gratitude, Life

Clyde Kennard and JET Magazine

Shaun Bradford

Last night I attended a lecture about a local civil rights icon, Clyde Kennard. Clyde Kennard was the first African American to attempt to enroll at what’s now the University of Southern Mississippi. Although he became part of civil rights history, he wanted to enroll for the same reason as everyone else—to get an education.

Clyde Kennard’s story is one of segregation, mistreatment, betrayal, imprisonment, illness, and unwavering hope. Until his death, Mr. Kennard hoped to see a world where everyone was treated fairly, equally, and had the same educational opportunities.

Here’s a short documentary about Clyde Kennard— Measure of Progress: The Clyde Kennard Story. Produced by Dr. Alysia Burton Steele and Bobby D. Steele, Jr.

Research on Clyde Kennard’s story was conducted by Dr. Sherita L. Johnson, Dr. Loren Saxton Coleman, Dr. Cheryl Jenkins, and Dr. Rebecca Tuuri. Their latest project is the book “Mixing: Race, Higher Education, and the Case of Clyde Kennard.”

So, you may be wondering why I included JET Magazine in the title. Well, much of the information gathered for the book came from the scholars (mentioned above) following the work of journalists and photographers who documented Clyde Kennard’s story in JET Magazine. Last night, they explained how Jet Magazine was the only national publication that humanized Mr. Kennard’s story.

From their lecture, I also learned that JET Magazine was one of the few national publications that conducted extensive research to present African American stories. For me, learning this was one of those indescribably beautiful moments. You see, I still have copies of JET Magazine. I look through them from time to time, but rarely stop to read the articles. I’m pretty sure I read a few of the articles when I purchased them, but I never considered the work that went into presenting those stories. This week, I plan to take a moment and read a few articles with this thought in mind.

I also have copies of Ebony, Essence, and Sister 2 Sister magazines.

Y’all, I truly love my life! If you only knew what I’m feeling right now. The only way I can describe it is Forrest Gump-ish—I’m surrounded by and standing in the midst of history.

My life and MY GOD! I can’t express it enough, I just love the way He loves me. I am truly blessed.🥰

This is all I have for now. Thanks for stopping by and reading. I pray you have a wonderful day!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

empowerment, Life

Happy Monday

Shaun Bradford

Hello!☀️

How are you? 

Me: I’m good.

Just dropping in to wish you a wonderful day and week.

Here’s today’s message—

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” –Arthur Ashe

Stop Waiting

Don’t wait until tomorrow to do what you’ve been longing to do. Do it today!

The song of the morning is Norman Hutchins’ “God’s Got A Blessing (with My Name on It).

Listen, God’s got a blessing with YOUR name on it. Hang in there!🌺

This is all for now. Have a beautiful day!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

Life

Hello Sunday (298)

Shaun Bradford

Happy Sunday!☀️

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” –George Addair

Face Your Fears

I’ve been thinking a lot about my fears lately. Yes, I’m human. I have them. Smile. As I did when I came face to face with that snake almost a week ago (see It All Works Out), I must do the same with other fears. As George Addair said, “Everything [I’ve] ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”

How about you?

Are there fears you need to face?

What’s possible on the other side of those fears?

This is all I have for now. Wishing you a wonderfully, blessed day! May it be filled with lots of love and joy.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

Life

Just Gonna Sit This Right Here

Shaun Bradford

Feeling a bit disturbed. Didn’t wake up this way, but feeling it now.

A few weeks ago, I saw that an ex had started following me on Facebook. I tried to ignore the likes. But then he messaged me. That was the wrong move. I knew that responding would’ve opened a door that closed decades ago. Forgiveness doesn’t mean access. BLOCKED.

Just checked another Facebook account and here he is again with another follow—not even four hours ago. This time BLOCKED off the bat.

I’ve come too far to relive 30+ years ago. It took me forever to get my life back on track. That time and space is somewhere I never want to revisit.

If he’s the same person I knew back then, then I know he’ll see this message.

This is for YOU…

The love I had for you was ages ago and only for that moment. There’s no going back. I’ve moved on. You may have changed like you said, and I pray that you truly have. I wish you nothing but peace. I pray that you find love and live out the rest of your life at its best. May everything you touch prosper and be successful. I truly want you to be happy and blessed.🙏🏽

My life…

Why am I hearing Mary J. Blige singing “No more pain…”

No more drama.

No more pain.

Not this time.

Sorry to have included you all in the conversation, but it needed to be said.

I pray y’all have a glorious Self-Love Saturday! May it be filled with lots of love and joy.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

empowerment, trust God

Your Wings Are Ready: It’s Time To Fly

Shaun Bradford

It’s time to fly.🦋 You got this!♥️ Love you, Shaun

Your Wings Are Ready

Happy Friday!☀️

I was just about to share another post from this day several years ago, when this one from last year caught my eye— “Your wings are ready.”

Hey YOU!

Yes… YOU!!

Your wings are ready! Don’t just prepare to fly, prepare to SOAR!

Bet you didn’t know butterflies could become eagles, did you? God is good like that. Smile

This is all for now. Have a wonderfully, blessed day and beautiful weekend!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

Prepare to SOAR!!🦅 Don’t be afraid. God’s got you.♥️♥️♥️

empowerment, Life

Start Planting Your Seeds

Shaun Bradford

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” –Chinese Proverb

Longevity and Sustainability

Hello!☀️ And Happy Thursday!

I hope you’re doing well.

It’s never too late to start planting seeds for the fruit you’d like to see, hold, and eat in the future. If you didn’t plant them 10–20 years ago, or even yesterday, you can still plant them today.

This is all for now.

Start planting your seeds…TODAY!🌱♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

hope

Sending Up Prayers

Shaun Bradford

Father God, please send peace to those who are hurting and comfort to those who are grieving. Let your love cover them so they’ll forget the pain. Bring healing to those who need healing. Give hope to those who are struggling to see a way out of whatever they’re facing. Please guide them through the unknown. Prayers for protection from unforeseen harm.

God, we need You. We need You now.

Amen

kindness

The Perfect Reminder

Shaun Bradford

Happy Wednesday☀️

Smile. You are loved.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

hope

I Didn’t Know My Own Strength

Shaun Bradford

This morning I woke up with Whitney Houston’s I Didn’t Know My Own Strength playing over and over in my head. Truthfully, how I have made it thus far is a blur. As I look back over my adulthood, I’m amazed at how many challenges I encountered and actually overcame.

Wednesday Writings

Happy Tuesday!☀️

I pray you’re doing well.

Just finished reading the post that’s quoted and linked above. It’s a post I shared on this day five years ago (October 13, 2021). Smiling through tears (happy tears) because I made it through some really tough times. When I tell y’all I am so very blessed. If you need a little inspiration, click the Wednesday Writings link in the quote above. Listen, life does get better.

Yes, life does get better. I refuse to believe otherwise.

Five years ago, I was listening to Whitney Houston’s, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” The song says—

I didn’t know my own strength
And I crashed down, and I tumbled
But I did not crumble
I got through all the pain
I didn’t know my own strength
Survived my darkest hour
My faith kept me alive
I picked myself back up
Hold my head up high
I was not built to break
I didn’t know my own strength

“I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” by Whitney Houston

Y’all, sometimes I didn’t know if I’d make it. But I’m here!

Yes, I am here!

And so are YOU!

This is all I have for now. I pray you have a fabulous day! May it be filled with lots of love, joy, and happiness.♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.

empowerment

It All Works Out

Shaun Bradford

Happy Monday!☀️

“No matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.” –Maya Angelou

Be Encouraged

I just realized I hadn’t spoken yet! I hope you’re doing well. Me, I’m just sitting here laughing at life. Sometimes all you can do is laugh.

Storytime…

A short while ago, I went to take out the trash. Usually, I’m careful when I move the trash can outside because I’ve seen lizards lurking underneath. Well, since I hadn’t seen any in a while, I didn’t hesitate to move it. Big mistake! Or more like BIG SNAKE! A long green snake came from underneath the can. It didn’t run. Instead, it raised its head and looked at me, and I looked at it. I told it that it could have the trash can. Then, I slowly backed away, let the garage door down, and came inside. By the time my son went to pull the trash can to the curb, the snake was gone.

Y’all, life is like that snake. Sometimes things will catch you off guard. However, I’m finding that the way you respond makes all of the difference. Had I started jumping and running, I’m pretty sure it would’ve reacted similarly. The key is to remain calm. Ask yourself if it’s a threat. If not, keep pushing. If it is, remove it or yourself from the situation.

Election Day is right around the corner, and things are becoming increasingly tense. Be careful and be mindful of your surroundings and who’s in your presence.

As life happens, keep this in mind—it all works out in the end.

This is all I have at the moment. Praying you have a wonderful day!♥️

I love you,

Shaun

**Be sure to stop by Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and get your daily dose of inspiration.