Despite early reading struggles, I published my first book before college graduation. This taught me that with determination and a humble mindset, there are no limits to what I can achieve or become. #OvercomingObstacles #SuccessMindset #AuthorLife #PersonalGrowth

“Mr. Neal is one of a kind. He is one in a million.”
After 35 years with the Bakersfield City School District, youth services coordinator Lewis Neal has retired. He grew up at Fremont Elementary, Chipman, Lincoln and Bakersfield High. He came back to build programs like PROUD Academy, which gave generations of Black students the confidence to speak up, travel beyond Bakersfield and see their own potential.
Bakersfield News Observer reporter Cecil Egbele hears from Neal, his third-grade teacher Leasa Royal Sutliff, his lifelong classmate Teresa Guerra Espinoza, youth services specialist Victor Hinojos, and PROUD Academy student Dey’Anna Lloyd.
“I don’t say I’m better than somebody, but I’m just as good as you.”
Chapters:

0:00 “One in a million”

0:20 Growing up in Bakersfield

1:00 “Lewis was always my protector”

1:40 “I’m just as good as you”

2:20 PROUD Academy: building confidence

3:20 Mentoring the next generation of mentors

4:00 A legacy that lives on

5:00 What’s next for Mr. Neal
Read the full story: https://ognsc.com/he-learned-to-believe-in-himself-then-he-built-a-legacy/

Get the Bakersfield News Observer free every Wednesday: https://ognsc.com
Reporting and video: Cecil Egbele, California Local News Fellow

#Bakersfield #KernCounty #BlackPress #BCSD #PROUDAcademy #Education #Mentorship #BakersfieldNewsObserver

Gary Green II’s book ‘Playing the Game’ reveals how sports language dehumanizes Black athletes. It challenges these narratives by emphasizing their intelligence and divine essence, reclaiming their humanity. #SportsEthics #RacialJustice #AthleteVoice #EmbodiedBrilliance

Witness a powerful journey of resilience. After facing gun violence and losing a loved one, the ‘Forever Remain Motivated’ mantra was born. What started as a personal motto transformed into a thriving clothing brand and a full wellness community. #ForeverRemainMotivated #Resilience #Motivation #Community #WellnessJourney

Sister Spokesman and the Minnesota CHILL Foundation just wrapped The AI Era event. Next up: a vital conversation on breast, prostate and colon cancer at LifeSource in Minneapolis on October 3.

Saturday, October 3 | Noon to 3 PM LifeSource | 2225 West River Road North, Minneapolis, MN 55411 Tickets: $10

Get tickets: https://tix.spokesman-recorder.com/e/sister-spokesman-cancer-has-no-gender/tickets

Subscribe for more from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Elijah Moore is not chasing rich. He is chasing comfortable. The freedom to travel when he wants, eat where he wants and quiet the voice in the back of his mind that constantly worries about money. In this Youth Financial Education Series video from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Elijah shares where he is on his financial literacy journey and why it matters beyond just his own household.

Elijah grew up without financial literacy in his home or the homes around him. Nobody taught him how to manage money, how to save or how to invest. That absence, he says, has real consequences in communities where financial knowledge is missing.

“Lack of financial knowledge creates burdens and issues. If you don’t know how to manage money, you’re not spending wisely. If you don’t have money to spend, you’re going to go get some money to spend.”

He believes financial literacy being taught in communities would decrease crime rates, ease depression and address mental health struggles that often trace back to financial stress.

The most valuable thing Elijah has learned so far is the emergency fund. Taking a little out of each check, building it consistently and knowing it is there when something goes wrong. A car repair. An unexpected bill. The emergencies that grow in cost the longer you live and the more you build.

His ultimate goal goes beyond his own comfort. He wants to build generational wealth. To be present in his family’s financial future even after he is gone, by teaching his children and their children how to manage, save and grow money.

“I want to be here when I’m no longer here. I want to bring financial literacy into my home and teach my children and their children.”

This video is part of MSR’s Youth Financial Education Series, sponsored by JPMorganChase.

Full story at msr.media.