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Dr. Bobbie J. Little – A Teacher First

Dr. Bobbie Jeanne Little: A Lifetime of Service and Education Discover the inspiring story of Dr. Bobbie Jeanne Little, a dedicated educator and advocate for youth and families, with a 45-year career in education and community service.

By Milton Kirby | Wadesboro, NC | March 17, 2025

Rarely do individuals discover their passion and calling early enough to allow it to be a part of their lifelong journey, but Dr. Bobbie Little did.

It is not often that the things, people, and places that I write about include my own personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. This piece is different. Dr. Little is my sister. I remember vividly, as if it were yesterday, when she walked, no, she marched down the aisle with the kind of glee that you might see in the eyes of a six-year-old on Christmas morning to marry one of my five brothers in 1977.

Some years later, their ways parted. Even to this day, she remains a sister to the rest of us, and more importantly, she continues to be a thoughtful, generous, and caring daughter to my 94-year-old mother.

Over the years Bobbie and I have monitored each other’s careers, ups and downs, successes and failures. But somehow, along the way I lost track of some of her accomplishments. Could it be because my own work started to take more of my time and energy? Did I become a less concerned and loving brother? Or maybe, my subscription to the Anson Record expired and I did not notice for several years.

There has to be an explanation. Let’s hope that the journey we are taking today will help us discover some of her accomplishments and accolades, which I lost track of.

In my collection of memorabilia, I found the following: Thursday, April 9, 1987, from the Anson Record and The Messenger and Intelligencer, Bobbie Little Kirby Outstanding Young Woman of America For 1986. She was selected in recognition of her outstanding ability, accomplishments, and service to the community. Wednesday, July 31, 1996, Kirby will be the assistant principal in Mt. Gilead. Bobbie Little Kirby accepted a position with the Montgomery County School System at the West Middle School. In 2003, Leadership Anson graduated a new class; Bobbie was one of the 12 graduates of the seventh Leadership Anson class. Saturday, September 13, 2003, The National Association of University Women Wadesboro Branch, Honors Bobbie Jeanne Little as Woman of the Year 2003. This was an exceptionally special occasion as I joined her sister Georgia and her nieces in delivering our own tributes to Bobbie at this momentous occasion. Wednesday, May 26, 2004, Bobbie Little earns an education doctorate. Her dissertation, “Factors Relating to the Achievement Gap In Selected North Carolina Rural Elementary Schools.”

I frequently hear people say of someone else and, from time to time, themselves that they got “emotional.” I am still unclear on what that means. As someone who has lived more than half of my life, I am not embarrassed to say that as I worked on this piece, tears constantly dripped from my eyes. Each tear represented a time that Bobbie made me or someone else laugh or feel encouraged and cared for.

Dr. Little’s interest in the betterment of others showed through practically everything she touched, including her doctorate dissertation. She was concerned about student achievement in elementary schools in Anson County. She researched the problem and has worked tirelessly to remedy the achievement gaps.

When you read Dr. Little’s official bio, you see the following: “Dr. Bobbie Jeanne Little is the daughter of the late Richard and Esther Rorie Little of Wadesboro, NC, and was born and raised in the Ruby Orchards area of Lilesville, NC. She has served 45 years as an educator and advocator for youth and families. She began her educational career as a Reading Tutor at McRae School in Morven, NC and then as a bus driver and teacher assistant at T.W. Bennett Elementary School in Lilesville, NC. Furthering her studies, as she worked, she would earn a certification enabling her to serve as a teacher and assistant principal in Anson County Schools. She served as principal in Montgomery County and Wake County. Later, she was Director of Education for the Central Region of North Carolina’s Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, she retired after 33 years of service to the State of NC.”

After retiring from the State of North Carolina, she began a new career as a college professor and clinical supervisor of student teachers in the Department of Education at Shaw University. She worked there for 10.5 years. While working at Shaw University, she also served as an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, supervising student teachers. At opportune times, Dr. Little taught at Richmond Community College, South Piedmont Community College, and Wake Technical Community Colleges as an evening adjunct faculty member. Even though she has had an illustrious career and decades of service, she has agreed to return to Shaw University in the Fall of 2025.”

The view of Dr. Little, as she is known and called by most of her colleagues, is something like this. She is known for developing phenomenal relationships with parents and empowering them to be actively involved in their children’s education. One of her philosophies can be summed up as “For Children’s Sake.” While teaching in public schools, she often taught students who were not the highest academic achievers. However, overall, her students showed significant growth from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. When asked about this, she attributes much of this success to building relationships and communication between parents and stakeholders.

She truly believes that more learning will occur when students know that educators care about and believe in them. She believes that relationships built on compassion and trust will produce massive positive outcomes for all. While she was a classroom teacher, her firm and fair classroom management and leadership skills were recognized by her colleagues. She was encouraged to begin her studies in school administration.

Dr. Little did not go to college directly out of high school. She raised a daughter who eventually followed in her footsteps into education; she cared for both of her ailing parents until their subsequent passing. No, Bobbie’s educational journey was not typical, but the way countless others have achieved their educational success.

Mr. Michael Freeman – Retired superintendent Anson County, NC schools

As fate would have it, she worked during the day and attended college classes at night and on the weekends. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education degrees from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, her Education Specialist (Ed.S.), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and continuing education credit hours from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill through Principal Executive Programs.

Bobbie considers herself “a teacher first” in whatever capacity she serves. In her 40-plus years of service, she has received numerous honors and awards, including All-State School Board recognition for outstanding service to the education of North Carolina’s Children. Her fellow board members nominated her to serve on the North Carolina School Board Association’s Legislative Committee. She was appointed as Commissioner of the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program in 2024.

Dr. Little has also found time to serve on the boards of the State Employee Credit Union, Anson Regional Medical Services, Anson County Zoning Board, Anson County 4-H Youth Promises, Closing the Achievement Advisory Board, and Anson County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. She is serving her fourth term on the Anson County School Board, where she has served as chairman and vice chairman.

On March 30, 2012, Dr. Little became the first African American and first female in Anson County to receive the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award for service from Governor Beverly Purdue. Since its creation in 1963, the Long Leaf Pine Award has been presented to honor persons with a proven record of service to the State of North Carolina or some other notable achievement and to others as a gesture of friendship and goodwill. Upon being named to The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the honoree receives a certificate by which the Governor confers upon the recipient “…the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary privileged to enjoy fully all rights granted to members of this exalted order.

Bobbie has been recognized and honored by the North Carolina School Board Association, H.O.L.L.A. (Community Impact Award), National Association of University Women (NAUW) for service from the branch, sectional, and national levels, Governor’s Volunteer Award, and churches in the community. She is a member of Anson Women’s League, Linkon Chapter #564 Order of the Eastern Star, PHA, Lifetime Member of NAACP, and Golden Life Member of Union County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Christina Rose former student of Dr. Little

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, fitness walking, traveling, and golf. When she is faced with challenging tasks, she finds solace on the golf course and fitness walking. She is a member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association-Amateurs, Sandhills and Charlotte Chapters, Carolina Golf Association, and the Seven Lakes Women’s Golf Association.

She does motivational speaking for programs serving youth during summer programs and other times.

Did I mention that Bobbie has a forgiving heart of gold? In 1977, Bobbie bestowed upon me the honor of capturing her wedding day on film. I borrowed a large format camera from the high school photography instructor. I had only used the box-shaped Mamiya once before. I managed to find all the angles and did not miss a special moment during the wedding ceremony. I soon ran out of film. Then I pulled out my Petri 35mm for the reminder of the ceremony. When the film was developed, I did not have one picture on the large format camera, I had loaded the film incorrectly. I did manage to get a few good shots with my Petri. I was forgiven.

It has been said that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Bobbie’s daughter watched her life journey and decided follow and imitate. Kimelon, is a graduate of UNC-Pembroke and UNC-Chapel Hill. She received certifications from Pfeiffer University and Gardner Webb University. She is employed by the Wake County Public School System in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Department serving over 40 elementary schools. She is pursuing doctoral studies currently. Prior to this position, she taught in Anson, Durham, and Wake County Public Schools.

Webster defines a “living legend” as a person who is famous while still living for doing something extremely well.

Webster defines “famous” as widely known, honored for achievement, excellent, or first-rate.

Dr. Bobbie J. Little, my sister and a teacher first.

No Retirement For Me

Jonathan Clements reflects on the life changes driven by his terminal cancer diagnosis at age 61. Despite his prior focus on frugality and saving for retirement, he now prioritizes enjoying daily life, simplifying finances, and ensuring his family’s financial security. His philosophy embraces making meaningful memories while managing his health challenges.

I Saved And Planned For A Long One. Then I Heard From My Doctor.

By Jonathan Clements

This won’t come as a big surprise: Dying makes you look at the world in a different way—the world of money included. Among friends and family, I’m known for hard work and self-discipline. I spent almost two decades at The Wall Street Journal, churning out personal finance columns every week. I saved so diligently that I could have retired at age 51, but instead opted to write books and launch a personal finance website. My self-control extends to exercise: I’ve run or bicycled pretty much every day since 1995.

What was my reward for this life of industry, frugality and clean living? In May 2024, at age 61, I got an out-of-the-blue diagnosis of cancer, the result of a defective gene. The cancer had metastasized from my lung to my chest, liver and brain. My oncologist said I might have a year to live. I’m hoping for a tad longer because my body has responded well to treatment. Still, it’s only a matter of time before cancer gets the upper hand.

In the meantime, I find myself wandering through life with a different mindset from almost everybody else. How so? Here are 19 ways that my thinking and my finances have been transformed by my diagnosis.

1. I spent nearly my entire adult life saving like crazy so I could retire in comfort—and yet, faced with my terminal illness, I have no plans to retire. Instead, I want to keep doing what I’ve been doing for years: getting up early, making coffee, exercising, writing and editing, napping after lunch, taking an afternoon walk, enjoying an evening glass of wine. These are the things that bring me pleasure each day, and I have no desire to stop now.

2. Do I regret my decades of frugality, including previously living for 20 years in a modest house I never much liked? Far from it. The money I saved won’t go toward my retirement, but it still bought me a lot of happiness—because it allowed me to avoid financial worries for much of my adult life.

3. I could spend with reckless abandon now, but my old frugality persists. My partner, Elaine, and I had been living together for four years and were already engaged when I got my diagnosis. We married four days later, partly because she won’t qualify for Social Security survivor benefits unless I’m still alive nine months after our wedding. Since then, we’ve taken a few special trips, and we have a few more planned. But I’ll only open up my wallet so far. You won’t find me paying $5,000 to fly business class to Europe.

4. Never an enthusiastic shopper, I’m now even less inclined to buy new things. Last fall, Elaine insisted I purchase new shoes for my son’s December 2024 wedding. I wear those shoes whenever I get the chance—because it’s the only way I could justify the cost.

5. Gifting has become a top financial goal. One reason I’m not spending like crazy: I want to make sure I bequeath a healthy sum to Elaine and my two children, now in their 30s, from my previous marriage. I also made some financial gifts right away, including writing large checks to my kids and funding 529 college savings plans for my two grandsons.

6. I’ve long invested aggressively, keeping 80 percent or more of my portfolio in stock-index funds. Now that I know it’s likely I won’t live more than another year or two, I’m even more aggressive. Why? I’m no longer investing for my retirement. Instead, I’m investing for my heirs, and their time horizon is far longer than mine.

7. Because old age is no longer in the cards, all kinds of issues are off the table. I don’t have to fret over future long-term care costs, or whether to choose original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, or how to minimize my retirement tax bill. Instead, my top priority is making sure everything is in good shape for my heirs.

8. As of my 62nd birthday in January of this year, I could have applied for Social Security. But I won’t. My goal is to get Elaine a healthy stream of Social Security benefits. After much research—including a consultation with the developer of opensocialsecurity.com, a free Social Security strategy calculator—I figured out that in our situation, I should skip claiming. Instead, Elaine will claim survivor benefits based on my earnings record when I die. Once she turns 70, she’ll swap to a benefit based on her own record.

9. I thought my financial affairs were well organized. I was kidding myself. I’ve spent months shredding old tax returns, ripping up investment statements and organizing what remains. I fear that if I don’t throw out unneeded paperwork, my family will think it’s important—and I will have bequeathed them unnecessary confusion.

10. There’s always more to throw away. I’ve moved four times since 2011, shedding possessions on each occasion. Yet I keep finding more things to toss or give away. My 13 years of downsizing have taught me to be ruthless. The fact is, there’s nothing that I’ve unloaded over the past 13 years that I wish I could have back.

11. For years, I’ve been carting around a box of old mail: notes from old girlfriends, Christmas cards from 1986, letters I got while at college. Mixed in there was some really bad poetry I wrote. Did I carefully review everything in the box? Hardly. I tore up most items after a quick glance and added them to the recycling bin. Am I glad my kids will never see all this stuff? You bet.

12. My finances were pretty simple, but I’ve been simplifying them even more. I’ve closed two of my four credit cards, liquidated a small IRA I inherited from my father, and folded a solo Roth 401(k) into my Roth IRA. All this is a whole lot easier for me to do now than it will be after my death, when family members will have to produce death certificates and prove they have the authority to act.

13. I’ve added Elaine to my various insurance policies and made her the joint account holder on my two checking accounts. One of those checking accounts is debited for all utilities—gas, water, electricity, inter-net, cell phones—so it’ll be easy for her to take over the household finances.

14. Two days after I was diagnosed with cancer, I sat down with Elaine and my children to walk them through my estate plan. I quickly realized one conversation wouldn’t be enough. Stuff that was second nature to a financial nerd like me was baffling to them—things like the difference between traditional and Roth IRAs and what a “step-up in cost basis” means. Since then, I’ve fielded countless questions from Elaine and my kids.

15. Even as I tidy up my affairs, I’m also getting the house fixed up, including taking on a two-month bathroom remodeling project. I’ve learned that this is an affliction that often hits men confronting their mortality: They want to make sure all is in good order for their spouse or partner.

16. Time has always been more valuable than money, and never more so than right now. I want to devote each day to the things that I really care about, while minimizing annoyances. What if contractors or customer service reps are being unresponsive? If necessary, I’ll play the C card, telling them I don’t have long to live. Yes, it’s surprisingly effective.

17. As news of my cancer has spread, I’ve been inundated with countless messages. If I read every book about cancer that’s been recommended to me or agreed to meet with everybody who wanted to visit, I’d have no time for the things that matter to me. The good news: When a dying man says “No,” people tend to listen.

18. I still want to make a difference in the lives of others. That’s why I continue to write and edit every day. In return, I end each day feeling fulfilled and with that pleasant sense of progress that makes me happy.

19. I refuse to feel angry about my bad luck or despondent over the years I’ll never enjoy. Instead, I’m determined to make the most of each day. I’ve long thought happiness has three key ingredients: a sense of financial security, time with family and friends, and doing work I love. My diagnosis has made me even more focused on those three things.

Every few months, I have a brain MRI and a body scan to see whether the cancer has spread. Every three weeks, I get blood drawn, which may offer a warning sign of trouble. Someday—maybe next month, maybe next year—the results won’t be in my favor.

Until then, Elaine and I will continue to make plans for the four or five months that lie ahead, but no more than that. It’s the frugality thing again. We can cancel hotel rooms and rental cars without penalty. But changing airline tickets and cruises can be costly. And I sure don’t want to be confronted by both death and cancellation fees.

Jonathan Clements is the founder of www.HumbleDollar.com and the former personal finance columnist for The Wall Street Journal.

“Justice Denied: Supreme Court Declares Black Americans Have No Rights”

The Dred Scott v. Sandford case, culminating in a Supreme Court ruling on March 6, 1857, denied freedom to Dred Scott and ruled African Americans could not be U.S. citizens. This decision invalidated the Missouri Compromise and intensified national tensions over slavery, fueling the path to the Civil War and inspiring the abolitionist movement.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | March 6, 2025

One of the most significant legal battles in American history unfolded in St. Louis’ Old Courthouse, where Dred Scott and his wife, Harriet, fought for their freedom from enslavement. The landmark Supreme Court decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) not only denied their freedom but also ruled that African Americans could not be U.S. citizens and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories. This ruling invalidated the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and pushed the nation closer to the Civil War.

Dred Scott’s Journey to the Courtroom

Dred Scott was born into enslavement in Virginia around 1799 and later moved with his enslavers, the Blow family, to St. Louis in 1830. Financial difficulties forced the Blows to sell Scott to Dr. John Emerson, a military surgeon. Scott accompanied Emerson to free territories—Illinois and the Wisconsin Territory—where slavery was prohibited under the Missouri Compromise.

During this time, Scott married Harriet Robinson, who was also enslaved. The couple had two daughters, Eliza and Lizzie. After Dr. Emerson died in 1843, his widow, Irene Emerson, continued to profit from their forced labor, hiring them out to other families.

In 1846, Scott took legal action, suing Irene Emerson for his freedom. The case, filed in the Old Courthouse, was based on the legal precedent that an enslaved person who had lived in a free territory was entitled to freedom. With the support of abolitionist allies and financial backing from the Blow family, Scott embarked on an eleven-year legal battle that would reach the highest Court in the land.

The Supreme Court’s Ruling and Its Fallout

On March 6, 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 against Scott. The Court, led by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, declared that African Americans, whether free or enslaved, could not be U.S. citizens and therefore had no right to sue in Federal Court. Moreover, the ruling struck down the Missouri Compromise, stating that Congress had no power to prohibit slavery in U.S. territories.

The Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States (Artist: George P.A. Healy)

Taney actually freed the enslaved people that he had inherited; however, he believed that the Federal government had no right to limit slavery. He mistakenly thought he could save the Union when he ruled that the Framers of the Constitution believed enslaved people were so inferior that they possessed no legal rights.

Chief Justice Taney held the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, claiming that as property, enslaved people were protected under Article V. In addition to this unpopular opinion, Taney became even more disliked when he challenged President Lincoln’s constitutional authority to apply certain emergency measures during the Civil War. Lincoln saw him as an enemy and even defied one of Taney’s judicial decisions. Despite his critics, Taney served until he died on October 12, 1864, at the age of 87, after being Chief Justice for 28 years.

This decision deepened the nation’s divide over slavery, further fueling tensions that would lead to the Civil War. Though Scott lost his case, his courage in seeking justice contributed to the broader movement for abolition.

The Missouri Compromise and Its Repeal

Scott’s case directly challenged the Missouri Compromise (also known as the Compromise of 1820) which was, Federal legislation of the United States that balanced northern states’ desires to prevent slavery in the country with those of southern states to expand it. It admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state and declared a policy of prohibiting slavery in the remaining Louisiana Purchase lands north of the 36^th parallel. The 16th United States Congress passed the legislation on March 3, 1820, and President James Monroe signed it into law on March 6, 1820.

The Missouri Compromise was a critical effort to prevent the nation from fracturing over slavery, but it was repealed in 1854 by the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed territories to decide the issue of slavery through popular sovereignty. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Dred Scott v. Sandford further dismantled any legal barriers to slavery’s expansion, emboldening pro-slavery factions and enraging abolitionists.

Legacy of the Dred Scott Case

Though the Supreme Court denied Scott’s plea for freedom, his case became a turning point in American history. The ruling heightened national tensions and galvanized anti-slavery forces, accelerating the path to the American Civil War. In 1857, Scott and his family were eventually freed by Taylor Blow, a member of his original enslaver’s family. Tragically, Scott died just a year later.

Dred and Harriet Scott’s determination to fight for their freedom stands as a testament to the resilience of those who resisted enslavement. Their struggle helped shape the national debate over slavery and ultimately contributed to the Union’s commitment to ending the institution once and for all.

The Union won the American Civil War. The war effectively ended in April 1865 when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his troops to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia.

Fulton County: An Economic, Cultural, and Educational Hub for Georgia

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 19, 2025

According to Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts in his annual State of the County address, Fulton County continues to thrive as a cornerstone of Georgia’s economy, education, and cultural life. Delivered on February 18, 2025, the address highlighted the county’s impressive achievements across various sectors and outlined a bold vision for the future.

A Leader in Education and Workforce Development

Home to 1.2 million residents, Fulton County serves as an educational hub, with 136,000 students enrolled in Fulton County Schools and Atlanta Public Schools. Additionally, 120,000 students attend higher education institutions, including the county’s renowned Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) such as Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, Interdenominational Theological Center Morehouse School of Medicine, and Clark Atlanta University.

Another accolade in education is that Dr. Mike Looney, Superintendent for Fulton County Schools, was named Georgia’s Superintendent of the Year for 2025, an honor bestowed by the Georgia School Boards Association and the Georgia School Superintendents Association.

Economic Powerhouse and Business Hub

Fulton County continues to be the economic engine of metro Atlanta. One-third of all wages paid in the metropolitan area are earned in Fulton County. According to Site Selection Magazine, the county also boasts the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the nation, ranking fourth among U.S. counties. Delta Airlines, Georgia’s largest employer, is headquartered in the county.

The county’s economic strength extends to the arts, Georgia’s most significant public contributor to cultural programs. With over 200 parks, nature preserves, and walking trails, Fulton County provides a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Sports, Culture, and Global Events

Fulton County is home to Atlanta’s professional sports teams, including the Hawks (NBA), Atlanta Dream (WNBA), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), United (MLS), and the Atlanta Fire (professional cricket). Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to bring a professional hockey franchise to the area.

The county will play a significant role on the global stage, hosting eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In November 2024, media worldwide reported on Fulton County’s elections from the newly constructed, state-of-the-art Elections Center, which consolidated all election activities under one roof. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger praised the county for conducting a flawless election.

Investments in Infrastructure and Public Services

Fulton County has made significant strides in infrastructure, particularly in water and sewer management. The recently completed $350 million Big Creek Water Treatment Facility represents one of the most significant infrastructure projects in county history, and an additional $500 million facility is planned for the City of South Fulton.

Healthcare access is also improving, with the launch of the Fulton County Health and Human Services Campus in Alpharetta, which provides public health, behavioral health, senior services, and developmental disability support. A similar facility is in the planning stages for South Fulton. Additionally, a Mental Health Crisis Center opened on Metropolitan Parkway in October 2024, a collaboration between Fulton County, the State of Georgia, and Grady Hospital.

Cybersecurity and Government Resilience

One year after a cyberattack by the international crime ring LockBit, Fulton County has emerged stronger and more secure. Despite the attack shutting down government systems, county officials developed alternative solutions to maintain essential services. No ransom payments were made to the crime ring.

The attack on Fulton County and others prompted new legislation that now prevents the use of taxpayer funds to pay ransoms to cybercriminals, serving as a deterrent for future attacks.

A Vision for Continued Growth

The State of the County event was hosted by the Council for Quality Growth, an advocacy organization that represents the interests of developers, contractors, engineers, planners, and other stakeholders in metro Atlanta’s growth and development. Chairman Pitts reaffirmed the county’s commitment to fostering economic prosperity while ensuring the well-being of all residents.

As Fulton County continues to expand and innovate, its status as Georgia’s economic, cultural, and educational hub remains unchallenged, setting a standard for progress in the region and beyond.

Corporate America Abandons DE&I, But Black-Owned Brands Are the Future

By Stacy M. Brown | NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent |@StacyBrownMedia

While corporations retreat, Black entrepreneurs continue to build, innovate, and thrive. According to NBC Select, over three million Black-owned brands are in the U.S., spanning every industry imaginable. As corporate America abandons its DE&I commitments, the power shifts to conscious consumers who invest in businesses that uplift and sustain marginalized communities.

Here are just a few standout Black-owned brands leading the charge:

Clothing & Accessories

Telfar – The brand that revolutionized luxury fashion with its motto: “Not for you—for everyone.”
Hanifa – A trailblazing womenswear brand founded by Anifa Mvuemba, known for its stunning digital fashion shows.
Pyer Moss – Founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond, this label merges activism and high fashion.
Grayscale – A streetwear brand bringing bold aesthetics and social commentary to the forefront.
Sassy Jones – A standout accessories brand built on bold, unapologetic self-expression.

Beauty & Skincare

Fenty Beauty – Rihanna’s globally inclusive beauty empire that set a new standard for shade diversity.
Mented Cosmetics – Beauty products created specifically for deeper skin tones.
The Lip Bar – A Black-woman-owned brand disrupting the beauty industry with bold, non-toxic lipstick shades.
Pattern Beauty – Founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, specializing in products for textured hair.
Alikay Naturals – Natural haircare products with a devoted following.

Home & Lifestyle

Estelle Colored Glass – Hand-blown glassware that brings Black excellence to fine dining.
Jungalow – A home décor brand from designer Justina Blakeney, blending culture and bohemian flair.
Linoto – Luxury linen bedding made with sustainability in mind.
Yowie – A modern design studio curating unique home goods from independent artists.

Food & Beverage

Partake Foods – A Black-owned snack company offering allergen-friendly cookies and treats.
McBride Sisters Wine Collection – The largest Black-owned wine company in the U.S., run by two sisters redefining the industry.
Uncle Nearest Whiskey – Honoring Nathan “Nearest” Green, the Black distiller behind Jack Daniel’s original recipe.
Capital City Mambo Sauce – The D.C. favorite taking over the condiment industry.

Meanwhile, corporate America’s performative commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is unraveling at an alarming rate. In the years following the murder of George Floyd, corporations made bold promises to support marginalized communities, pledging billions in investments to level the playing field. But as the political landscape shifts and accountability wanes, those commitments are being discarded. A staggering number of major corporations have scaled back or eliminated DE&I programs: Amazon, Target, Amtrak, Goldman Sachs, Disney, Deloitte, PBS, Google, Pepsi, General Motors (GM), GE, Intel, PayPal, Chipotle, Comcast, Accenture, The Smithsonian Institution, the FBI, Meta, Walmart, Boeing, Molson Coors, Ford Motor Co., Harley-Davidson, and John Deere have all abandoned or severely reduced their diversity efforts. The very companies that once paraded their commitment to racial equity in multimillion-dollar ad campaigns are now quietly erasing those initiatives from their bottom lines.

Not everyone is staying silent. Dr. Jamal Bryant, the influential pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in metro Atlanta, is leading a 40-day economic fast—or boycott—of Target in direct response to the retailer’s decision to phase out its DE&I initiatives. Target, headquartered in Minneapolis—the city where George Floyd was murdered in 2020—originally pledged $2 billion in investments toward Black-owned businesses. That commitment was due in December 2025, but on January 24, Target announced it would end its DE&I efforts, effectively abandoning that financial commitment. Bryant, appearing on the Black Press’ Let It Be Known news program, condemned the move. “After the murder of George Floyd, they made a $2 billion commitment to invest in Black businesses,” he said. “When they pulled out of the DE&I agreement in January, they also canceled that $2 billion commitment.”

Target is just the beginning. Bryant calls for 100,000 people to halt their spending at the retail giant as a direct challenge to corporate America’s retreat from racial equity. “Black people spend $12 million a day at Target,” he said. “Because of how many dollars are spent there and the absence of commitment to our community, we are focusing on Target first.” The boycott, designed to coincide with Lent, aims to leverage Black economic power to hold corporations accountable. Within just one week, 50,000 people had already signed the petition at targetfast.org, signaling the growing momentum behind the movement.

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Bryant’s demands go beyond reinstating DE&I. “White women are the number one beneficiary of DE&I,” he noted. “What I am asking for is a quarter of a billion dollars to be invested in Black banks so that our Black businesses can scale.” He also called for Target to partner with HBCUs by integrating their business departments into its supply chain infrastructure. Meanwhile, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)—the nation’s largest Black-owned media organization—has announced its own national public education and selective buying campaign in response to corporate America’s retreat from DE&I. “We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America,” said NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr.

NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. reinforced the need for financial realignment. “Black Americans spend $2 trillion annually. We must evaluate and realign to question why we continue to spend our money with companies that do not respect us. These contradictions will not go unchallenged.” In response, Bryant has partnered with Ron Busby, president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, to provide consumers with a directory of 300,000 Black-owned businesses. “You can’t tell people what not to do without showing them what to do,” Bryant said. “If you’re not going to Target or Walmart but need essentials like toilet paper, soap, or detergent, we’ll show you where to get them and reinvest in Black businesses.”

And the impact of the boycott is already felt. Since Black consumers began boycotting Target, the company’s stock has dropped by $11, Bryant noted. Stockholders are now suing Target due to the adverse effects of the boycott on its stock value. Bryant said the question is no longer whether corporate America will keep its promises—it’s clear that it won’t. He said the same companies that plastered Black squares on social media and made grand statements about inclusion are now proving where their true priorities lie. “America has shown us time and time again: if it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense,” Bryant stated.

Making Positive Thinking and Self-talk a Priority in 2025

One goal to consider for 2025 is to learn effective ways to manage stress and implement positive thinking and self-talk.

By Cheri Bennett | Rockingham, NC | February 18, 2025

How are you stepping into 2025? Are you strolling with a pep in your step and a positive attitude, or are you dragging into the new year with negative thoughts and feelings? Research has shown that feelings of optimism and pessimism can affect our health more than we realize. One goal to consider for 2025 is to learn effective ways to manage stress and implement positive thinking and self-talk.

What is self-talk? Self-talk consists of those thoughts that endlessly run through our minds. These thoughts happen automatically and can be either negative or positive. Some of the self-talk is based on actual circumstances and is reasonable and logical.

On the other hand, self-talk can be self-created due to a lack of information or understanding on our part. Too much negative self-talk is what is often referred to in today’s popular culture as “getting in your head”. When you reach this point of self-talk, you are now less confident in yourself and your ability to manage the situation before you. This scenario can prevent individuals from reaching their highest potential or even forming positive relationships with others.

Practicing positive self-talk and positive thinking does not mean that a person does not acknowledge unpleasant situations. Instead, they have chosen to acknowledge the unpleasant circumstance positively and productively. They hope for the best outcome. They choose to be optimistic! In our lifetime, we have seen examples of great optimists, maybe some have been in your family. These people manage to maintain positive thinking and self-talk to turn crises into positive outcomes.

According to researchers, there are several health benefits associated with positive thinking. These include:

• Increased life span

• Lessened levels of depression

• Lessened levels of distress and pain

• Stronger resistance to illnesses

• Higher quality of psychological and physical well-being

• Greater cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke

• Decreased risk of death from cancer

• Reduced risk of death from respiratory conditions

• Decreased risk of death from infections

• Stronger coping skills during hardships and times of stress

Although research is ongoing as to the specific reasons for these improvements associated with positive thinking and self-talk, one theory is that having a positive outlook enables one to cope better in stressful circumstances. This, in turn, reduces the negative effects of stress on the body.

It’s unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive view enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body.

The Connection Between Positive and Optimistic People and Healthy Lifestyle

Stress, environment, and lack of sleep can also affect mood and the ability to think positively. In the new year, strive to find ways to purposely improve in these areas. Additionally, incorporating more physical activity, not smoking, or excessively drinking alcohol are areas of lifestyle that should be examined. Registered Dietician Katey Davidson recommends incorporating foods that are filled with essential vitamins, minerals, and compounds that have the potential to lift our spirits into our diets. These foods include:

Dark chocolate – The flavonoids in dark chocolate have been linked to increased serotonin levels which may help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Bananas – The tryptophan in bananas is an amino acid that’s a precursor to serotonin. They also contain vitamin B6, which aids in mood regulation.

Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants combat oxidative stress, which research has linked to mood disorders.

Oily fish – Salmon, mackerel, and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties which can potentially aid in combatting depression.

Nuts and seeds – Walnuts, chin seeds, and flaxseeds are also sources of omega-3s.

Oats – Oats release energy slowly, preventing the sugar spikes and dips that can impact our mood.

Spinach – Spinach is rich in folate. Folate is a B vitamin that helps produce the mood-regulating neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine.

Avocados – Avocados are also rich in B vitamins and monounsaturated fats. These nutrients are beneficial for neurotransmitters and brain health.

Green tea – Filled with amino acid L-theanine, green tea may help promote relaxation. Green tea also provides a gentle caffeine boost to kick-start your thy with alertness and mental clarity. This combination helps you stay alert and clear-headed without the jitters often associated with caffeine alone.

Beans – Beans are rich in protein and fiber. They also help to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent mood swings.

Poultry – Chicken and turkey are excellent sources of an amino acid called tryptophan. This amino acid boosts serotonin production, thus elevating mood.

Sweet potatoes – Sweet potatoes contain fiber and complex carbohydrates. This combination helps stabilize blood sugar levels and mood.

To help you focus on positive thinking during the new year, start by identifying areas necessary for change, checking your thoughts regularly, being open to humor, following a healthy lifestyle, surrounding yourself with positive people, and practicing positive self-talk.

If you are interested in learning more about health and wellness, contact Cheri Bennett at Cheri_ben-nett@ncsu.edu. The Richmond County Cooperative Extension Office helps provide research-based education and technology to the producers and citizens of this great county The office is located at 123 Caroline St. in Rockingham, NC and can be reached at 910-997-8255 or richmond.ces.ncsu.edu for more information.

Carleen Cumberbatch named Distinguished Older Georgian

The Georgia Council on Aging has named Ms. Carleen Cumberbatch the 2025 Distinguished Older Georgian, an honor awarded annually to a Georgian aged 70 or older who has demonstrated outstanding service to seniors at the community

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 12, 2025

The Georgia Council on Aging (GCOA) has named Ms. Carleen Cumberbatch the 2025 Distinguished Older Georgian, an honor awarded annually to a Georgian aged 70 or older who has demonstrated outstanding service to seniors at the community, state, or federal level. Ms. Cumberbatch’s lifetime of service, advocacy, and leadership exemplifies the spirit of positive aging and dedication to improving the lives of others.

The award was presented on February 11, 2025, at the Georgia State Capitol as part of Senior Day at the Capitol. With a career and volunteer record spanning decades, Ms. Cumberbatch has been a tireless advocate for seniors, particularly in DeKalb County, where her efforts have led to significant improvements in senior services.

Photo by Milton Kirby – Carleen Cumberbatch

A retired educator with 29 years of experience in the New York City Education System, Ms. Cumberbatch has served in roles ranging from teacher to district supervisor. Her commitment to public service continued in Georgia, where she was appointed to the Housing Authority of DeKalb County (HADC) Board of Commissioners in 2003.

Her advocacy work began over 30 years ago when she recognized that DeKalb County lacked services for seniors unless they were homebound or indigent. Determined to make a difference, she founded the South DeKalb Senior Line Dancers, a program designed to encourage exercise and socialization among seniors while advocating for their needs. The group has since performed at nursing homes, schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and senior centers.

Her work was instrumental in getting the Lou Walker Senior constructed in DeKalb County. Ms. Cumberbatch is a tireless leader and advocate for other seniors in Georgia and the United States of America.

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Ms. Cumberbatch has also been an active AARP volunteer, leading workshops on Medicare, organizing senior group ministries, and lecturing at Georgia Perimeter College’s nursing program. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed—her long list of accolades includes the Hidden Figures of DeKalb County Award (2017), an award from Congressman Hank Johnson for her work with seniors (2012), the Trail Blazers Women of Distinction Award (2012), the Helping Hand Award for Community Service from WB36 (2002), and the Unsung Heroine Award from the Metro Atlanta Coalition of 100 Black Women (2001).

Her extensive leadership roles include serving as:

Board Chair for Resident Services Corporation (a nonprofit affiliate of HADC)
Board Chair for the Housing Authority of DeKalb County
Member of the Atlanta Regional Commission Advisory Committee on Aging (since 2001)
Commissioner for the NAHRO Board (2010-2021)
Volunteer with AARP
Co-coordinator of Bridge Builders of DeKalb (2003-2006)
Representative of DeKalb County’s District 31 Georgia Silver Hair Legislature
Member of the DeKalb County Senior Advisory Board
Officer on the International Board of the African Travel Association (ATA)
Coordinator for Commissioner Lou Walker’s District 7 Community Planning Unit
Member of the Atlanta Regional Commission Senior Task Force
Member of the Georgia Council on Aging
First Vice President of the DeKalb Section of the National Council of Negro Women
Member of the League of Women Voters
Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Decatur Chapter

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Ms. Cumberbatch’s leadership and advocacy efforts have contributed significantly to improving the quality of life for seniors in DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Rockdale counties. Through her work with AARP, she has taken on multiple roles, including Entitlement Speaker, Community Coordinator, District Coordinator, and Women’s Specialist for Georgia. She has also coordinated the Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) program for DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale, Morrow, and Forest Park. Additionally, her involvement with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Social Action Committee has made her a strong advocate for senior rights, voter registration, and education.

Photo by Milton Kirby – Senior Day at the Capitol

The Georgia Council on Aging remains committed to its mission of advocating for aging Georgians, educating policymakers, and advising state agencies on senior issues. Ms. Cumberbatch’s recognition as the 2025 Distinguished Older Georgian reflects her unwavering dedication to this cause and her profound impact on the community.

Her legacy inspires future generations and proves that advocacy, service, and leadership have no age limit.

Chuck Burch: Skating, Golfing, and Giving Back Through Scholarships

Chuck Burch has dedicated over two decades to transforming lives through education via the Chuck Burch Scholarship Fund (CBSF), which has awarded over $315,000 to more than 200 students. CBSF not only provides scholarships but also advocates for education, mentoring students through financial aid and college navigation while fostering community engagement.

By Milton Kirby | Dallas, TX | February 10, 2025

Chuck Burch has been on a mission to transform lives through education for more than two decades. As of December 31, 2024, the Chuck Burch Scholarship Fund (CBSF) has awarded over $315,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students and organizations, helping young minds access higher education opportunities they might not have otherwise had.

The CBSF was founded in 2000, and its guiding principle is clear: “To invoke the wheels of change in a young person’s life by providing them access to resources that make higher education an attainable goal.” More than just a scholarship fund, CBSF advocates for education, guiding students through the financial aid process and helping them navigate college. Thanks to Burch’s leadership, the foundation has cultivated relationships with high schools, colleges, and universities nationwide, making it easier for students to secure funding, connect with prospective institutions, and, in many cases, get recruited.

A Personal Journey of Resilience and Determination

Burch’s passion for education is deeply personal. Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, in a single-parent household as the oldest of three children, he faced financial hardships early on. Neither of his parents completed college, but his mother instilled in him the importance of academic excellence and athletics.

His college journey began with limited financial resources, forcing him to apply strategically to schools that waived application fees. He was accepted into Howard University and Florida A&M University. He received full scholarships from Morehouse College and North Carolina A&T State University. When North Carolina A&T personally reached out to recruit him, he felt valued and ultimately chose to attend the university—a decision that would shape his future.

After graduating, Burch entered the corporate world, landing an internship at Arthur Andersen and a full-time position at KPMG in Texas. However, when the economy took a downturn, he and his entire entry class were laid off. With no clear path forward, he took short-term jobs—swiping credit cards overnight to test machines, picking up highway trash, and doing anything necessary to stay afloat.

Turning Setbacks into Success

Unemployment challenges led Burch to an important realization: financial stability required multiple income streams. In 1983, after being laid off, he partnered with a colleague to offer bookkeeping and tax preparation services from a kitchen table. By 2003, after another layoff, he was ready to commit to entrepreneurship fully.

Encouraged by a client who told him, “Now you have more time for me,” Burch launched The Burch Financial Group (BFG), a tax, financial advisory, and wealth management firm. BFG provides tax and financial planning services to individuals and small businesses, helping clients navigate investments, retirement, education funding, tax planning, risk management, and estate strategies.

Giving Back: The Birth of CBSF

Despite his financial success, Burch never forgot the impact of his college scholarship. He committed to giving back in honor of North Carolina A&T’s role in his life. What began as a small golf tournament among friends grew into a nationwide scholarship initiative fueled by Burch’s love of roller skating and golf. Through annual roller-skating parties and golf tournaments, CBSF raises between $20,000 and $25,000 annually to support aspiring college students.

The Mission of CBSF

CBSF is dedicated to fostering “Education for the Next Generation” through college scholarships, financial education, mentoring, career development, and community engagement. With the support of volunteers, businesses, corporate sponsors, and the wider community, CBSF provides much-needed resources to students striving for a brighter future.

The foundation currently serves students and families in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and roller-skating and golfing communities across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. With a growing presence in the national roller-skating community, CBSF is reaching more students than ever before. Many recipients have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and professionals, often citing their CBSF scholarship as the financial bridge that made college possible.

Scholarship Details

Each year, CBSF awards a scholarship to a student from the Dallas/Fort Worth area who has been accepted as an incoming freshman at North Carolina A&T State University. The scholarship is awarded in two payments—half in the fall and half in the spring of the student’s first year—and is not renewable.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be a graduating high school senior in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
Must have been accepted to North Carolina A&T State University.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must not be receiving a full academic or athletic scholarship to NCA&T.
Must demonstrate financial need as evaluated by the scholarship committee.
Selection is based on a combination of academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and financial need.

A Passion for Roller Skating and Community Building

Beyond financial planning and philanthropy, Burch has a personal passion—roller skating. He frequently hosts skating events to fundraise for CBSF, bringing together communities while supporting needy students.

“I love roller skating. It’s my favorite recreational activity,” Burch says, emphasizing how his interests fuel his ability to give back.

Prospective applicants can find more details and apply through the following platforms:

Website: www.ChuckBurchcfp.com | www.ChuckBurchScholarshipFund.org
Instagram: @chuck1982
Facebook: Chuck Burch
Twitter: @ChuckBurchCPA
YouTube: Chuck Burch Channel

Through education, mentorship, and his passions for roller skating and golf, Chuck Burch continues to change lives—one scholarship at a time

How Men Can Benefit From Regular Facials

Dermatologists and aestheticians share more about how men can benefit from facials too, the unique benefits, and how to have a more comfortable experience

By Ashley Broadwater| February 10, 2025

When it comes to self-care, these days men have plenty of options to groom and care for their skin in various ways.

However, research suggests they may not be taking advantage of all of the opportunities. For example, a YouGov poll in 2024 surveyed 1,148 American adults selected from a 2019 community survey. The sample was stratified by gender, age, race, education, geographic region and political party. The poll found that 58% of men skip daily moisturizing, and some prefer the bare minimum skincare routine.

But there’s one specific type of self-care where dermatologists and aestheticians say men are lagging far behind: facials.

“Here is the reality: Facials are not only for women,” said dermatologist Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed. “In fact, they’re a smart move for anyone who wants healthy, clear skin.”

Ahead, dermatologists and aestheticians share more about how men can benefit from facials too, the unique benefits, and how to have a more comfortable experience.

Why more men need to get regular facials

Facials are a safe treatment, and they’re an important part of skincare for all of us. While there’s no set-in-stone frequency, Meka Mathis, a master aesthetician and owner of Skin Beauty Bar, suggested getting one every four to six weeks. This aligns with the skin’s natural regeneration cycle, which sheds old skin cells every 4-6 weeks to produce new cells.

But back to men specifically: “Men benefit from facials as much as women do, though interest in skincare among men has traditionally lagged far behind that of women,” said Dr. Kate Dee, a Yale-trained aesthetician physician and founder of Glow Medispa in Seattle.

Here are a handful of the benefits that are specifically effective for men:

Testosterone = more oil glands

“Because they have more testosterone, men usually have thicker skin with extra oil glands,” Hamed said. “This means your skin can take more damage, but also becomes oily quicker, which causes problems like blocked pores, blackheads and acne.”

Dead skin build-up, as well as clogged and enlarged pores, are other issues you can avoid with a facial, according to Mathis. Further, regular maintenance can help you avoid acne and blemishes.

Additionally, for men who shave their faces, they may suffer from bumps, redness and general irritation. Facials can improve the skin and ease that irritation, said dermatologist Dr. Anthony Rossi.

For mental health

Facials can boost your emotional well-being in various ways.

“Facials allow for that hour of self-care,” Mathis said. “This can help increase momentum and self-worth.”

Those effects — both short-term and long-term — make sense, right? “Facials are like massages in the sense that they are soothing, calming and refreshing,” Dee added. “Having a facial can improve mood and outlook.”

The mental health benefits are based on science. “Your body makes less cortisol [when you’re less stressed], and it benefits your whole body, not only your face,” Hamed said. (Cortisol is known as the stress hormone.)

Skincare isn’t masculine or feminine

For men who are reluctant to get a facial, dermatologists and aestheticians shared encouraging words.

For one, skincare is simply smart — an attractive quality in anyone.

“Taking care of your skin does not make you less manly; it makes you clever,” Hamed said. “Healthy skin appears better, feels better and prevents bigger issues in the time ahead.”

At the end of the day, none of this is gender-specific.

“We should not think of skincare and facial care in feminine or masculine tropes,” Rossi said. “These procedures and self-care are great for all persons if they want it, and those old stereotypes are tired. You only have one face, so you should take care of it, along with your body and mind.”

How to find a spa where you’ll feel comfortable

Want to ensure the spa is prepared to meet your needs? Mathis recommended hopping on Google and searching for a licensed aesthetician who’s experienced with facial care.

After Googling, Hamed suggested asking the providers what types of facials they offer — like deep-cleaning facials for oily skin, or hydrating facials for after you shave — and if the spa carries products specifically for men.

“The more you know, the more comfortable you’ll feel,” he pointed out.

These places do exist, by the way. Mathis said many spas, including her own, offer male-specific facials. And they want to. “Spas love to welcome men into the spa environment,” Dee added.

“You don’t necessarily need a men’s-only spa, as many spas and facialists can treat all persons,” Rossi confirmed.

This Valentine’s Day, consider what all types of love bring to your life

The holiday is a chance to consider just how rich, diverse and beneficial every form of love is in the human experience, whether it comes from your family, friends, pets, neighbors or community.

By DEVI SHASTRI | February 10, 2025

Valentine’s Day is for lovers — but you don’t need a romantic soulmate to celebrate.

The holiday is a chance to consider just how rich, diverse and beneficial every form of love is in the human experience, whether it comes from your family, friends, pets, neighbors or community.

Three experts shared how to nurture love in all its forms at a time when loneliness is an ” epidemic,” politics are divisive and turning to technology is often easier real-life social interactions.

You need more than just “the” love of your life

Romantic love — a deep, intimate partnership with another person or persons — is a valuable part of life. But experts say it’s good to remember that we need to have several sources of connection.

“Especially as we get older, we recognize that no one relationship is going to provide us with everything,” said Mikaela Frissell, a social worker for UT Health Austin.

Love isn’t something that can easily be pinned down with a single definition or behavior, either.

As a verb, love has two things at play, according to epidemiologist Tyler VanderWeele, who directs Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program. It can be both or either “unitive” — meaning you desire and want to be with the person or thing you love — or “contributive,” meaning you want to contribute to the good of your beloved.

The experts also said an expanded definition and view of love opens up the possibilities toward whom and what you can direct these “unitive” and “contributive” feelings.

The connection between love, loneliness and health

In 2023, then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared loneliness a public health epidemic.

Murthy’s report said half of Americans have experienced loneliness and that it poses health risks as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The research also found that people with poor social relationships had higher risk of stroke and heart disease, and that isolation raises a person’s chance of depression, anxiety and dementia.

Love’s strong social connections, bonding and support are linked to better health, because it allows the brain to signal to the body that you are safe and take your nervous system out of “fight or flight,” Frissell said. Research shows being with loved ones can lower blood pressure, stress hormones, reduce inflammation — even help you sleep and better manage pain.

The ongoing Harvard Study of Adult Development, which is the underpinning of the book “The Good Life,” showed the value of relationships across a lifetime.

Anthony Chambers, a psychologist and chief academic officer at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, said one of the Harvard study’s findings was people who were happiest in their relationships at 50 were the healthiest mentally and physically at 80.

“The conclusion? Building meaningful and satisfying relationships is key to our health and well-being,” said Chambers, who worked on the study early in his career.

How can I nurture love?

Simply put, intentionally seek out in-person connections, experts said.

What’s not so simple is planning things with other people. It may be uncomfortable to sift through calendars to find a date for dinner with a busy friend or to call your sibling who doesn’t have much to talk about. Perhaps it’ll be awkward to strike up a conversation with the elderly neighbor you haven’t met or join a softball team.

Acknowledge and interrogate the fears or assumptions that keep you from reaching out in those moments, Frissell said.

There is also doing good things for other people — even if you don’t know them that well. Frissell challenges clients to compliment someone every day and be open to accepting one in return. The benefits of receiving and giving love are the same, she said.

VanderWeele recommends an exercise he practices: Choose one day a week, for six weeks, to do five acts of kindness. It forces you to plan and prioritize kindness intentionally, just like any other daily task, he said.

Love can build resilience

This Valentine’s Day, experts encourage you to think beyond one-on-one relationships and reflect on your community and world. Having a commitment to a cause or group builds mental resilience, they added.

“We all seek to be understood and validated, especially during difficult times. And relationships are arguably the most important context for emotional healing,” Chambers said. “When the world around us can seem to be in chaos or we’re feeling alone, relationships provide the opportunity for us to feel validated.”

VanderWeele also said it’s important to have even “love of enemy” — people who we don’t agree with or are in opposition to us.

“The extent to which we love others well, we love our neighbors well, shapes the society we live in,” he said.