Before the fireworks, a few things on my heart!

Hello Reader,

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and if I'm honest, my relationship with this holiday has always been complicated. As a Black man in America, I don't celebrate it the way it's packaged for most people. What I do celebrate is family. Time with the people who raised me, poured into me, and stayed even when life didn't make that easy. That's the freedom I hold onto.

So this weekend, I'm slowing down. Grilling, laughing, being present with the people who matter most. I hope you get that too, whatever it looks like for you.

Before I sign off, a couple of updates I didn't want to sit on:

If you missed the email, I was recently honored with the Unbreakable Spirit Award, recognizing men doing the work to uplift our community. More about that soon because honestly, I'm still sitting with the weight of that one.

And the T.E.A.C.H. ebook and course are officially live. This is the framework I've been building toward for a while now, and it's finally in your hands: https://energizededucator.thrivecart.com/teach-the-curriculum-e-book/​

There's more coming next week that I'm excited to share, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Grateful for you. Enjoy your people this weekend.

Rod