Wednesday
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Celebrating the Black Experience: Real Talk, Real Insight
Welcome to a space where the richness of the African American experience comes alive—raw, real, and unapologetic. This blog dives deep into the issues that matter to us, tackling everything from relationships to spirituality, and offering fresh perspectives on the topics we often whisper about but rarely discuss openly.
We’re not here to be politically correct; we’re here to be authentic. Whether it’s a sharp commentary on black entertainment, heartfelt advice for navigating black love, or uplifting tips for strengthening our families, this blog is your go-to resource for all things Black and proud.
Topics We Cover:
- Black Relationships: Real advice for navigating the complexities of dating, marriage, and family dynamics within the African American community.
- Black Haircare: From natural hair tips to styling secrets, we celebrate the beauty and versatility of our crowns.
- Spirituality: Encouragement and reflections that feed the soul, blending cultural heritage with faith.
- Black Entertainment: Highlights, reviews, and hot takes on the music, films, and shows shaping our culture.
- Lifestyle Tips: Practical advice on health, finances, and personal growth tailored to the black experience.
Discover Unsung African American Creators
We’re also spotlighting the hidden gems in our community—African American YouTubers, bloggers, and creators who are making waves but don’t always get the shine they deserve. It’s time to celebrate their contributions and share their voices.
Why This Blog?
Because the black experience is multifaceted, and our voices deserve to be heard in all their complexity. This is a space to laugh, learn, and connect while embracing every part of who we are.
Let’s Build Together
Dive into our latest posts, share your thoughts, and spread the word. If you love Black, you’ll love this blog—a space where being unapologetically ourselves is the only standard.
African American Planet Team
Thursday
Power Players Know the Truth - It is Still The Unequal Opportunity Race
Thursday
Monday
Funeral Planning with Wisdom and Care
It's always tough to deal with the loss of a family member or friend. Emotions can be overwhelming, and decisions need to be made during this tough time. Here in America, the African American community’s funeral customs play a significant role in paying tribute to the deceased. However, funeral arrangements can feel overwhelming when you're uncertain about where to begin or how much it might cost. The following tips will help you with the planning process for both your loved ones and managing your finances.
The Conversation That Changes Everything
It begins with a phone call from a family member sharing news of a loved one’s passing. You are stunned and need to come to terms with the loss before facing decisions and making necessary calls.
Inform relatives about the situation. This may be done before or after necessary phone calls with a medical professional or coroner to confirm the passing away. Then contact a funeral home to handle the final arrangements for the deceased individual. These tasks can feel quite burdensome. Remember that you have support during this time from those who may be better able to handle the situation. Many funeral homes are there to guide you through this process with understanding and kindness.
1) To bury or to cremate – that is the question.
Regular funerals generally come with a hefty price tag ranging from $7000 to $12000 or more covering expenses like the casket, burial site, and related services while cremation tends to be more budget-friendly usually falling between $2000 to $4000 or more. Consider what your loved one would have preferred and respect their wishes and beliefs.
When funds are limited, and you need to be mindful of expenses, cremation could help you save money. You can arrange for a service while being mindful of your budget constraints. This is one of many reasons why you will see on social media many families attempting to collect funds or having quick burials, the deceased may not have left behind finances to ensure a proper burial.
After that step is complete you should look for a funeral home to assist you in all aspects. From organizing the service to handling the paperwork. Make sure to inquire about a breakdown of costs without hesitation. You don't have to settle for the first funeral home you reach out to; it's wise to explore your options and compare prices first before making a decision.
3) Is it a service or a celebration of life?
Over the years, African American funerals have typically taken place at churches where music is played, and heartfelt stories are shared to remember the deceased and to celebrate their life. This is also a time to unite family members during challenging times; however, hosting a complete funeral service either at a church or funeral home can cost a lot.
You could also consider having a "celebration of life" gathering at your home or a local community center. This option allows for an intimate setting while also potentially reducing expenses.
Involve your family in the event by inviting them to participate in the service perhaps a family member who can sing or play an instrument could save money rather than hiring a musician. You could also suggest having a potluck where guests bring food instead of hiring a caterer.
4) Discuss the burial plot and headstone.
If you opt for a burial ceremony, you will have to buy a burial plot which usually costs between $1000 to $4000 or more on its own. Additionally, headstones or grave markers may amount to $1000 to $3000 or more. If this seems pricey, inquire about alternatives. Think about choosing a more basic grave marker.
Certain burial grounds provide the option of payment plans or discounted rates for purchasing a burial plot in advance. Having discussions with family members regarding planning funeral arrangements before any unfortunate events take place could be beneficial.
5) Dealing with the financial aspect.
Following a funeral service comes with the responsibility of addressing legal affairs such as managing life insurance policies and settling debts and wills. Tasks that might seem overwhelming initially can be tackled methodically to ease the burden of dealing with them all in one go.
Some websites help with sorting paperwork and responsibilities following the passing of a loved one. Seek advice from legal professionals or financial consultants for estate planning assistance.
Contemplating Biblical Teachings about Showing Respect to Those We Cherish.
In the Bible, stories illustrate how families cope with loss—like Abraham honoring his wife Sarah by buying a place for her and burying her respectfully (Genesis 23). Similarly, in the New Testament account of Lazarus’s death, in John 11 where his loved ones gathered to grieve and provide comfort and support.
Though our funeral customs have evolved to be more intricate nowadays, the core essence of the ceremonies still revolves around honoring and commemorating the deceased. As Jesus famously said, “Those who grieve will find solace" (Matthew 5:3).
Planning a funeral can be challenging; however, you can take solace in the fact that you are making an effort to honor your family members or friends. It's important to understand that it's not the amount of money spent that matters most, but rather the sincerity and affection shown during the funeral arrangements that make an impact that will be remembered. Take things one step at a time and rely on the support of your family and faith. Find comfort in the belief that you're not alone as God is watching over you.
A Prayer for Direction
God, we come to you seeking guidance and courage as we go through this tough period in our lives. Please guide us in paying tribute to our loved one in a manner that brings solace and reassurance. Grant us insight as we face the choices before us. Bless us with the support to move forward. We are grateful for the love and cherished memories that bind us together. In Jesus’ name Amen.
By following these tips and utilizing family support and resources, you can alleviate some of the emotional stress that comes with arranging a funeral service.
Nicholl McGuire is the author of Tell Me Mother You're Sorry and Say Goodbye to Dad, nonfiction books that provide knowledge and wisdom to help readers heal from parental emotional and physical abuse. Available on Amazon.com.
Friday
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What We Think Isn't HARMLESS Turns Out to Be Harmful. Short film now playing...
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Tuesday
The Importance of Celebrating Black Families in the African-American Community
When we think of African-American media, oftentimes our minds go straight to entertainment and music, right? While these are undoubtedly important aspects of black culture, there is one area that deserves more attention - African-American families. You know if it wasn't for our family, we wouldn't even be here!
In today's society, it can be challenging for our families to find representation and positive portrayals in the media. This is why it's crucial to celebrate and uplift black families in our community through various forms of media.
But first, let's define what we mean by "black families". Black families are not limited to just nuclear families with two parents and children. They can also include single-parent households, extended family networks, same-sex parents, or any other form that represents love and support within the African-American community. I think we often forget that!
So why is it important to showcase and uplift quality black families in our media? Here are a few reasons:
- Representation matters: Seeing positive and relatable representations of good, beautiful, loving, conscious, moral, educated, and overall wonderful black families in media can have a significant impact on how individuals perceive their own family dynamics. It also provides visibility for black families who may feel underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media.
- Breaking stereotypes: Unfortunately, the media has a long history of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about black families and why do you think that is? Think about it. Too often people are competing with one another for dollars and cents while being prideful, spiteful, and jealous of one another, rather than embracing our differences and avoiding the temptation to profit off of others' challenges. By celebrating and showcasing diverse representations of black families, we can break these damaging narratives and challenge societal perceptions.
- Empowering future generations: When young African Americans see positive portrayals of black families in media, they are encouraged to create their own definitions of what it means to be part of a black family. Remember media like the Cosby Show, 227 back in the 80s or Good Times in the 1970s (before Dad was killed off). This not only empowers them to embrace their roots and cultural identity, but it also allows for growth and evolution within the community.
In addition to celebrating African American families in traditional media such as television and film, we can also look to new forms of positive media like blogs and YouTube channels. Remember to like, subscribe, comment, and share the positivity whenever you see it including this blog! These platforms offer a more grassroots approach, allowing everyday African-American people to share their experiences and perspectives on black family life.
So the next time you consume media from an African-American perspective, take a moment to consider the representation of black families. Let's continue to support and uplift diversity and beautiful representations in our community. After all, as the saying goes, "It takes a village," and that starts with celebrating black families.
If you're looking for insightful advice, lifestyle tips, or just a sense of community, be sure to check out more on our blog, African-American Planet - we are dedicated to sharing black opinions on a variety of issues from relationships to spirituality. Join us in celebrating all aspects of the African-American experience and uplifting and bringing awareness to the best of the black lifestyle everywhere! #BlackLove #BlackFamiliesMatter
African American Planet: Relationships, Education, Products & Lifestyle by Nicholl McGuire is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at africanamericanplanet.blogspot.com.
