Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed April Lancit.
Founder of a private therapy practice focused on culturally sensitive therapy for Black and Brown communities.
Main Topics: Cultural differences in therapy
Challenges in modern relationships and marriage
The impact of technology on human connection
The role of therapy in addressing generational trauma and stress
The future of therapy in the age of AI

💡 Key Insights 1. Culturally Sensitive Therapy
April emphasizes the importance of therapists understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
Black and Brown clients often face unique challenges that require a nuanced, empathetic approach.
2. Modern Relationship Struggles
Top issues in marriage therapy: finances, infidelity, and communication.
Communication is often overlooked but is foundational to resolving other issues.
3. Technology & Disconnection
The rise of remote living and digital communication is reducing opportunities for organic human interaction.
Couples are increasingly using text messages—even within the same home—to communicate, which can erode intimacy.
4. Therapy as a Preventative Tool
Therapy shouldn't be reserved for crises; it can be a proactive tool for personal and relational growth.
Pre-marriage counseling is often skipped or done too late, missing key conversations about values, finances, and intimacy.
5. AI in Therapy
April sees potential in AI as a supplementary tool but stresses it cannot replace the human connection essential to effective therapy.
🧠 Final Message
April encourages people to seek therapy not out of crisis, but as a way to grow and connect more deeply—with themselves and others. She remains hopeful that with intention and effort, society can rebuild meaningful human connections.
#SHMS #STRAW
#BEST
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Williams.
Thanks! The transcript from this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass features a powerful and informative interview with Teri Williams, President, COO, and owner of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank in the United States. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. OneUnited Bank’s Mission & Reach
Formed by merging four Black-owned banks in Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles.
First Black-owned digital bank (since 2005).
Serves customers in all 50 states.
Offers accessible, affordable financial services and promotes financial literacy.
2. Digital Banking for Underserved Communities
OneUnited provides: Mobile check deposit (via smartphone).
Early direct deposit (get paid 2 days early).
Access to 100,000+ surcharge-free ATMs (including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank).

Designed to combat financial deserts and predatory check-cashing services in Black communities.
3. Financial Literacy & Trust
Teri emphasizes the need for Black communities to trust Black-owned institutions.
OneUnited is FDIC-insured and uses cutting-edge technology, including AI.
Financial literacy is key to building generational wealth.
4. WiseOne AI Tool
An AI-powered financial assistant that: Tracks spending and subscriptions.
Offers insights on saving and debt reduction.
Aggregates data from multiple accounts to show net worth, cash flow, and financial health.

5. Youth Financial Literacy – “I Got Bank” Contest
15th annual contest for kids ages 8–12.
Participants submit an essay or artwork based on a financial literacy book.
Ten winners receive $1,000 savings accounts.
Book: I Got Bank by Teri Williams (available free at oneunited.com/book).
6. OneTransaction Concept
Focuses on six key financial transactions to build generational wealth: Homeownership
Life Insurance
Investments
Profitable Business
Credit Score
Savings

Encourages individuals to focus on just one to start their wealth-building journey.
Learn more: oneunited.com/onetransaction
💬 Notable Quotes
“We are a real bank, not a fintech. We are FDIC-insured.”
“We are great with money. We just haven’t always had access.”
“Focus on one transaction. That’s all it takes to start building generational wealth.”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney Tessie D. Edwards.
A family and criminal law attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and themes from the episode:
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Life & Adversity
Tessie Edwards grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, teen pregnancy, and systemic injustice.
She became a mother at 16, dropped out of high school, and had her second child by 18.
Despite these challenges, she never lost sight of her dream to become a lawyer.
2. Turning Point
A pivotal moment came when someone told her that her daughter looked like her. That realization sparked a deep desire to become someone her daughter could look up to.
3. Relentless Pursuit of Education
Earned her GED, then an associate degree to qualify for military service.
After a brief stint in the military (cut short due to pregnancy and miscarriage), she pursued higher education.
Graduated from Indiana University with five children and went on to law school with her then-husband.
4. Professional Success
Now runs a multi-million dollar law firm in Atlanta, Georgia.
Has handled over 2,000 criminal cases and is deeply committed to serving families in crisis.
Her firm has been serving the Atlanta community for over 15 years.
5. Support System
Credits her success to a strong support network: her husband (who co-runs the firm), her children, her brother, and her team.
Emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision.
6. Advice & Motivation
Be clear about your goals and stay focused.
Don’t wait for the “right time”—start now.
Believe in your dream even when others don’t.
Use adversity as fuel for your ambition.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“I feel thankful but not satisfied.”
“My life was so divinely chosen… I was just given a dream and the courage to go after it.”
“Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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The Strawberry Letter heard on The Steve Harvey Morning Show Monday, February 7th, 2026. Subject: "The Backseat And The Barbershop "
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Steve Selengut.
Also known as The Income Coach. Here's a detailed summary of the episode:
🎙️ Guest: Steve Selengut
Veteran private investment manager with over 40 years of experience.
Author of Retirement Money Secrets, his second book.
Focuses on helping people achieve income independence through smart investing.
Runs an educational income investing community.
📘 About the Book: Retirement Money Secrets
Written as a conversational story about a couple on a river cruise who learn about a different approach to retirement investing.
Emphasizes common sense financial strategies over complex jargon.
Focuses on closed-end funds as a key investment tool.
💡 Key Concepts Discussed 🔒 Closed-End Funds (CEFs)
One of the oldest investment vehicles, dating back to the 1800s.
Structured as pass-through trusts that must return 95% of earnings to shareholders.
Focused on income generation rather than capital appreciation.
Can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs.
🔥 FIRE Movement
Stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early.
Steve aligns more with generating sustainable income than early retirement per se.
🎯 Income Independence
The goal is to generate enough income from investments to replace employment income.
Allows flexibility to retire, start a business, or pursue other passions.
🛡️ The Four Risk Minimizers
Quality: Invest only in what you understand and in companies with a proven track record.
Diversification: Spread investments across sectors, geographies, and management firms.
Income: Only invest in securities that pay dividends or interest.
Profit-Taking Discipline: Set target profits (e.g., 5%) and sell when reached, reinvesting gains.
💬 Common Sense Investing Tips
Buy stocks in companies you use or understand (e.g., Home Depot, Apple, Chipotle).
Use tools like Yahoo Finance or CEFConnect.com to research dividend history and fund performance.
Avoid speculative or zero-income investments.
Treat your portfolio like a retail store—sell when profitable and restock wisely.
🌐 Connect with Steve Selengut
Available on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Offers access to an educational investing community with 450+ members.
Book includes full contact details and resources.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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