The legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson cannot be measured solely by the offices he sought, the marches he led, or the presidents he advised. His greatest legacy may be something far more lasting— He gave a people a name- an identity!

Not merely an identity, but a position on the global stage.

He urged a people to remain connected to their ancestral heritage by defining themselves not solely on the bases of their skin or their cultural experiences but on their ethnic identity to Africa and as African-Americans.

In a TED Talk, Sudanese-British television journalist, Zeinab Badawi, recalled how Reverend Jackson emphasized the importance of retaining this term.

“He understood something profound about telling the world where you stand on the global stage and claiming our own narrative. It doesn’t matter where you live in the world, you’re of African descent. Whether in Brazil, being the second largest African population after Nigeria or the African- American diaspora, the most powerful and influence diaspora of Africans in the world.”

Badawi urges the idea of more interactions and cross-fertilization if ideas between the newly arrived Africans and the more established African-American community and calls the term “black” a retrograde step and a way to distinguish one-selves from their heritage.

During the scholarly movement to reclaim the term African-American. Jackson said, “just as we were called “colored” but were not that, and then “negro” but we’re not that, to be called “black” is just as baseless. Black tells you about skin color, what side of town you live on. African-American evokes discussion.

Every year, as our planet makes a new trek around the sun, humanity reflects and sets intentions for the new year ahead. These intentions — what we commonly call New Year’s resolutions — feel ancestral, divine, instinctual. But, where did this tradition come from- and why do we continue it even when most resolutions fail?

As we step into another calendar year, it’s worth exploring not just how we make resolutions but the deeper purpose they serve in giving our lives direction and meaning.

Ancient Roots

The idea of marking a new year with commitments isn’t a modern invention — it predates the Gregorian calendar by thousands of years.

Historians trace the earliest known practice of making New Year’s resolutions to the ancient Babylonians, some 4,000 years ago. During a spring festival called Akitu, which coincided with the start of the farming season, people made promises to their gods to repay debts and return borrowed items — symbolic of beginning the year with order and honor. This was more than personal improvement; it was a public pledge of accountability and community trust. HISTORY+1

Later, when the Roman Empire adopted January 1 as the start of the new year under Julius Caesar, the tradition evolved, and people began making resolutions to the god Janus, the two-faced deity representing beginnings and transitions — looking back at the old year and forward into the future. HISTORY

Over time, the practice entered Christian cultures through early renewal traditions and watchnight services, where believers would reflect spiritually and covenant with God for the coming year. HISTORY

Resolutions: Ritual, Reflection, and Renewal

What ties these ancient practices together isn’t the specific goal — repaying a debt or hitting the gym — but the idea of intentional transformation at a threshold in time.

New Year’s Day represents a rare psychological moment:
an agreed-upon reset button for society.

Anthropologists and psychologists say that people naturally assign special meaning to beginnings — the arithmetic of a new calendar year gives us a shared moment to pause, reflect, and ask:

• What do I want to improve?

• What mistakes from the past year do I want to leave behind?

• Who do I want to become next?

This impulse isn’t trivial; it’s deeply human. Even neuroscience supports the value of this ritual: setting intentions harnesses our capacity for metacognition — thinking about our own thinking — and helps us plan ahead rather than drift aimlessly. TIME

Why Humans Need This Reset

At its philosophical core, a New Year’s resolution is a declaration of vision — a statement that says:

“I see a future I want to move toward.”

Vision is a powerful force. The ancient book of Proverbs states, “without a vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). Whether one reads that spiritually or metaphorically, the principle holds:

Without clarity about where we want to go, we are more likely to stagnate than grow.

New Year’s resolutions tap into this psychological truth.

They are a ritualized form of goal setting — a way of articulating a desired future state and consciously stepping into it. Research on goal psychology shows that simply framing a future state in language makes it more real and more likely to influence behavior, especially when broken into clear, achievable steps. Wikipedia

Why Most Resolutions Fail — and What That Teaches Us

Despite their ancient roots and psychological basis, most resolutions don’t last.

One commonly cited study suggests that large portions of people abandon their resolutions within the first few months of the year. Wikipedia. A deeper look at behavioral research points to a few common reasons:

• Goals are often too large or vague

• People fail to consider why they want the change. Verywell Mind

• There’s no plan for how to achieve the goal, only the desire to change ASU News

These failures don’t indict the idea of resolutions — they highlight something important:

Intentions alone aren’t enough; vision requires strategy.

A vision without a plan is like wanting to build a house without architects or tools.

A New Perspective on New Years Resolutions

To many, resolutions can feel overwhelming, unattainable, and unrealistic. Critics argue that:

• January 1 isn’t inherently magical

• Resolutions often feed unrealistic self-expectations

• Failure can lead to shame rather than growth. Encyclopedia Britannica

And in truth, change can occur any time — not just on January 1.

But the power of New Year’s resolutions lies not in the date — but in intentional reflection and recommitment. They provide a culturally sanctioned moment for big questions:

“What do I value?”,
“What will I protect?”,
“What steps am I taking toward a better version of myself?”

When we set intentions from a place of purpose rather than pressure, resolutions become tools of transformation — not instruments of guilt.

A New Year, A New Vision

So as we stand at the threshold of another year, it helps to see New Year’s resolutions not as a fad or an outdated ritual, but as part of a long human tradition of visioning our future selves.

Whether rooted in faith or modern neuroscience, the act of resolution still reflects one essential truth:

There’s power in vision!

In a world that moves faster than ever, with shifting family systems, evolving careers, and constant reinvention, setting a thoughtful resolution is less about perfection and more about direction — giving your life something worthy to aim for.

And in that sense, a resolution is not just a list of goals — it’s A New Perspective on 2026.

AUSTIN — We live in a time of evolving business models, shifting political climates, and yes, changing family structures. From blended families with “bonus” children, to multigenerational households, to single-parent homes — including a growing number of single fathers and empty-nesters— the traditional nuclear family is increasingly understood as one historical model among many, rather than the default.

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As the holiday season unfolds and family dynamics take their organic shape, Bishop T.D. Jakes addressed this reality candidly on a recent episode of his NXT Chapter Podcast during a conversation with his daughter and Woman Evolved CEO, Sarah Jakes Roberts.

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Reflecting on the changing roles of parents and adult children during the holidays, Bishop Jakes emphasized the importance of maturity and release:

“It’s important for parents to allow children to have their own lives. Sometimes we’re making Christmas dinner, and sometimes they’re making Christmas dinner for their families. Allowing that family to have its own identity and its own culture is maturity. All roads don’t lead to your house all the time. That can be a transition for people who are used to being in control.”

His remarks are a chord in a cultural moment where many families are redefining connection, tradition, and expectations.

A Generational Perspective on Boundaries and Healing

Sarah Jakes Roberts added important generational context, speaking to the values shaping millennials and Gen Z families today:

“My generation is very intentional about protecting their mental health and emotional real estate. We have a generation that is cutting their parents off because they don’t get it — they don’t understand, and they won’t take ownership.”

Her comments reflect a broader societal shift toward emotional wellness, boundaries, and accountability — values that often challenge older frameworks of authority and tradition.

Authenticity in Faith and Family

Sarah Jakes Roberts has built a platform known for its authenticity and transparency, often addressing struggles and triumphs that were once considered taboo in church culture. When asked about becoming pregnant as a teenager, she shared a deeply personal reflection on how that experience shaped her identity:

“In the moment, I saw it as embarrassment, but God gave me this sense of identity and responsibility. I couldn’t go too far. I think I would’ve been a lot more adventurous, a lot more dangerous, a lot more disposable as it related to my worth and identity if I didn’t have this little person counting on me. He gave me a grounding and a weight that I think I needed at an early age.”

A New Perspective on Family

Families today come in many forms — and that diversity is not a failure of values, but evidence of human adaptation and resilience. As traditions evolve and expectations shift, the invitation this holiday season may be to release rigid definitions and embrace love in its many expressions.

Not every road leads to the same house — but that doesn’t make the journey any less meaningful.

Sometimes, taking A new perspective is the most loving action of all.

Interested in learning more about managing family dynamics this holiday season? View the full episode of the NXT Chapter Podcast on YouTube.

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AUSTIN— In a significant legal and political moment, a second grand jury has declined to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia James, reaffirming what many supporters view as a pattern: repeated attempts to discredit or dismantle her work continue to fall flat. For observers across the legal, civic, and faith communities, this latest decision is more than a procedural update—it’s a powerful reminder of resilience, purpose, and the assurance of divine protection spoken of in scripture.

From a faith-based perspective—especially through the lens of Isaiah 54:17—this unfolding story carries a deeper meaning. The well-known passage declares: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” It is a promise not of the absence of attack, but of the inability of any attack to destroy the one who walks in purpose.

Letitia James, the first woman of color to hold the office of New York Attorney General, has spent years at the center of politically charged battles. Her high-profile investigations have drawn intense scrutiny, criticism, and in some cases, efforts to undermine her credibility. Yet time after time, the cases brought against her fail to advance—twice now falling short even at the level of grand jury review.

For many faith leaders, this is a modern example of what spiritual endurance looks like in public service. Weapons may form—accusations, political pressure, narratives built to weaken—but they do not prosper. They do not prevail. They do not accomplish the harm intended.

Isaiah 54:17 does not suggest the absence of conflict; it promises the triumph of purpose over opposition. What we are witnessing in the unfolding story of Attorney General James is the resilience of someone walking in alignment with a calling that opposition cannot derail. The scripture continues: “This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” In other words, vindication is not self-earned—it is inherited, affirmed, and sustained by the divine.

Whether viewed through a political lens or a spiritual one, the message resonates: integrity endures. Truth rises. And when purpose is divinely protected, no campaign to destroy it can succeed.

As the news continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the narrative surrounding Letitia James is no longer solely about investigations and allegations. It is also about perseverance, justice, calling, and an unwavering reminder that weapons may form—but they will not prosper.

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Letitia James — Career & Track Record Summary

📌 Historic Leadership & Public Service

• Letitia “Tish” James is the 67th Attorney General of New York and the first Black woman elected to statewide office in New York, as well as the first woman elected to the Attorney General role.

• Prior to this, she served as New York City’s Public Advocate, where she passed more legislation than any predecessor, championing tenant protections and wage equality measures.

• Earlier in her career she served 10 years on the New York City Council representing Brooklyn, and also worked as a public defender and assistant attorney general.

💼 Major Legal Actions & Policy Work

• James has pursued high-profile legal actions against powerful entities:
  

  • She sued the Trump Organization for business fraud, resulting in a judgment of over $355 million and a ban on Trump-linked business operations in New York — a ruling upheld on fraud findings even though penalties were later modified on appeal.

  • She led the state-level suit against Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family in the opioid crisis, securing a settlement plan worth billions for treatment and recovery programs.

  • Her office has taken action against the NRA for corruption and financial misconduct.

  • James has acted broadly on consumer protection — securing billions of dollars for New Yorkers from those who broke the law, including settlements with corporations over public health and financial misconduct.

Investigations & Independence

• As Attorney General, James’s office has investigated:

  • Nursing home reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s sexual misconduct allegations led to a report that contributed to his resignation.

Broader Impact

• Beyond specific cases, James has been a vocal advocate for civil rights, consumer protection, housing fairness, and governmental accountability. Her work has extended to protecting DACA recipients, removing guns from communities, curbing environmental violations, and defending reproductive rights through legal clarifications and actions.

In Summary

Letitia James’s track record is defined by historic firsts, major civil and consumer-centric legal actions, and a focus on accountability from powerful public and private actors. Her leadership has drawn both praise and controversy, particularly where her work crosses into national political waters. Whether in high-stakes lawsuits or broadly protective state policy enforcement, her tenure as Attorney General has been marked by aggressive legal action, significant settlements, and high-profile challenges that reflect a lifetime spent in public service and legal advocacy.

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Big Freedia — widely known as the Queen of New Orleans Bounce Music — has long been recognized for his impact on the New Orleans–born hip-hop subgenre called bounce music. He is credited with helping bring the once-underground sound, which emerged in the early 1990s, into mainstream awareness. - Wikipedia.

Freedia has collaborated with global superstars, including contributing vocals to Beyoncé’s “Formation” and appearing on Drake’s 2018 hit “Nice for What.” Now, he has surprised the music world with the release of her debut gospel album, “Pressing Onward,” an homage to her Baptist roots at Pressing Onward Baptist Church, where he grew up.

During his recent interview with ABC News’ Linsey Davis, Davis introduced the term “queer faith”—suggesting that Freedia’s gospel project might represent a subgenre within the church.

But here at A New Perspective, we analyze:

Is a “Queer Faith” sub-genre truly the perspective of the church, faith-based community and gospel music, or is it simply the perspective being shaped by mainstream media?

We have reached out to Big Freedia’s team and representatives from the Baptist church community and are currently awaiting comment.

Big Freedia on Faith

Big Freedia served as choir director and was deeply active in church music ministry throughout his youth— he consistently points back to her church upbringing as the foundation of her identity and success.

In his conversation with Davis, he said:

“I grew up in the church. I come from the church. That’s what made me who I am. The church gave me my safe haven as a child. It was my comfort zone; it was what protected me… The church welcomed me with open arms… No matter what walk of life you are, we can all praise God.”

Gender Identity

According to a statement shared in a 2020 interview, Freedia explained:

Freedia’s longtime partner of 20 years, Devon Hurst, tragically passed away during the making of this gospel album, adding emotional depth and spiritual weight to the project. (Source: abc news).

A Question for the Church & the Faith Community

With the release of Pressing Onward, we must ask:

Does Big Freedia’s gospel album challenge the moral and ethical framework of the church and gospel music?

Or is it pushing the church to evolve, expand, and reexamine its understanding of worship, identity, and inclusion?

What do you think?

Join the conversation.

Join the community.

#ANewPerspective #TheGoodNews #Music #Christian #GospelMusic #TheNewMajority

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A New Perspective on Melanie Lawson

In a recent announcement, iconic Houston journalist Melanie Lawson shared her retirement from ABC 13 News after more than 40 years of service. Known for her dignity, grace, and charm, Melanie has been a pioneering voice in Houston journalism for decades.

Although her career blossomed at ABC 13, Melanie’s roots run deep in Houston’s historic Third Ward. She is a socialite, a member of the prominent Lawson family, whose legacy is intertwined with the civil rights movement. Her father, Rev. Bill Lawson, was a renowned Baptist minister who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to desegregate Houston through nonviolent action during the 1960s.

Her father, Rev. Lawson founded Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in 1962 with just 13 charter members. Initially a small white building tucked between two historically segregated universities, the church has grown into a 15,000-member cathedral, under installinng the charasmatic Dr. Marcus D. Cosby since Rev. Lawson’s retirement in 2004 after 42 years. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church remains a cornerstone of the thirdward community, providing support , resources and social justice.

The Beginning of a Legendary Career

Melanie Lawson’s journalism career began unexpectedly. While interning at ABC 13, a simple moment of initiative changed her path. She asked to do an interview, prepared a story, and — in a serendipitous mistake — went on air before proper clearance. That moment marked the beginning of a long, impactful career that would span more than four decades.

Famous Quotes

Melanie has always shared her wisdom with aspiring journalists:

“I hope I’ve been a good example for younger journalists and storytellers… that the world is not as big and scary as it might seem, and we are definitely more alike than different.”

She adds:

“If you do the work, and hand it in, they just might put you on TV.”

Notable Interviews

Over the years, Melanie Lawson conducted interviews with some of the most influential figures of our time:

• Political leaders: Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Kamala Harris

• Cultural icons: Maya Angelou, Aretha Franklin, Destiny’s Child, Tyler Perry, Spike Lee

• Global figures: The Dalai Lama

• Other notable figures: Michelle Obama, Betty White

These interviews showcase her ability to bridge local and global audiences, bringing perspective, insight, and humanity to Houston viewers.

Awards, Achievements, and Education

Melanie Lawson’s accomplishments reflect her dedication to excellence, education, and civic leadership:

• Education: Princeton University; Law and Journalism from Columbia University

• Early career: Wall Street attorney, licensed to practice law in Texas and New York

• Boards and Civic Service: Board of Trustees, Princeton University; Houston Ballet; Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC); SHAPE Community Center; Rothko Chapel; Volunteer Houston; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Houston Association of Black Journalists

• Awards: Multiple Emmy Awards, lifetime achievement recognitions, and honors for leadership in journalism and civic engagement

Health Battle with Multiple Sclerosis

Melanie has been open about her diagnosis of chronic progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In an interview, she described the condition as a journey through the “seven stages of grief as you lose control of the body you thought you knew.”

Her health challenges became more visible following the passing of her father, Rev. Bill Lawson, in May 2024. Reports and rumors noted that she had been increasingly dependent on mobility aids, culminating in a return to public appearances in May 2025 for a high-profile interview with Tina Knowles for her book tour, Matriarch.

Timeline of Key Events:

• 2010 – Melanie Falls on live air broadcast.

• April 2016 – Melanie publicaly announces battle with (MS).

• May 2024 – Following the passing of her father, Rev. Bill Lawson, Melanie is spotted using a wheelchair.

• Mid 2024 – Reports cite a “foot injury”

• Mid 2024 – June 2025 – Melanie disappears from ABC 13 broadcasts.

• May 2025 – Returns to ABC 13 for an interview with Tina Knowles.

• November 25, 2025 – Officially announces retirement from ABC 13.

The Lawson Family & Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church: A Pillar of the Third Ward

Founded in 1962 by her father, civil rights activists Rev. Bill Lawson in— Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church has grown from humble beginnings to a thriving 15,000-member congregation, deeply rooted in civil rights advocacy. Melanie and her family’s presence in the Church continues as a family dynasty , and serves the community, and city at large. Rev. Bill Lawson’s funeral, held over two days, drew politicians, dignitaries, and national leaders, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Former Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Legacy and Influence

Melanie Lawson’s career represents a lifetime of Black excellence, journalistic integrity, community activism, and resilience. She has mentored generations of journalists, elevated stories that matter, and brought Houston into the global conversation through her interviews and reporting.

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If you’ve found value in this perspective, I invite you to support independent storytelling and the work I’m building through A New Perspective. Your subscription fuels community-centered journalism, authentic narratives, and impact-driven reporting designed to inform, inspire, and empower our generation.

By becoming a paid subscriber for $9.99/month, you help sustain independent media, elevate diverse voices, and ensure that powerful stories—stories that truly matter—continue to be told without corporate influence or agenda.

Join a growing community committed to truth, transparency, bold commentary, and transformative ideas shaping the future of our culture, faith, business, and society.

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A Cultural Shift

In a recent episode of The Oprah Podcast, the Queen of Talk explored a trend reshaping families across America: parents and adult children going “No Contact.”

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Mainstream media outlets such as TMZ are now confirming that singer D4VD (real name David Anthony Burke) is being viewed by law‑enforcement sources as a suspect in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The teens body was discovered in a severely decomposed state inside a black Tesla registered to Burke according to LAPD.

Timeline of Events

• April 5, 2024 – Celeste Rivas Hernandez is first reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California.

• August 27, 2025 – The Tesla registered to Burke is marked by parking enforcement, based on tire placement.

• September 3, 2025 – A parking citation is issued for the Tesla, which is said to have violated a 72-hour parking ordinance.

• September 5, 2025 – The Tesla is impounded by authorities.

• September 8, 2025 – Human remains are found in a bag inside the front trunk of the impounded Tesla.

• Mid-September 2025 – A search warrant is executed on a Hollywood Hills property previously occupied by Burke, according to Fox 9.

• September 16–18, 2025 – The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner positively identifies the remains as Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

• September 19, 2025 – Burke cancels the remainder of his U.S. tour. 

Blues Clues 🔎

• Celeste and Burke shared matching “Shhh” tattoos on their index fingers.

• Unreleased, leaked track by Burke entitled, ‘Celeste’- about an apparent obsession he has with a girl of the same name.

• ‘One last dance’ music video where David’s alter ego, DVD, corroborates with two other individuals in putting a body in the trunk of a car.

• Interview with D4VD describing his alter ego as “an evil version of himself that comes outs at different moments.” He goes on to say, “I would solve the murders that I was committing myself”

But is this just coincidence, or art imitating life? Courts view artistic expression through a constitutional lens: under the First Amendment and California’s Evidence Code, creative works are typically protected as free speech and cannot be used as character evidence to imply guilt unless prosecutors can prove a direct and specific relevance to the crime itself. In other words, a music video alone is usually not admissible to show someone’s propensity to commit violence. However, if investigators can establish that the art includes specific details uniquely tied to the real incident—details not publicly known, or indicative of planning—then portions of the work could become admissible as circumstantial evidence. This creates a delicate balance in California law: protecting artistic freedom while allowing potentially probative material when it crosses from expression into possible confession, motive, or intent.

In high-profile cases like this, it’s natural for the public to draw connections between an artist’s work and the allegations they face, especially when D4VD’s music videos depict scenes—such as acquiring tools, placing a body in a trunk, or simulating dismemberment—that mirror elements of the current investigation.

What’s Next?

As of now, the cause and manner of Celeste’s death remain undetermined. The death certificate lists her cause of death as “deferred,” indicating and medical examiners are still waiting on toxicology reports. A key piece of evidence for prosecution.

Toxicology could take up to 3-6 months in complex cases such as Celeste’s, and may extend significantly longer due to the level of decomposition.

It is important to note that, despite media reports calling Burke a suspect, the LAPD has not formally confirmed that designation.

What we’re witnessing instead is a wave of anonymous “insider” claims feeding major media outlets, creating an information vacuum where speculation spreads faster than facts.

The reality is that everyone—law enforcement, the public, the family, and yes, possibly even David himself—is grasping for clarity.

➡️Here is the official public statement from the LAPD regarding Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

➡️If you’d like to support Celeste’s family, you can do so by donating to the Help Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Family GoFund Me.

Topics: Austin Fashion Week, Black Designer Showcase, DEI, Fashion, Business

Launched in 2009 at the peak of the Great Recession by Austin, TX entrepreneur Matt Swinney— Austin Fashion Week began as the first project of Launch 787- his events company. Nearly two decades later, the event has evolved into Texas’ largest fashion event—and the fourth-largest fashion event in the United States, standing proudly behind New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, with Atlanta trailing closely behind.

But what truly sets Austin Fashion Week apart is not just its success, but It’s its bold commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

With both state and federal legislative and executive pressures attempt to suppress DEI efforts, Austin Fashion Week isn’t bending, It’s upping the anti on diversity, equity & inclusion with a focus on women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ models and designers including a Black Designer Showcase highlighting the fashion contribution and economic impact of the African- diaspora to the fashion industry.

The Black Designer Showcase highlighting

On Friday, November 7 at 8 PM, the Black Designer Showcase, presented by the Austin Area Urban League—a partnership rooted in purpose, representation, and community advancement.

This showcase honored Black designers across Austin, Texas and beyond.

The Austin Area Urban League continues its long-standing mission of investing in #TheNewMajority by providing scholarships, grants, and creative opportunities that keeps diverse talent visible and thriving on major stages.

Link to schedule: (Austin Fashion Week – Black Designer Showcase)

Fashion With a Social Impact

Beyond the glamour and the runway, Austin Fashion Week is grounded in purpose.

Through its nonprofit arm, Fashion X Gives, the organization awards scholarships to creatives from marginalized backgrounds—including:

• BiPOC designers

• LGBTQIA+ creatives

• Women-owned fashion businesses

• Designers breaking generational cycles through art

And the support doesn’t end there. Partnerships with organizations like the Austin Area Urban League help ensure that these designers not only get a platform, but a path—one that leads to education, mentorship, and financial resources.

In an industry known for gatekeeping, Austin Fashion Week takes the opposite approach: It opens doors.

Austin as an Emerging Fashion Hub

If Austin wasn’t on the national fashion radar before, it is now. The city’s blend of culture, creativity, and inclusivity has turned it into a rising fashion center—one that challenges traditional power structures in the industry.

While other regions pull back on inclusion, Austin Fashion Week does the opposite: It leans in, embraces risk, and champions integrity over comfort.

Diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors.  According to a McKinsey & Company report, “organizations in the top quartile for racial/ethnic diversity were 35% more likely to outperform others.”

A Bold Stand in a Bold State

In a time when DEI is under fire in Texas, Austin Fashion Week’s refusal to compromise is elevating the standard in the Fashion Industry.

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Jamar Champ was an entrepreneur, investor, and community leader who was recently killed in his custom made Tesla Cyber truck in a head-on collision in Houston, Texas by a drunk driver .

Jamar was the husband of Love & Hip Hop reality TV star, Masika Kalysha— I had the honor of calling Jamar a friend.

Our paths first crossed at one of his restaurants in Houston. I can remember seeing his Facebook posts highlighting his family—his wife and kids. Becoming a father profoundly changed his life, and he proudly shared that journey with the world. He wasn’t just a father to his daughter but embraced his role in his wife’s daughter’s life as well.

Every time Jamar and I spoke, it was about business. He had a passion for impact and legacy giving and wanted to use his wealth to make a difference.

In a world where toxic masculinity is often the stereotype associated with men of his stature, Jamar was a model example of manhood, gentle parenting, and being a devoted “girl dad.”

For many men struggling with identity and understanding what it truly means to be a man, Jamar’s autobiography, Thoughts of a Made Man, offers a valuable resource for understanding the mindset of an exemplary man who lived with purpose, vision, and integrity.

The world lost a bright light too soon, but Jamar’s influence lives on in every life he touched, every business he built, and every word he shared. I honor him not just today, but every day, as I continue to witness the impact he made ripple through the lives of others— He was 38.

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