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Many young Black voters aren’t getting their election news from newspapers or TV. It’s coming from TikTok, Instagram and group chats. The Defender talks with Esosa Osa, founder and CEO of Onyx Impact, about how online propaganda targets Black communities and how to protect yourself before you share.

Osa explains why we’re “fundamentally in an information war,” why spotting AI fakes takes more than checking for extra fingers, and her three-step “receipts check” for anything that hits your feed. With early voting underway in Texas, she also shares why voting early is one of the best defenses against Election Day disinformation.

In this video, you’ll hear about:
– Why your news comes from where you spend the most time
– How fast lies spread now, and why that’s what’s new
– Why the “check the fingers” AI test isn’t enough
– The receipts check: find the source, pause on emotion, ask who benefits
– Why Texans should vote early
– Why Black news outlets need to get “off rented land”

Chapters
0:00 “We’re in an information war”
0:11 Where young voters get their news
0:38 Lies aren’t new
0:58 Spotting AI fakes
1:15 The receipts check
1:43 Why you should vote early
2:06 Getting off “rented land”
2:28 Where to learn more

Before you share, check the receipts. Learn more at propagandaplaybook.org, and check your polling place and early voting hours before you go.

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#Misinformation #Houston #Election2026 #MediaLiteracy #BlackVoters #TexasVotes #OnyxImpact #TheDefender

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Former Houston TV personality Yolanda Green Barnes sits down with The Defender to talk about leaving corporate America, launching her own leadership firm, and why reinvention doesn’t mean starting from scratch.

After 30 years in television and business, Barnes is now the founder of The Ashayé Group, where she coaches executives and organizations and speaks to women across the country. She shares the people who poured into her along the way, why she tells professionals “you’re not starting over, you’re starting from experience,” and why it’s never too late to do something different.

In this video, you’ll hear about:
– The women and mentors who believed in her before she believed in herself
– Leaving corporate America and betting on herself in the “fourth quarter” of her career
– How The Ashayé Group helps leaders connect the business to the people
– Why pouring into women is at the heart of her work
– Taking inventory of your value before your next career move

Chapters
0:00 “Those are the inspirations”
0:27 Meet Yolanda Green Barnes
0:32 Just do what you love
1:07 The Ashayé Group
1:40 You’re starting from experience
2:10 It’s never too late

Thinking about your next chapter? Learn more about Yolanda’s work at theashayegroup.com and follow her on Instagram at @yolandagreenbarnes.

Subscribe to The Defender for more exclusive interviews, local news, and community coverage.

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Home – updated

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Transform your business relationships by prioritizing service over profit. When you intentionally seek to help others first, you build authentic value and lasting connections. Shift your focus and watch the dynamic of your entire business change. #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipMindset #ServantLeadership #Entrepreneurship

🎤 Throwback Thursday, and class is back in session! Rakim brought the classics, deep cuts and legendary flow to City Winery, reminding St. Louis why his place in hip hop history is secure. Watch the video, then read Kenya Vaughn’s full review.

What’s the one Rakim track you’ll always turn up?

🖊️ Written by Kenya Vaughn
https://www.stlamerican.com/arts-and-entertainment/rakims-hip-hop-masterclass/ 

#ThrowbackThursday #Rakim #HipHop #stlamerican

True change starts from within. Building a stronger future for North Minneapolis requires local leadership and collective action. It is time to invest in our own land to create better opportunities for every young person in the community. #NorthMinneapolis #CommunityGrowth #LocalEmpowerment #CommunityBuilding