venus Williams and explore how she shattered barriers, challenged the status quo, and cemented her legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

The Grim Reaper is one of the most recognizable symbols of death in Western culture—a hooded shadow, a sharp scythe, and centuries of fear wrapped into a single image. But what if the legend wasn’t just folklore? What if it was inspired by a real person? Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Solomon Fairfax, an enslaved American who earned the nickname “Grim Reaper” while fighting fiercely for his freedom in Charleston, South Carolina.

Making it to the Super Bowl is the dream, but only a small fraction of players ever get the chance to chase a Lombardi Trophy. Careers are shaped by injuries, roster changes, and timing, yet a rare few are so dominant that they redefine the game no matter the circumstances. Join me for a Historical Spotlight on Randy Moss, one of the greatest wide receivers to ever step on the field and a player whose impact on football is impossible to ignore.

For many of us, our first introduction to the Statue of Liberty came from Schoolhouse Rock! and the unforgettable “Great American Melting Pot.” A whole generation grew up singing about Lady Liberty as a symbol of freedom and hope. Behind the torch and crown lies a deeper history that’s often overlooked. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Statue of Liberty and uncover the lesser-known truths behind one of America’s most iconic landmarks.

The fight for Black liberation has never been confined to the borders of the United States. Across the globe, there have always been revolutionaries who stood up against oppression and demanded equality for Black people. From chattel slavery in the Caribbean to forced servitude in Europe, anti-Blackness has shaped history worldwide. Join me for a Historical Spotlight on Vicente Guerrero, the first Black president of Mexico, whose leadership helped abolish slavery and push the nation toward justice and equality.

Entrepreneurship has always been a pathway to independence and survival, especially when opportunity was intentionally restricted. During Jim Crow, Black Americans built businesses out of necessity, resilience, and vision, often without the safety net of generational wealth. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on the Burdines Store, a successful Black-owned department store in Miami that represents innovation, perseverance, and economic self-determination.

Video calls feel like a normal part of everyday life now, but that wasn’t always the case. Long before the 2020 pandemic pushed the world into virtual meetings, remote work, and digital family gatherings, the foundation for modern video conferencing was already being built. Join me for a Historical Spotlight on Marian Croak, the Black American woman whose groundbreaking work on voice over IP technology made today’s video calls, virtual classrooms, and online meetings possible.

I truly believe everything happens for a reason. We are exactly where we’re meant to be, even when the journey feels confusing or uncomfortable. Every moment is either a blessing or a lesson, all unfolding in God’s perfect timing. Trusting Him isn’t always easy, but it’s comforting to know He never gives us more than we can handle.

Music has always been a constant in my life. From replaying my favorite tracks to creating playlists for every mood, my love for R&B, hip-hop, rap, and soul has only grown with time. These genres don’t just entertain me, they tell stories, preserve culture, and shape generations. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Jill Scott, one of my all-time favorite artists and a powerhouse whose artistry and authenticity cemented her legacy in Black culture.

Ice cream hasn’t always been just a sweet treat — it carries history, culture, and meaning. From drumsticks to pints and everything in between, we all have a favorite… but did you know there was a time when Black Americans weren’t allowed to enjoy it? In this Historical Spotlight, we dive into the story of butter pecan ice cream and explore why it became a beloved delicacy in Black communities across the country.

January gets a bad rap for being “cliché,” but let’s be real, it’s also the easiest time to reset, refocus, and rebuild habits that actually stick. Between post-holiday clarity and all the motivation floating around, it’s the perfect moment to get intentional. I skipped goals last year, but 2026? I’m ready to see what I can really make shake.

Unity is the backbone of any community’s political, economic, and social progress, but history shows how quickly movements can fall apart when everyone isn’t aligned. Sometimes division comes from within, and other times it’s engineered to sabotage progress. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Kwanzaa and explore why this celebration is more complex, and more controversial, for Black Americans than many realize.

The University of Tennessee’s beloved live mascot, Smokey XI, recently retired, but not because of age or injury. His gentle, reserved personality just didn’t match the high-energy demands of SEC football life. While the story may seem lighthearted at first, it’s also a powerful reminder that you can’t force yourself into spaces you weren’t designed for. 🐾 

Black Americans have long fought for economic, social, and political footing in a country built on both their labor and their resilience. From slavery to segregation, even the most successful Black-owned businesses were often targeted simply for thriving. One powerful example is Bruce’s Beach, a prosperous Black beach resort in California that was wrongfully seized through eminent domain. ✨ Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on this important story and why it still matters today.

Winter is officially in full swing, and with those icy temperatures come extra responsibilities to keep your home safe and protected. ❄️🏠 From the risk of frozen pipes to an increase in house fires, a little preparation can go a long way. Whether you love bundling up in cozy hoodies or you’re counting down the days until spring, these winter home-safety tips are vital for every household.

Greatness isn’t just earned on game day—it’s built through discipline, grit, and countless hours of preparation. With the College Football Playoffs right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to look back at the legends who paved the way. 🏈✨In this Historical Spotlight, we’re honoring Ernie Davis, the first Black American player to win the Heisman Trophy, whose legacy continues to inspire athletes nationwide.

I recently found myself way too close to a major car accident during my afternoon commute — close enough to hear the impact and see debris flying. It was a chilling reminder of how fast life can change and how powerful divine protection truly is. 🙏🏾Check out the full video to hear what happened. 💫

They say dogs are man’s best friend — and it’s true. 🐾 From their loyalty to their unconditional love, dogs hold a special place in our hearts. But not all breeds get the same affection. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on pit bulls — once America’s favorite family dogs — and uncover how their reputation changed over time. 💔🐶