For decades, Black America has been told we need "leaders" to represent us, speak for us, and guide us forward. But what if that mindset is actually holding us back? In this episode of the Broken Traditions Podcast, we dive deep into the decline of influence among traditional Black leaders, using Al Sharpton as an avatar for a bigger conversation.

Are these figures truly advocating for our progress, or are they keeping us locked in a cycle of protest with no real solutions? Why are we still relying on the same outdated tactics from the 1960s when we have more power, access, and resources than ever before?

🔥 Key Topics Discussed:

The historical role of Black leaders & how that role has changed.
Why leaders like Al Sharpton are losing credibility.
The business of Black leadership—who really benefits?
How mainstream politics uses Black leaders to maintain control.
Why Black America doesn’t need a single leader anymore.
The real path forward—building economic power, education, and community solutions without waiting for permission.
It’s time for free-thinking Black Americans to break away from the traditional mindset of waiting for someone to lead us. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for.

👀 What do you think? Do we still need Black leaders, or is it time for us to take control of our own future? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

#BlackLeadership #AlSharpton #BlackAmerica #FreeThinking #BlackEmpowerment #LeadershipMatters #PoliticalDiscourse #WeAreOurOwnLeaders #IndependentMedia #TruthOverPolitics

To Listen To The Broken Traditions Podcast on Youtube Click Here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbe8sFO7JwuV-jRKYhrkJuqnA0qlbfCeR 

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📌 Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Are Black Leaders Keeping Us Stuck?
01:43 – Al Sharpton & The Business of Black Leadership
05:21 – Why Are We Still Using 1960s Tactics?
08:46 – Politicians, Black Leaders & The Power Game
13:03 – Do We Even Need Black Leaders Anymore?
17:45 – The Real Solution: We Are Our Own Leaders
20:37 – Final Message: Stop Waiting & Take Action

The song featured for this episode:
Family Feud by  @jayzslifeandtimes   https://youtu.be/z2kEKZ6jyQQ?si=9zTBGruy2JddTl-f

Isaac Hayes III, CEO of the social media platform Fanbase, is facing a PR crisis after a heated exchange with content creator Franchesca Ramsey. In this episode, I’m joined by PR & media expert Tonya McKenzie, who has over 25 years of experience in media consulting, to break down what went wrong and what Black entrepreneurs can learn from this situation.

When you’re the face of a brand, your words and actions shape public perception. But did Isaac Hayes III’s approach backfire? We’ll discuss:
✔️ How this controversy is affecting Fanbase’s reputation
✔️ The dos and don’ts of PR for Black entrepreneurs
✔️ Why public disagreements can hurt a brand’s credibility
✔️ What Isaac Hayes III could have done differently
✔️ How this situation compares to other CEO PR meltdowns

Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, or just watching this unfold, this episode offers valuable PR insights and lessons in brand management.

🚨 Watch now and join the conversation! 🚨

#IsaacHayesIII #Fanbase #BlackEntrepreneurs #PRDisaster #BrandManagement #FranchescaRamsey #BlackOwnedBusiness #SocialMediaControversy #BusinessLessons

To Listen To The Broken Traditions Podcast on Youtube Click Here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbe8sFO7JwuV-jRKYhrkJuqnA0qlbfCeR 

Kanye West is back in the headlines, but this time, it’s deeper than a tweet. In this episode of the Broken Traditions Podcast, we examine Kanye’s latest meltdown and ask a painful question: what do you do when someone you love is hurting—but won’t let you help?

From viral tweets about Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s kids to public breakdowns and personal betrayals, Kanye’s life has become a cautionary tale. But this isn’t just about Kanye. It’s about loyalty, boundaries, and learning when to let go.

I open up about my own story—watching someone I love spiral into addiction—and the painful process of realizing I couldn’t save them. Sometimes the hardest lesson is this: you can’t heal someone else’s wounds.

🎙️ This episode is raw, real, and personal. Whether you’re dealing with a family member, friend, or even yourself… this one’s for you.

👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Would you stand by someone like Kanye… or walk away for your own peace?

#BrokenTraditions #KanyeWest #EmotionalBoundaries #Podcast

The tragic killing of Dallas rapper Lil Ronnie and his 5-year-old daughter in a gang-related shooting is another painful reminder of the toxic street culture plaguing Black America. Every day, 22 Black lives are lost to violence, yet we continue making excuses. Meanwhile, NBA superstar Anthony Edwards has chosen to walk away from his own child, opting out of fatherhood. We say fatherlessness is a crisis, yet we celebrate athletes and entertainers who abandon their kids. How can we fix a culture that refuses to hold itself accountable?

In this episode of Broken Traditions, we dive into the deep-rooted problems of gang violence, absent fathers, and the excuses we keep making for destructive behavior in our communities. It's time to break away from these toxic cycles and take responsibility for our future.

🔴 Watch & Subscribe: YouTube.com/BrokenTraditions
💬 Join the Discussion: What’s the real solution? Comment below!

#BlackCulture #StreetCulture #GangViolence #FatherlessHomes #AnthonyEdwards #LilRonnie #BlackCommunity #ToxicCulture #Accountability

Is Joy Reid Leaving MSNBC Is a Net POSITIVE For Black Culture?

Joy Reid’s MSNBC exit raises bigger questions about Black voices in mainstream media. For years, networks like MSNBC and CNN have shaped Black on-air talent into hyper-emotional, echo-chamber-driven commentators rather than independent thinkers. This episode breaks down how cable news has turned Black journalists into performative activists and why their coverage is often limited to race-related topics—never global or national issues. Is this the end of mainstream Black media as we know it? Or an opportunity for real, independent discourse?

📢 Watch now as we discuss:
✔️ The formula that turned Black journalists into characters
✔️ Why mainstream news only calls on Black voices for race-related stories
✔️ How independent Black media can break free from corporate control
✔️ Why Joy Reid’s cancellation could be a net positive for Black political thought

🔥 Let’s talk about real debates, not echo chambers. Join the conversation and let us know—what’s next for Black voices in media?
Let’s have a real conversation. Watch now and join the discussion!

The media landscape is shifting once again as reports emerge about the cancellation of Joy Reid’s show on MSNBC. Reid, who has been a polarizing figure in political media, is known for her strong opinions, particularly on race, politics, and culture. According to sources, MSNBC has decided not to renew her show, raising questions about what led to this decision and what it signifies for mainstream media.

For years, Joy Reid has been both celebrated and criticized. To some, she was a bold voice amplifying issues within Black communities; to others, she represented a divisive form of media that thrived on outrage. Regardless of which side of the debate you fall on, the fact remains—her exit from MSNBC marks another shift in how Black voices are positioned in mainstream media.

In this week's episode of Broken Traditions, we’ll take a thought-provoking deep dive into:
📺 What really led to Joy Reid’s show being canceled?
📢 How her departure fits into the broader pattern of media changes.
💡 Is this a wake-up call for independent Black media platforms?

How Black Culture Can Learn From Dank Demoss' Viral Moment—this episode unpacks the deeper lesson behind her refusal to say the F-word and what it reveals about our own contradictions. From viral moments to cultural blind spots, let’s talk about why certain words hold power over us—and why it's time to break free.

🔹 What Dank Demoss' viral moment teaches us about reclaiming narratives
🔹 The double standard in Black culture when it comes to language
🔹 Why we defend derogatory terms but get offended when others use them

Let’s have a real conversation. Watch now and join the discussion!

Some images don’t just make history… they reveal history.

During the Super Bowl halftime show, Kendrick Lamar delivered a performance that will be talked about for years. But what truly stood out wasn’t just the music—it was the image.

Kendrick stood at the center of a formation of dancers dressed in red, white, and blue sweat suits, forming the American flag. This wasn’t just choreography—it was a statement. A statement about Black culture, American history, and the undeniable connection between the two.

But here’s the real question: Did people even catch the message?

Because what Kendrick did on that stage wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about identity.

Black Culture IS American Culture—Whether America (Or Us) Admits It or Not

For centuries, Black history has been treated as an extension of American history instead of being recognized as a fundamental part of it. From music to fashion, politics to business, every part of Black culture is deeply woven into the fabric of America.

Kendrick’s performance highlighted that fact in the most symbolic way possible:

• The formation of the American flag, built entirely of Black men—a reflection of the truth that America was built on Black labor, creativity, and resilience.
• Kendrick standing in the center—representing the undeniable influence of Black culture in shaping the nation.
• The use of streetwear (sweat suits) instead of traditional costumes—symbolizing how Hip-Hop and Black culture have defined American fashion and identity.

This was a visual statement—one that many people probably missed.

The Challenge Moving Forward: Taking Control of Our Narrative

One of the biggest challenges we face is controlling our own stories. America loves Black culture, but who controls the narrative?

• Who gets to define what’s "Black excellence"?
• Who gets to profit off Black creativity?
• Who gets to teach Black history?

Kendrick’s performance is a reminder that we must take ownership of our own identity. If Black culture is this powerful, we can’t allow it to be dictated by outside forces.

Kendrick Lamar just gave us a powerful visual statement—but did we catch it?

This wasn’t just about the Super Bowl, or about entertainment—this was about a cultural truth that can’t be ignored.

So, I leave you with this:

What did you see in Kendrick’s performance? What did this image say to you?

If you found this breakdown insightful, share this post! The more we discuss these moments, the more we can ensure our stories don’t get overlooked.

💬 Join the discussion in the comments
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This is the replay of our live discussion without the countdown, diving deep into the question: Did cancel culture set the stage to erase MLK?

We explored how the same tactics used to remove Confederate statues and historical figures may now be at play against MLK’s legacy. With the FBI files looming and cancel culture thriving, is this the next chess move?

💬 Join the conversation in the comments—what do you think?

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