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.

SGT. ERICA JOHNSON

Sgt. Erica Johnson #2583 is a twenty-two (22) year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department. She was raised and educated in the City of Baltimore where she earned her Associates of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies. Sgt. Erica Johnson became interested in police work after working as a clerk with the District Court of Baltimore. She later became a Community Service Officer (CSO) with the Baltimore City Police Department, Western, District.

Sgt. Erica Johnson relocated to Prince George’s County, Maryland after she accepted the position of police officer with the Prince George’s County Police Department.

During her 22-year tenure, Sgt. Erica Johnson has had the opportunity to work in several capacities, Patrol, School Resource Officer, Special Crimes Detective (Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Units), Media Relations and Patrol Supervisor. Her most rewarding position has been her current duty assignment in the Training and Education Division. This position has allowed her to oversee the Citizen’s Police Academy. Since 2014, Sgt. Erica Johnson has graduated over 500 citizens from the program. The Citizens Police Academy has allowed her to bridge the gap between Police and Community. She has been able to create strong allies for not only for Prince George’s County Police Officers but for officers all over. She is very adamant about dispelling myths about the police department and how it operates. The union she has created between police and community has also set an atmosphere where our citizens are not afraid to speak to the police. This is an accomplishment that Sgt. Erica Johnson is very proud of and honored to be a part of.

By: Minding My Business

February 21, 2022

Val is responsible for many youths to reevaluate their diet and consider trying some healthier options. Her HipHop Diet curriculum has won the hearts of youth all over the country and their supporting households. She has worked with non-profits too numerous to count about healthy eating/healthy living. She is a gem. I am honored to have worked with her for the past 2 decades.

Ms. Robinson has worked as a private consultant in the areas of substance abuse and nutritional health. Ms. Robinson’s areas of expertise include substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery support services and strategies, managing Government, Federal and Foundation grants, assessment, and development of state training programs for substance abuse practitioners. Ms. Robinson has trained nationally and internationally on: self-esteem building, substance abuse treatment and prevention strategies, clinical issues, confidentiality and ethical practices, women’s health issues, culture competency, clinical supervision, group therapy, creative interventions for treatment retention, overweight & obesity in underserved communities, healthy eating and living strategies, adolescent trauma and violence, pediatric HIV/AIDs and health care delivery systems.

Doc V. can be reached via Email: Valerieerobinson@gmail.com

By: Wanda Jones

February 14, 2022