The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Christina Dukes Brown. CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, NJ Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Raise awareness about the Boys & Girls Club’s impact on underserved communities in Paterson and Passaic, NJ. Issue a call to action for volunteers, mentors, corporations, and donors to support youth programs. Highlight challenges faced by marginalized communities and how the Club addresses them through education, nutrition, and character-building programs. Key Takeaways Community Impact The Club serves 1,400 children and teens daily across two main clubhouses and 11 satellite sites. Programs include academic support, tutoring, arts, athletics, and life skills development. Challenges in the Community High rates of homelessness, food deserts, and low literacy and math proficiency (only ~20% literate and ~15% proficient in math in Paterson). Stereotypes and “deficit ideology” that assume poor or minority youth lack capacity for success. Programs and Initiatives Academic Support: Homework help, tutoring, and Saturday sessions. Creative Outlets: Dance, musicals, and arts. Sports & Aquatics: Swimming program praised for breaking stereotypes. Young Adult Support (18–24): Internships, skill-building, and career readiness for those not pursuing college. Call to Action Volunteers and mentors needed to inspire youth. Corporations and entrepreneurs encouraged to provide internships and teach business skills. Donations critical—$4M annual fundraising goal to sustain programs. Dr. Brown’s Motivation Rooted in her upbringing in Jersey City during the crack era. Believes in being part of the solution, not just complaining about systemic issues. Emphasizes building “efficacious spirits” and affirming unique skills in youth. Notable Quotes On Motivation:“I can’t complain about the position of Black and Brown people in society if I’m not going to do the work necessary to support its elevation.” On Stereotypes:“Deficit ideology assumes that if you are poor or minority, you do not have the capacity to be successful. We fight that every day.” On Community Support:“My community got me where I am today… I’m calling on the village to support what we’re trying to do.” On Youth Potential:“No matter where you come from, and no matter what you look like, you have the capacity to become great.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cheryl Bevelle-Orange. Retired Chief Information Officer (CIO) of FedEx Custom Critical and author of The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey, shares her inspiring story of rising from humble beginnings in Bessemer, Alabama, to becoming a high-ranking executive in a Fortune 500 company. The conversation centers on her book’s core themes: mentorship, advocacy, and sponsorship. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Why She Wrote the Book Cheryl is a first-generation corporate American whose parents were a coal miner and a teacher. Initially written as a guide for her children, the book evolved into a broader resource for anyone navigating corporate life, especially first-generation professionals. The pandemic inspired her to add a section for leaders managing first-gen employees. Career at FedEx Spent 26 years at FedEx, culminating in her role as CIO of FedEx Custom Critical. FedEx Custom Critical handles specialized logistics, such as transporting refrigerated COVID-19 vaccines. Her role involved overseeing IT infrastructure, data, and systems—a rare position for African-American women in tech. Mentorship, Advocacy, and Sponsorship Cheryl breaks down the differences: Mentors help build skills and confidence (like background singers preparing the lead). Sponsors are like PR agents who open doors and promote you. Advocates speak up for you in rooms where you’re not present. These three pillars were essential to her success and are critical for young professionals, especially minorities. Overcoming Barriers Cheryl shares how racism and gender bias in tech were real challenges. Her first mentor was a white male who saw her potential and helped her navigate corporate culture. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, perspective, and turning frustration into action. Personal Motivation A pivotal childhood moment: seeing her grandfather sign an “X” at the bank because he couldn’t write. That experience ignited her drive for education and excellence. She wanted to see the world beyond Bessemer and use her knowledge to help others do the same. Diversity & Inclusion at FedEx Cheryl co-founded the FedEx African-American Committee, now a Business Resource Group (BRG). Initiatives included: Resume building and interview prep Black History Month events with speakers like Donna Brazile and Ben Hooks Creating safe spaces for Black employees to grow and connect 📘 About the Book Title: The Courage to Continue: Navigating Your Corporate Journey Available at: CherylBevelleOrange.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble #AMI #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Coach Gregory Green. Head men’s and women’s tennis coach and REACH advisor at Tuskegee University. Here's a summary of the key themes and highlights: 🎙️ Guest: Coach Gregory Green Former college football player and coach at schools like Alabama State, Kentucky State, Savannah State, and UAB. Currently coaching tennis at Tuskegee University and mentoring student-athletes. 🧠 Key Topics Discussed 🏈 NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and College Athletics NIL has transformed college sports, allowing athletes to earn money through endorsements and sponsorships. Power Five schools (like Ohio State and Michigan) have massive NIL collectives, sometimes offering millions to high school recruits. HBCUs and smaller programs are participating but on a smaller financial scale. NIL deals are often driven by alumni and corporate partnerships. 🔁 Transfer Portal Explained as a tool for athletes to transfer schools without sitting out a year. While it offers flexibility, it also raises concerns about commitment, development, and long-term planning. Athletes risk losing scholarships if they enter the portal without securing a new opportunity. 🎾 Tuskegee Tennis Program Coach Green leads a successful program with high academic and athletic performance. His teams have won championships and maintained top GPAs in the region. Emphasizes holistic development—athletics, academics, and career readiness. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mentorship & Parental Advice Encourages parents to let student-athletes make their own college decisions. Stresses the importance of attitude and effort as the only two things athletes can control. Advocates for intrinsic motivation and resilience in the face of adversity. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sharise Nance. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Sharise Nance’s mission in mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellness. To discuss her companies: Hand in Hand Counseling Services – addressing mental health disparities in Black communities. Vitamin C Healing – building trauma-sensitive, wellness-centered workplace cultures. To educate on stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and financial equity in the mental health field. Key Takeaways Hand in Hand Counseling Services Founded with college roommate Tess Kenny in Pittsburgh. Created a safe space for mental health support in underserved communities. Celebrating 12 years in operation. Breaking Mental Health Stigma Built trust through community presence and transparency. Advocated therapy as normal: “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.” Education on what therapy is and isn’t. Understanding Stress Eustress (positive stress) vs. Distress (overwhelming stress). Physical signs: sweating, rapid heartbeat, tense shoulders, jaw clenching. Stress can lead to depression and anxiety—seek professional help. Impact of COVID-19 Isolation amplified mental health issues. Introduced concept of co-regulation—healing through community and connection. Vitamin C Healing Originated from her book Vitamin C Healing for the Mind, Body. Evolved into a brand offering workshops, consultations, and burnout assessments. Focused on helping professionals and leaders prevent compassion fatigue. Financial Equity in Mental Health Advocates for fair pay: “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.” Challenges the mindset that passion work means low income. Encourages professionals to set boundaries and value their expertise. Burnout & Organizational Cost Unaddressed burnout costs companies millions annually. Leads to quiet quitting, low productivity, and high turnover. Investing in wellness saves money and improves culture. Personal Journey Biggest bet: leaving full-time job in 2017 to pursue entrepreneurship. Therapy helped her navigate fear and grief (especially after losing her father). Quote: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Notable Quotes “We can care deeply and earn abundantly.” “I’m a therapist who has a therapist.” “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” “We heal when we are in community—it’s hard to heal in isolation.” “Compassion fatigue isn’t just a feel-good topic; it costs companies millions.” “Betting on myself was the best investment I ever made.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Miko Branch. 📝 Summary of the Interview Miko Branch shares the inspiring journey of building Miss Jessie’s, a premium hair care brand for curly hair, alongside her late sister Titi Branch. The brand was born at their kitchen table in Brooklyn and named after their paternal grandmother, Jessie Mae Branch. Miko discusses the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in product development, and how Miss Jessie’s became a trusted name in the textured hair care industry. The conversation highlights the brand’s commitment to empowering individuals to embrace their natural hair and the evolving trends in beauty and self-expression. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To showcase the entrepreneurial journey behind Miss Jessie’s. To highlight the importance of authenticity, education, and innovation in building a brand. To discuss the impact of natural hair acceptance and evolving beauty standards. To inspire listeners with a story of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Authentic Beginnings Miss Jessie’s was founded in a Brooklyn brownstone at the kitchen table. Inspired by their grandmother Jessie Mae Branch, who was the first female CEO they ever saw. Quote: “She ran her family from her kitchen table.” 2. Product Innovation First product: Curly Pudding—a game-changer for curly hair. Products are designed for all textured hair types: wavy, curly, kinky, transitional, and multicultural. Quote: “We just try to come up with a solution to be helpful.” 3. Education is Key Miss Jessie’s provides detailed information on hair types and how to use products. The website includes guides for identifying hair texture and selecting the right products. Quote: “Information and communication is key to success.” 4. Social Media & Word of Mouth Early growth came from chat forums and word-of-mouth before social media existed. Social media is now an additional platform to connect and educate customers. Quote: “Way before social media, women were chatting and spreading the word.” 5. Inclusivity & Representation Products are for everyone—men, women, children, and all ethnicities. Focus on embracing natural beauty and rejecting outdated beauty ideals. Quote: “Hair has no color… we’re all looking for solutions.” 6. Salon as R&D Hub Their salon served as a testing ground for product development and customer feedback. Quote: “We built our business in the salon… it became our R&D and testing ground.” 7. Natural Hair Movement Natural hair is no longer a trend—it’s a cultural shift. Seen on public figures like Oprah and Michelle Obama. Quote: “Natural hair is preferred… it’s how people want to express themselves.” 💬 Notable Quotes “We started our business in our brownstone at our kitchen table.” “We didn’t go to business school—we went to Jessie Mae Branch’s kitchen.” “Curly Pudding did everything it said it was going to do.” “We realized our work was not finished—we had to educate.” “Natural hair is not a trend—it’s here to stay.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.