STARS: Breaking social media algorithms

We see more and more social media content hidden and not visible. You want to see more of your friends and family and less of others. Moreover, you want your posts to be noticed more. I'm currently working on that with #imjustdrew. 

I am going to start with the blue app, Facebook. 

I ensure that I post enough times during a given day, no less than five and no more than 20 so I won't get hidden or muted. I make my posts as thought provoking as possible to accumulate likes and comments. It's helpful to comment or make your own comments under your own posts. Getting shares and making certain posts public has definitely helped me as well. 

I use popular hashtags to my advantage also to gain higher visibility and notoriety.  I also hide certain posts and people that I wish to keep in contact with but can be a little much for FB. I instead add certain ones to my favorites to see them more. You can do that with your own but I do not like to force that. Tagging certain people in posts is another toll I have found helpful. 

I also post during peak times such as weekdays after 5pm and Sundays after 6pm when more folks are on social media and will see a random status quicker.  

I have grown my overall following over the past 10 years from 20 maximum on a post to a record 1,046 on a post in mid November and certain posts have reached in the 100s on comments and likes. Take back your timeline, it's very doable!

STARS: How I became a better football player

I've renewed my love in high school football through the SC High School sporting group on Facebook.  I watched schools, communities and players really get invested and excited as their beloved teams, children and players elevated. I remember when I had to elevate myself also. 

I was not ready to play, physically or mentally and was about to be demoted to the JV team. I was not letting that happen and was going to start my senior year. 

I simply got it in my head that I would not lose. I plugged in to positive sources such as my own coaches, teammates and even other star athletes in my area. I lived in the weight room, track and bleachers to condition my body. I would watch countless hours of football daily, every level, to increase my football IQ. My former coach, Steve Wilson said "practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice does."  I even watched inspirational football movies such as Rudy and was later compared to him. 

I gave it my all in spring and summer drills. I knew due to our depth I wasn't going to play much but the competition on our team would improve me. I was on the scout team and it did! I gained the confidence of the team, coaches and myself. I earned Player of the Game for my performance in garbage time during the Homecoming game. I kept working, didn't let off in the off-season and earned my starting role on offense as a left tackle. I started all 12 games as a senior, received Player of the Week once and didn't come out on offense unless we had the game in hand. 

To those players already working to shine under those lights in 2022: keep at it! You too can achieve and be mentioned and debated over in message boards! 

STARS: How I lost 3 lbs

Many people are already in weight loss and get in shape mode as 2021 comes to an end. They often don't think about the small things (mini goals) that lead to the big picture. 

I went cardio heavy with stairmaster and treadmill. Nothing fancy; just burning fat and sweating. I did a variation of this, HIIT and weights 4 times/week. 

I also employed a strict diet of rice, grains, veggies and lean proteins with lots of water and fruits and vegetables as a snack. I had to control what was going into my body as well. The goal was a calorie deficit and to do this for 4-5 days out of the week. 

I accomplished losing the 3 pounds this way with a plan of switching it out and around. 4-5 hours per week in the gym and clean eating for the same number of days made that happen.

STARS: How Am I On Time for Work Given My Commute

I have really traveled for work the past six years. I have worked daily in Spartanburg, Charlotte and now Greenville. I not only get to work 30 minutes early 98% and have only been late once, I have time to workout in the mornings.  

I had to fit in my workouts in the morning and allow extra time for gas, delays such as traffic, accidents or a flat tire. 

I simply end my evening earlier and start my day earlier. I watch all of my regular shows on my off days and do minimum during the evenings. I prep my meals and clothes on Sundays so I have little or nothing to do in the evenings. I save big chores and tasks for Sundays or another off day. 

Doing this has allowed me to get up early at a rate of 85% since May and never be late and early as 30 minutes-1 hour arriving to Greenville all but twice. 

Getting more attention from females

Growing up, I struggled to get attention from females, especially ones I liked. This continued well through my high school years. 

I decided in college after a huge heartbreak I wanted this to end. 

I confided in men and women that were mentors to me and believed in me. I was taught to have confidence, speak more for what I want, and to keep it simple.  I was trying too hard and often smothering the person I was smitten by. I also went by the law of averages: talking to more single women than I had in my life. Going to a school with mostly women and the early advent of online dating facilitated this process.  

I have improved to having regular dates/quarterly over the past 21 years, being in 4 serious relationships, forming scores of female friends, and having females in many social, business and romantic connections. I turned the tide and felt the confidence I could ask out a woman and the outcome would be on my side. 

STARS: Healthy Beard Growth

I've been wanting a longer, downward growing beard for quite some time. I've accomplished that over the past few months by following sage advice and doing the proper things. 

I started training and grooming my beard hair the same way I would head hair. I went to the ethnic section at Walmart and purchased the proper comb, brush and oil (Cantu) that would work with my type of hair. 

I applied Cantu several times/day to keep it from drying out and would pick it out and brush it almost as much. I would wash it out very thoroughly a few times/week as well. 

I would shave and trim around the parts of my face that weren't making my beard look favorable. I started noticing more growth just a month in and keep allowing to take its course.  The Cantu oil was really helping also.

Nearly five months in, I have achieved a good looking length and mane of beard. It does feels different but it's a good type of feel. The maintenance is less now as I mostly pick and comb it now and use minimal oil to avoid excess growth. 

STARS: Picking Out The Ideal Refrigerator

I had been trying to get a new refrigerator for the past two months. I can afford it and I have a good credit line with Home Depot. I kept running into barriers such as size, design, being out of town, my home being located too far out, etc. 

I knew delivery was my first option since I don't own a pickup truck and I have perhaps four reliable friends that do. I also shopped from the two Home Depot stores that would deliver to my home: Rock Hill and Gastonia.

I then got the dimensions for the fridge I would need: height: 67'', width 30", depth 31.5". I only had wiggle room on the depth. My best two options were French door and traditional since the side by sides were no longer available in the required dimensions. 

I shopped around and decided to go with a French door design, especially after seeing one at my aunt's house. I checked and ensured I stay within dimensions, budget, and distance proximity. 

I'm not going to lie, I was really concerned because my current fridge was about to bite the dust and I had already had failed attempts. I ensured I was off from work and home just in case I had to rent or borrow a truck to get the first fridge on the display room. 

I was able to get the refrigerator I desired and so far I love it! I have work to do far as installing the water line for the icemaker and adjusting the shelves. It is brand new, beautiful, and it works and fits. 

I didn't give up nor deviate from the size. I want others to know this isn't always an easy process but it's worth it. 

STARS: Learning How to Paint Miniatures On A Budget

Hands down my newest stress relieving hobby has been painting miniatures. I have actually gotten good although I haven't painted (or obviously) blogged much this month. I will get it together again. I am due for a good panting session. 

I can see the draw and appeal as many do sip and paint and other random artistic activities. It is so relieving and freeing. 

I simply bought myself the proper acrylic paints, brushes, palettes and minis. I had a budget of around $100 and in 9 months and around 50 painted minis, I've only had to replenish paint, brushes and minis. I hit the middle ground well. 

I then tried to simply get my color schemes and mixing down. I am in a miniatures group chat, I have a mentor and I plug in to groups and YouTube videos to improve.

I practice, most of all. I was up to 3 times/week and never less than once/week. I would keep about 10 figures primed for painting and paint them to their schemes and patterns. 

I have come a long way as I have improved my brush control, paint portion, mixing and cleanliness. I was doing it for stress relief only. Now I want to improve and add more and more to my paint palette and knowledge one. I may spend a lot of money on the right figure to paint but I currently go off the collection I have. I simply have fun doing it! It's like being a kid again.

STARS: Making a milkshake without a machine or blender

I saw yet another situation where a person wanted a milkshake but they thought they needed a machine or a blender to make one. Being the year we're in, I can understand why certain people wouldn't know how to make an old-timey hand made milkshake. This person kind of threw me though. 

I take a tall cup or glass, get my ice cream. I sometimes melt the ice cream some in the microwave. I use about three scoops, fill the glass about 3/4s full of milk. I then use Hershey's chocolate syrup and whatever other toppings I need and then mix it all together. A spoon normally does the job for me but I have used a fork and even a knife in the past. This blends all of the ice cream, milk and other flavors together to make a top notch milkshake at around $3 less on average than a shop or restaurant. 

I learned how to do this at an early age and still do it occasionally, especially when I don't feel like going out.

Hacking the Hack: Protecting your Facebook security

I have seen scores of folks, at least 5 this week alone, that have lost their entire Facebook account. I have researched two of the cases and it could have been easily prevented. 

There is definitely a hacker on the loose as this is too much of a pattern. I know exactly how to mitigate this activity from my IT background of more than 20 years. 

I change my password every quarter (4 times/year). I follow the password guidelines and ensure I can remember it but others cannot. I wouldn't recommend it being a password from another email, social media platform or the like. I have seen what hackers look for and it starts with how the password is structured and encrypted. 

I normally wouldn't say write it down. I will say keep a log of former passwords you use for various purposes and keep it in a good hiding place. 

I pick my security questions carefully also. I don't use my mother's maiden name, anything family related, cars, first addresses, etc.  All of these can be a paper trail to your accounts. 

I also would utilize Facebook security measures in the settings. Two are setting up a unique key and having five trusted people just in case you ever get locked out. A bonus one is requiring authentication in case someone does try to come for your account. 

I encourage everyone to stay safe and secure as possible. The very least I recommend is changing that password frequently. That's the most common way a hacker can take over an account and it gives you, the user, more peace of mind. 

STARS: How I have readjusted my commute to avoid the deadly I-85 Upperstate interstate

There is absolutely no secret that I-85 N/S between Gaffney and Greenville is a dieway at worst, a standstill at best. The death chute was added last year.  I and many others knew it was an awful idea. It only took numerous accidents, three last week and three fatalities to realize this. 

This horrible interstate stretch affected me in other ways. I had to leave for work in Greenville way early to beat the death chute and exit 60 where BMW traffic is heavy. At nights it was the worse for me. If I didn't get on the interstate by 7pm, I may not make it home by 9:30pm or by 10pm and that's with redirecting and taking back roads. 

I decided to get up at 3:15am on most work mornings when traffic and construction are both light to go to the gym, shower and then straight to work. This allowed me to leave straight from work at 6pm and arrive home some days as early as 7:15pm and late as 7:30pm. I beat all of the major traffic and jams, the death chute (especially since I drive on the outer lane of it) and I get home at a decent hour. I always keep my GPS running just in case of any unexpected accidents or delays

I planned, experimented and it has worked well for me. I have alternate routes and back roads I still use but my current plan reduces my chances and opportunities to do so by 90%. I feel safe and rested traveling on the current plan I have. 

STARS: How I Lowered My Blood Pressure Part 2

I had to end up seeking medical attention for my blood pressure as it was not dropping on its own. I had to do it not only for my DOT physical but my own personal health. Now my mother has both her BP and cholesterol elevated. I did it, she will do it, and here's how I got mine down in 60 days. 

I went to my nurse practitioner and she laid out a plan for me. She told me I would have to start amping my workouts, drinking plenty of water and eating more fruits and veggies. She said I couldn't have too many of the latters. She suggested brown rice and grains. The method she recommended was vegetables first, any lean protein and then grains. She also prescribed two different medications. We both had the same goals in mind. 

I followed her advice, hit the gym 5 times/week, focusing equally on cardio and weights with HIIT to get my heart active and blood flowing. I researched online some good vitamins to take instead of a multivitamin. Among those are vitamins B, C, zinc, fish oil, apple cider vinegar, and potassium. I took my vitamins every morning, hit the gym, ate properly, stayed active at work, and got proper rest. I also took my medicine as directed. 

Within 30 days, I saw it dropping dramatically and I was feeling better. The entire doctor's office was impressed but knew more work was required. The issue for me was my excess weight. I knew that the more weight I got off of me, the less my BP would be and I would be able to abandon the medication. 

In about 60 days, my BP was steady in the normal range of 120/80. I bought a BP monitor and checked it once/week on Wednesdays. I was able to donate blood again, passed my DOT physical, and got a glowing report from the doctor. She lowered my dosage and moved our next appointment onto 3 months away. 

Present day, I continue my regimen, along with taking weekly pics of my BP readings. I feel much better as I slowly return to form and get closer to getting off of this medication. I am now helping my mom to beat this as well. 

STARS: How to Help Someone in Need

I am currently in the process of helping someone get back on their feet. I won't mention their name. I offered, along with my uncle and now they are willing and so are we. 

I want to ensure they are headed for gainful employment: current job, new job, temporary unemployment or permanent disability. I want to see an end goal and effort. 

I also want them to give me an update of where they are trying to live and a summary of where they checked. Hotels and friend's houses go only so far. 

I am willing to give them money for odds and ends but I don't want them to take advantage. Effort must be demonstrated before me first and then I have an amount (like a stipend) I will help them will. I have discussed this with my uncle. 

I am confident this is the moment of truth. This person will find their footing or they will be disillusioned and not ask for my assistance again. Either way, I will have did my part. 

STARS: How I'm preparing to train in the

Summertime is unofficially here with temps rising in the 90s for the coming week. Also, I train delivery drivers in the hot weather and help load them out in the late mornings as temps are rising. 

I have made a list along with my managers regarding the items we will need in the hot temperatures. We already have plenty of water, Gatorade and sunscreen and a giant tent. I have still requested cooling towels, bucket hats, portable fans and even picking up ice and freeze pops for training sessions. 

I am doing my best to keep as much training as possible in the mornings. Due to large class sizes and existing COVID restrictions, I can only bring 5 at a time in the mornings. I am trying not to train at all during the hottest parts of the day (11am-1pm). I will communicate with my owners, managers and counterparts so we can reach a happy medium.  One is bringing in the most experienced drivers in the morning so that less instruction is necessary. I will go by Amazon experience, past overall experience and then from there. 

I also am practicing and encouraging that trainees and myself wear light, sweat resistant clothing. I am carrying a hand towel and am encouraging others to do so as well. 

I will continue to work with leaders, safety and others to not allow the hot summer weather to play a major factor in training and setting our delivery drivers up for success. 

STARS: My self care

Self care is so important; being able to say no and have that day or moment to yourself. 

I watch inspirational movies, listen to upbeat music, go on long car rides. 

I go to safe places like the local coffee shop, avoid negativity and toxic behavior.  I literally disconnect from it, which includes social media. I make sure people contact me first.  

I clear my head and go to the gym, write and paint miniatures. 

I then seek out professional help and see my therapist if I'm not getting better soon.  

I have been able to reach peace several times from doing these techniques. You have to be what you manifest and only have good vibes around you. 

STARS: Dealing with side effects of the 2nd shot of the COVID vaccine (Moderna)

I definitely did my research and homework before I decided to pull the trigger on getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna was the one offered to me. It was either that or Pfizer for me. The first shot simply resulted in arm pain and slight nausea. 

I had heard and seen horror stories of the 2nd shot. I wanted to prepare myself the best way I knew how.

I ensured I had medicines and ailments that would treat the side effects, but not kill the profiency of the vaccine. Shortly after my 2nd shot, I took Ibuprofen and Tylenol. My pharmacist and several others before me recommended this. 

I also took it easy on Day 1 and part of Day 2. I consumed elderberry, local honey, orange juice, a tablespoon of moonshine, and my regular vitamins. Day 1 was pretty smooth outside of light nausea. Day 2 I actually saw a burst of energy. I cut grass and even gathered with a small group of friends. Again only side effects were light nausea and arm pain. 

I am currently on Day 3 entering Day 4 and am feeling awesome. I got ahead of the symptoms and effects. I actually communicated with 3 other people on their 2nd Moderna dosage. I do realize everyone reacts differently to vaccines. The other 3 suffered a range of side effects, including body aches, chills and even fevers. I was fortunate not to have any of that. 

I noticed that I got ahead of the game far as taking the recommended ailments and the others did not. The one I definitely recommend is Tylenol or equivalent. Take it immediately after the 15 minute waiting period. I'm confident if you do these things, the vaccine will not affect you as badly. 

STARS: Looking for good coffee

I won't lie, I'm a snob on certain products despite having an easygoing, down to Earth personality. One of these is coffee. 

I've gotten to where I can only drink certain brands and types of coffee. Most other types, especially pre-ground, store brands, make me sick to my stomach and give me a headache. 

I look for the roasting and producing source when researching coffee. Like who is the person roasting the coffee. And how is it roasted? I'm a micro batch guy so I need to know that information. Lastly, where is the coffee sourced from? Does it come from Africa, Central America or from Akron, OH. This is also important since coffee is only grown in a few places. 

I also ask is the coffee pre-ground or grounded fresh. This is also a game changer. Think about when you go to a restaurant to eat. Most people, even at a fast food place, want their food prepared as fresh as possible. Coffee is much more better tasting and potent when it's ground fresh to made, opposed to when it's been sitting for hours. 

I also look at the blends and addictives. First off, anything that is artificial is a red flag. White turtle (white chocolate) is a popular flavor but it is artificially made. Nothing organic about this. That's the type of products I want to see in my coffee. Same with syrups of any type.

Also, I look at the name of the coffee/business and if I see if caters to a certain group or a gimmick, it's not going to be as good. Coffee is everywhere, I'm a business/marketing guy. If you have to resort to a gimmick to market it, it likely isn't going to be the best choice. I know it's not mine.

I've been looking at this for a few years. Cheap plug but the company I have found that embodies all I prefer is Con Cafe coffee. Look at their website for further details or to order a bag www.concafe-sc.com.

STARS: DOT Certification

*DISCLAIMER: I have only undergone and am showing the first process. I am not a CDL, box truck or a step van driver.  I will be teaching drivers how to drive step vans soon so I did have to go through the initial process of obtaining a medical card. *

Transportation careers are becoming more popular as they are very lucrative, high turnover and good job security. The DOT physical, however, can be a challenge, especially as you get older. 

I would suggest first to schedule a regular physical with your MD. Ensure all of your medications and any afflictions you have are on point.  This especially goes for your vitals. If you have hypertension, sleep apnea, or are on certain medications, your DOT certification process will be delayed at best. 

I would then find a testing center if your own MD or private practice doesn't do this. DO NOT utilize an urgent care facility. I say this because many of them aren't on the same page, your wait will be longer due to them being backed up with COVID exams and vaccinations. 

The average exam and process without waiting or extra items should be two hours. This is why I suggest receiving a clean bill of health before then.  If things such as your eyesight, blood pressure and medications are questionable, you will not be issued a card. For those renewing your card, this could keep you off the road and your place of employment may not compensate you for it. 

I have definitely found out time is money and regardless of where you go, your time may not be valued. Therefore, stay vigorous and persistent until you receive your card. I'm noting the date on mine and any other recommendations. I find the date to be of great importance as I plan on preparing 30 days out so I can be good to go and recertification will not be strenuous. 

I want everyone undergoing this to have the best and efficient process possible. It was two months start to finish for me since I wasn't informed. Many folks are two hours same day. I want the latter for all. 

STARS: Grilling a Good Steak

It's officially Spring and with more folks getting vaccinated, we're about to be having more cookouts. At worst, more people will be grilling on their own. 

One of the things that people love but can struggle with is properly grilling a steak. It's not as hard as it seems but you do have to pay careful attention. 

I make sure my heat is medium at least on the grill and the coals are evenly distributed. I prefer to cook other items first to allow the coals to settle and burn some more. 

I also marinate the steaks the night before, regardless of the cut. I simply buy a marinade out of the grocery store and add some Worchestire sauce, and balsamic vinegerette. I also season them with basic salt, pepper, steak seasoning and Tony Sauterisseire. 

I then place the steaks on no more than 6 at a time, preferably 4. You need more room on your grill for the heat to evenly distribute. 

I tend to do around 10 minutes per side for medium rare or medium. I may do an extra 2-3 minutes per side for a well done steak.  

I have found through trial and error that doing these things will get you a tasty steak. There are always other techniques and such to really up your steak game. 

STARS: How To Post Spoilers Respectfully

This should be the easiest and most unnecessary STARS post I've had to write but here we go. This past weekend proved people still don't respect each other and possibly themselves. 

I like to give the masses a weekend, preferably a week,  before posting any movie or TV spoilers.  Everyone cannot see a viewing right away and do not need anyone messing that experience up for them. 

I look for and even form groups for posting spoilers and bonding. Group chats work wonders here as well. I also like what one of my social media friends did: made a post and said don't respond if you haven't seen the movie yet. I get that you're excited or disgusted and want to discuss what you saw. Here are some ways to do it. 

I also rely on talking to my personal circle as well and not posting at all on public forum. I also post reviews on Rotton Tomatoes, Yelp and other popular sites and apps. 

I cannot stand spoilers and doing these methods can mitigate them and enhance the overall viewing experience.

STARS: How To Really Portray a Toxic Love Story

*DISCLAIMER*: the following post contains spoilers and sensitive information. Proceed with caution before reading.  

I have received a lot of flack simply because I didn't share the same emotion and thoughts from the dramatic Netflix film "Malcolm and Marie". Not once did I say it was a bad film nor it wasn't displaying a toxic relationship. 

My main deal was based off of my personal experience and being a writer, I saw more effective ways to really bring home what the couple was feeling.  It came off like a overly dramatic back and forth when it could have been much more. 

I would have shown the awards show scene and the moment Malcolm admitted Marie's name. I wanted the audience to really see what Marie was feeling when she was omitted and any internal feelings that had been building up. I get the format but I feel the audience deserves a little more depth regarding how the couple got here. 

I would have had a little more face to face contact rather than the yelling across the room. I also realize this was filmed during a pandemic. There are workarounds to simulate the true drama.

I would have sent further shockwaves by showing some violence and not necessarily towards the characters. The point was to show verbal and emotional abuse.  Maria made the mac n cheese for Malcolm and he ate it while he continued to go in on her. Maria could have came up to Malcolm, taken the bowl and smashed it on the ground. She would have challenged his manhood and sent the message that if you don't appreciate what I do, I'll destroy it.

Also the love/makeup scene was too soft and middle school like. When two people are in love but are feeling butthurt emotionally, that emotion should be shown sexually. We got a passionate kiss and some hugging.

I feel this would have made for more of a 3D experience of a potential classic or a 4K versus a standard resolution.  

STARS: Promoting Your Event/Place With Stiff Competition

We have seen, especially just over the past week, how the little guy can beat the big guy in a financial war. Point is, things happen all the time for good that shouldn't in the eyes of some. 

Think about in the case of Borderlands having a huge sale during Super Bowl weekend. Now many haven't heard of Borderlands first off. Secondly, this is one of the hardest weekends to get folks to your store and not just due to COVID. Bath and Body Works has made their sales work for many years due to a number of factors: timing, zoning in on their key market and starting early and often. Trust me, they're planning already for their next big sale and how to promote it. 

I would definitely buy a small TV spot, as well as social media time. I would do this at the beginning of January. I know a month out is a decent time frame for allowing the masses to know. 

I would have a campaign to add and recruit as many people to my store and possible. Visibility is also important. I would have characters like the squiggly creature seen at car lots and Lady Liberty at tax preparation centers.  People don't know you exist if they can't see you. 

I would offer plenty of online deals as well and would extend the in-store sale to an online venue that lasts throughout February (peak tax season). One is first or last in this scenario. 

I would go to investors and brokers (speaking of that topic) and gain partnership and sponsorship. Everyone in the big city will not know what goes on in small towns and vice versa and I would want to bridge that gap. Modern stores such as Borderlands are finding themselves on the chopping blocks due to the online retail giants. 

I take my lessons learned from Belk and BiLo: adapt or cease to exist. I ensure my events and market are well informed before any huge event and beyond.

STARS: How To Properly Notify Someone of a Death

This is definitely one of those: "I don't know who needs to hear this but"

We have had several deaths in the past week alone. Informing the masses seems easy due to social media but you want to make sure all family and close friends know in a timely manner. 

Travel arrangements need to be looked into and made with COVID and time off in mind (for those that don't receive bereavement). Therefore, people should be informed no later than 48 hours after the death. 

I have experienced this way too many times. I realize it's a challenge if it's someone closer to you and/or a shock death. 

I would designate someone to contact all via call, text, group chat, etc. It should be that strong, rock of a family member or friend that does this. 

I would then ensure that it can be posted on social media. To me, no family member nor close friend should learn about a death on social media. Making that contact is paramount. 

I would then get the arrangements together and communicate in a similar fashion. Social media is more appropriate here. 

I would find a good bereavement counselor/professional. Many morticians are equipped for this. Utilize this service, especially since you are paying them. 

I then proceed to make arrangements with others accompaning me, set COVID guidelines and proceed with the planning.

I then see who was left out and why. I then encourage for better methods of communication from that point forward. 

STARS: How I have honored MLK Day over the years

MLK Day is growing more and more in significance, even during a pandemic. I now have the day off with pay for the first time in over 20 years. 

I've seen many honor his memory with community service, public events, candlelight vigils and prayer breakfasts. 

I do the #1 thing I feel I can do to honor him: I go to work if allowed. Now it's easier to do since I get paid double time. However, let's not forget what Dr. King fought for and that was equalty. Without him, I likely would not have the opportunity to be in a leadership role in a company not owned by a Black person. That has happened and I feel the least I can do is show up to work. 

I also post pictures, quotes and videos and really reflect on his legacy. This includes moments of silence, talking with others about his impact and how we plan to keep his dream alive. We are in a great time to do this since many still do not realize his dream is unfulfilled. There is work still yet to be completed.  

I have also did the vigils, community service and prayer breakfasts. Since we have COVID now and mass gatherings are unsafe, you can do these things virtual and in small numbers. Continue to give to deserving minority and advancement clauses.  I want to do stuff by showcasing what the Black race, as well as the human race, has accomplished due to Dr. King. We can't forget the Black experience as it effects the American experience. 

I have already seen a greater appreciation for his day just from my company making it a paid holiday. Also from BLM, Jane Elliott, John Lewis and Stacey Abrams to name a few. We have had a black president and will have a black female vice president.  Dr. King is very pleased and we definitely can't stop.