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Urban and Pop Culture and Lifestyle Blog
Shalena Speaks is a personal urban and pop culture and lifestyle blog that covers current and past events, with a focus on informing, empowering, and educating its audience. With a unique perspective and a desire to bring one's whole self to the table, this blog is a platform for self-expression and discovery. From personal interests to the latest in urban and pop culture, Shalena Speaks is a one-stop destination for inspiration and advice, brought to you by a serial entrepreneur who is passionate about all things urban and pop culture. Explore the site to see what's been cooking and find your own source of inspiration.
URBAN CULTURE
Discover the latest in street art, urban fashion, and the social trends that are defining the heartbeat of the city.
POP CULTURE
Stay on the pulse of pop culture with updates on trending music, film, and celebrity news.
MENTAL HEALTH
Dive into discussions on self-care, overcoming stress, and personal growth stories to inspire your wellness journey.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
From nutrition to holistic practices, this section provides all you need for physical and mental well-being in a bustling city environment.
#EXTRA EXTRA KNOW ALL ABOUT IT
Kick back and stay informed with the Inform and Chill section, where relaxation meets enlightenment. Here, you’ll find a laid-back approach to catching up on the latest urban news, insightful documentaries, and thought-provoking discussions. Perfect for those moments when you want to unwind but also engage with meaningful content. Grab your favorite snack, get comfortable, and let us bring the world to you in the most chill way possible.
Entertainment
Get your dose of entertainment buzz on Shalena Speaks! I'm talking the hottest updates from the world of urban entertainment, including must-watch movies, trending TV shows, and exciting live events. Dive behind the scenes for exclusive peeks and reviews that keep you in the loop. Whether it's a blockbuster hit or a niche play, find your entertainment fix and stay ahead of the curve.
MENTAL HEALTH
Prioritize your well-being with the Mental Health section on Shalena Speaks. This vital space is dedicated to discussing mental health issues, offering support, and providing resources within the urban community. Explore articles on self-care, stress reduction, and coping mechanisms that cater specifically to the unique challenges faced in urban environments. From expert advice to personal stories of resilience and recovery, this section empowers you to take charge of your mental health and find balance amidst the hustle of city life.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Nurture your body and mind with the Health and Wellness section on Shalena Speaks. Explore topics on mental health, urban nutrition, and holistic practices designed to thrive in the hustle and bustle of city life. From stress management tips to wellness trends, our articles help you maintain your health and vitality. Embrace a balanced urban life and find your path to wellness.
LIFESTYLE
Discover the essence of urban living with the Lifestyle section on Shalena Speaks. From the latest in street fashion to cutting-edge tech gadgets and city travel secrets, this segment is your guide to the stylish side of the city. Get insider tips on urban decor and how to maximize your living space in style. Whether you're a city dweller or an urban enthusiast, find your vibe and embrace the dynamic urban lifestyle here.
MUSIC
Tune into the Urban & Pop Culture Music section on Shalena Speaks to catch the latest and greatest in both urban and mainstream pop music. From chart-topping hits to underground gems, this section explores the intersection where urban vibes meet pop culture. Discover new artists, album reviews, and exclusive interviews that showcase the diversity and dynamism of these influential music genres. Whether you're a fan of smooth R&B, energetic pop, or the seamless blend of both, stay updated and in tune with the sounds shaping our cultural landscape.
Shalena Speaking
It's my opinion and what about it? LOL!
THE DEETS
![[HERO] CPTSD: When Trauma Wasn](https://cdn.marblism.com/HBWo9YzCTIv.webp)
CPTSD: When Trauma Wasn't "One Big Event" : It Was a Whole Era
There's a version of trauma people understand easily. A crash. A shooting. A single night that changed everything. But CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)? That's different. It's what happens when stress doesn't just visit your life: it moves in, rearranges the furniture, and starts acting like it pays rent. CPTSD is what chronic, repeated, inescapable trauma can do to your nervous system, identity, relationships, and ability to feel safe: sometimes long after the
50 minutes ago5 min read
![[HERO] Todd Bridges and Bettijo B. Hirschi Called It Quits , and Did It with Rare Maturity](https://cdn.marblism.com/WF_fwVmFdM5.webp)
Todd Bridges and Bettijo B. Hirschi Called It Quits , and Did It with Rare Maturity
The Internet Doesn't Know What to Do with a Peaceful Breakup That sounds dramatic, but look around: we've been trained by reality TV, messy timelines, and "tell-all" culture to expect every celebrity split to come with a side of chaos. We expect the subtle unfollow. The suspicious caption. The "friends close to the couple" leaks. The late-night livestream with somebody crying in a car. The soft-launch of a new relationship before the old one has even fully exited the group c
Jan 155 min read
![[HERO] Struggling to Keep Up with Pop Culture News? Here Are 50+ Ways to Stay Informed and Chill](https://cdn.marblism.com/E7qPHj-g8HA.webp)
Struggling to Keep Up with Pop Culture News? Here Are 50+ Ways to Stay Informed and Chill
Let's be real , keeping up with pop culture news in 2026 feels like a full-time job nobody's paying you for. One minute you're vibing, the next minute your group chat is going off about some celebrity drama you completely missed. The memes are flying, people are picking sides, and you're just sitting there like... what happened? Here's the tea: you don't have to be chronically online to stay informed. You just need the right sources, the right tools, and a system that works
Jan 155 min read
![[HERO] Boost Your Wellness Instantly with These 5 Tips for Busy Urban Professionals](https://cdn.marblism.com/5uE5qmj1jt7.webp)
Boost Your Wellness Instantly with These 5 Tips for Busy Urban Professionals
Let's be real , if you're navigating life as an urban professional, your schedule is probably packed tighter than a rush-hour subway car. Between meetings, deadlines, side hustles, family obligations, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, wellness can feel like a luxury you simply don't have time for. But here's the tea: taking care of yourself doesn't require a two-hour yoga session or a $300 juice cleanse. Sometimes, the most powerful health and wellness
Jan 155 min read
![[HERO] Why Everyone Is Talking About Celebrity Mental Health Disclosures (And You Should Too)](https://cdn.marblism.com/ui8gxtoWM6C.webp)
Why Everyone Is Talking About Celebrity Mental Health Disclosures (And You Should Too)
Let's be real , mental health conversations used to be the thing nobody wanted to bring up at the cookout. You were supposed to "pray about it," "stay strong," or just push through. But here's the tea: something shifted. And a lot of that shift started when celebrities , the people we watch, stream, and stan , started saying out loud what many of us were feeling in silence. If you've been paying attention to pop culture news lately, you've probably noticed more and more ce
Jan 154 min read
![[HERO] Top 10 Street Fashion Trends Taking Over Urban Culture in 2026](https://cdn.marblism.com/FuVlHNwtuwV.webp)
Top 10 Street Fashion Trends Taking Over Urban Culture in 2026
Here's the tea: after years of "quiet luxury" and minimalist fits dominating the timeline, 2026 is screaming something different. Maximalism is back, self-expression is non-negotiable, and urban street fashion is leading the entire conversation. Let's be real , street fashion has always been the blueprint. From the corners of Harlem to the blocks of Atlanta to the sidewalks of Chicago, Black and Brown communities have been setting trends that eventually hit every runway and
Jan 155 min read
![[HERO] Mental Health in Urban Communities Matters: 7 Simple Practices That Actually Work](https://cdn.marblism.com/1dcuQruYIp6.webp)
Mental Health in Urban Communities Matters: 7 Simple Practices That Actually Work
Let's be real for a second , if you're living in the city, navigating crowded trains, working multiple hustles, dealing with noise that never stops, and trying to keep your peace while rent keeps climbing... your mental health is getting tested daily. And here's the tea: urban communities, especially BIPOC neighborhoods, face unique mental health challenges that don't always get the attention they deserve. We're talking about higher stress levels, limited access to affordabl
Jan 155 min read
Will Smith Hit With a Lawsuit From a Former Tour Member : Here's What's Alleged, and What's Denied
Celebrity lawsuits are a messy part of the entertainment machine : and let's be real, they always trigger two bad internet habits at once: people decide guilt immediately, or people dismiss claims immediately. Neither is responsible. Neither is fair. And neither gets us closer to the truth. So here's the tea on the latest pop culture news making waves: electric violinist Brian King Joseph has filed a lawsuit against Will Smith and his company Treyball Studios Management Inc.,
Jan 155 min read
The Golden Globes Didn't Telecast Best Original Score , And Composers Are Calling It Disrespectful
Here's the tea: awards shows love to talk about "celebrating the craft" and "honoring artistry." But let's be real , when it comes time to actually put those words into action, some crafts get the red carpet treatment while others get shuffled off to a commercial break like yesterday's news. That's exactly what happened at the 2026 Golden Globes, and composers are not staying quiet about it. What Actually Went Down at the Golden Globes So picture this: Ludwig Göransson, th
Jan 155 min read
Gwyneth Paltrow Says Empty Nesting Felt Like a Divorce , And Honestly, That's Real
Some celebrity quotes are just PR fluff designed to keep names trending. But every once in a while, someone says something that cuts through the noise and hits a universal nerve. Gwyneth Paltrow recently described becoming an empty nester as feeling like "a divorce." Not from a person , but from an entire identity. And here's the tea: whether you love her, side-eye her, or couldn't care less about her jade egg empire, this particular statement resonated with millions of peop
Jan 155 min read
Live Nation and Ticketmaster Want the FTC Lawsuit Tossed , Here's What They're Arguing
Let's be real for a second , if there's one thing that unites music fans across every genre, every city, every tax bracket, it's this: the collective rage of trying to buy concert tickets. You know the drill. You're up at 10 AM sharp, refreshing like your life depends on it, and somehow the tickets are already gone. Or worse , they're "available" on resale for three times the original price. And you're sitting there like… how is this even legal? Well, here's the tea: the Fe
Jan 155 min read
The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines Just Dropped , "Real Food" Is the New Federal Message
Here's the tea: the U.S. government just told us what we've been hearing from our grandmothers for decades , eat real food, not that processed stuff. The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans officially dropped on January 7, 2025, and federal health officials are calling it "the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in decades." That's not small talk. That's a whole shift in how the government thinks we should be eating. But before you scroll past thinking
Jan 155 min read
The White House Says the U.S. Is Withdrawing From Dozens of International Organizations , What the Memo Actually Says
If you've been scrolling through your timeline and saw headlines about the U.S. "leaving 66 international organizations," you probably had one of two reactions: panic or confusion. Maybe both. Here's the tea: this is a significant policy move, but the conversation online is already getting murky with hot takes, fear-mongering, and a whole lot of "what does this even mean?" So let's break it down , no political spin, just the facts. Because understanding what's actually happe
Jan 155 min read
Iran's Internet Went Dark, Protests Got Bloodier , And the World Is Watching a Crackdown in Real Time
Let's be real for a second , when was the last time you went a full day without checking your phone? Without scrolling through social media, texting someone, or looking something up? For most of us, the internet isn't just convenient; it's how we connect, organize, and document our lives. Now imagine that lifeline being ripped away : not because of a storm or a technical glitch, but because your government doesn't want the world to see what's happening to you. That's exactly
Jan 155 min read
USPS "Essential Service" Letters Are Going Viral Again , Here's the Truth (And What's Being Twisted)
Here's the tea: every few years, the same type of post starts flooding your timeline. A screenshot of an official-looking USPS letter, dramatic captions about travel restrictions and civil unrest, and someone in the comments swearing "they know something we don't." And because the internet loves a good panic spiral before breakfast, it spreads fast . But let's be real for a second , the part people keep leaving out is crucial. This isn't new. It isn't a secret government sig
Jan 155 min read
World Peace: Why Unity Matters Across All Communities and Races
Let's be real, when someone says "world peace," it can feel like one of those beauty pageant answers that sounds nice but doesn't mean much. But here's the tea: world peace isn't some far-off fantasy reserved for Instagram quotes and motivational posters. It starts right here, right now, in our neighborhoods, our cities, and our everyday interactions. According to research on peaceful societies, the single most important contributor to peace is non-warring norms, values, ritu
Jan 155 min read
TSMC's Big AI-Fueled Earnings Moment : And Why Wall Street Is Acting Like It Just Drank Espresso
Here's the tea: if you woke up this morning and saw finance folks losing their minds over a company you've probably never heard of, you're not alone. TSMC: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company: just dropped earnings numbers that had Wall Street acting like they found an extra zero in their bank account. But here's why you should actually care: this isn't just stock market noise. What TSMC does directly impacts the phone in your hand, the AI tools changing how we create
Jan 155 min read
California Opens an Investigation Into xAI's Grok Over Deepfake Sexual Images , Here's What's Being Alleged
Every time we think society has hit peak "the internet is too much," technology shows up with a folding chair. Here's the tea: California just launched a major investigation into Elon Musk's xAI company, and the allegations are seriously disturbing. If you've been scrolling through your feed wondering what's really going on with this pop culture news story, you're not alone. Let's break it down, because this isn't just tech drama. This is about consent, safety, and the very
Jan 155 min read
The U.S. Is Pausing Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries , What That Actually Means (Effective Jan. 21, 2026)
If you woke up this morning and saw headlines about the U.S. pausing immigrant visa processing for 75 countries , you're not alone if your first thought was: Wait… like, all visas? Travel bans? Is this immediate? Who does this hit? Here's the tea: this news is hitting different in our communities. For so many of us with family overseas, loved ones mid-process, or friends navigating the system, this isn't just policy talk. It's personal. So let's break it down together, no leg
Jan 155 min read
Marissa Carmichael Is Still Missing and the Case Remains Unsolved
As of January 2026, the Greensboro Police Department confirms that the investigation is still active, with no new public updates available. Detectives have followed up on tips, including false alarms like the discovery of a body near the Greensboro Arboretum in March 2025, which turned out not to be Marissa.
That’s the frustrating reality at the two-year mark: this case has never stopped hurting her family, and it has never stopped bothering the Greensboro community—be
Jan 143 min read
Massive Verizon Outage Reported Across the U.S.: What’s Confirmed, What’s Not, and What To Do Right Now
If your phone suddenly flipped into “SOS,” your calls started dropping, your data died, or your service turned into a shaky mess, you’re not imagining it.
A widespread Verizon disruption hit on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, affecting wireless voice and data for many customers across the United States. Reports spiked quickly across multiple states and major metro areas, and Verizon acknowledged the issue publicly while saying its engineering teams were working to restore servi
Jan 144 min read
UAW Statement After Ford Plant Visit: “We Stand With Our Member” — and Nobody Gets a Pass on Workplace Respect
There are moments in the news cycle where the loudest voices rush to make everything a partisan food fight. This is not one of those moments.
At its core, what happened at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant — based on a public statement attributed to VP Laura Dickerson, Ford Department Director — is about something much more basic than politics: a union member’s right to speak, a union’s duty to protect that member, and the expectation that the workplace is not a stage for vulgar b
Jan 143 min read
Viral Mass Pike Video Shows a Man Clinging to a Moving Pickup — and Raises Bigger Questions About Mental Health Crisis Response
A cellphone video that spread quickly online captured a frightening moment on Boston’s Massachusetts Turnpike: a man clinging to the back of a moving pickup truck, then dropping into traffic and running away on foot. The clip circulated widely on social media, including in an X post from Breaking911, and it sparked the usual internet rush—shock, jokes, outrage, and a whole lot of assumptions.
But once you strip away the viral noise, the key detail reported by authorities a
Jan 144 min read
Issa Rae Just Leveled Up Again: The Paramount Deal That Could Shape What We’re Watching Next
Issa Rae’s career has always moved like a strategy, not a streak.
Even when the industry tried to treat her like a “moment,” she kept building like she was planning a decade ahead: create the work, own the pipeline, bring your people with you, then expand the kind of stories that get funded in the first place. That’s why this latest move matters, not just for Issa fans, but for anybody paying attention to who gets to be a real power player in Hollywood.
Jan 145 min read
Texas Is About to “Regulate” Hemp Into the Ground — and North Texas Shops Are Sounding the Alarm
Texas is moving fast toward a hemp/THC overhaul that could change what adults can legally buy, who can afford to sell it, and how aggressively the state enforces the rules. And in places like North Texas—where CBD and vape shops are on every other corner—this isn’t some abstract Austin policy debate. It’s payroll. It’s rent. It’s whether the shop that’s been helping your neighbors sleep, manage pain, or wind down after work is still open next month.
Jan 147 min read
Say His Name!!! Keith Porter Jr. Killed on New Year’s Eve By Off Duty Ice Agent
New Year’s Eve is supposed to be about fresh starts. Instead, this one ended in a death that has a family shattered, a community demanding answers, and a case that’s already become bigger than one block in the Valley.
Keith Porter Jr. — a 43-year-old Black man and a father of two — was shot and killed on New Year’s Eve in Northridge, Los Angeles, by an off-duty ICE agent who lived in his neighborhood, according to public reporting. People who loved Keith say he was celebra
Jan 144 min read
Elon Musk's "Magic Money Computers": Exposing Government Waste?
In a recent viral clip from Senator Ted Cruz's Verdict podcast, Elon Musk dropped a jaw-dropping revelation: the U.S. federal government operates around 14 "magic money computers" — mostly at the Treasury Department — that issue trillions in payments with little to no oversight or reconciliation.Musk, co-leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, described these systems as essentially creating money "out of thin air." Government financia
Jan 131 min read
The Gentrification Dilemma: New Cafés vs. Community Roots in Black Neighborhoods
Here's the tea, bestie, when that shiny new coffee shop pops up on the corner where Ms. Johnson's beauty supply used to be, it's not just about overpriced lattes. We're talking about a complex web of change that's reshaping Black neighborhoods across America, and honey, the effects run way deeper than you might think. You've probably seen it happening in your own community or heard friends talking about it. One day you're paying $2 for coffee at the local spot where everyone
Jan 115 min read
City Nightlife Comeback: How Urban Clubs Are Redefining Safe Spaces for 2026
Y'all, let's be real about what's happening in our cities right now. The nightlife scene isn't just bouncing back from the pandemic: it's completely reinventing itself, and honestly? It's about time. If you've been wondering why your favorite club feels different lately or why new spots are popping up with whole different vibes, you're not imagining things. Urban nightlife is getting a major glow-up, and safety isn't just an afterthought anymore: it's the main character. Here
Jan 116 min read
PTSD & Trauma-Related Disorders in Urban Communities: Breaking the Silence
Let's talk numbers for a second, because they're honestly wild. 31% of people living in urban communities have PTSD. That's nearly one in three people walking down your block, riding the same bus, working in the same building as you. To put that in perspective? That's higher than the 17% rate among Iraq war veterans. Read that again. Urban communities are dealing with trauma at rates higher than people who've been in active combat zones. And yet we're still whispering about
Jan 106 min read
Urban Legends and Modern Myths: How Folklore Shapes City Youth Today
You've probably heard them before – those spine-tingling stories that spread through your group chat at 2 AM, the cautionary tales your older cousin swore were true, or that wild story about something that happened to someone's friend's sister. Here's the tea: urban legends aren't just random scary stories. They're the modern mythology that's literally shaping how you and your peers navigate city life, create art, and even talk to each other. Let's be real – in 2025, folklore
Jan 105 min read
High-Tech Hustle: Gig Workers Navigating the 24/7 Economy in Major Cities
Here's the tea: if you're living in a major city right now, chances are you know someone hustling in the gig economy, or maybe that someone is you. With over 70 million Americans now freelancing (that's 36% of the entire workforce!), we're witnessing the biggest shift in how people work since, well, ever. And nowhere is this transformation more intense than in our bustling urban centers. Let's be real: the gig economy isn't just about driving for Uber anymore. We're talking a
Jan 105 min read
Are Downtown Areas Dead? How 'Fourth Spaces' Are Revolutionizing Urban Nightlife
Here's the tea: everyone keeps asking if downtown is dead, but y'all are missing the real story. While some folks are still mourning the "good old days" of packed office buildings and traditional bars, a whole new movement is quietly transforming how we experience urban nightlife. And bestie, it's not just about survival, it's about revolution. Let's be real about the numbers first. As of 2023, downtown recovery rates range from 69% in San Francisco to a full 100% in Nashvill
Jan 105 min read
USPS Sends Alarming Letter to Employees — What the Memo Really Means, and What It Doesn’t
In the opening days of 2026, the United States Postal Service quietly distributed an internal memo to employees and contractors that immediately raised eyebrows across the workforce — and, shortly after, across social media.
The letter reminds USPS workers to carry “essential service” authorization letters and official identification that would allow them to continue operating during emergencies such as epidemics, natural disasters, or civil unrest.
For many Americans, the
Jan 104 min read
BREAKING: U.S. Forces Capture Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in Stunning 2026 Operation
The relationship between the United States and Venezuela has been tense for years, but whenever Donald Trump reenters the conversation, the temperature rises fast. Recently, renewed attention around Trump’s comments, policies, and political positioning on Venezuela has pulled the crisis back into headlines—reviving debates over sanctions, regime change, humanitarian fallout, and U.S. influence in Latin America.
Jan 103 min read
Justice for Renee Good! THIS WAS A MOTHER.WIFE.AND FREAKING CITIZEN!!!!!! SOMEBODY'S BABY!
SAY HER NAME!!!! Let’s be clearsome people was already upset about Renee Nicole Good’s death. But now it’s loud and embarrassed, because a different angle of the video is circulating and it’s making a lot of the early “she was a threat” talking points look… flimsy.
In the newer angle being reported and shared, Renee is in her vehicle, sounding calm, and at one point she says she’s not mad—the exact opposite of “dangerous rampage energy.” And then she’s shot.
Jan 105 min read
Anxiety Fatigue: Being Tired From Worrying All the Time
Quick fact: about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. report anxiety symptoms in a given week - and in many urban zip codes, that stress runs even higher. For Black and Brown communities, the load often feels heavier thanks to rising costs, hustle culture, and the pressure to always be "the strong one." Y'all, can we talk about something real for a minute? That bone-deep exhaustion you feel after your brain has been running marathons all day long - even when your body hasn't moved from
Jan 97 min read
Art is Protest: How Murals and Street Art Fuel Movements From Ferguson to Brooklyn
Ever walked past a mural and felt something shift inside you? That's the power of art as protest, bestie. From Ferguson's walls demanding justice to Brooklyn's colorful declarations of resistance, street art isn't just pretty pictures: it's revolution painted in broad strokes on the canvas of our cities. Let's be real: when traditional media fails communities, when politicians turn deaf ears, and when voices get silenced, walls start talking. And honey, they're saying everyth
Jan 95 min read
Colorful Resilience: Urban Art Therapy Spaces That Heal the Mind
Here's the tea: your city is literally bursting with healing spaces you probably walk past every day without even realizing it. We're talking about those vibrant murals, pop-up art installations, and community studios that aren't just pretty to look at: they're actually rewiring brains and mending hearts one brushstroke at a time. If you're feeling overwhelmed by life in the concrete jungle, you're definitely not alone. Urban living can be intense, and mental health struggles
Jan 95 min read
Personality Disorders in the City: Misunderstood &Overlooked
Here's the tea that nobody talks about: 1 in 7 people in urban communities are living with some form of personality disorder, yet most of us have never heard anyone openly discuss it. Let's be real – when someone mentions "personality disorder," most people either don't know what that means or they picture the worst stereotypes from movies and TV. But the reality? Your coworker who struggles with relationships, your cousin who can't handle criticism, that friend who seems to
Jan 85 min read
OCD Is& Isn't Always What You Think: Urban Realities & Hope
Let's be real about something that gets misunderstood way too often. When people hear "OCD," most think of someone who's obsessed with cleaning or organizing their closet by color. Maybe they picture that one friend who always straightens picture frames or wipes down counters twice. But here's the tea: that's not what OCD actually looks like for most people living with it. Especially in our communities, where mental health already gets swept under the rug, OCD is one of those
Jan 85 min read
Personality Disorders in the City: Misunderstood & Overlooked
Think of personality disorders as patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that are pretty different from what society expects – and these patterns cause real problems in someone's daily life.
We're not talking about quirks or being "difficult." We're talking about deep, consistent patterns that make it hard to:
Jan 85 min read
Schizophrenia &; Psychotic Disorders: Not Just a Headline: Urban Realities
Let's be real about something most people don't want to talk about.
When you hear "schizophrenia" or "psychotic disorder," what comes to mind? Probably some Hollywood movie villain or a scary news story, right?
Here's the tea: that's not what living with these conditions actually looks like for most people in our communities.
If you're in an urban area: especially if you're Black or Brown: you're statistically more likely to deal with psychotic symptoms at some point. Not
Jan 85 min read
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Real Urban Struggles & Survival
Let's be real about something that affects millions but gets talked about like it's some rare, scary diagnosis. Borderline Personality Disorder isn't just "being moody" or "dramatic." When you're living with BPD in the city, every day feels like you're trying to navigate an emotional hurricane while the world keeps moving at breakneck speed around you. If you're reading this and thinking "that sounds like me," you're not alone. And if you're trying to understand someone in yo
Jan 86 min read
Eating Disorders: They Exist in Our Communities Too
Let's start with some real talk. When most people think about eating disorders, they picture a specific image. Usually young, usually white, usually wealthy. And that narrative has been doing serious damage in our communities for way too long. Here's the tea: eating disorders don't discriminate . They affect Black women, Brown women, men, non-binary folks, working-class families, and everyone in between. But because the conversation has been so narrow for so long, people in o
Jan 85 min read
ADHD: What Urban Communities Need to Know
Let's keep it real about something that affects millions of people in our communities but gets talked about all wrong. ADHD isn't just "hyper little boys who can't sit still." It's not something you grow out of, and it definitely isn't an excuse for being lazy or undisciplined. Yet in Black and Brown communities, these myths run deep , and they're keeping people from getting the support they actually need. Here's the tea: ADHD affects about 6-9% of children and 4% of adults
Jan 85 min read
Understanding Bipolar Disorder in Urban Communities: Real Talk, Real Lives
Let's talk about something that gets way too much judgment and not enough understanding. Bipolar disorder. You've probably heard the term thrown around casually : "she's so bipolar" when someone changes their mind, or "he's being bipolar" when someone has mood swings. Here's the thing: that's not what bipolar disorder actually is. And for the millions of Black, Brown, and urban folks living with it? Those misconceptions make everything harder. What bipolar disorder actually
Jan 87 min read
Food Deserts No More? New Wave of Black-Owned Urban Grocers Changing the Game
Here's the tea: 23.5 million Americans live in food deserts, and guess what? Black and Brown communities are hit the hardest. But before you get discouraged, let me tell you what's really happening in our neighborhoods right now, a revolution that's changing the game one grocery aisle at a time. Black entrepreneurs across the country aren't just waiting for corporate chains to finally show up in our communities. They're rolling up their sleeves, opening their own stores, and
Jan 85 min read
Mental Health Crisis in Urban Communities: 7 Mistakes You're Making (And How to Fix Them Right Now)
Let's be real, living in the city can be overwhelming as hell. Between the constant noise, packed trains, and the pressure to keep up with the hustle, our mental health often takes a backseat. Here's the tea: over 20% of adults in urban areas experience significant mental health challenges , yet most of us are making critical mistakes that make everything worse. If you're feeling burned out, anxious, or like you're barely keeping your head above water, you're not alone, besti
Jan 84 min read
Health and Wellness Tips Urban Communities Need: The Simple Trick to Turn Your City Into Your Wellness Space
Here's the tea: living in a city doesn't mean sacrificing your wellness. In fact, 68% of adults in walkable neighborhoods get 89 more minutes of physical activity per week than those in car-dependent areas. That's not just a statistic: that's your life we're talking about. You don't need to move to the suburbs or spend thousands on a gym membership to live your healthiest life. The secret? Transforming your urban environment into your personal wellness playground . And besti
Jan 85 min read
"Empower your mind, engage your spirit, and connect with the culture — because every voice matters and every story shapes our world." -ShalenaSpeaks
#
OUR COMMUNITY SPEAKS.
Breaking the Silence: How Urban Communities are Redefining Mental Health Advocacy
Mental health has historically been a topic shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, particularly in urban communities where the pressures o
Finding Peace in the Chaos: How to De-Stress on National Stress Awareness Day
Hey there! Today is National Stress Awareness Day—a day dedicated to pressing pause and taking stock of how we’re really feeling. Life can f
The Healing Power of Hip-Hop
Music has long been recognized as a powerful tool for healing, and in recent years, hip-hop has emerged as a crucial force in mental health
Hip-Hop and Mental Health
In recent years, the hip-hop community has become a powerful voice for mental health advocacy. Once a genre known for its focus on grit and
How to Use Simple Tools to Rebuild Your Credit: A Guide
Rebuilding your credit can seem overwhelming, but with the right tools and knowledge, it's more manageable than you think. The Fair Credit R
Starting Your Dreams Without Assistance: My Journey to Self-Investment (Part 2: Credit!)
Starting Your Dreams Without Assistance: My Journey to Self-Investment (Part 2: Credit!)
Let me tell you something: I never expected to be
Starting Your Dreams Without Assistance: My Journey to Self-Investment
I never imagined I'd be steering my own ship, let alone inspired to help others do the same. For the longest time, I thought I’d retire at s
Homelessness in America: A Call to Action for Our Veterans
It’s mind-boggling to think that the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedoms come home to find themselves witho
The Untold Story of Strength: Mental Health in the Black Community
As a Black woman, I’ve often found myself bearing the weight of the world with a smile on my face, told time and again how "strong" I am. It
The Complex Interplay of Wealth, Taxes, and Inflation Wars.
My latest blog post delves into the complex interplay of wealth, taxes, and inflation wars. The decline in resources, coupled with a lack...
The Media Crisis
There was a time when the media played a vital role in uniting us as a country. It kept us informed, grounded, and aware of the issues that
The Role of Religion in My Life and Its Decline in Society
Religion has played a profound role in shaping my identity, my values, and the way I interact with the world. Through faith, I have develope
Financial Power: 5 Personal and 5 Business Credit Tips
Are you ready to take control of your financial future? Whether you're focused on improving your personal credit or building a rock-solid bu
Why Starting a Business Makes More Sense in This World...
Hey, Listen, if you’ve been sittin’ around wondering whether it’s the right time to start your own business, let me tell you somethin’—there
Black Men and Women: Rebuilding Unity and Love in Our Community
As a Black woman, it’s heartbreaking to see the growing divide between Black men and Black women in America. There’s an undeniable shift in
The Income Crisis in America
As a U.S. citizen living in Texas, I never imagined that I would be grappling with financial insecurity despite being considered middle clas
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