Our Unseen Roots

05/20/2026

“We’re all out here fighting silent battles. Our fears are high, our nerves are up, and everyone has their guard up.” 💔 SocialAnxietyRelief SpreadLove WholesomeReels RealTalk Empathy

05/20/2026

We Do 10x the Work. We Deserve 10x the Value. 💯

05/15/2026

You Can’t Pour From An Empty Cup ☕️🍂

“It’s a habit that we all have... I forgot to take care of me because I had to go see about this person.”
From an instinct to nurture to the cultural pressures of being the bedrock of the community, Black women often put themselves last. Let’s talk about changing the narrative and depositing back into ourselves first.
Drop a 🤍 in the comments if you needed to hear this today!
CommunityHealing

05/15/2026

“I am me, and I don’t know how else to describe it.” ✨
In our latest sit-down for Our Unseen Roots, we spent time with the incredible Lloyandra Cooper—educator, advocate, and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 🔺🐘
Lloyandra’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and the power of seeing the human behind the title. From helping a student pivot from academic dismissal to the Dean’s List, to standing on the shoulders of giants like Dorothy Height, Lloyandra reminds us that we are the “blueprint for everything.”
Key Takeaways from Lloyandra:
L’s are Lessons, Not Losses: Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about what you build from the moments that challenge you. 📚
The Power of Autonomy: For Lloyandra, liberation is “absolute, uncompromising, unburdened autonomy, joy, and safety.”
Pour Into Yourself: We can’t support the community from an empty cup. Mental health and rest are non-negotiable. ☕️💤
Build Your Own Table: “If there isn’t a seat at the table, I’m going to make a table and bring my own seat.” 🪑
“Excellence in your craft means you challenge yourself to grow... whereas perfection is just seeking validation.”
Lloyandra is a reminder that when we honor our roots and lead with empathy, we don’t just move mountains—we create a path for everyone coming after us. 👣
Who are the black women in your life who have been your blueprint? Tag them below! 👇🏾
CommunityFirst BlackExcellence Blueprint

04/28/2026

Beauty is more than skin deep. ✨

Karli Butler was a survivor long before she found her peace. In this moving short, Karli shares her incredible journey of resilience after surviving a brutal acid attack. From the depths of trauma to becoming a beacon of self-love and advocacy, her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Watch the full story here: April 29th, 4pm(CST) on YouTube.com/

02/20/2026

Our Unseen Roots I Black Women Stories

Featuring Renée Phillips

Renée Phillips, a fifth-generation Evanstonian also known as Renee Murphy, introduced herself as a Black woman in human services focusing on homeless prevention and housing. Renée Phillips emphasized that her grandmother, her greatest role model, taught her to make "something out of nothing," and she discussed the critical need for bringing back youth enrichment programs back to the Evanston community, noting the priority of funding in the city. The conversation also covered Renée Phillips's success story of a displaced Black woman attorney client, her belief in recognizing valuable community members without sensationalized titles, and the need for Black men to be more present and communicative partners to their children.

Renée Phillips, a fifth-generation Evanstonian also known as Renee Murphy, introduced herself as a Black woman in human services focusing on homeless prevent...

01/28/2026

Our Unseen Dads - Jerome Jones

Jerome Jones, a New York native, IT professional, minister, and father of two, shared reflections on his father, Sir Lorenzo Jones, noting the importance of perseverance and toughness, and discussed the unique joys and challenges of fatherhood, emphasizing the need for patience, accountability, and allowing children freedom to find their own journeys.

Jerome Jones, a New York native, IT professional, minister, and father of two, shared reflections on his father, Sir Lorenzo Jones, noting the importance of ...

01/04/2026

Full interview at YouTube.com/

12/04/2025

As a black dad, whats your greatest superpower?

Full episode on YouTube.com/

12/02/2025

“As a black dad, what is your greatest superpower?”
An small insight into black fatherhood…full episode at YouTube.com/