He was a champion for reducing gun violence and supported game-changing legislation like the Build Back Better Act and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. His commitment to creating a more just and equitable society was unwavering.

But what really stands out is his ability to drive change beyond just legislation. He was instrumental in securing funding for clean drinking water projects, which has had a huge impact on infrastructure across the country. He also worked tirelessly to make childcare, housing, and prescription drugs more affordable.

And let’s not forget his dedication to fighting climate change. Rep. Payne Jr. was a true champion for our community, and his loss is felt deeply. As we say goodbye to an incredible leader, I want to honor his memory and legacy. He inspired us to fight for progress, justice, and equality, and his spirit will continue to guide us.

May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to inspire us to make a difference in our community and beyond.

Lieutenant Akilah Jenkins has been employed with the Irvington Police Department, Irvington, NJ for the past 22 years. She has been assigned to several units throughout the Irvington Police Department. However, the most rewarding was working at Irvington High School as a school resource officer and currently a lieutenant in charge of the Community Affairs Division.

Lieutenant Jenkins graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  She now has a 14-year-old daughter who she cherishes dearly. Her goal in life is to WOW my ancestors and pave the way for other women in law enforcement.  

Spilling Black Tea Blog is the freshest buzz on the block, and we’re here to shake things up! Nestled in the heart of the Minding My Business Website, this is where dreams get a kickstart. We’re on a mission to fire up your future. Dive into online financial education that’ll make you the boss of your money. Explore the vibrant tapestry of the African American culture, because let’s face it, we are layered. You will discover the art of culinary magic, sip on mixology marvels created by your hands, and indulge in scrumptious treats. Oh, and don’t forget the treasure trove of online courses and cultural gems. So come on in, the door is always open and the tea is always hot! This is where life transforms into an epic adventure!

Spilling Black Tea Blog is a space where we discuss all things black in the black community. We celebrate our leaders, culture, the arts, inspiration, health and wellness, current events and of course building wealth. We are hopeful that this space inform, inspire and empower a community of achievers and leaders.  So come join us as we offer a little honey with that Spilled Black Tea.

Our history is rich with heroes, both well-known and unsung. We remember Sojourner Truth, the fearless abolitionist and women’s rights activist who challenged the status quo. We honor Emmett Till, whose tragic death ignited the Civil Rights Movement. Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, and Harriet Tubman, the “Moses” who led countless slaves to freedom, are eternally etched in our hearts. Fannie Lou Hamer, a voting rights champion, reminds us that we have the power to change the world through activism.

But let’s not forget our modern heroes who continue to make a difference today. Their contributions deserve recognition and celebration. We shout their names proudly and give them their flowers now: Angela Davis, Bryan Stevenson, Ava DuVernay, and countless others who fight for justice, equality, and change.

In remembering our heroes, we must also remember those who lost their lives due to racial injustice. We say their names and keep saying them: Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many more. Their lives mattered, and their stories fuel our determination to bring about change.

Our impact on this nation is undeniable. From music that has shaped the world to scientific breakthroughs and innovations that have revolutionized industries, our contributions are woven into the very fabric of this country. We make history daily, and our legacy is too vast to be confined to the shortest month of the year.

At Minding My Business, we choose to celebrate Black history 365 days a year because we recognize that our story is one of limitless potential and enduring strength. We are the beacon of hope, resilience, and courage. We refuse to be silenced or sidelined because we are a resilient, powerful, and unbreakable race of people.

As we honor Black History Month, let us remember that our history is not just in the past; it is alive and thriving today. We celebrate our history, our heroes, and our legacy. We stand strong, unwavering in our commitment to creating a more just and equitable future for all.