
What or who do you call God? Are you agnostic, not knowing how to reference a Creator? Think about these two questions for a second.
I'm not here to judge your answer. Nor am I interested in debates about "My God" and "Your God." However, you recognize or choose not to acknowledge a supreme being is your business.
To paraphrase Malcolm X, el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, invisible divisions disrupt unity the moment we discuss religion.
Let's instead focus on building and uniting our community. We recognized King's birthday on Wednesday; he died because of his efforts to free oppressed groups in a nation that espoused Christian values while upholding injustices. Our history is replete with examples of division, death, and destruction.
Since you're still reading this post, let me tell you what I believe.
The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Umoja Community Education Foundation.
All you have to do is continue.
Collective Forces, including the Great Spirit, the Universe, God, Jesus, Allah, Jah Rastafari, and the Orixás, conspired to bring us to Sacramento. I don't know how else to describe my family's current predicament. Confirmations from the spiritual realm and the living world have convinced me that we are not here by accident.
Last week, I discussed the messages received during and after jogging while listening to Ta-Nehisi Coates's latest book, The Message.
The more I get into my new job's responsibilities, additional messages/affirmations present themselves.
I traveled to San Diego on day two of my new job for an event at an oceanside resort.

Not bad, huh? Two days in, your job sends you to a resort for a work retreat. It was a sweet perk, but that’s not what I am referencing in terms of a divinely orchestrated plan.
In the retreat's opening ceremony, an elder led a libation ceremony. I listened as he recognized the multiple names of deities and ancestors.
He described being spiritual as the ability to tap into the power of your breath.
Think about the elder's words for a moment.
His demeanor and depth reminded me of a deacon at the church my father pastored in Chicago. After recognizing the resemblances, the event continued as fires raged throughout southern California.
We paused for moments of silence. The leaders asked participants to pray, meditate, and send positive vibes to friends and family. In solace, we manifested for the recovery of losses and spiritual healings from the fires.
Among other wellness activities, we went for a group run and participated in a sound bath meditation. I also shared Capoeira music and movements.
"You are here because you bring a light to our organization," a coworker said to me without being prompted. The comment confirmed the value and purpose of my role as the Scholar in Residence. Something or forces moved others to make similar statements.
Advocating for Black and other underserved populations comes with dark challenges. I contribute skills to help the team illuminate pathways toward success for students, staff, administrators, and faculty members in higher education. Conducting research, writing articles, leading professional development workshops, creating curriculum, and orchestrating programs requires collaboration.
I am honored to lend a hand in solidarity with the Umoja Community Education Foundation's team.
On the last day of the retreat, Dr. Shaun Harper served as the keynote speaker. In his typical dynamic fashion, he discussed the importance of coalitions to combat harmful anti-Blackness and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. He empowered our efforts to create more inclusive higher education learning environments through resources and strategies.
God placed me here for multiple reasons. Supporting Black and other marginalized communities is part of my life's calling. The work is not easy, but forces beyond human perception strengthen me.
In your spiritual practices this week, remember my family, the Umoja Community Education Foundation, and the multiple communities impacted by the wildfires. On Monday, the nation will commemorate King's efforts to foster liberation and Trump will resume office. The irony of the moment will not get lost, but charge us with more energy to support freedom movements.
View my latest vlog upload below.
Yahweh is my maker, Jesus my Lord, so that's were I landed, and have never looked back. The challenge of community versus identity is always a significant one. Your family will have to re-root, always a challenge. We pray all goes well for your adjustment and upward growth. I think God rarely puts us in places to break us, but more to prune us, yea, fertilize us. I too recently returned state-side, to Houston, a further stage to my MD and have made many new friends. I believe we will grow some new leaves, new tendrils, to reach higher, and new fruit. The time is never perfect from our perspective, but we are creatures of the lower atmosphere, but alwa…