The strength of the black community lies within the black family. When families are united and are determined to make a difference in their homes--regardless to the current circumstances or challenges--that show of strength and commitment bleeds into the community as a whole.

Confidence is not subject to whether or not our life is going the way we desire. Confidence should be the mainstay in our walk in God. Confidence should not be based upon our ability, but upon God and His word and the fact that God has never lied and will keep His promises.

Our common thread is more than the color of our skin. It is what we all have inherited from generations before. A legacy that is filled with determination, fortitude, power, resilience, faith and love.

There is a cost for being Black in America. The majority of the bill falls upon the shoulders of our Black sons and men. We must arm and educate our Black children; especially our sons, arming them with the knowledge of their rights and the laws of this land and how they can protect themselves.

We have long felt the disjointed arm of justice when it comes to people of color. We long since understood that we rarely, as black people, will get a fair and just trial in America. We have only to look at the prisons. We must protect our children, prepare them for the injustices that do occur.

As African Americans, we often celebrate life's milestones with food. Some have debated that our affinity to Soul Food is killing us. There is something we can learn from our ancestors: how to eat for longevity. It just takes a change of mind and how we see food.

The trial of George Zimmerman has begun for the slaying of seventeen year old, Trayvon Martin. Yet, when Rachel Jeantel took the stand, social media buzzed with less than favorable comments about the last person to hear Trayvon Martin's voice.

In order to move forward in what your Creator has ordained for your life, you must learn to forgive yourself for past mistakes. It's not often easy, but necessary if one is to move forward in life.

Encouragement of our black fathers is vital in their developing relationships with their children. When they have a strong support system in place, and can come and express the things that are going on—even just as men—it allows them to navigate fatherhood, becoming the parent their children need.

The decline of our Black communities began decades ago—many neighborhoods looking like third world nations ravished by war and famine. It is time to organize and plan, and revive our communities, while giving our youth something to fight for.