Community Empowerment, News, and Entertainment

Thousands of Children Seen in Abuse Images Still Haven’t Been Identified — Why I Contacted My Representative

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:00:35 GMT

Behind millions of reports are real children whose identities are still unknown.

Right now, investigators know thousands of children are being abused in images circulating online. The problem is many of those children still haven’t been identified or rescued. That reality is why I recently contacted my congressional representative, Suzanne Bonamici, urging support for the Renewed Hope Act of 2026.

The legislation aims to strengthen investigative teams within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security who work to identify victims appearing in child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Often investigators know a child is being abused, but they don't yet know who the child is or where they are. That alone should stop all of us in our tracks.

The Scale of the Crisis

According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, its CyberTipline received 20.5 million reports tied to 29.2 million incidents of suspected child sexual exploitation in 2024. Each report represents a potential child in danger. Investigators are currently working to identify tens of thousands of children who appear in abuse images but have not yet been located or safeguarded. These children exist, but their names, faces, and locations are still unknown.

Tim Tebow’s Call for Action

Momentum around the issue grew when Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, testified before Congress urging lawmakers to take action. In a statement accompanying the foundation’s video of the testimony, Tebow emphasized,

"Our country’s most precious and vulnerable lives have been forgotten. Every day, these children lose hope, and it's not the fault of law enforcement that these children wait. They need more resources, plain and simple. I am deeply grateful to the members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who are coming together to support the Renewed Hope Act of 2026. This legislation gives our nation the opportunity to build a stronger rescue team of analysts and investigators so that children who are suffering can be identified and protected. This is a problem we can solve. We have the tools and the expertise — we just have to commit the resources and the will to act.”

Through joint operations with law enforcement, the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Operation Renewed Hope has already helped identify more than 1,100 children and safeguard over 550. But advocates say the scale of the crisis continues to grow faster than investigators can keep up with.

A Response From Congress

After I sent my letter supporting the Renewed Hope Act, Congresswoman Bonamici responded and acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. She wrote:

“Child abuse is a major problem facing our country today. According to data from the Oregon Department of Human Services, nearly 11,000 Oregon children experienced abuse or neglect in 2021."

She also explained that the Renewed Hope Act currently falls under the jurisdiction of the House Judiciary Committee.

“Although I am not a member of this committee, I will keep your input in mind should this bill or other similar legislation come before the full House of Representatives for a vote.”

That response highlights something important. Citizens speaking up still matters, even when legislation begins in committees where a representative may not serve.

Why Speaking Up Matters

It's easy to assume someone else will take care of problems like this. But in reality, public awareness and constituent voices often help determine which issues receive attention in Washington. Investigators already know thousands of children are out there. They just need the personnel and resources to identify them faster. That’s exactly what the Renewed Hope Act is designed to do.

Use Your Voice

Investigators already know these children exist. The problem is they still don’t know who many of them are. Behind every unidentified image is a real child waiting to be found. The Renewed Hope Act would expand the number of analysts and investigators dedicated to identifying these victims so they can be located and protected.

If this issue matters to you, take 30 seconds and contact your representative through the link below. It will automatically connect you with the correct member of Congress based on your address.

Use your voice:

slk1.io/3591/120993950

Because the longer these children remain unidentified, the longer they remain unrescued.

Resources:

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children – CyberTipline Data

Tim Tebow Foundation – Senate Testimony on the Renewed Hope Act

Homeland Security Investigations – Cyber Crimes Center (C3)

Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Data and Reports

Additional Resources for Recognizing and Reporting Abuse:

Protecting children requires awareness, courage, and action. If you suspect abuse or want to learn how to recognize warning signs, the following organizations provide trusted guidance, reporting tools, and survivor support.

1. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (CyberTipline)

If you encounter suspected child exploitation online or need to report abusive material, the CyberTipline is the primary reporting system used by law enforcement in the United States. Reports submitted here are reviewed and forwarded to the appropriate investigative agencies.

Report or learn more: https://report.cybertip.org/ ⁠

2. Shared Hope International

This organization works to prevent child sex trafficking through survivor care, public awareness, and policy reform. Their resources help communities recognize trafficking risks and understand how to protect vulnerable children.

Learn more: https://sharedhope.org/⁠

3. International Justice Mission

International Justice Mission is a global Christian human-rights organization working to combat trafficking and violence against children. They partner with law enforcement and justice systems around the world to rescue victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

Learn more: https://www.ijm.org/⁠

Remembering Where You Came From Does Not Require Worshiping What Nearly Destroyed You

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 23:25:29 GMT

I remember trying to get a promotion on my job, and progress being stalled by my facial hair. I told my friend’s stepdad that I felt like it would make me a sell-out if I shaved my long goatee just to get a promotion. He said something very direct and profound. He said when you consider the struggle that blacks have fought for since the 60’s to build up their communities, then you look at those in the streets that are tearing down their own communities, those that are choosing the streets are the actual sell-outs. They are tearing down what their own people have worked to build. In other words, doing what it takes to feed yourself and your community for the better is hardly being a sell-out. It’s contributing to progress.

Recently, 43 year old rapper Boosie, who currently has a pending federal sentencing for a federal firearm charge, criticized other rappers for claiming to denounce the streets. One side of his argument was honorable in saying you shouldn’t be a hypocrite by denouncing something you are still a part of. The other side exposed his allegiance to the streets by claiming it’s what shaped them into who they are today. and they should embrace it. In one breath he admitted the youth should get out of the streets. In another he still credited the streets as something that was a positive force in their lives. This subtle level of deception, and double-mindedness is what keeps many people bound, the youth and adults.

Remembering where you came from doesn’t mean you owe it your life, or your voice.

You can acknowledge the struggle without glorifying it. You can respect the past without letting it define the future.

A lot of people confuse gratitude with allegiance.

Just because something shaped you doesn’t mean it deserves the credit for who you become. The streets didn’t make the man. They applied pressure. What you did with that pressure, that’s on you.

When someone says “you forgot where you came from,” what they usually mean is:

you stopped validating something I’m still attached to. That’s not wisdom, it’s comfort.

Growth will always look like betrayal to people who never left, and refuse to leave.

You don’t dishonor your story by outgrowing survival mode. You honor it by choosing something better.

And saying “the streets ain’t it” isn’t being bougie, it’s being honest.

The streets have adopted a philosophy of ¨ respect the shooter ¨, as opposed to the victim. Well, in this sense, when it comes to what shapes boys into men, the streets isn’t the shooter, it’s the opps. That’s why most would admit that the youth shouldn’t be a part of it. The respect goes to God. The respect goes to mentors that encourage a better way of living, the stepdads, the coaches, the community leaders. The respect goes to a life of discipline that leads to a better quality of life. That’s what and who deserves credit for shaping boys into men. The streets are and have always been the obstacle to achieving a better life. It’s not the people that live in or grew up in rough neighborhoods, it’s the street culture and those who embrace it that have been the sell-outs to progression. You know, those who refuse to grow into a better life, and acknowledge the resources that help the youth out of a culture of destruction.

If you find this message bothersome or challenging, learn to read between the lines. Some are committed to finding ways to hold on to destructive cultures. Others have enough love in their hearts to promote growth from the trenches to the palace, in a healthy way, and not through destructive and counterproductive means.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. - 1 Corinthians 13:11 AMP

You Matter: Let The Nameless Faceless Generation Arise

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 02:05:04 GMT

There are stories that don’t just inspire, they recalibrate the room. Jason Upton’s testimony at The Ramp is one of them. It carries the kind of weight that silences noise, disarms cynicism, and reminds us why heaven still interrupts earth through ordinary people.

Before Jason ever led worship on national stages…
Before he ever wrote songs that cracked atmospheres open…
Before anyone knew his name…

He was nearly a chapter closed before it even began.

His mother was young, scared, and standing in the tension many women face, life shifting faster than answers can come. And yet, instead of ending his story before it started, she made a decision that echoes across generations. She gave him up for adoption, not out of abandonment, but out of hope. Out of love. Out of prayer.

She prayed that the life inside her, unplanned, inconvenient, costly, would become something beautiful in God’s hands.

And God answered.

Jason's mother had no blueprint, no guarantee, no stage lights or microphones in sight. She didn’t know her son’s voice would carry nations. She didn’t know he’d one day stand before thousands preaching identity, freedom, and the Father’s heart. She didn’t know his music would break chains in rooms she’d never step into.

But she believed.
And heaven honored the trembling yes of a young mother who refused to erase what God had authored.

A Generation With No Name, but a Mark Heaven Recognizes

Upton often speaks of a “nameless, faceless generation”, one raised not for applause, but for assignment. A people whose value does not come from platform, but from purpose. His own life embodies that reality.

Think about it:

A boy who could have been dismissed becomes a voice generations can’t ignore.
A life the world may have labeled “inconvenient” becomes a catalyst for revival.
A prayer whispered in fear becomes a testimony shouted in freedom.

This is what it looks like when destiny survives the womb.
This is what it looks like when God writes the headlines.

And in a cultural climate where human worth is often boiled down to convenience, timing, or economic logic, stories like Jason’s stand as living contradictions, proof that we do not get to measure destiny by circumstance.

You can’t quantify calling on a spreadsheet.
You can’t legislate purpose.
You can’t filter out greatness because it arrives early, unplanned, or through pain.

Every child is a possibility.

Every heartbeat carries an assignment.
Every life is a story waiting to be told.

From Tim Tebow’s Fight Against Trafficking to Upton’s Testimony—A Thread of Justice

Just days ago, Full Clip Magazine highlighted Tim Tebow’s stand against human trafficking, one of the darkest injustices of our generation. His message was simple: Every life is worth rescuing.

Jason’s story flows from the same river.

Different arena.
Same truth.
Same heartbeat.

A culture that protects life will naturally confront trafficking.
A culture that values children will naturally confront exploitation.
A culture that believes destiny is sacred will naturally confront anything that threatens it, inside the womb or outside of it.

A Call to the Ones Who Feel Invisible

Maybe you’ve felt unseen.
Maybe you’ve questioned your value.
Maybe you’ve wondered if your story even registers on heaven’s radar.

Let Jason’s testimony say what words often fail to communicate:

You matter.
Your life is not an accident.
Your existence is proof that God still writes stories the world never expects.

Rise, Nameless Generation. Your Assignment Is Showing.

This generation doesn’t need more celebrities, it needs more answered prayers.
It needs mothers who choose hope over fear.
It needs fathers who speak destiny into unseen futures.
It needs young people who rise without needing their face on a flyer.
It needs warriors who know that being unnamed on earth has nothing to do with being unknown in heaven.

Jason Upton is one testimony.
You are another waiting to be told.
And somewhere inside you is a yes that can change everything.

Let the nameless, faceless generation arise.
And let every life, born, unborn, rescued, adopted, redeemed, shout back into the darkness:
I MATTER! I HAVE PURPOSE!

How One Joke Changed Wayne Brady´s Image, and What It Says About Us

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:56:25 GMT

Community Over The Mob Mentality: Wayne Brady Edition

Comedy IQ, What´s Funny and What´s Missing the Mark

I recently watched a kids comedy, reality show, hosted by Wayne Brady, called Comedy IQ. In the competition, there is a young black kid, TJ, who struggled in the earlier episodes. No matter how much Wayne Brady critiqued him, there was something about his slapstick, black culture humor, that just wouldn´t fully connect with the audience and judges. Finally, on an episode that featured comedian legend, Sinbad, the issue was identified. TJ was not being himself. He apparently didn´t believe anyone would care about his true story. His story? TJ was from a private school and he grew up in the ¨proper life¨. The irony was, that version of him was the funniest and most relatable, from a humanity standpoint. Go figure Wayne Brady would be a part of this fruitful experience in TJ´s life, as he´s had to take a somewhat similar stance of his own.

Wayne Brady Versus The Mob Mentality

When comedic legend Paul Mooney on the Chappelle Show stated, ¨White people love Wayne Brady, because he makes Bryant Gumbel look like Malcolm X¨, I thought it was a genius line from the former Richard Pryor colleague. As I´ve matured, I´ve taken on a different outlook. What has Wayne Brady done to merit this criticism? ¨The mob mentality¨ would argue that he´s catered to a white-washed audience, so he deserves the criticism. What about TJ? He went to a private school and talks proper, but in nature is as black as all outdoors. Furthermore, he´s performed on Wayne Brady´s platform. Does he deserve the same criticism or does he get a pass? Let´s take it a step further. Why are we seeking validation from those that aren´t valid themselves?

The Cognitive Dissonance of Gatekeeping Blackness

The cognitive dissonance found in gatekeeping blackness makes the entire argument null and void. We raise our kids in telling them to treat people how you want to be treated, then we as adults treat people in ways that we´d resist if it happened to us. It happens in small situations often. Have you ever had your black card revoked or threatened because you haven´t watched a popular black movie? That´s a cute situation. What if your career and quality of life is at stake because you aren´t going along with the get along? Not so cute, right?

Community Over the Mob Mentality

Community over competition means community over the mob mentality as well. We shouldn´t be divided or criticized over frivolous matters. When this happens within the black community, it´s the Willie Lynch syndrome all over again. When it carries over into other communities running with the narrative, it´s division and entitlement. Feel free to be your healthy self and allow others to do the same.

Tim Tebow: Purpose, Perseverance, and the Power of Compassion

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:06:46 GMT

For millions, the name Tim Tebow still brings back memories of thrilling fourth quarters, fearless leadership, and unshakable faith. From his record-breaking college career at the University of Florida, where he became the first sophomore ever to win the Heisman Trophy, to his time in the NFL with teams like the Denver Broncos and New York Jets, Tebow’s drive went far beyond football. His story has always been less about fame and more about impact.

Beyond the Field

After the spotlight of professional sports, Tebow didn’t slow down. Instead, he continued building something lasting, the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF) , a global movement designed to bring Faith, Hope, and Love to those who need it most. Since 2010, the foundation has reached more than 100 countries, serving what Tebow calls the world’s “real MVPs”, the Most Vulnerable People.

From helping orphans find homes to providing life-saving care for children with profound medical needs, the foundation’s work reflects the heart of its founder. One of the most powerful aspects of TTF’s mission is its commitment to individuals with special needs. Through programs like “Night to Shine” , a worldwide prom experience celebrating people with disabilities, Tebow’s passion shines brightest. It’s a night where red carpets are rolled out, crowns are placed, and joy fills every room.

A Family Legacy of Compassion

Tebow’s inspiration runs deep. His father, a missionary, helped build a safe house to protect and care for those in crisis, planting the seed for Tim’s own lifelong mission of service. That legacy continues today through the foundation’s outreach in areas of rescue, restoration, and care, giving people around the world a chance at a new beginning.

Leading with Purpose

Today, Tebow’s voice extends beyond the sidelines. As a speaker, entrepreneur, author, and analyst, he challenges others to lead with faith-driven purpose, urging them to find what truly matters and pursue it wholeheartedly. His approach is simple but profound in that real success isn’t measured by trophies or titles, but by the lives you touch along the way.

In a world hungry for authenticity, Tim Tebow stands as proof that faith and action can coexist powerfully. Whether on a stage, in a stadium, or serving quietly behind the scenes, his mission remains unchanged, to make every moment count for something greater than himself.

References:

Visit https://timtebowfoundation.org/ to learn more

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 22:41:12 GMT

A Story About Baseball, Fatherhood, and Human Decency

Drew Feltwell was celebrating his 10-year-old son Lincoln’s birthday when a Harrison Bader home run ball landed near their seats. Momentarily a "super dad," Feltwell retrieved the ball and placed it in Lincoln’s glove, only to be confronted by a woman demanding it back. Rather than escalate in front of his son, he chose to “de-escalate the situation” and gave up the ball .

He later appealed to the public, not to continue harassing her, warning that “the internet already messed her up pretty good” and urging people to “leave it alone” .

Despite the tense moment, things turned around beautifully. The Miami Marlins offered Lincoln and his sister a gift package, and Harrison Bader presented Lincoln with a signed bat, making the evening memorable after all.

Seeds of Change: How a 10-Year-Old Georgia Farmer Is Rewriting the Future of Agriculture

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 21:34:59 GMT

In an era when farming is often overlooked by younger generations, 10-year-old Kendall Rae Johnson of Georgia has made history as the youngest certified farmer in the United States, and secured a full-ride agriculture scholarship to South Carolina State University. Her journey, rooted in family tradition and fueled by parental support, demonstrates the future of youth agriculture. It also mirrors the mission of Communities Over Competition, where agriculture programs and trade encouragement campaigns are helping cultivate the next generation of growers and innovators.

A Farmer Before Middle School

Kendall’s love for farming sprouted at just three years old, with her great-grandmother, growing collard greens on the back porch. What started as curiosity quickly grew into a calling. Today, Kendall runs her own farming venture, aGROWKulture , and has already gained national recognition as a USDA National Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador.

Her dream? To one day manage a 100-acre farm with crops, cattle, and poultry. While it's a wise vision beyond her years, it's one she's already sowing into.

Why Kendall’s Story Matters

The number of Black farmers in the U.S. has declined dramatically, from nearly a million in 1920 to just 45,000 today. Kendall’s journey is not only inspiring, it’s symbolic. She represents resilience, representation, and revival in agriculture.

Her mother summed it up best, “It’s living with the ceiling open… We have no idea where we’re going, but we’re just following.”

That sense of openness is exactly what youth agriculture movements and organizations like Communities Over Competition seek to nurture.

Communities Over Competition: Cultivating Youth Agriculture

Through its Agriculture & Sustainability initiatives, Communities Over Competition is creating access points for young people to engage with food systems. Programs like BEE Pollinators teach students the science of planting, pollinator importance, and environmental stewardship, all while encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship.

Their model reflects Kendall’s path. That's learning early, practicing skills in real time, and turning passion into opportunity. By blending community gardening, urban agriculture, and education, Communities Over Competition helps ensure that Kendall’s story isn’t an exception, it’s the start of a movement.

The Power of Trade Encouragement Campaigns

Farming is more than planting, it’s about connecting growers with markets. Trade encouragement campaigns, such as youth-run farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) boxes, and school garden partnerships, give young farmers visibility, pride, and pathways to financial sustainability.

Imagine “Young Growers Markets” or BEE Pollinators Trade Fairs, where students showcase their crops, sell produce, and learn supply-and-demand dynamics firsthand. These platforms do more than move products, they build confidence, resilience, and networks for a lifetime.

Planting a Movement

Kendall’s story is proof that youth agriculture isn’t just about tomorrow, it’s here now. With the right support, mentorship, and trade opportunities, young people can lead the way in shaping sustainable food systems.

Mentorship & Storytelling: Highlighting youth like Kendall in Community Over Competition’s Full Clip News ensures their stories reach classrooms, markets, and policymakers.

Hands-On Training: Workshops and co-op farming opportunities can give youth practical pathways to grow food and build businesses.

Trade Platforms: Encouraging trade fairs, pop-up markets, and CSA youth collectives extends the impact from gardens to communities.

At just 10 years old, Kendall Rae Johnson is doing more than farming, she’s redefining what it means to be young, Black, and visionary in agriculture. Her full-ride scholarship and farming venture prove that age is no barrier to impact.

By aligning stories like Kendall’s with the mission of Communities Over Competition, we see the roadmap clearly. Youth agriculture is not a side note, it’s a frontline. With education, trade encouragement, and community support, young farmers are not just keeping traditions alive, they’re planting the seeds for a new, inclusive future of food.

Visit Community Workshops to explore youth agriculture programs, sustainability initiatives, and ways to support the next generation of growers.

Mumble Rap and Linguistics: What We Miss When We Call It “Noise”

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 21:11:27 GMT

Every culture decides which voices count. In language, it’s called “standard English.” In music, it’s “real rap.” Mumble rap falls outside both, and that’s exactly why it matters. For almost a decade, critics have used “mumble” to suggest lazy delivery to drug-glorifying lyrics. But linguistically, that dismissal tells us more about bias than about the music itself.

When you strip away the stigma, mumble rap isn’t a failure of articulation. It’s a case study in how sound, rhythm, and emotion can carry meaning as powerfully as words. Which means the debate around it isn’t just about music, it’s about how we decide what kinds of expressions are legitimate, and which ones we push to the margins.

The Weight of the Word “Mumble”

Future’s early mixtapes in the 2010s didn’t sound like anything critics were used to. Auto-Tune, Southern slang, and melodies saturated his delivery. Instead of trying to decode it, people wrote it off as “mumbling.” From there, the term became a catch-all label for artists who used cadence and mood more than clean-cut enunciation.

The word itself signals dismissal. In linguistics, when a dialect isn’t understood or respected, it often gets framed as “broken.” The same happens here. Rather than listening for structure, critics assume there isn’t any.

AAVE and the Parallel in Perception

African American Vernacular English (AAVE) has long faced this same treatment. Linguists recognize it as a rule-governed dialect, yet society still tags it as “bad English” because it doesn’t conform to the so-called standard.

Mumble rap functions in the same way. It stretches syllables, bends phonology (sounds), and lets prosody (tone, rhythm, and flow of those sounds) carry meaning. Instead of engaging with it as a form, detractors flatten it to a flaw. The critique says more about cultural expectations than artistic reality.

Lyricism, Feeling, and the Drug Debate

From a linguistic standpoint, no way of speaking is “lesser.” Different registers serve different purposes. The same is true in rap. A Nas track is layered with rhyme schemes. A Future track creates atmosphere through melodies. Both are structured. Both are intentional.

But what about the heavy drug references often tied to mumble rap? That criticism is real, and it deserves attention. Drug glorification is a problem, but it’s not a linguistic one. Rock, blues, country, and even early hip-hop all went through their own drug-centered eras. Collapsing content critique and delivery critique into one argument blurs the conversation. You can disagree with the message while still recognizing the method.

The Bias Beneath the Surface

The resistance to mumble rap is rarely about comprehension alone. It’s about comfort. When people say “I can’t understand it,” what they often mean is “I don’t value the way this community communicates.” The South, slang, AAVE, all are wrapped up in how mumble rap is heard, and all carry histories of being written off as less intelligent, less legitimate, less real.

That’s why the criticism stings differently. It’s not just about music taste. It echoes broader cultural dynamics of whose language is respected and whose is treated as noise.

A Living Language of Sound

Hip-hop has never moved in a straight line. Rakim didn’t sound like Bone Thugs, who didn’t sound like NWA, who didn’t sound like T-Pain. Each pushed the form forward in a way that confused critics at first, then became part of the movement.

Mumble rap belongs in that lineage. It makes the voice an instrument and builds worlds where feeling outweighs sentence structure. It’s not a collapse of language, it’s an expansion of it.

That’s the key point. When both fans and critics argue about mumble rap, they’re often saying the same thing from different angles. One side worries about messages that damage the community, the other hears a form of communication that doesn’t match their standard. But once those layers are separated, a deeper truth emerges. This isn’t the end of language in rap. It’s another chapter in how language evolves.

So if mumble rap makes you uncomfortable, ask yourself, is it the message, or is it the form? Because linguistically, the form is innovation. And socially, the message is a conversation. Either way, dismissing it as “mumbling” misses the point.

Why Eden Gardening is the Most Practical Garden Method Society Needs Right Now

info@fullclipmagazine.com (Trimaine Clark) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 05:41:14 GMT

Why on Earth are we tilling the ground and working so hard just for food? What happened? Adam didn't start tilling the ground until after the fall. How do we get back to the way things were? As a farmer and founder of Little L Salsa Garden , my transition from Texas farming to Oregon opened my eyes to the answers to these questions. With the help of my wife, at Sow Reap Gal , I was introduced to a no-till method of farming, known as Eden Gardening. This method has gained tremendous momentum lately, thanks to Paul Gautschi and his Back to Eden Gardening documentary, which reintroduced a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and a less labor intensive approach to living from the land. As millennials and Gen Z come into the rising awareness of healthy living through diet and growing your own food, sustainable practices are also in demand.

What is Eden Gardening and Why is it So Important?

Have you ever noticed how vegetation thrives in forests and throughout wildlife without our intervention? That's because the natural environment creates its own suitable conditions that our cherished plants use to produce. Take the forest floor for example, it's covered in its own mulch from leaves, twigs, and wood chips. This serves several purposes, a few include:

As they decompose, they feed the soil with organic matter
Retains moisture by shielding the soil from the sun
Suppresses weeds
Protects from freezing temperatures
Provides food and habitat for beneficial organisms like earthworms, beetles, and microbes
Turns unused land and food deserts into productive spaces
Builds soil health without the use of chemicals

Eden Gardening repeats this process of taking the natural resources, creating our own personal forest floor, and growing through a self-sustaining system. This means it's not only cost-effective, it's also eco-friendly, especially when you consider minimizing food waste through composting. Along with this, because we're limiting the amount of tilling, and only adding to the soil, we help restore the Earth in the process. Whether you're working with 10 feet of space, or 10 acres, Eden Gardening makes fruitful results possible.

Leaders Already Living Eden Principles in Real Life

Meet Patrick Muhammad , the principal farmer. He currently serves as a living example of how 31 acres and willingness can introduce the next generation to the mentally rewarding trade and skilled profession of agriculture. While being the principal at Chattahoochee Hills Charter School in Georgia, partnered with John Deere , he also oversees the growing of fruits and vegetables, along with raising cattle, chickens, dogs, horses, and worms. This is one of many movements that encourage self-sufficiency, food literacy, and in turn, sustainability.

How to Get Started and How to Learn More

Looking for ways to get involved? I've written an e-book through Little L Salsa Garden, The North Texas Garden Revolution , which gives insight and foundational principles to beginner and experienced gardeners across the country. Want a free copy? Go to the registration page here and request your copy today. Let's start there!

Reference Videos and More Information

$70K and No Debt: How High School Grads Are Flipping the Script on Success

info@fullclipmagazine.com (Trimaine Clark) — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 03:32:25 GMT

Some high schoolers aren’t waiting for overpriced dorm rooms and student loan debt to hand them a future, they’re building one with their own hands, and right now.

In a culture obsessed with test scores and college rankings, there’s a rising class of teens who are graduating with skills, certifications, and $70,000 job offers... not degrees. They’re welders, coders, electricians, and HVAC techs. And instead of waiting four years (and racking up four figures in debt), they’re cashing real checks and stacking real freedom.

Make no mistake.. this isn't a trend... it's a new reality!

The Blueprint Is Changing

For decades, the formula was simple: get good grades, go to college, land a job. But that path is looking a lot less promising for Gen Z. Rising tuition, student loan debt, and underemployment have sparked a wave of young people choosing trades over tradition. They're proving that success isn’t just found in a lecture hall. It can be built in a workshop.

As platforms like EdPost have highlighted, high school grads trained in trades are landing $70K jobs straight out of senior year. That's not just a win, it’s a wake-up call.

Skills Over Status

What’s really fueling this shift? It’s more than just income. It’s mindset.

In a recent report on life skills education, we see Gen Z turning to “Adulting 101” crash courses to fill the practical gaps traditional schooling often overlooks... things like budgeting, cooking, credit management, and communication. These aren’t just survival tools, they’re foundational skills that impact everything from financial independence to personal confidence.

Whether it’s through shop class, coding bootcamps, or DIY financial literacy, today’s students are learning that knowing how to live is just as important as knowing how to pass a test.

The New Definition of Success

Let’s be all the way real, choosing the trades doesn’t mean you’re “less than.” It means you’re strategic. It means you’re not waiting for permission to build wealth or purpose. It means you understand that a job title doesn’t define your intelligence, and a degree doesn’t guarantee opportunity.

At Communities Over Competition, we’ve seen how access to life skills workshops, hands-on training, and entrepreneurship coaching can flip futures in real time. Students are learning how to fix cars, build websites, wire homes, balance books, and most importantly, own their journey.

So Where Do We Go From Here?

Schools need to catch up. Period. We certainly don’t need to cancel college, but we do need to broaden the blueprint. Every student deserves to see a path to success that includes options like:

Dual enrollment with trade programs

Life skills and financial literacy courses

Exposure to entrepreneurship and freelancing

Mentorship from skilled professionals in trades

Because when we stop treating trade paths like Plan B, we start unlocking Plan A for millions of students who are wired to create, fix, build, and innovate, outside the box.

Final Word: Rethink the Degree Dream

The game has changed. Has your mindset?

We’re watching a generation redefine success on their own terms, and their hands are covered in hard work, not student loan debt. Whether they’re restoring classic cars, repairing HVAC systems, writing code, or balancing budgets, these young trailblazers are building the future from the ground up.

Let’s honor that. Let’s invest in that. Let’s teach to that.

Bring Hands-On Learning to Your Community

Want your school or organization to host a trades or life skills workshop? Visit the workshops page to bring hands-on learning to your city.

Narratives, Nepotism, and the Numbers They Don’t Want to Talk About

info@fullclipmagazine.com (Trimaine Clark) — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:12:03 GMT

There’s a meme floating around showing Deion Sanders with his sons, next to Archie Manning with Peyton and Eli. The caption? “Why y’all hate Deion for doing what the Mannings been doing for decades?” It’s been making the rounds, and it struck a nerve—because it’s not just about football. It’s about perception, privilege, and who gets grace when the spotlight hits.

I jumped in with a quote meant to stir some thought: "Peyton Manning threw 28 interceptions in ‘98, Eli had 27 in 2013. Jameis Winston threw 30 in 2019—and led the league in passing. But look at the narratives around them at the time."

Someone responded: "Well, Peyton and Eli have Super Bowl rings. That’s why it’s different."

But here’s the thing: they didn’t have those rings at the time they were throwing all those picks.

Let’s look at the numbers:

Peyton Manning (1998 Rookie Season): 3,739 passing yards, 26 TDs, 28 INTs

Eli Manning (2013 Season): 3,818 passing yards, 18 TDs, 27 INTs

Jameis Winston (2019 Season): 5,109 passing yards (1st in NFL), 33 TDs, 30 INTs

The narratives at the time?

Peyton: *"Learning curve for a franchise QB."

Eli: *"Tough season, but he’s earned some leeway."

Jameis: *"He’s reckless, can’t be trusted, a liability."

The disparity is obvious. Jameis Winston’s 2019 was historic in both good and bad ways. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in the same season—and still led the league in passing. That season also included twelve games over 300 passing yards, and four over 400. But how many people remember that?

When asked about that season, Jameis once said:

"I’m balling. I just got to stop throwing the ball to the other team. That’s it."

He was being honest, and maybe even a little tongue-in-cheek, but his tone was dissected more than his talent.

Which brings us back to Deion Sanders.

When Coach Prime proudly advocates for his sons—speaks on their behalf, promotes them, mentors them, and unapologetically moves through spaces that weren’t built for him—it gets labeled as arrogance, overreach, even entitlement. But when Archie Manning advises, maneuvers, and protects the paths for his sons, it’s legacy. It’s pedigree. It’s leadership.

Let’s be clear: Peyton and Eli turned out to be great. That’s not in question. What is in question is why certain quarterbacks and families are granted time, grace, and a presumption of greatness—while others are picked apart before the ink is dry on the stat sheet.

So yeah, the meme has layers. It’s not just about two families. It’s about which kinds of families are allowed to take up space, shape the system, and be applauded for it.

You don’t have to be a Jameis Winston fan to recognize how fast the goalposts move, depending on who’s on the field. And if we’re going to talk rings, legacies, or draft influence—let’s just make sure we’re keeping that same energy all around.

The Cost of Enabling: Ja Morant, Allen Iverson, and the Power of Accountability

info@fullclipmagazine.com (Trimaine Clark) — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:48:53 GMT

Ja Morant has been a dynamic force in the NBA, but his recent gun gesture controversy is a stark reminder: actions have consequences, and making excuses only sets the stage for self-sabotage. Too many are enabling this behavior, echoing a pattern we saw with Allen Iverson, whose unresolved past ultimately shortened what could have been an even greater legacy.

Consider what Iverson’s mentor, John Thompson, once said about the cost of not moving past your baggage:

"The one thing about Allen, though, is that he never got over his past. He never got over what happened to him in Hampton. He never got over going to jail. He never got over how people treated his mother. He carried that with him every day of his life."

— John Thompson

This isn’t about victimhood, it's a call to hold yourself accountable both on and off the court. When we excuse and enable destructive behavior, we risk crippling ourselves for life. As Denzel, in his role as Coach Boone, put it:

"The world don't give a d*mm about how sensitive these kids are, especially the young black kids. You ain't doin' these kids a favor by patronizing them. You crippling them; You crippling them for life."

— Denzel as Coach Boone

Let's learn from history and ensure that our support lifts us up rather than coddles us into complacency. Whether you're a rising star or a seasoned pro, staying on top of your game means taking responsibility for your actions. It's time to stop enabling destructive behavior and start building a legacy defined by accountability and resilience.

Reclaiming the Heart of Storytelling in a World of Explosions

info@fullclipmagazine.com (Trimaine Clark) — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:33:57 GMT

The art of storytelling is dying, and the question is: why should we stand by and let it happen?

Think back to when sitcoms had the luxury of 22 episodes, where even the filler episodes had heart and built real connections. That’s the kind of narrative depth we once cherished. It’s the same depth that made Martin Scorsese’s jab at Marvel movies so pointed, he argued that they’re nothing more than theme parks, lacking the substance of true cinema.

In the era of classic Hitchcock, a character’s death wasn’t just a moment, it was a turning point, and a thoughtful twist that propelled the story forward. But today, we’re witnessing a dangerous trend of flashy special effects and nonstop action that have taken center stage. This is all while genuine character development and plot are sacrificed in the name of spectacle.

Take a moment to think about it. If Keanu Reeves or Denzel Washington were to fall halfway through a film, it shouldn’t be the end of the story. It should be the spark for something new, something that pushes the narrative in unexpected and compelling directions. Yet, we’ve become so addicted to the adrenaline rush of blockbuster action that we often forget to care about the stories behind the explosions.

This isn’t just a nostalgic rant. It’s a call to arms for real cinema that dares to be thoughtful, raw, and emotionally resonant. It’s time to reclaim the heart of storytelling.

What films or shows have truly moved you? Let us know, and let’s spark a conversation about reclaiming quality storytelling in an age that’s overrun by CGI and fast-paced thrills.

Collaboration Over Competition: How to Build Strong Business Alliances

info@fullclipmagazine.com (Trimaine Clark) — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 21:08:05 GMT

The Power of Partnerships: Strengthening Businesses Through Collaboration, Professionalism, and Mutual Growth.

In today’s business world, success isn’t just about outperforming competitors, it’s about building meaningful relationships that foster growth, innovation, and sustainability. The most successful entrepreneurs recognize that collaboration creates more opportunities than competition ever could.

At Communities Over Competition, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships, professional courtesy, and strong working relationships to drive success. This blog explores why collaboration matters, how to build lasting business alliances, and the role of respect and professionalism in working together effectively.

Why Collaboration Matters in Business

Many businesses operate under the assumption that competition is the only path to success. However, healthy collaboration often leads to better results, stronger networks, and a more supportive business environment. Here’s why:

1. Expanding Your Reach & Visibility

Working with like-minded businesses allows you to tap into new audiences, cross-promote services, and increase brand awareness. Through joint marketing efforts, referral programs, and co-hosted events, businesses can extend their reach far beyond what they could achieve alone.

2. Leveraging Strengths & Resources

Every business has unique strengths. By combining skills, knowledge, and resources, businesses can create more value for their clients and customers. Partnerships help companies solve problems more efficiently and deliver higher-quality products and services.

Example: A web designer and a marketing consultant can collaborate to provide clients with a complete digital strategy, rather than working in silos and missing out on potential opportunities.

3. Maintaining Professional Courtesy & Strong Relationships

Business alliances thrive when partners respect each other’s expertise, honor agreements, and communicate openly. Establishing clear expectations and maintaining professional courtesy builds trust and prevents conflicts.

When businesses prioritize mutual respect and ethical collaboration, they create long-lasting partnerships that lead to continued growth and success.

4. Gaining a Competitive Edge Without the Rivalry

Rather than competing for the same customers, businesses that collaborate create more value for their industry as a whole. Strategic partnerships position both companies as leaders while strengthening the overall market.

5. Encouraging Innovation & Business Growth

Working with others fosters creativity, problem-solving, and continuous learning. Many successful business owners gain insights from their partners that help them refine their strategies, improve their services, and stay ahead of trends.

How to Build Strong Business Alliances

Building productive business relationships requires trust, clear communication, and shared goals. Here’s how to create effective and lasting partnerships:

1. Choose the Right Partners

Seek out businesses that align with your values, complement your strengths, and share a common vision. A great partnership isn’t just about financial gain, it’s about mutual growth, shared purpose, and a commitment to supporting each other’s success.

2. Set Clear Expectations & Honor Agreements

From the start, define roles, responsibilities, and the scope of the collaboration. Discuss expectations related to:

Communication and response times
Revenue-sharing or cross-promotion agreements
Deadlines and deliverables

Always honor commitments and respect professional boundaries to maintain trust and credibility.

3. Communicate Openly & Respectfully

Strong relationships are built on clear and honest communication. Schedule regular check-ins, provide constructive feedback, and address concerns professionally.

Remember, professional courtesy goes a long way. Acknowledge contributions, show appreciation, and approach conflicts with a problem-solving mindset rather than a defensive one.

4. Create Win-Win Opportunities

Collaboration should benefit both parties equally. Ensure that partnerships are structured in a way that creates value for all involved. Whether it’s through lead-sharing, co-hosted workshops, or shared marketing efforts, a good partnership is one where everyone gains something meaningful.

5. Maintain Long-Term Relationships

Treat business alliances as ongoing relationships rather than one-time transactions. Follow up, continue supporting your partners, and look for new opportunities to collaborate. Strong professional networks lead to more referrals, business growth, and long-term success.

The Benefits of a Collaborative & Professional Business Approach

Adopting a collaborative mindset rooted in professionalism leads to long-term stability, industry respect, and expanded opportunities. Here’s what businesses gain by prioritizing working relationships over competition:

Stronger Networks & Industry Influence – Partnerships help businesses become key players in their field while creating a supportive business community.
Enhanced Reputation & Trust – Businesses that value professionalism, reliability, and ethical collaboration build a strong reputation and attract better opportunities.
Sustainable Growth & Stability – A well-connected business is more resilient during economic shifts and can lean on partnerships for support and new ventures.

Join the Movement: Communities Over Competition

At Communities Over Competition, we’re committed to helping businesses build strong, ethical, and mutually beneficial alliances. Whether you’re looking for collaboration opportunities or seeking resources to grow your business, our platform connects like-minded professionals who believe in success through relationships.

Ready to expand your business through strategic partnerships? Explore our Resource Sharing Hub and connect with businesses that share your vision.

Let’s grow together, because success is greater when shared.

Beyond Pentecost: Building a Thriving Church Economy in the Digital Age

info@fullclipmagazine.com (Trimaine Clark) — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:09:43 GMT

Experiencing the move of God is just the beginning, now it’s time to establish sustainable growth, engagement, and community impact.

As I once heard a pastor point out, after the miraculous event on Pentecost, in Acts 2, the people sold their possessions and brought back the increase to the church. The proceeds were then redistributed according to everyone's need. Therefore, it's to be noted that Pentecost came to establish the economy of the church. The disconnect with the church today is that we have been stopping at Pentecost. We experience the move of God, however, we haven't crossed over into effectively establishing our economies. All the same, more leaders of the church are coming into the awareness of the need to build within their respective communities.

In the digital age, a comprehensive marketing strategy is essential for churches looking to grow and engage their communities effectively. Here's how marketing services can make a lasting impact, as well as how to overcome the obstacles that have challenged progress:

1. Boosting Community Engagement

Beyond a simple website, targeted email campaigns, social media strategies, and event promotions can transform how your church connects with people. By sharing stories of faith and outreach initiatives, you inspire deeper involvement from members and reach those seeking a spiritual home. By streamlining the outreach process through automation and strategic campaigns, your efforts can produce the desired effect.

2. Creating Appealing Content

High-quality, inspiring content, like videos, blogs, and compelling imagery, can bring your church’s mission to life. We understand excellence within the four walls. Well, we should operate in excellence in the digital world as well. Engaging materials and eye-catching websites keep members and visitors informed and uplifted, while professionally managed social platforms amplify your reach.

3. Fostering a Sustainable Community Economy

Marketing services can highlight local initiatives, encourage community giving, and build awareness for church-supported programs. With the right strategies, you can strengthen economic ties and support projects that uplift the entire congregation and surrounding area.

A full-service marketing approach ensures your church's message is seen, heard, and embraced, leading to lasting community impact.

"If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength; but wisdom [to sharpen the axe] helps him succeed [with less effort]." -Ecclesiastes 10:10 AMP

Let's sharpen the axe together. Ready to transform your outreach?

Let's get started!

Coach Kool Part 2: Boys to Men

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 16:30:05 GMT

Make It Make Sense Documentary

Kool Kidz Part 2: Boys to Men : The journey continues with community leader @kingkool100 , founder of Kool Kidz Boxing , as his reach extends from beginners to pros across the Dallas-Ft.Worth metroplex. Support from 6x Champ @zabjudah , as well as celebrity boxer @woodaratchetass , reinforce the movement as Coach Kool continues to blaze a trail for the youth. After witnessing the greatest dog fight of all time, a 28 round underground match between @champ2timez and @trigger_.trae , the people’s champ celebrates as @logan_thomasboxingteam and @rodneygladney_ come home with belts of their own. As the community unites to invest into the movement, stay tuned for Part 3 as we continue to witness the transformation of boys growing into men.

Coach Kool Part 1: Train Up a Child

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 16:25:37 GMT

Make It Make Sense Documentary

#communityovercompetition We jumped in the trenches for this one with the legendary, community leader @kingkool100 . In this episode, Train Up a Child Part 1, we checked out @bnfa40 ‘s Gunz Down Glovez Up monthly, underground fights. While having the opportunity to see Coach Kool in action, we also witnessed what’s been labeled the greatest underground fight ever, a 28 round dog fight between @champ2timez , and top Ohio underground fighter, @trigger_.trae �� Stay tuned for Part 2 with interviews from the two icons.

Meanwhile, on the block, Coach Kool Breez has been displaying the Each One Teach One mentality by providing a positive outlet for youth in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex. Between the demonstration of fatherly love and commentary from @therealajwalka , @whole_lotta_woodz and more, community once again triumphed over competition. Special shout out to @boomandid , @kimosho_dojo , and all fighters for making it a night to remember.

Shambrisha Orange Part 2 of 3: Lights Out is the Best Out "Purpose Edition"

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 17:20:12 GMT

Make It Make Sense Documentary

Lights Out is the Best Out Purpose Edition

In this episode, national flag football star, Shambrisha Orange, explains life in women's flag football, along with a special message from former NFL legend Ray Lewis, and a Full Clip Mic Rip session by Sham on behalf of the Lights Out movement.

Watch as Sham shares with Trey Clark what it's like traveling while doing what you truly love, living a life of purpose, overcoming obstacles, and leaving it all on the field.

DeMarcus Minor Part 3: Community Teamwork "Agents of Change"

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 16:52:25 GMT

Make It Make Sense Documentary

While Deion Sanders is trailblazing a path for student-athletes to reach the NFL and achieve professional goals through HBCUs, community leader, DeMarcus Minor, discussed the importance of community leadership working together to create similar paths in the youth basketball arena. This is part 3 of the Make It Make Sense Podcast, where we sat down with the former Baylor star, as he dug into politics within AAU basketball and the school districts, leadership challenges, and more.

Be sure to follow Mr. Minor on Instagram @real_life_buckets to witness the show ��, and for more details about you can be a part of the movement that makes every game feel like a home game.

Shambrisha Orange Part 1 of 3: Movement is Medicine

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 17:13:14 GMT

Make it Make Sense Documentary

"Just get up and get active" with national flag football star and fitness trainer, Shambrisha Orange, as she drops gems and gives insight into assisting mothers and the youth with living healthier lifestyles. This is part 1 of a 3 part series, "Movement is Medicine".

Follow Sham on Instagram @ShambrishaOrange for more insight into MOOCH4 (Mother Of Organized Chaos), her flag football journey, as well as how to contact her concerning fitness training.

A Genius and a Legend Named Cudjo

info@fullclipmagazine.com (Trimaine Clark) — Tue, 18 May 2021 22:39:03 GMT

ZORA NEALE HURSTON'S LIFE AND INTERVIEW OF ONE OF THE LAST SLAVE SHIP SURVIVORS

Orlando, Fl 2021: It’s been 3 months since Docta Get Wright left the Wild West, performing his quarterly journalistic duties. Upon his unexpected discoveries, he telegrams back home to his beloved colleague and friend, Sharp Eye, the FullClip gang’s private investigator, whom he loves like a play cousin. These are his findings…

Sharp Eye,

Ok, so you remember when I told you about the movie I saw, Their Eyes Were Watching God? The movie where Oprah was the producer, and it had Halle Berry in it and the bright dude from Barber Shop? He went by Tea Cake in the movie. Yeah, so in the movie the characters actually went to The Muck. Remember I was like that’s crazy how somebody actually acknowledged The Muck in a movie? I mean Tea Cake even took it as far as telling Halle Berry about how free it was down there, like how it really is low key. Tell me why…

the movie turned out to be from a book by a famous, black author named Zora Neale Hurston. She was popular during the Harlem Renaissance. What’s wild is that in the movie they talked about Eatonville, Florida, which is one of the first all black towns in America. Come to find out Zora Hurston is from there. In real life though. She was born in Alabama and moved there a few years later. Go figure she know about The Muck, right? Once I found that out I had to start digging deeper. What I found out next, I wasn’t prepared for.. I ain even gon lie.

This lady was not only a folklorist, novelist, anthropologist, and dramatist, she was also a journalist. She wasn’t just any journalist. She actually did a interview with the last slave. Ok, I’m lying. He was the actually the 3rd to the last known survivor from last known U.S. slave ship called, The Clotilda. Yeah… how crazy is that? Bro… hearing what he had to say broke my heart. So it’s kinda bitter-sweet.

So he was named Cudjo Lewis here, but that’s not even his original name. His original name is Ouale Kossola. He was brought over in 1860 when the international slave trade had already been deemed illegal for several years. Because of that, they brought them in at night and made them hide in a swamp for several days. They then turned around and set the 86 foot boat on fire to hide everything. During their interviews in the late 1920s through early 1930s, Ouale broke down how it played out like this:

“We very sorry to be parted from one ’nother… We seventy days cross de water from de Affica soil, and now dey part us from one ’nother. Derefore we cry. Our grief so heavy look lak we cain stand it. I think maybe I die in my sleep when I dream about my mama.”

Keep in mind, they didn’t even speak the same language as everybody else,

“We doan know why we be bring ’way from our country to work lak dis… Everybody lookee at us strange. We want to talk wid de udder colored folkses but dey doan know whut we say.”

I mean, just the way they interacted with one another hits home cause they remind you of family back home. Their interaction, the way they respond to trauma.. Just listen to this audio piece in regards to a previous written book by Ms. Hurston called Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo”.

At this point, I’m like “why haven’t I heard of this lady before”? You would think she was subpar as a writer being that this is all brand new, right? Nah. In 2005, Time released a All Time 100 Novels list, within that I found the classics we had to read in school like The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird. Guess what else was named on the list… Their Eyes Were Watching God.

That gift of hers came at a cost though. At 13, she was pretty much left to fend for herself when her mama died. Her dad, who was a minister and mayor of Eatonville, remarried and sent her off to boarding school before they eventually stopped paying the tuition and she got kicked out. She struggled for awhile as an undersized maid before finally working as a maid for a lead singer in a theater company. That’s when her gifts began to be quickened. I take it that’s where the line from Their Eyes Were Watching God comes from when they say, “Two things everybody’s got tuh do fuh thevselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin’ fuh thevselves.”

At the age of 26, she wanted to go back and finish high school, so she lied about her age and said she was born in 1901 instead of 1891. She did this because state laws offered free school for people of color between the ages of 16 and 20. Her plan worked. She went on to enroll in a few schools like what’s known today as Morgan State and even Howard University. Being that she was gettin it out da mud, she took advantage of much needed financial help from people that crossed her path and saw her potential.

During this point in her life, she decided to move to Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance, where she connected with black artists, writers, musicians, and more. Along with quickly becoming recognized, she connected with notable figures, including Langston Hughes, and they eventually became close friends. However, make no mistake, between the Jim Crow south and the growing pains of her career, the struggle was real…

Zora, a true folklorist who flourished as a writer due to her childhood exposure to the spirited people of Eatonville, not only faced challenges financially, from family, from her close friend, from failed marriages, and from racism, she was also criticized throughout her career as a writer. Even with the way she chose to tell the story of Cudjo, she was accused of mocking how black people spoke, along with being accused of not speaking towards the struggles of blacks at the time. She wasn’t trying to hear it saying, “I know I cannot straighten out with a few pen-strokes what God and men took centuries to mess up. So I tried to deal with life as we actually live it—not as sociologists imagine it." She also mentioned, “There is over-simplification of the Negro… He is either pictured … as happy, picking his banjo, or … low, miserable and crying.” It also didn’t help that her tone empowered women and criticized men at times in an era where that narrative wasn’t fully accepted. Nevertheless, she kept pumping out the classics…

Adding insult to injury, the Great Depression hit, killing the demand for the fruitful, colorful, art form that the Harlem Renaissance and its icons brought to society. Struggling to get her works published, the edgy, optimistic, visionary continued to face poverty in her latter years. After being admitted into a nursing home and suffering a fatal stroke on January 28th, 1960, her papers were ordered to be burned. Fortunately, her deputy friend, Patrick DuVal, stopped by and put the fire out, saving the works that were eventually given to the University of Florida as well as donated.

It wasn’t until 1973 when Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, decided to honor her legacy that Zora’s work began to gain its fully deserved recognition. Alice, along with Charlotte D. Hunt, visited what was considered Zora’s grave, which was still unmarked due to a lack of funds, and had it inscribed. By the late 1970s, her books were back in print. Her previous plays, which were never produced, made it to the stage as well, including Mule Bone.

Despite the delay in full recognition, Zora Neale Hurston’s work went on to be appreciated for how it was initially meant to be received, validating the title that Alice Walker had inscribed, “A Genius of the South”.

I mean between her riding around strapped up, going against the grain, standing ten toes down on her gift, and trailblazing a path of creativity, she was a true definition of what we call a Full Clip, Full Lip Beauty.

- Docta Get Wright

Surviving the Ice Storms

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 06:33:49 GMT

City of Garland Team Leader, Renaldo Mack, is Ready to Tell His Story

Record breaking temperatures have hit North Texas as snow droughts end in the midst of a pandemic. This also contributed to one of the worst car pile-ups that many have ever seen that occurred on I35 in Fort Worth. The accident included an estimated 100 cars, along with 18 Wheelers, and multiple fatalities. These extreme conditions have put an added toll on making sure the roads are safe for those who are essential to the economy and for those simply in need of essentials.

469-594-1258 Dallas-Ft. Worth

Some fields require employees to walk a humble path. For example, the sound man at church may not always be recognized for ensuring the experience is adequate for visitors. However, if there is feedback on the mic in the middle of scripture reading, that just might turn a few heads leading to unwanted attention. Road workers in North Texas during these harsh winter times find themselves in similar predicaments. How many times have you or have you heard someone voice a complaint about the quality of roads and highways? How often do you hear these same workers complimented for their work? Granted, excuses are tools of incompetence, even then, character also tells us to give credit where it’s due. While many of us are sleeping at night or driving back and forth to work, the road workers in Garland, Tx have been literally working around the clock to make sure the roads are safe to make it even possible. After all, who wants to end up stranded while trying to get to work or find that a loved one has been involved in a serious accident on the way to work, similar to what happened in Fort Worth?

Communities Over Competition spoke with Renaldo Mack, a team leader who works year round in improving the quality of the roads in Garland. Mr. Mack shared with us what his work consists of, how freezing temperatures and conditions affect the roads, the challenges they face, and more.

“Most cities usually have 2-3 sand trucks that patrol their cities when temperatures freeze, Garland has 6. Roads freeze once the temperature hits 32 degrees and doesn't thaw out until it gets above 40. The most dangerous misconception is snow is the most dangerous when it really is sleet. At least with snow you can maintain some form of control. Sleet is completely unpredictable. Bridges, overpasses, intersections, turning lanes, roads that go uphill and downhill along with fire station entrances and hospital entrances are the areas we sand. Highways like 635, 75, 35, 20, PGBT, NTTA belong to the state so TxDot sands those Highways. We deploy a trail truck for each sand truck to act as a buffer to prevent cars from sliding into the sand trucks while they're in the process of sanding roads. It's a difficult and physically taxing job because the worse the weather the more we have to come in. And many of us live an hour away from Garland so we have to ease our way into work to do our best to make Garland as safe as possible.” - Mr. Mack

When asked about challenges that he’s seen as him and his team have been working through these conditions, he advised:

“The majority of the accidents that happen come between 5am-9am. People are in a hurry to get to work and try to drive regular speed to get there. I recommend 30mph TOPS on highway and 15-20 mph on city roads. Better to be late to work than end up wrecking into anything. Your life is more valuable to your family and friends than any job who'll replace you days later.”

Thanks to Mr. Mack, his team, and other workers across North Texas, commutes are continuously being made possible. Here at Communities Over Competition we send best wishes to the “wheels within the wheel” as they continue to travel their humble paths.

Roadside/Tow Assistance 469-594-1258

DeMarcus Minor Part 2: The Black American Male, Fatherhood Edition

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 15:45:18 GMT

Make It Make Sense Documentary

Underdog Fitness, Garland, Tx

Full Clip Magazine hung out with ex Baylor star and community leader, DeMarcus Minor, as he gave a remarkable outlook of the state of the black, American male in today's society. Along with addressing the challenges that parents and black youth face, he also advocated for lobbyists and unity in order to preserve the health and well being of young black men. This is part 2 of the Make It Make Sense Podcast featuring Mr. Minor, as he analyzes and explains the condition of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex like a last second play from a clipboard, giving a glimpse of the state of communities across the country as a whole.

DeMarcus Minor Part 1: Kids Labeled Animals While Positive Outlets Are Missing

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 15:34:26 GMT

Make it Make Sense Documentary

Underdog Fitness, Garland, Tx: In this episode of Make it Make Sense podcast, Trey Clark and Head meet with ex Baylor University basketball star and community leader, DeMarcus Minor. DeMarcus addresses the Garland/Dallas-Ft. Worth area and how facilities for local children are limited which plays into why they may eventually turn to a life of crime. During this session, he advocates for the adults to do a better job of unity and providing for the youth.