From the “mean” streets of Baltimore to Stanford Ph.D. to Black Woman Millionaire. Dr. Venus Opal Reese has some shit to say. Starting with an audio performance of The Raw Truth: A Pimp Daughter’s Diary, followed by a series of topics that cover real-life & money matters, this show is all about giving yourself permission. Permission to be wounded AND wealthy. Permission to flaunt your freak flag unafraid. Permission to be a bunch of contradictions that somehow, someway, make a perfect whole. Real talk: life, like money, is not neat. But that’s the good news! You don’t have to be perfect to be a millionaire. Or happy. Or to fulfill your destiny. But you DO have to be your “real and raw” authentic self. And Dr. Venus leads the way by example. Tune in weekly, to discover how to dive, head-first, into the sloppiness of what it takes to turn your “mess” into meaning AND millions! THIS is Hot Mess Millionaire. Join us.
Are you willing to sacrifice security to follow your dreams? Have you ever had dreams that you gave your whole heart to, and then life happened? This week, Dr. Venus talks about putting this podcast and social media on hold while she focuses her energy on her first TV show. She is willing to take the risk and go for a life where she surrenders to her calling and goes full time as a creative. This sparks a conversation on how to believe in yourself, why it's important to take a risk and let go of the false God of security in service of what you are REALLY meant to do. She talks about how her brother Tory's transition led her to really take a deep look at the point of life, and why it's time to get rich or die trying. Stay tuned. Key Takeaways: [1:32] Dr. Venus is choosing to walk away from security in order to go for her dreams as a full time creative and sell her TV show. Where have you tolerated staying in the same place because you didn't want to risk the unknown, or possible heartbreak? [6:16] Dr. Venus shares how she wanted to write and it has always given her joy, but life got in the way, until now. She talks about the decision to get back into writing after George Floyd and how articulating how she sees the world gives her joy and connects her with her purpose. [9:26] It takes courage to let go of the false God called security. Most of us are so addicted for our need to know and be comfortable, that we would rather stay in situations that harm us before we walk away. [10:10] Being brave is different from being courageous. You are brave when you go into something with your eyes wide open, knowing that you could fail and lose it all. However, you know that there is a purpose worthy of your life being at risk, and your fulfillment goes above everything else. [11:25] What if you gave YOURSELF the passion that you give to others? Dr. Venus contends with giving herself the attention and support that she has given to other causes, movements, and people. [12:20] Dr. Venus explains her break from the podcast and how she is not taking any money from things that don't fall under her creative worth. As she transitions to entertainment and focuses all her energy on selling her first TV show, she is giving herself a real chance. [13:59] Are you doing what you are born to do, or are you staying safe? [18:31] Dr. Venus knows that it's time to have a bigger platform and have her own show. She's grown beyond social media, so for now she is even pausing her social media while she works on her show. [21:32] The more Dr. Venus heals her father wounds, the more extraordinary Black Men show up and are there to give their expertise and support. Quotes: “If I can win with money, how come I can't win with words?” “I trusted God with my needs, but I did not trust God with my dreams. Until now.” “I am claiming my fulfillment. I'm claiming my joy. I'm claiming me.” “Have you ever had dreams that you gave your whole heart to, and then life happened?” “It takes courage to let go of the false God called security.” “I say your fulfillment is worth risking your life. My fulfillment and doing what God has built me to do is worthy of me putting my ass on the line.” “I refuse to live with regret and I refuse to die with it. I'm going to get rich or die trying.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition Healing With Him Event RESOURCES How to (Finally!) Find The Courage to Pursue Your Dream!
Living is never easy after death. Whatever or whoever you are grieving, it can be the loss of a loved one, a dream, or a waistline, the very process REQUIRES you to transition to a new reality. It can feel daunting and overwhelming, but transition is what gets us to fully step into our destiny and who we were born to be. This week, Dr. Venus reflects how grieving is another form of transitioning from what was, to what can be. She talks about how to keep going when you don't see a point, and when something you love is no longer there, and why that's an invitation for new traditions and beautiful possibilities. Are you willing to let go of what you had to become who you were born to be? Let's talk about it. Key Takeaways: [2:55] While you are grieving, Dr. Venus invites you to take the case that the transition of where you are coming from to where you are going can be a very magical space, one that is ripe with possibility. [3:13] Sometimes letting go of the past can feel very scary and painful, even if the future is something you are looking forward to. It's the death of something you knew, and losing that comfort can be anxiety producing. [4:05] With change and transition can come new alliances, relationships, expectations and new futures. If you think of your grieving not just as a loss but a transition from the old to the new, you can begin to see some blessings. [5:13] Dr. Venus is fully committing herself to being an artist, and opportunities and people are showing up in ways she wouldn't believe. However, she wouldn't necessarily have those if she wasn't also grieving the loss of what she used to be and open to the transition of who she is becoming. [6:15] The right people will find you, but they won't define you. And you will find people who help redesign you. Even in the sadness, there's always some good stuff. [8:20] As Dr. Venus grieves the transition of her brother Tory, she honors his sense of humor and by doing comedy herself, feels as though a piece of him is still with her. [10:04] As you transition from grieving to new traditions, one just may make you laugh or surprise you in ways you didn't expect. Dr. Venus shares her first “couples non-Christmas Christmas” with her partner, and the mix of grieving, playing, laughing, and building something new. [15:37] God softens our hearts when we grieve and makes us open and available for new futures. Transition is required to fully step into our destiny. [19:02] Transition can be in everything, to deciding you are eating better and saying no to choices you made before, to changing the way you see the world or a politician. Quotes: “Going from having to be alone while I grieve to being supported while I grieve, that's a transition.” “Take the case that the grieving is a transition that you're going from what used to be, to what could be, and that is a very magical space. That's a space ripe with possibility.” “Are you willing to let go of what you had to become for who you were born to be?” “God is softening my heart by grieving, and making me open and available for new futures.” “Transition is required for my destiny.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition RESOURCES Finding Refuge: Heart Work for Healing Collective Grief
It's okay to have sad days. For those who are grieving, the holidays can be an extra hard time and while the world seems cheerful and celebratory, it can be hard to even just get out of bed. This week, Dr. Venus just asks you to grieve with her as she contends with the angelversary of her brother Tory passing away from COVID on last Christmas Eve. She shares resources that can help in the darkest of times, and reminds you that you aren't alone if you are grieving. Key Takeaways: [1:56] There is a difference between grieving and suffering. As humans, it's natural to grieve and even healthy to let yourself have the time and space you need to know when are sad and grieving. [2:42] While it hurts so deeply that Tory transitioned on last Christmas Eve, there would be no good day for it to have happened. [4:39] If you are grieving during the holidays, you aren't alone. The holiday experience is different for everyone and can change during each passing year. [6:17] A book to understand grief more deeply and to observe the different stages that Dr. Venus recommends is The Five Stages of Grief. [8:59] It can feel extra painful to try and understand why God takes the good people, when there are so many people left on the planet doing so much damage. It's okay to feel frustrated about fairness. Life can be very unfair and confusing. [10:11] If you know and love someone grieving, please don't ask them to be positive. On some days that is just impossible. [13:27] It can be comforting to find something that helps you systematically medidate. For Dr. Venus she is learning to cook a few dishes just to keep her hands busy. It doesn't matter if you are great at the skill, it just matters that you are trying. [14:50] COVID was extra hard because we couldn't prepare for it. The suprise was just as bad as the loss, and there's no way to grieve together in the way we normally do. [16:47] It's healthy to grieve, and it's okay to surrender. If you need to go right to bed today, there's always tomorrow. Quotes: “It's healthy to grieve.” “I get mad at God. We go back and forth a lot.” “It's okay to surrender.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition RESOURCES The Five Stages of Grief
As Dr. Venus approaches the 1 year anniversary of her brother Tory's transition on Christmas Eve, she is experiencing heavy feelings of grief, sadness, and deeply missing a loved one. She contends with the fact that the holidays can be brutal, especially when you have lost a loved one during a season of cheer. How do you put up holiday lights and deal with this festive time when it's hard to even get out of bed some days? This week, she shares resources to deal with that grief, and ways to cope through the holiday season and beyond. If you are grieving this December, you are not alone, and you are seen and heard. Key Takeaways: [3:35] Words often can't communicate the feeling of grief when you have lost someone that you love. [4:19] Dr. Venus is experiencing her brother Tory's first “angelversary”. He transitioned due to COVID complications last Christmas Eve, after 8 days of fighting the disease. Many families that lost loved ones during COVID also were not able to even see or touch their loved ones, making saying goodbye even more painful and heartbreaking. Tory was a great man and Dr. Venus honors his sense of humor and role as a protector and provider. [5:07] It's hard enough to get out of bed when you are grieving, but how do you put up holiday lights and act cheerful during a festive time? First, know that you aren't alone. Second, know there are different resources and many hotlines and providers that are there to provide support. [14:29] Next, tell the truth about how you feel, and take the space you need. Some days, Dr. Venus doesn't try to get out of bed or dressed. Other days, she knows it's important to take care of herself. If you have a pet or animal, spend time with them and take them for a walk. Try to create new memories, and plan for the future. [17:02] What ways can you nurture yourself? Can you learn a new skill? Finding even one thing to be grateful about per day can help, as well as moving your body and expressing your grief without words such as painting or dancing. Quotes: “There's a whole community of us grievers who when we see Christmas lights, we want to spit. Know that you aren't alone.” “My prayer for you is that you allow yourself the healthy response, which is grieving.” “My prayer for you is to nurture yourself during the holidays while you allow yourself to be a human being. To let yourself grieve, and to let yourself feel.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition RESOURCES Create Your Own Calm The Five Stages of Grief How to Cope with Grief During the Holidays COVID, grief and the holidays: How to handle the loss of a loved one The First Holiday Without a Loved One Untangling trauma and grief after loss
The most LUCRATIVE capitol AND labor in American history are Black Men. If Black Men made their own money, America would go bankrupt - after Emancipation & today. This has nothing to do with spirit or work ethic, and everything to do about a system setup to discredit him and position him as a natural born criminal. In the early 1800s, enslaved People of African ancestry were considered loyal and nonthreatening; after 1865, they were considered criminals. Today, our systems are still designed to keep Black Men broke and working for free or very little, with a price tag attached for success. Dr. Venus discusses how when we're talking about race, what we're missing is dealing with economics. She reveals the ways Black Men are positioned to stay financially handicapped, from sharecropping to convict leasing, foster care to jail pens. Black Men are not broke because they are trifling or lazy. They're broke because their hands are tied and they've been checkmated by a series of systems that they are born into. How do we begin to heal? Let's talk. Key Takeaways: [3:03] Most people do not understand the word system. Dr. Venus defines it as nothing more than a series of actions, practices, and procedures that are invisible to you that impact your behavior. You don't have to see a system to feel it or be affected by it. [5:00] As Dr. Venus applies her brain on Black Men, she is dealing with the brutal brilliance of White Supremacy. While we are focusing on race, they are focusing on profit and keeping the money machine going for White Supremacy. [8:13] Dr. Venus breaks down the tricky manner in which they created many different ways to keep Black Men poor and criminals, all the way up to the 1940's. Peonage is when you do a lot of work for a little bit of money, in order to work off a debt. It wasn't just Black people affected by this and who couldn't get ahead, it was White poor people as well. Sharecropping is a system where the landlord would allow the tenant to use the land in exchange for a share of the crop, but the tenant would struggle to profit or leave due to inflation and a never ending list of labor. [10:45] Convict leasing was also another way to replace slavery. They worked men to the bones, and when they died, they just replaced them with another convict. Dr. Venus needs you to get this: it's the exact same system we have today - White Supremacy making money off Black Men and benefiting from free labor, most obviously through the prison industrial complex. [20:38] If you don't know a White person who has the same kind of values that you have, you won't make it through the system. There's no Black person who has made it through any American systems without some type of support or help from some kind of abolitionist in whatever language they use. Black Men don't have that type of help more readily than Black Women, and there's always a price tag for the ones that do. Do not be seduced when they say there are Black millionaires and billionaires. Relative to how many White millionaire and billionaires there are, we're talking less than 1%. [24:55] If you take away the people who helped you, you would not be here whether it's a teacher, reverend, friend, etc. Black Men don't have the same type of help, and the ones who do always have a giant price tag attached to their success. [25:19] Black Men are caught in a cycle created by White Supremacy where from a young age they may get expelled from school, not able to further their education and land a job. To get by this may lead them to become a felon, and now they are in jail working for free. [27:22] Slavery had nothing to do with race and everything to do with profit and economics. If a Black Man has his own money, he doesn't have to go into racist structures to try to make money. [29:13] Black Women have become the voice of White Supremacy in our relationship to Black Men. We hold them in every way to the standard White people have set for them, but don't contend with the target on their back or think about their struggles and what they've done to protect us. Dr. Venus knows we have been hurt by Black Men, that is clear. However, none of that negates the structures he has to deal with, his humanity, fears, phobias, and a right to heal. [30:12] While Black Women are the most educated group in North America, Black Men are the least. Why is that? [33:42] When we talk about history, we talk about how we tended to him. We don't talk about what he gave up to protect us. [35:55] If we want to have love on the other side of trauma and have thriving Black families, we have to address the humanity of our Black Men and really be there to heal with them. Quotes: “You don't need to see a system to feel the impact of it.” “If you take away the people who have helped you, you would not be here. I promise you. It could be a teacher, Reverend, a friend.” “America is set up to have felons work for free, because that is how they replace slavery.” “Black Men are brilliant. They're strong and they have a willpower that is ridiculous.” “When we talk about history, we talk about how we tended to him. We don't talk about what he gave up to protect us.” “Black Men are not broke because they are trifling or lazy. They're broke because their hands are tied and they've been checkmated by a series of systems that they are born into.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition RESOURCES PRISON SYSTEM: Report Finds Two-Thirds of Private Prison Contracts Include “Lockup Quotas” Private Prison Quotas Drive Mass Incarceration and Deter Reform, Study Finds Private Prisons Punish States for not Having Enough Prisoners FAMILES AND FATHERS Government policies based on racist myths help dissolve black families The War On Drug's Ongoing Impact On Black People 10 REASONS TO OPPOSE "3 STRIKES, YOU'RE OUT" MOVIES Driving While Black Race: The Power Of An Illusion Amend: The Fight for America The 13th Slavery By Another Name Reconstruction: America After The Civil War
Recently in Michigan, a 15-year old White man opened fire in his high school, killing 4 people and injuring 7. White Supremacists were quick to point out how Black-on-Black crime shows just how violent young Black males are, and why they deserve to go to jail or be shot on sight. But when it's a young White male who murders, they are called “disturbed” and “troubled”. They need mental health care, not the death penalty. This week, Dr. Venus opens up a conversation about the roots of the representation of white male mass shooters and Black on Black crime. First, we must contend with the structural oppression and positioning of Black Men in society as criminals, even when they are young. Then, we can see why the media positions them as inhuman, not worthy of empathy or the grace of humanity. Two different pathologies, both racially specific. Let's talk. Key Takeaways: [4:45] Black Men are positioned with no empathy, compassion, or humanity, while White Men are given the benefit of the doubt, humanized, and it is argued that their actions took place because they were lonely or unstable. Why doesn't society contend with the fact that Black Men can have mental illness and PTSD as well? [5:50] Dr. Venus is not saying we have not been criminalized, but she wants you to also observe the difference in how we respond to White Men and Black Men after they commit a crime. When a White boy shoots someone, they say he was a good boy, that he had hopes and dreams, and he just did what he thought was right. [7:10] As Black Women, if we are really committed to breaking generational curses and having generational wealth, we have to have compassion for each other's wounds and help Black Men heal. [9:05] Black Men are positioned to never make their own money and to be a criminal, even in the eyes of the media. White Men are positioned as innocent, while when a Black Male kills another Black Male, it becomes more proof that Black Men are animals, not that he may be mentally ill. Black Men are systemically positioned as the thug, the brute, the villain, and it justifies why they are put into jail and penalized. Despite 60% of gun-on-gun violence in America by White Men, they don't seem to say the same about White crimes. [15:25] How come women can give each other support and compassion, yet he gets nothing? [17:17] Dr. Venus opens up and shares a story about when she was so righteous about punishing and proving her point to a Black Man that it caused him intense pain and almost irreparable self-harm. [21:58] Dr. Venus discusses epigenetics, and how we can be predisposed to different behaviors. What we think of as character flaws can really be passed down behaviors from generation to generation, and also as a result of breeding farms, where men were forced to have sex to keep producing free labor. [23:23] There's no hierarchy to pain, and no hierarchy of grace. Some of us have had more grace from White people than we have from our own people. [27:13] Dr. Venus discusses how when White Males get angry, they tend to harm others outside themselves (EVERY race), where young Black Men seem to take their violence on members of their community, killing mostly other Black people they know personally. [35:26] Real healing will begin to happen when we make the case that people have wounds, they need care, and sometimes they even deserve the benefit of the doubt. [36:34] We can actually relate to the Black Men that we love as someone's baby boy, as someone's son. A human who may need help, but who systematically is portrayed as the criminal and shown in the media as a monster we should be afraid of. Quotes: “I'm not saying you have to be responsible for healing the Black Man. But what you can do is have some grace and mercy and give him the benefit of the doubt.” “If we're really committed to having generational wealth, being well, whole and healthy, then we have to get into each other's worlds. We have to have compassion for each other's wounds.” “There's no hierarchy to pain and no hierarchy of grace. Some of us have had more grace from White people than we have from our own people.” “If you want to raise daughters who are loved and really can be the kind of human being that is empathetic to other human beings, it has to start with you.” “We can actually relate to the Black Men that we love as someone's baby boy, as someone's son.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre-order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Slavery By Another Name Colorado supermarket mass shooting suspect determined "incompetent to stand trial currently," district attorney says Why Nearly All Mass Shooters Are Men Race of mass shooters influences how the media cover their crimes, new study shows The Dangerous Racialization of Crime in U.S. News Media What the ‘black-on-black crime' fallacy misses about race and gun deaths
Sis, the 13th Amendment abolished slavery — with one caveat: except if a former slave committed a crime. Laws were then put in place to have Black Men locked up for the tiniest infraction, mistakes, or missteps. Now, Black Men are still the workhorse for White wealth. This week, Dr. Venus breaks it down very slowly so we can get an understanding of what the Black Man's existence has been like since 1831, and how they have been forced to do labor: from peonage to convict leasing to simply stealing. The practice of enslaving Black Male bodies as free labor is as alive as real in 2021 as it was in 1831. Black Men are not afforded the freedom or opportunity to work for THEIR families or THEIR wealth, only for White Men through everything from the jail system to entertainment. Let's talk about it. Key Takeaways: [2:33] In the 13th Amendment, after slavery was abolished, there was a clause that stated people cannot be enslaved unless they commit a crime. That crime could be anything from having papers on you to being on someone else's property, to even sneezing the wrong way. That became the basis of criminalizing Black Men, so much that it wasn't as much about the crime as it was replacing the labor force that was lost with the abolition of slavery. [5:37] Black Men have been blocked from every possible avenue of making their own money legally since 1831. [8:32] Dr. Venus explains why she is sick and tired of Black Men being the scapegoat, and for people saying she is just making excuses for them. Not many account for what he has to go through just to stay alive and sane. It's also not common for people to think about what he needs in terms of actual medical care, mental health help, or more resources to just succeed. [9:38] They created what we now call the penal system and a structure that puts Black Men in prison. His body can now be used for labor by the state and by private companies (owned by White Men), so much so that the prison industrial complex is actually traded on the stock market. [10:18] In 1946, California State camp programs used inmates as firefighters, but once they got released, the felony on their record prevented them from going out and getting work in that skill or trade. [16:38] We tend to blame the artist or rapper for putting out harmful lyrics and music, but how come no one points the blame at the record company or the larger powers that distribute this “dangerous” music? [17:54] There's no conversation about Black Men as people, only as providers and protectors. And if he messes up, then we take away everything he has. [19:22] While Black Women are now the most educated group in North America and the fastest-growing in the entrepreneurial space, Black Men aren't afforded the same opportunities and education. [20:37] One of the benefits Dr. Venus loves about being Black is how our ancestors knew they were not their bodies. They knew they were spiritual beings having a human experience. We come from a people who are spiritually grounded. [24:42] Black Men are positioned by the media in a way that makes them violent or sexualized. What they don't tell you is that that positioning is designed to flood the market to have Black boys continue to see themselves a certain way, which then will have them acting out. Then, they are pulled out of class, unable to continue their education, and need to go make money in a way that ends up with them getting picked up by the police and working for the government. [27:00] As Black Women, we have not looked at the social structures that have created a level of depression, anxiety, trauma, and mental unwellness with Black Men. [28:16] If a Black Man cannot make money for himself legally, he's going to make it another way to take care of his family or himself. When he does that, it gives White Supremacy a reason to enslave him and monetize him in a way that does NOT account for him as a human being. [30:28] Black Men were sexually exploited. They were forced to have sex with females White people put in front of them in order to produce more free labor. [34:41] Black Men are wounded, just like you. Just like all of us. To heal, we are going to have to come together and give Black Men grace and compassion. Quotes: “We don't relate to Black Men as people. We relate to them the way White Supremacy has taught us to.” “When we penalize Black Men, we become the extension of White Supremacy in our relationships. We police them, we correct them. We speak down to them as if they are stupid. They are not stupid. They are wounded and hurt.” “Our ancestors knew they were not their bodies. They knew they were spiritual beings having a human experience. We come from a people who are spiritually grounded.” “Black Women, we have not looked at the social structures that have created a level of depression, anxiety, trauma, and mental unwellness with Black Men.” “We have been so pimped by White Supremacy that we have very little compassion for what Black Men go through.” “Look at the lessons and all the pain. There are plenty and their blessings from the pain. Personally, I think the pain is God's training ground for your calling.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre-order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Convict Leasing Fact check: Southern states used convict leasing to force Black people into unpaid labor Was Convict Leasing Just Legalized Enslavement? - ThoughtCo TIMELINE 1881 to 1900 | African American Timeline: 1850-1925 | Articles and Essays | African American Perspectives: Materials Selected from the Rare Book Collection | Digital Collections | Library of Congress 1901 to 1925 | African American Timeline: 1850-1925 | Articles and Essays | African American Perspectives: Materials Selected from the Rare Book Collection | Digital Collections | Library of Congress Race Relations in the 1930s and 1940s Change in the Labor Market For Black Americans, 1948-1972 Black-white wage gaps expand with rising wage inequality | Economic Policy Institute Mental Health and The School to Prison Pipeline How the Black Man Became Schizophrenic | Psychology Today Metzl, Jonathan. The Protest Psychosis: How Schizophrenia Became a Black Disease | Richardson | Disability Studies Quarterly HIP-HOP MUSIC AS SHARECROPPING & PEONAGE Stop Blaming Rappers for a Problem America Created Are Rappers truly rich? Kanye's Contracts Reveal Dark Truths About the Music Industry | by Annia Mirza | Dialogue & Discourse | Medium ATHLETES WORKHORSE FOR WHITE WEALTH Race, money, and exploitation: why college sport is still the ‘new plantation' | College football | The Guardian Athletes As Slave Labor Why are black males supported only when they're athletes? Is the NFL exploiting black players? | The Tylt ENTERTAINMENT EXPLOITATION OF BLACK MALES Media Portrayals and Black Male Outcomes | The Opportunity Agenda
What we know for certain, is that there are two Americas. One America for people of African ancestry, and another for those of European ancestry. While we also know there are different races inside of America, the founding principles and ideals of this country were bought with Black blood. This week, Dr. Venus goes deep on why it is that a White Male can walk, but a Black Male ends up in prison. It's not only an issue of race, but being with the notion that Black Men are seen as non-human, and it happens from when they are babies. To walk it back, Dr. Venus explores how the criminal justice system was built for ONE thing and ONE thing only: to protect Whiteness by criminalizing Black Male bodies. Since the 1800s, after the Nat Turner Rebellion, America has constructed systems of oppression to enslave, jail, in-prison & murder Black Men—legally. When we see Kyle Rittenhouse acquitted of all charges and Julius Jones sentenced to life WITHOUT parole, we can see how the “system” is working. Let's talk about it. Key Takeaways: [5:30] The difference between Kyle Rittenhouse and Julius Jones is that as a Black Male, Jones is seen and positioned as a criminal before he even steps out of the door. [6:44] Dr. Venus discusses how the 13th Amendment was created to abolish slavery and said that slavery no longer existed, except for criminals. The loophole was when they say “except for criminals”, which was to protect White people and keep Black Men enslaved. [7:54] Yes, you are right saying there is systemic racism. You are right about racial dynamics. All of that is correct. But Dr. Venus also invites you to contend with the fact that Black Men are seen and POSITIONED as criminals, while White Men, like Kyle Rittenhouse, are positioned as innocent from the beginning. [10:00] What Rittenhouse had that Black Men never get, is mercy, grace, compassion, and empathy. Black Men are criminalized, and not even humanized. [13:44] Until we as Black Women see Black Men as humans that have feelings and who make mistakes but are worthy of love, we will never win or be able to give each other the support structure needed to create our own lanes. No one wins until we see Black Men as humans, and until then, people will think they have the right to kill a Black Man on the spot with no judge, or no jury. [18:36] What's missing in our relationship with Black Men is that they are human too. They make mistakes, and they do awful stuff that every human being on this planet does. If Kyle deserves grace and empathy, then so does Julius Jones. So did George Floyd, and so did Ahmaud Arbery. [19:42] Your marches are valid, but Dr. Venus explains why she thinks it's foolish to expect justice from an organization and a group that has demonstrated for over 400 years that they have no interest in you. [20:21] When you position Black Men as criminals and non-human, people think they have the right to shoot at them at will or take everything from them. They think Black Men have no feelings or no ability to think through complex ideas. They view them as nothing more than an animal that needs to be caged. Until that conversation shifts, we will always be held back. [23:18] If we can evoke change in terms of political and social norms and laws, then we can change how we relate to Black Men. [23:38] Some people try to blame Hip-Hop music and the Black men who are the artists, but why not include the record labels and distributors who are promoting violence and the degradation of music? We focus so much on justice that we ignore the humanity of Black Men, and then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy where they become all kinds of things that White people and the media have taught us to say about them. [26:43] Dr. Venus says we are instruments of White Supremacy, and most of us don't even know it. She's not blaming anyone, but instead shining a light on something we can impact. [27:49] The system is set up in a way that keeps Black Men from continuing their education, or never starting in the first place. It starts when they are babies, getting kicked out of school, adding a mark to their name, or providing them with little to no resources. You can pretty much guess that by the time they get to college, Black Men will be in jail, have a mark on their record, or a felony. [28:45] What Dr. Venus is doing is taking on the healing and really tending to the Black Men in her life. That doesn't mean she has to agree with them, but she will love them, and with the right love and healing, they can thrive in entrepreneurship. [31:58] Everybody on the planet has fallen from grace. Dr. Venus prays that we realize that we do much better together than we do apart. Quotes: “What's missing in our relationship to Black Men is that they are human too. They make mistakes, and they do awful stuff that every human being on this planet does.” “When a Black baby is criminalized and when a White baby is innocent, what gets lost in translation is...humanity.” “I'm clear about the sentencing. I'm clear about all of that. The only thing that I'm interested in now is humanizing Black male bodies.” “The way you can kill a criminal is either you keep them in bondage, you keep them enslaved, or you kill his credibility.” “If we heal enough of us, we won't need their jobs.” “What is predictable is that the humanity of Black Men will never be on trial. It will always be a criminal on trial.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre-order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES The Kyle Rittenhouse Verdict Reinforces a Long American Tradition: White Animus Against Black Grievance The Rittenhouse Trial Could Never Have Been What Americans Wanted Tamir Rice and Marissa Alexander deserved the Rittenhouse treatment With Julius Jones' Commutation, Cruelty Is the Point The Color of Justice: Racial and Ethnic Disparity in State Prisons Impact and Legacy of Nat Turner's Rebellion
Many (1 out of 4) Black Women have experienced sexual violence. In fact, sexual violence is one of the worst crimes against humanity, specifically as it was employed and monetized during Chattel Slavery. The impact is felt generationally in our relationships, in our bodies, and most importantly, in our sense of self and personal power. We know this historical trauma, and because we can talk about it, we can get the support to heal it. But what about the GROSS sexual trauma and violence against Black Men? Why is it not included in our history books or addressed in society now, when Black Men are molested and violently raped in our current society? This week, Dr. Venus talks about having empathy and compassion for Black Men and their trauma, and how we can start to heal WITH them instead of prioritizing our pain over theirs. She shares 5 horrifying ways that enslaved African men were sexually exploited throughout slavery, and how we can begin to create a safe space for Black Men to open up. Key Takeaways: [2:23] This is a conversation about sexual violence against Black Men, both then and now. The reason why we are talking about this is that Dr. Venus is really contending with her own internal racism and sexism against Black Men. If we were talking about women and sexual trauma, there are libraries of readings, but she was shocked to the degree that there's nothing really out there about Black Men. [4:14] We relate to Black Men the way that White Supremacy has taught us to, and we think it's the truth. Because we've had bad experiences with Black Men and been wounded viciously by Black Men multiple times, we see all Black Men as bad. Dr. Venus validates that you have had this experience, and it was real. She is also not talking like a theorist, but a survivor. The damage is there, but on the other side of healing, we can see someone as a human being that has been damaged and wounded. [6:16] Dr. Venus gives an example of seeing that her mother was wounded and giving someone grace for their traumas. [9:22] How trapped is a Black Man that can't say anything because no one will believe them? Black Men are supposed to be strong. As far as history is concerned, they're not even people. [10:17] When Black Men act out after being wounded, we equate it more with character and go after the tropes of him being lazy, no good, or trifling. How come we don't account for history? [13:00] Black Boys are completely unprotected not just from men, but from older women. The women are taking advantage of Black younger boys, and those boys end up being with our daughters. We believe that since he is strong and he can fight, he won't be raped. [15:38] Dr. Venus hasn't had compassion for Black Men, until now. The reason she can is that she has been healing her father wounds. [18:35] You create a safe space when you share your truth. When Black Men feel safe to share their story with no ridicule or judgment, it is healing and they will feel like it's okay to open up. [19:25] Women in general, and this includes Black Women, are trained to be self-reflective earlier than Black Men. Black girls are trained to go read books, while Black boys are trained to go play with toys or play sports. Black Women are the most educated group in North America, while Black Men are not given the time to think through things. [22:47] The ways that men were sexually exploited and abused by White Masters: Aristocrats often used enslaved Black Men as a form of sexual entertainment. They were lined up and were laughed at, scrutinized for their body, and humiliated. Enslaved men were castrated or sexually mutilated as a form of punishment. Enslaved men were often raped by both the slave owners themselves and forced to have sex with their master's wives. Black Men were sexually exploited and abused by their White Masters in a horrific punishment called buck breaking. This form of sexual abuse was very popular in the Caribbean and it involved White Supremacists, slave owners, and merchants, raping a male slave in front of the public to embarrass him and make him feel less than a man. Breeding farms that exploited the sexuality of healthy Black Men, not caring if it was their own family members that they were impregnating. [30:48] Dr. Venus realized that Black Women, herself included, have internalized racism and sexism against Black Men that we don't even know we have. It's so real for us, just like White Supremacy is very real for White people. It's not personal, it's just that we have drunk the Kool-Aid. [35:59] When you don't have a safe space, to tell the truth, you will implode. Black Men are wounded, and they don't know they are wounded, because no one has taken the time to listen to them talk. [37:10] When we can relate to Black Men as human beings with feelings who have faults, who are amazing, and who deserve to be heard, that is when the healing will begin. [39:59] If we are committed to thriving as a community, we as Black Women are going to have to step into the emotional maturity and spirituality it takes to relate to Black Men as humans that are fabulous despite their flaws. And until we do that, we will not be able to empower their power. Quotes: “Anything a person has done to you has been done to them.” “I haven't had compassion for his humanity, until now.” “For all my brothers who are listening or will listen, I apologize. I'm sorry that I privileged my pain over your humanity.” “As Black women, we are the White Supremacists in our relationship to Black Men and our communities and our families. And it's not personal to you or me. It literally is that we drank the Kool-Aid.” “I'm committed that we relate to Black Men as human beings, with feelings, who have faults, who are amazing, who deserve to be heard and seen just like you and me.” We want White people to see us as equals, so how can we expect that from them when we don't give it to each other?” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre-order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Rethinking Rufus: Sexual Violations of Enslaved Men (Gender and Slavery Ser., 2) 5 horrifying ways enslaved African men were sexually exploited and abused by their white masters Behind the Pain Nobody Talks About Sexual Abuse of Black Boys Mychal Denzel Smith An NFL player says United ignored his reports of sexual assault. The problem's bigger than him. Understanding Male Socialization, Stigma, and Reactions to Sexual Violence Yes, Sexual Abuse of Black Boys Is a Problem — and We Need To Pay Attention SUPPORT Help for Male Survivors The Psychological Consequences of Sexual Trauma For Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
Sis, I believe the very nature of God is to provide. If we are made in the image and likeness of God, then that means we are here to provide for one another. However, what if the structures - political, social, and historical made it not only next to impossible for one to provide, but positioned some peopole as worthless and always up to no good. This week, Dr. Venus invites us to reexamine what it really means to be a Black Man in North America. She gives the historical context on how Black Men have been systematically held back, undermined, and pushed down in terms of being a provider in the name of White Supremacy. She discusses the different types of provision we can get from our Black Men, and why it's crucial for us to work on our own wounds so we can open up and receive the love our Black Men are trying to give and provide them with a purpose and feeling of spiritual fulfillment as well. Key Takeaways: [2:21] This week's conversation is not about willpower or pulling yourself up by the bootstraps. Nor is about hustling. It is Dr. Venus giving historical context on why, as a people, Black Men and Women are still at the bottom of the economic ladder in North America. Our men have not been able to prosper by virtue of different effects of systematic racism and by the virtue of gender. [7:10] Dr. Venus walks through a historical timeline of how society has made Black Men seem like a threat and indoctrinated the belief that Black Men are trifling, no good, and to be feared. [8:10] If White people related to Black people the way that Black women who have been hurt by Black Men relate to Black Men, we would call them racist. [9:05] Black Men get a harsher punishment starting from kindergarten because of how they're perceived. They are not afforded the opportunities to help them get ahead in life, whether that's education, money, social skills, etc. [12:30] Under Jim Crow segregation, we had convict leasing and debt peonage. Dr. Venus talks about how these predecessors to the prison industrial complex had Black Men working off their debt to the White man for pennies, and enslaved just as if they were a workhorse. [15:41] When Black Men are expelled early or given punitive consequences in school, they are not given what they need to succeed, and in turn to provide. Either they are positioned to slave for White Men, a White system, or they go to jail. [16:53] Imagine being targeted your whole life as a threat. You're trying to do good, but you can't get a handout, a hand up, anything. There's a level of resentment that comes with it, along with a level of helplessness and hopelessness. No matter what you do, you bump into walls, and at some point, you become frustrated and start making your own way. This all too often can mean someone getting into illegal activities. [17:50] Dr. Venus now looks at the good Black Men in her life as somebody's little man. She's looking for his humanity, for his vulnerability. Not the protective walls he puts up in the name of survival and self-preservation. [20:16] As Black Women, we have unfulfilled expectations based on gender roles of what Black Men should and should not do. When a Blck Man can not provide, Dr. Venus invites you to consider that he's not always being difficult or lazy, or that he just doesn't care. She wants you to consider that maybe he's hopeless, depressed, and feels like he can never win. [24:51] In healing her father wounds, Dr. Venus realized the cost of not having a father. She was used to a certain kind of Black Man but opened up her world to the men that wanted to be providers and protectors. She shares how in her relationship now, she began to see her partner as a man who was spiritually providing for her, rather than providing as a way of domination. [31:30] Provision isn't just money. Men can provide for us emotionally, physically, spiritually, and show us a level of transparency that makes us feel safe and secure. [36:41] There's a level of healing required to allow yourself to receive the love of a Black Man who is willing to do the work and heal with you. [37:23] Dr. Venus invites you to have some grace for Black Men and relate to them in a way that values their vulnerability. History has set him up to feel powerless and purposeless, but God gives us each other so we can remember who we are. When you allow the Black Men in your life to provide in any way they can, they have an organizing principle in which to live their life. Quotes: “When you love a Black Man, if you allow him in, you become that for him. And it gives him some reason to provide like God.” “There is some spiritual provision that when you're being with a Black Man who is healing or healed, or well, or any combination thereof, he can give you things that you can't give yourself.” “I am accounting for the humanity of every Black Man in my life. I'm taking the case that he is wounded, that he's not malicious. He's wounded.” “There's a level of healing required to allow yourself to receive the love of a Black Man who is willing to do the work and heal with you.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre-order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Why Young, Black Men Can't Work The inheritance of Black poverty: It's all about the men BLACK BOYS IN CRISIS: THE SCHOOL-TO-PRISON PIPELINE Stress About Money Is Doing a Number on Your Heart Health Black History: A History of Permanent White Oppression, from 1619 to 2016 Bible Verses about God Provides
Sis, you & I relate to Black Men the EXACT same way that the Police do. Hear me out. We relate to them with suspicion, hostility, looking for SOMETHING to accuse them of. We instantly judge them based on their clothes, diction, the car they drive, & their neighborhood. We have ways of talking that are designed to dehumanize and tear down Black Men. The ONLY difference between the Police and us is this: the cops terrorize Black Men physically; we do it emotionally. This week, Dr. Venus unpacks the historical wounds that have led to Black Men being positioned as savages, violent, and up to no good. She discusses how WE make it a self-fulfilling prophecy, and how we can get back our power and give each other grace and the space for healing. Key Takeaways: [2:50] In this conversation, Dr. Venus is not talking about the Black Men who are so wounded and so violent that they are a detriment to your life. Nor is she justifying Black Men who hurt or abuse you. This is a grown conversation about those committed to having an empowering partnership with the Black Men in their life. [8:07] As Black Women, we are so powerful, but we squander our power on gossip and bring each other down. Dr. Venus isn't doing that anymore. She only wants Black Women that are committed to winning together. [11:33] Your wounds have more to do with the Black Men that you attract than Black Men at all. It has to do with what you will tolerate. [13:51] Dr. Venus discusses how the representation of Black people has gone through different iterations. After the Nat Turner insurrection of 1831, more oppressive legislation was put into place. The language started to change because White people got scared, and they started portraying Black Men as violent, dim-witted and that it was necessary for them to be put in jail. This was also seen in popular culture, such as movies and plays. [21:07] Yes, Black Women have also gone through hell and back, but it is up to us to put the work in for our own healing. Notice how you approach Black Men. Do you approach them with caution, test them, and then give them punitive consequences if/when they are wrong? Do you lie to try and make yourself right? Our approach can be similar to how police approach Black Men. [25:32] We expect Black Men to give us that which they have not been taught to. Then, when they don't, we withhold and punish. What if they are just hurt, but don't know how to articulate it? [30:32] As the mothers of civilization, it is important for us as Black Women to know we have the power. Instead of lessening that power when we are wounded, we must both do the work. Dr. Venus discusses going to therapy with her partner, and how it has helped open their communication. If he isn't willing to do the work, staying with him doesn't mean love, it means codependency. He must do the work to be your equal. [32:55] We have been taught that Black Men are violent, but we also don't give a chance to the quiet, shy, nerdy ones, or the men we deem not attractive or too attractive. [34:20] If you are committed to breaking generational curses and setting a new example, you have to do the work and heal.[35:10] Healing lets you have real conversations and create boundaries together. We can learn to have grace for one another's wounds. Dr. Venus opens up about having to undo racism even in her own relationship. [41:53] He can be your companion, but not your savior. He's not responsible for your happiness. You can teach him how to love you and if he's willing to heal with you, then there is a future. If he's not, it's time to go in and heal some more. [42:21] When you do know your power, you start to handle it like it's precious. Quotes: “I want to love the Black Men in my life who love me.” “I need you to look at yourself as the author of your own life.” “We weaponize our emotionality. We weaponize our love. The same way the police do.” “He has to take on his healing, and that is between him and God.” “You have to model healing, so he gets that he can't be with you if he doesn't heal.” “When you heal, you become a force to be reckoned with for generations to come.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre-order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES The Man God Has For You 7 Famous Slave Revolts From “brute” to “thug:” the demonization and criminalization of unarmed Black male victims in America 'It's like we're seen as animals': black men on their vulnerability and resilience Emmanuel Acho on the myth of the 'Angry Black Man' US justice is built to humiliate and oppress black men. And it starts with the chokehold Raising Hell Or Raise Them Well: Withholding your children out of spite
Within every powerful Black Woman is a little girl. Within every powerful Black Man is a little boy. Both genders have historical wounds that are not named but felt in the way we interact with each other, especially when it comes to vulnerability. This week, Dr. Venus talks about how both Black Men and Women have inherited historical trauma due to North American Chattel slavery, and how these survival strategies can cause us pain and suffering when we don't tend to each other or work to heal these wounds. She discusses the double standard when it comes to Black Men tending to their pain and healing, and shares seven teaching points on how to empower Black Men without losing your own power. When we see how the sensitivity Black Men can have around respect is so rooted in trauma, we can work on healing with him by tending to his little boy within. Let's talk. Key Takeaways: [6:25] When it comes to loving a Black Man, one of the things we have not accounted for as Black Women are the wounds that they have. Black Men were whipped, punished, demeaned, and pimped out in front of their family because of North American slavery, and made to feel disrespected and powerless. [8:00] For Black Women, there are certain survival strategies that we have to combat feeling invisible and like our voice doesn't matter. One of those survival strategies is relating to Black Men like they are well, and they are not. There is no way they could be well because we are still healing, but at least we as women have safe spaces to self-reflect. They don't. [9:30] We have a historical wound around being heard. Our voice was not honored, and even when we said no, they still took from us and forced us to work, have babies, and give our bodies to them. To try and contend with these wounds, we have a practice of needing to get the last word in, which can trigger and get tangled with Black Men's historical wounds around being disrespected. The viciousness in which they were penalized and hurt has led to a very high sensitivity to respect, which makes them feel a certain way when a Black woman speaks up. [12:27] The more we speak up, the more he can feel like we are talking down. Until we unpack this cycle, it will run us and get perpetuated generationally. This means as we take accountability for our own emotional wellness, Black Men must do the necessary internal excavation. This doesn't necessarily mean religion, it means going inward and doing the real emotional labor. [18:31] Black Men have wounded Black baby boys in them, just like Black Women have wounded baby girls within ourselves. When we tend to that, we can have mercy and grace. [20:39] Until you understand how to empower the Black Men in your life, you are going to be struggling. [21:48] You need to start accounting for the humanity of Black Men and see him as someone's little boy that didn't get taken care of, who was neglected, traded on, and wounded. You don't need to do anything about it, just to account for it. [22:14] This does not mean to let a man off the hook for bad behavior, and to accept abuse or cheating. This is about something different. [23:10] As a Black Woman, you have more power than you realize, especially in terms of your impact and influence on the Black Men in your life. [27:00] Teaching Points: You can not empower a Black Man until you have healed your own relationship with your father. You can still heal even if your relationship is broken or non-existent. Dr. Venus shares how she took on her father wound. Don't speak until you can say it with love. Stop dating men that are projects, thinking you can change him. When you turn a man into a project, you shackle yourself to a person who has no commitment to the version of himself that you see. Don't date, marry, or get in bed with someone's potential. Hang out with the people who are where you want to go. Get into new networks, and stop fishing from a pool of people that will waste your time. Don't expect him to emotionally heal you. Be accountable for your own emotional wellness. Only God can heal you. Your man is not equipped, the same way you can't take on his healing or fix him. Schedule baby boy love. Tend to the aspects of him that he doesn't tend to, and make it about fun and emotional connection rather than sex. Whether it's a weekend of playing with trucks, coloring, or something that makes him feel safe and tended to. [42:03] There is nothing wrong with having trauma. It's part of being alive, but we must be accountable for seeing Black Men in light of compassion and grace. [43:50] America is built to tear us apart and to keep us oppressed. It's going to take healing at the level of cultural consciousness and we are going to have to do it together. Quotes: “My women may support me, but my brothers carry me.” “When you can actually account for the humanity of the Black Men in your life and throw some grace and mercy on it, it gives you access to influence.” “Now I have it that Black Men love me and take care of me. They provide for me and protect me. Because it's true.” “When you put yourself in his orbit and be your amazing self, he will find you.” “Let's meet the brothers who love us and who are taking care of us halfway. Let's give them space, the grace, and room to speak their truth with no penalty, condemnation, or correction.” “In order to heal, you've got to access grace and mercy. You've got to forgive and let go.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre-order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Be a Great Husband (feat. TD Jakes) Internal Arguments: It's Worth The Fight! - The Self-Esteem of a Man Healing With Him The Power of Agreement - Bishop T.D. Jakes
Is there really such a thing as “choice?” Notice all the noise surrounding NBA Star, Kyrie Irving, standing for his “choice” to NOT be vaccinated. The amount of social and institutional pressure is huge. If one does not acquiesce, there are punitive consequences. Slavery was the exact same way. This week, Dr. Venus does a deep dive into the illusion of choice, showing how those who have been historically marginalized have also been victims to “choose” a certain thing or action, or suffer the consequences. She gives examples of heartbreaking medical racism from Racial Eugenics (which Hitler modeled), the Tuskegee Experiment which sickened and killed HUNDREDS of Black Men, to Henrietta Lacks who had cells stolen for research. Dr. Venus gives historical context as to why some Black people have a mistrust of vaccines, due to an industry that has a history of turning Black bodies into lab rats. However you feel about it, your feelings are valid. It's a hot topic, but let's talk about it. Key Takeaways: [1:13] What is choice when there are punitive consequences if you don't comply? Dr. Venus explains how medical racism goes deep, and when we combine eugenics, even deeper. [4:22] When an NBA player recently refused a vaccine, he lost money, playing time, and he was shamed by society. Is this really a choice? He lost more than half his income due to a policy, and Dr. Venus discusses how these policies are typically created by White people in power to affect those that tend to be marginalized even more. [7:03] This perceived choice runs parallel to both slavery and reproductive rights. First, Black Men and Women had the “choice” to evade death by acquiescing, giving up their bodies and doing what White Men said in order to stay alive. Women had the “right” to choose to have a baby, but sometimes at the cost of laws being created against that, and forced sterilization. The way the world articulates it, it makes it sound that if you choose something other than what is being presented, you are going against what is good for the people. You can choose, but you just may lose your friends, job, money, etc. [9:59] It is a historical wound and a FACT that the medical industry has taken our bodies and used them for science. Dr. Venus gives the emotional example of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, with HUNDREDS of African-American men unknowingly serving as human guinea pigs. They let them die and be sick for research. We don't want to live at the effect of it or be made to feel like we are doing something wrong when we have mistrust and doubt about medicine. [16:32] Throughout history, rich White Men have tried to create the strongest race of people by sterilizing those that they deemed anything less than the best. Based on Darwinism, they sterilized over 8,000 people in the name of progress. If you were handicapped, poor, slow, of color, etc, you would have been killed. [22:04] The violation of medical ethics with Tuskegee had a direct impact on medical ethics, but how do we still trust the system today? Dr. Venus gives another example with Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cervical cancer cells were taken without consent in 1951, cloned and widely used for medical research. [25:00] Whatever your choice is around the vaccine, you have every right to that. However, please know that our historical wounds are valid, and you are asking Black Men and Women to lay down logic and trust an institution that has built policies against us. [30:20] Dr. Venus knows that at some point, she may have to take the vaccine. She can't do a group Pilates class because she hasn't gotten it. That's just one example. They can take away people's rights to fly, go to a restaurant, enter a bank, etc. There's no choice. It's a delayed punitive consequence, and it's just the illusion of choice. [32:32] Black people have been lab rats for medicine in America. Even if we can't articulate it, we can feel it. As a Black person whose people have been experimented on, that is a valid truth. Do not feel pressured into a decision that you don't feel good about. [35:19] Dr. Venus does take health and COVID very seriously, and even lost her brother to it, and couldn't be there with him because of the virus, or mourn him properly, in person, with her family. What she contends with is that if you have a right to choose to wear a mask or not, why can't women choose to keep or terminate a pregnancy? If it's my body my choice for reproductive rights, what's the difference when it comes to vaccination? Quotes: “When policies are put in place that have punitive consequences and they say you have a choice, what real choice do you have?” “If you have a right to choose a mask, why can't I choose whether or not to keep a baby?” “Do not feel pressured into a decision that you don't feel good about.” “There's no choice. It's a delayed punitive consequence. It's the illusion of choice, that is the way supremacy works.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre-order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Racism and discrimination in health care: Providers and patients ‘My body, my choice' mantra on vaccines should also apply for reproductive rights: Marvin A. McMickle Right-wing figures co-opted “my body, my choice” to attack vaccine mandates Reckoning with histories of medical racism and violence in the USA Racial Eugenics
Where there is a woman, there is magic. Specifically, a Black Woman. Black Women are the mother of civilization. Spiritually. Consciously. Emotionally. That is a lot of power, yet we tend to forget this and fail to see or relate to ourselves as the source of life itself. We see ourselves as victims and strong, but not the author of our own story, and the force behind the world's energy and function. This week, Dr. Venus goes in on why we must embrace the truth of our power as the mother of civilization in order to heal. If we don't, chaos will ensue. She also discusses how we can stop warring with Black Men and let them help in their own way to make our lives better, one toaster at a time. Key Takeaways: [2:29] We can not have wholeness without each other, and Dr. Venus is creating a community for Black Women to support, learn from one another, and have fun! [4:27] Black Woman, you are quite literally the mother of civilization. The Eve gene is the mitochondrial gene in our DNA that goes back to Africa and points at the genetic makeup of humanity. Civilization started in your womb, but you have been indoctrinated to believe that other people do more and are worth more. No other race or nationality of women have this particular gene, and it's important to understand your God-given power. [6:33] We check our bloodlines for disease and addictions, but what about blessings? How come we can't be predisposed to power? Dr. Venus explains that we are born to transform this world and your bloodline is just one of many things that make you UNIQUE and special. [8:46] Yes, we have been victimized, but we don't have to be victims. Bad things were designed to happen so you become stronger. It's a training ground for getting to the next level. It does not discredit your lived experience and valid story to move out of the pain and to be focused on the future. [12:20] Haters try to take away how special you are and deny your power. You don't really realize that your power is SO amazing that they have to create lies, hide, and pretend that you are nothing in order to justify their behavior. Dr. Venus asks you to get more committed to your freedom than to being right about how you've been wronged. One way to do that is to contend with your bloodline. [19:32] When Black Women are mad and they don't claim their power, the world falls apart. People can't think straight, we have natural disasters, the world as a whole gets flustered. [22:36] Black Men have been attacked and exploited as much, if not more than Black Women. We position masculinity inside of a particular kind of paradigm, so it never gets talked about. Abused people tend to act out what has been done to them. These practices were created in the belly of White Supremacy, and the more we can empower our Black Men, the more they take care of us in their own way. [29:44] Dr. Venus shares how she is letting her man show his love through buying her a TV and a toaster, two things that she may not need, but can let him take care of her in his own way. When we stop fighting, even if we don't agree, we can empower their power. [32:48] When we embrace our power from a spiritual and ancestral level, we can actually impact the people and climate from the inside out. But it can't happen without you. Quotes: “Where there's a woman, there is magic. Specifically, when she's a Black Woman.” “I'm asking you to embrace what you cannot see, touch, or taste. I'm asking you to embrace your spirit and to embrace that aspect of you that is eternal.” “Everything that is happening in the world is a function of Black Women not claiming our power.” “I'm never discrediting your lived experience, but what I'm doing is questioning how you deal with it.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre-order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Scientists Think They've Found 'Mitochondrial Eve's' First Homeland January 1988 Scientists Reveal That The Black Woman is The Mother of HumanKind ( Mitochondrial Eve /Mothers ) THE INNER WORLD Black Witches, African Priestesses, Wise Women And the Convergence of The Black Feminine in Spirituality Healing the black man and woman's relationship (The Revolution Is A Lifestyle pt.2)
Dr. Venus loves Black Men. Their brilliance, their attitude, their mind, and perspective. Yet somehow, she finds her feelings get hurt when they do things that feel as if they are not standing with her. We march for Black Men when it comes to social change, and yet when it comes to our right to choose, you “man up” and side with patriarchy? REALLY? As more laws are introduced and passed to greatly handicap women of all races in America for their right to choose to terminate a pregnancy, Dr. Venus goes in this week on why some Brothers may agree with the government rather than with their Sisters. They support with their absence when we march, their silence on the topic, and their faith-based posturing. How is this possible? Well, America's very nature is to be two-faced, and it has EVERYTHING to do with masculinity and power. Let's talk about it. Key Takeaways: [1:20] As laws are introduced AND PASSED to make it hard for women of all races to take care of themselves, Dr. Venus asks the rhetorical question; when it's time to march for social justice, we are there. But why is it, when it comes to our bodies, Black Men go silent? [2:44] When it comes to Black power, a lot of men feel that it's great when it is social and comes to the right to vote or for better policing standards, but not important when it's concerning the Black female body. It may not matter to you now, but it will when it's your niece or sister that is pregnant and needs help. [5:25] How do you expect women (and all communities) to stay alive and healthy if the government is pulling funding around reproductive rights and trying to take away the woman's right to choose what is best for her body? [7:04] Dr. Venus gives the historical context around Black Men being pimped and sexually exploited, and how that may affect their view on being pro-choice. Black Men have been sexually exploited since they came to this country, and have a complicated relationship with sexuality. Plantation slavery not only turned the Black Female body into a factory but socially rewarded Black Men for producing as many babies as they could during slavery. [10:13] Because of this, there may be a level of numbness or emotional detachment from Black Masculinity around reproduction. We don't talk about this, and it is a deep subject that calls for Black Men and Women to talk openly about these historical wounds. [12:12] Women are socially positioned as the homemaker, and there is a belief that women are responsible for the children. [16:42] Dr. Venus calls bs on the brothers who say they are our partners, but they are quiet. As we march and stand for our social justice, we need to feel it back when it comes time for us to be supported about our reproductive rights. [19:31] If you really love Black Women, and women in general, raise your voice. Pull up. [22:38] We don't need to always agree to align. Dr. Venus gives this example through the man she is dating now. She doesn't agree with him on many things and still finds a lot of his views to be patriarchal, but defends his right to say his piece. [23:02] Not everyone will be in agreement about abortion, but what we want is alignment. What's going to empower us as a people is unity, and that is across the board. [25:06] If our men sit down around reproductive rights and we sit down around police reform, everyone loses. It's hard to stand for something when the people you're standing for don't stand with you. Dr. Venus discusses the heartbreak she felt when she found out that 12% of Black Men voted for Trump. She had to adjust and realize that they have a right to vote for whomever they want to. [29:06] You don't have to agree or understand to stand with someone having a choice, but you have to be aware of the impact. It's going to affect not only your family but will show up in poor Black communities and POC communities first, when they start shutting down health care clinics and Planned Parenthoods where people also get vaccines and health care treatments. Quotes: “I can align, even if I don't agree.” “Pro-choice is a choice. Empower me to have a choice.” “We want to talk about the politics of the police, but what about the politics of the Black female body?” “We are real quick to support each other around social justice, but what about reproductive justice?” “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” - Voltaire “What I want is alignment. What I want is solidarity. What's going to empower us as a people is unity, and that is across the board.” “Even if you don't agree with my choice, back me on it.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre-order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES These Black Men Pushed Abortion Access Before ‘Roe' Where Are All Of The Pro-Choice Men? Black man silences medical workers vocal for BLM by asking, ‘Do aborted black babies matter?' On Rape Culture, Masculinity and Reproductive Justice Black Patriarchy: Where Men Rule but Refuse to Build The Rape of a Nation and the Reconstruction of Black Masculinity Five Fundamental Arguments Men Historically Use to Legally Act Out “Power” on Women's Bodies That Black Masculinity Empower. Women are the weaker sex. Women are not as intelligent as men. Women are emotional. A Woman's role is in the home. A Woman needs a man.
Loving yourself as a Black Woman is a revolutionary act. It goes against everything we have been taught and have seen in society. Even harder is loving yourself and keeping yourself as the priority when you get in a relationship. Dr. Venus knows that self-love is often the first thing that goes out the window. Everything gets dropped, compromised, or pushed to the back burner. We self-sacrifice and twist ourselves up into a pretzel, all at the expense of our respect, pride, time, and energy. But what if there was another way? This week, Dr. Venus goes in on how loving yourself is actually the BASIS of being in love, instead of self-sacrifice. She explains why it has been our survival strategy to over-give and shares 8 teaching points on how to take care of you while you love someone that loves you. Key Takeaways: [3:48] We are taught to self-sacrifice under the idea that it is what we need to do in order to get love back. How many times have you twisted yourself up into a pretzel for someone else, in hopes that if we love someone enough or be who we think they want us to be, they will love us back? [4:47] Have you ever had someone vilify you when you don't love them the way they feel you should? Dr. Venus has, and it doesn't feel good. As Black women, we are taught that in order to get love, it's okay to put our respect and pride second to someone else's needs. [7:23] Using your wounds as a weapon is not love, that is control. As Black Women, we tend to suffocate our love or push it away, because we aren't used to just letting things be and feeling that what we are giving or who we are is enough. [8:04] When you heal enough to let love in, the question becomes — how do you keep taking care of yourself while you love someone that loves you? [12:21] There is a difference between changing your boundaries because you trust someone, and doing it because you feel you have to keep them. [12:47] How do you hold your own boundaries and tend to yourself when someone else gives you their attention? Here are 8 Teaching Points that are key to putting yourself first while being in love. Raise your standards. What you need now is not what you used to need. Make and keep your personal boundaries as an act of EMPOWERING the relationship. Know what your wounds are and don't take on your loved one's wounds. It will only handicap your love and exhaust you. Love someone who INSISTS you keep your routines so you are in your power. Love is different from workability. Focus on the workability of the relationship. Taking care of yourself does not mean you are neglecting your love. Don't feel guilty! Heal, or leave with love. Everyone has wounds. If you or your love don't put in the work to heal, leave the relationship with dignity, honor and respect. Fall in love with yourself daily. [18:28] We are accountable for our wounds. If you are triggered, take care of yourself first. You have to tend to yourself. When two wounded people get together who are not doing the work to heal, it is a bloody mess. [26:06] When you take care of yourself, it's an act of love for others around you. [29:19] Leave the relationship with dignity and love, don't ever leave in anger. We think love conquers all but when a person is wounded, they are in their past and sometimes it doesn't mix with your needs. Don't be mad at your love if they can't change either, and give them grace as you leave. Quotes: “Self-love is a radical act. It is telling history to kiss your Black ass.” “If you can't be honest about how you disappear when someone else loves you, how will you ever know you are gone?” “I have to keep my routines to serve the relationship, not sacrifice them for the relationship.” “The more you love yourself, the more you make room for others to love you.” “There is a difference between changing your boundaries because you trust someone, and doing it because you feel you have to keep them.” “Love does not mean you tolerate people's bad behavior.” “When you take care of yourself, it's an act of love for others around you.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre-order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES SELF LOVE WHILE BEING IN LOVE THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF LOVE IN RELATIONSHIPS: 4 THINGS TO KNOW How to Develop Self-Love and Why This Will Strengthen Your Relationship How To Prioritize Self-Love While You're In A Relationship Black Girl in Love (with Herself): A Guide to Self-Love, Healing, and Creating the Life You Truly Deserve
Absolute power creates absolute corruption. When a person is not held accountable, they take that freedom for granted and make others do what they want, and then penalize them (sometimes to the point of death) if they don't. When a person has power and others don't, without proper checks and balances, the person who has power will become corrupt. To fully understand this and the way of humans, we must look at the history of policing.This week, Dr. Venus goes in on slave patrollers in North America. What their purpose was, how they built their power into laws, and how our ancestors took a stand against them. In the present day, we see this clearly by the police knowing they have qualified immunity and the lack of accountability for their blatant abuse of power. But, what if at the source of all the killing - the problem ISN'T skin color, but absolute, unchecked power? Also, what needs to be created such that absolute power was a thing of the past? This is a deep one this week. Let's talk about it. Key Takeaways: [2:23] In order to know themselves as powerful, those with the most control often minimize humanity. Which is ironic, because oftentimes they got in the position of power in the first place because they were good with people. [7:43] Dr. Venus shares how organized slave patrols served as a function to police slaves, especially the “ornery” and “defiant” ones. That means the ones who stood up for themselves and their rights. The only reason we needed a slave patron is because we were fighting back and standing for ourselves. History makes us sound and weak and gullible, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The truth is that we fought. [8:11] Knowledge is power, and it's important to know the real history of where slave patrons originated, and what exactly they did. Slave patrols were first established in South Carolina in 1704, they had absolute control over Black bodies, and the laws made sure this was upheld and protected. [12:23] Slave patrols were designed to “help” White people, and the laws written gave them the absolute power to do anything to the Black body to keep the White people safe. This includes monitoring, controlling, terrorizing, and maiming the Black body. [14:21] If we look at the nature of human beings in different countries, we see the same breakdown of absolute power. Absolute power is unchecked power. It corrupts people, and it changes them. [19:21] Dr. Venus breaks down the power and control dynamic between abusive relationships and pimps. It becomes so unchecked that they have absolute power over another person, and it turns into a form of damaging corruption. For the pimps and the abusers, their victims feel as though they need them and they are nothing without them. They are disconnected to humanity and see their power as a way of enforcing their rules. [25:07] We are dealing with the very nature of what it means to be a human being when we look at what happens when someone gets absolute control. If something is left unchecked, the controller will dehumanize other people in order to know itself as powerful - whether it's a pimp, slave patrol, or domestic abuser. [29:45] As a human being, without accountability we default into selfishness. [30:14] What if we can be a human that is being, instead of a human being? [31:12] Dr. Venus's tech platform is creating a space for Black Women that are healed and who love themselves, and that is the real power. Real power comes from not controlling others, but being able to lift them up and create structures that help everybody win. [35:06] Ask yourself - where are you using your power to dominate and control? Where are you giving your power away? Where are you contending with power? Quotes: “Absolute power is unchecked power. It corrupts. It changes people.” “We aren't fighting. We are standing.” “As a human being, without accountability we default into selfishness.” “What if we can be a human that is being, instead of a human being?” “History makes us sound and weak and gullible, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The truth is that we fought.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Slave Patrols: An Early Form of American Policing The Birth Of American Policing, Slave Patrols THE ORIGINS OF MODERN-DAY POLICING Absolutism and Corruption The science behind why power corrupts and what can be done to mitigate it
Sis, your bank account NEVER lies. Dr. Venus is not blaming you, and she comes from a place of love, but if you are not thriving, take the case that YOU have something to do with it. Manifesting is a power each of us have, yet there are many reasons we don't get purposeful and intentional about what it is we want or take the necessary action to get there. The world can feel cray-cray, very negative, and it's normal to feel hopeless and frustrated…if you are average. When you are average, you get pulled in by the currents of the latest catastrophe, celebrity gossip, or the most recent case of blatant racism/sexism/classism, etc. But YOU are not average. This week, Dr. Venus talks about INTENTIONALLY manifesting profit from a place of purpose instead of pain or problems. She also gives resources to become a conduit for money at an energetic level. Key Takeaways: [5:55] We are built to manifest, and it is our divine birthright. Every human has an intrinsic power within themselves to manifest, but society and culture often makes us believe that we can't, or don't have it within us. We are often in survival mode, using our power to survive instead of purposefully manifesting. As Black Women, we pray from a place of desperation and need, and we typically manifest from there as well. [9:16] You are a part of something bigger than yourself. You are cultural consciousness, not just individual consciousness. [10:54] Dr. Venus speaks about the two types of manifestation: she found life saving resources of food and clothes in church, but it came from the prayers of need and pain. Her first million dollar home was manifested from a deep knowing and setting her intentions on what it was she wanted and what it would feel like when she got it. [12:48] Both experiences showed Dr. Venus the power of manifestation, but the second one was from a clear intention that activated in her what was possible when you get aligned and clear. [15:47] So often we get caught up in the human race's consciousness and go with the flow, and there is nothing wrong with that, but more comes when we are focused and intentional. Dr. Venus gives the example of the March, and how true change came from our leaders focusing their intention and taking inspired action. [19:11] If you need to see how you are manifesting, look at your money. [21:17] Whatever we believe we will get from a certain person or experience usually comes true. Dr. Venus discusses changing up her belief systems when it comes to working with certain people including White Women, and giving them the space to show up and be trustworthy and productive. [23:57] Black Women are the measure, and it is up to us to heal, speak up, and stand up for ourselves. We must manifest what is possible and not from our pain and not from something petty. [24:01] DDr. Venus is committed to helping birth Black Women Billionaires learn to step into their purpose and passion. We can learn from past betrayals and feel the emotions that come with them, but we can't get stuck and let us block our future. [26:55] Commit to manifesting that which moves you forward. In order to fully heal and create purposefully, you have to shift from “me” to “we”. [28:17] If you start saying and believing that Black Men love you, they need you, and they are trustworthy, you will attract ones that fit the mold. [29:11] When you stand in your power, you set the example for young women and generations to come. They will see your strength and model it. Dr. Venus saw her Nana model grace and mercy, two qualities that help her deeply today. [30:22] You have to be willing to win energetically from your heart first. If you are constantly dwellimg in how you have been wronged, this will hold you back and keep you blocked. The things that have happened to you may not be your fault, but they are your problem and responsibility to heal. [32:01] You are not average and not regular. You are exceptional, and once you fully know this, manifesting from a place of pain to manifesting from purpose will be easy. Dr. Venus's intention is to empower you and your power. [34:34] You need to be committed to winning and accountable, and Dr. Venus will provide numerous resources and support to her Black Women that step up. [34:43] If you are the only one around that has money or need to keep people small so you can feel big, that is not real winning. True wealth is being able to help those around you and change the infrastructure to help generations to come. Quotes: “If you need to see how you are manifesting, look at your money.” “Commit to manifesting that which moves you forward.” “You are not average and not regular. You are exceptional.” “ It is an intentional choice, I am manifesting billionaires, called YOU!” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Are You Manifesting Pain? Manifesting Your Soul's Purpose with Dr. Wayne Dyer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nIAwUJv2Eo Life Visioning Kit: A Step-by-Step Process for Realizing Your Highest Potential You Can Heal Your Life (Gift Edition) The Prophet (A Borzoi Book) Hardcover – September 23, 1923 Wayne Dyer - Power of Intention part 1
Love and money require one thing from you - you being willing to receive. However, it's only fair that given the betrayal and oppression we have had as Black Women, we often have a negative relationship to money, opening our hearts, and loving each other. However, if we want to manifest and to live in our own power, we must heal the hurts of the past to make room for an awe-inspiring future. This week, Dr. Venus shares a secret that changed the game for BOTH love and money. She shares how to bring more of each into your life with grace and ease, why our heart space is the conduit for both, and what it looks like when someone is “energetically constipated”. She shares a recent example where she switched from anger to forgiveness and mercy, and the blessings that flowed to her as a result. Ready to let abundant love and money into your life? Let's talk about it. Key Takeaways: [4:42] Dr. Venus gives an update on her app, due to launch in early 2022. In the meantime, there will be plenty of opportunities to get in early, pre-order, and join a community of inclusivity and diversity. There will be monthly meetings and Zoom calls with powerful Black Women, and even some fun stand up comedy by Dr. Venus herself! [7:36] We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Even our ancestors knew that we aren't our bodies, but we can still have a vision for what we want our children and future generations to have. Since we are spiritual beings, we are connected to each other and all that is, and everything is a manifestation of God, however God or the universe shows up for you. Dr. Venus believes God is smart, and we can tap into the energy in whatever way feels right for us. [9:57] God needs a conduit to manifest love, money, and abundance. You have to see it first before you can achieve it, and this energy has to be in our consciousness first before money or love shows up tangibly in our life. That conduit is your heart. [11:55] When we are in the flow of grace, forgiveness, and self love, we can manifest more easily. When we are mad or desperate, the ability to become a conduit becomes less clear and more blocked. [12:54] Dr. Venus explains “energetic constipation” and how to know if you are blocked or cut off from receiving directly from source energy. Life can break your heart and close your channels, but the more mercy and grace you allow, the more love and money will flow. But that means tending to your heart space daily. [16:57] If you want your life to be easy and things to work, you are going to have to forgive and tend to you instead of tending to others. [20:34] Dr. Venus shares her experience with her gentleman suitor, and how they communicated through a breakdown. She realized some triggers and how it was leading her to feel the same way she did when her mom put her on the streets at only 16 years old. She moved past the pain of the past, and cognitively chose to forgive him and receive from a place of mercy. As she softened her heart, she allowed not only that relationship to deepen and grow, but others that are an energetic match for her, including Black Women soon to be millionaires and billionaires. [26:44] The easy part is money, but we often think it's the hardest. The most difficult is often being open to receive guidance and instruction. [28:01] If you are wanting to manifest millions and a partner worthy of your love, you have to be willing to receive. Quotes: “My spirit can not be tarnished. It can not be touched. It can not be finagled, and it can not be bought.” “Money and love are energy, and they need a conduit to manifest in your life. That conduit is your heart.” “Healing first, money second.” “Love and money require one thing from you - you being willing to receive.” “The more we heal, the more we are able to receive.” “If you are wanting to manifest millions and a partner worthy of your love, you have to be willing to receive.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Pre order the GurrlApp here: www.TheGurrlApp.com/presale Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES The Energy Of Money And Love 3 WAYS TO UNDERSTAND THE ENERGY OF MONEY Heart Energy: The Secret To Law of Attraction Abraham Hicks | Let Yourself Be Open To Receive | LOA How I Learned to Love Black Women 10 Reasons We Love Dating Black Men
Does it always feel like you are fighting someone or something? Dr. Venus does. She's had to fight daily her whole life, whether it's against injustice, racism, sexism, or homophobia. Sure, fighting can help, but it's also exhausting and often leaves us feeling like we have no room to breathe. But sis, what if the problem isn't the woes of the world - from Haiti to Afghanistan to Racial injustice, but it is our approach? If we aren't fighting, how do we enact effective social change and make the world better than we found it? This week, Dr. Venus looks at the greats including Gandhi, Rosa Parks, and Dr. King. She shares the thread that they share and how they changed the world - and it wasn't fighting. What can we learn from them that can help us blaze our trails without burning out? Let's talk. Key Takeaways: [4:26] It can feel exhausting just fighting what's going on in today's societies. Between hurricanes, the pandemic, and dealing with the Karen's of society, we could all use a little rest and relaxation time. Dr. Venus takes personal development classes so she is always working on herself and getting some moments of growth and healing in between all these things we deal with. You are your first client, and make sure you are putting the time and work into yourself. [6:34] How do we make a difference in a way that doesn't burn us out? First, Dr. Venus knew it was important to look at the greats to see how they actually affected real change in the world without totally depleting themselves. She started with people she admired: Gandhi, Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Thoreau. She realized that they were not fighting. They were standing. Standing for something they deeply believed in. There were actions that went with their mission, but they didn't fight. [11:25] Fighting escalates things, while standing for something enacts real change. [14:13] We can get more done with non-compliance than we can with fighting. Think about your strong suits and what you are naturally good at. For Dr. Venus, it's healing and money. She knows that she can get more done by taking her superpowers and using them to create a digital platform for Black women to network and heal, without being shut down. Her platform is redirecting the conversation and non compliant to the structures that don't allow us to talk, or that try to keep us held down. [17:23] How compliant are you? Are you still fighting in your family, your relationships, or self? Dr. Venus is not fighting anyone anymore. She is standing for herself and what she's using her life for. This brings a different energy to the table, and allows us to heal and grow in a new way. [20:46] You aren't free until you have your own money. Our ancestors built their own and spent so much blood, sweat, and tears getting us to where we are now. We owe it to them to take a stand in what we believe in and to show our non compliance by building and participating in our own structures. [23:08] Since George Flloyd, Dr. Venus has been protesting, and now she is ready to start back up taking on private clients and helping birth Black Women millionaires and billionaires. Quotes: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein “Dr. King wasn't fighting. He was standing for something.” “I'm not fighting anyone anymore. I'm standing for myself and what I'm using my life for.” “You aren't free until you have your own money.” “How compliant are you?” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Leave India King, Gandhi, Thoreau: Civil Disobedience Non-compliance: Montgomery Bus Boycott Why You Need to Stand Up For What You Believe In And How to Do It 10 Powerful Ways to Stand Up For Yourself in Any Situation How Standing Up Yourself Can Improve Your Financial Life
Being a strong Black woman can kill you. The people pleasing, stress, and depression can really take a toll on your health, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet in our society, Black women are lauded for self-sacrifice and we are encouraged to keep going, even when we are tired and at the end of our rope. What do we do when we have been fed and rewarded for being strong, but there is no room for us to be human? This week, Dr. Venus goes in on the courage to be insecure. She shares the historical context of why Black women can't have basic feelings, and why we even police each other to just get over things and be strong. She gets vulnerable herself and shares a recent story where she feels insecure, and how she realized that “being strong” was a survival strategy passed down from slavery, not the thing that has made her success. While being strong DOES have its place, it does not allow others to help, love, or support you. Especially when you need it most. Let's talk about it. Key Takeaways: [3:40] Dr. Venus shares a story where she recently was getting ready for a date with her new bae and wanted to have her hair in two big beautiful French braids. Her hair was not working out the way she had envisioned, and it left her feeling frustrated and upset. She has always had more confidence in her brains than her beauty, and was feeling down on this particular day that her hair wasn't as silky or smooth as she desired. [8:02] Dr. Venus went to her community, her tribe, and shared about this meltdown. She got much support and was so grateful for all the love, but one response stood out to her. Just trying to take care of her the way she knew how, one Black Woman said she needed to be strong. This was a way for this woman to show love, but it highlighted the historical wound that Black women carry of not being able to have a full spectrum of emotions. Instead of sad, mad, tired, or upset, we just have to be strong. [9:45] You are a Black woman, but you are a human first. As a human, you have a RIGHT to every emotion and feelings that other human beings have. When you are upset, it's appropriate to feel hurt and wounded. [11:03] This is not a bad thing, it's just a wound that we have inherited. Black Women have been socially rewarded to be the workhorse and the cash cow. So much so that we police each other with messages like “don't cry” and “get over it”. [13:13} Do you give yourself permission to be vulnerable? Dr. Venus shares that her success did not come from being strong. It came from being honest, raw, and authentic. [14:39] Black women have been turned into factories and animals, and not seen as humans with feelings. North American slavery had to justify using our bodies for labor, and we had to find pride in the work we've done and adjust our lives to that. The more we can see this, the more we can encourage ourselves and others to know that it's okay to have deep feelings and strong emotions. [17:13] Don't suppress yourself. Instead, distance yourself from people that want you to shut down. [18:00] As Black women, we are so rewarded for self sacrifice that we think it's wrong to say “no” and protect our peace. It takes self love and courage to say no and be real about not always feeling strong. [23:08] It's important that we tend to our inner child / little girl selves. When they feel neglected, they can be quite petulant and strong willed, ready to sabotage our life until we finally pay attention. [24:50] Dr. Venus demonstrates how she talks to her little girl self and turns her from ‘Worthless Wanda' to ‘Wonderful Wanda'. Name her. Ask her what she needs from you. Truly listen. Is she telling you to be soft? Slow down, eat better, drop some bad friends, take care of yourself? Love on her like you would a newborn. Create a safe emotional space for her in your heart. Quotes: “Being strong is not a character trait. It's a survival strategy.” “A strong Black woman is a healed Black woman.” “Who holds YOU instead of you holding up the world?” “My success did not come from me being strong. I'm not strong, I'm honest. I'm raw. I'm authentic.” “It takes more courage to tell the truth than to pretend you are strong.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES The Power Of Vulnerability Soft Power: Nichole Perkins Redesigns the Politics of Desire DAY TWO: FEELING UNPRETTY WITH NATURAL HAIR Is the “Strong Black Woman” stereotype killing us? A study says yes, but there are alternatives THE POWER OF THE BLACK WOMAN'S SELF LOVE JOURNEY | Denise Francis |
LeBron James is rich. The owners/ brand endorsers who write his checks… they are wealthy. We say we want generational wealth, but how do we get it if we don't know what that means and how it looks? This week, Dr. Venus goes in for an educational conversation about what generational wealth really is, and how we as Black Women can create it in the next five years for the next five generations. She talks about the difference between new money vs. generational wealth, why rich doesn't always mean wealthy, and shares practical tips for getting your money management straight today. As Black Women, we need to relate to ourselves as the superpower we are, and step into our role as a giant force in society. Key Takeaways: [1:44] When you are first generation wealthy, aka new wealth, you are building something that isn't already given. When you have something already in place, your children's children have a different shot than you do. [3:13] We tend to talk about hustling and making our coins and paper, but we also should be thinking in terms of assets and in not earning money in a way that is dependent on our skill, labor, or time. There's nothing wrong with flexing however, and Dr. Venus understands where that comes from, especially when it's new money. [7:20] As a Black Woman, part of what we are contending with is our skewed relationship with money. Black Women have trillions of dollars in spending ability, yet so often we don't always recognize how much power we really have. Buying power equals credit, resources, and access. Think of yourself as not a spender, but a steward over your income. [7:45] New money is how we spend the money we have right now, in a way that believes there will always be more coming in. Generational wealth spends money like they want to keep it. Dr. Venus discusses how she has always intentionally lived below her means. [11:51] Why is generational wealth a myth? Dr. Venus breaks it down. For all races, generational wealth usually doesn't last past the second generation because the children don't understand the value of money or how to hold on to it responsibly. [15:32] We need to leverage more of what we know. For example, if you can make $1 out of .15 cents, that is a skill set no one can take from you. Dr. Venus created her new digital platform to create an ecosystem where Black Women can thrive from making a living from their wisdom and intelligence. [18:58] If you have debt, don't be ashamed. Consolidate it and negotiate a lower rate. No judgement, just a chance for you to clean the slate and open yourself up to be a conduit for the vibration of money. This is also where it's important to really look at your behaviors and see how you are spending your money, and who you are spending it on. Are you investing it in yourself in the right ways? [22:07] You can start off with $100 a month and if you are consistent with it, it can multiply. Even if you need to start out very small, you can start to wake up to your behaviors and habits around money. Another powerful habit is to pay more with cash, so you can see exactly where your money is going. When you start bringing your attention and intention to your money, it starts to move. [28:39] We need to accept that bringing in money is not hard. We are deserving and we don't have to prove it — our ancestors did that for us. What we must do is look to leverage the generational wealth we already have in our lived experience and tie it to technology. Quotes: “You can make paper, but can you keep it?” “The biggest drain on your money will be people you love, or people you want to impress.” “I think that you and I have a wealth we don't leverage, education. We don't leverage that which we already have as wealth.” “Are you investing in yourself and organizing yourself to build generational wealth? Or expectation and entitlement?” “When you start bringing your attention and intention to your money, it starts to move.” “Think of yourself as not a spender, but a steward over your income.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES 5 lies you've been told about generational wealth How Black Families are Generating Wealth for the Next Generation 5 Things Black Families Can Do to Build Generational Wealth The Woke Woman's Guide To Building Generational Wealth How this entrepreneur is working to help Black women build generational wealth through homeownership New Money & Old Money: 15 Differences
Dr. Venus thought that being a millionaire would solve all her problems. Guess what. She was wrong. Soooo wrong. In fact, being a millionaire amplified how POOR she really was and how we really don't have that much if we are unable to help out those around us, and not just ourselves. This week, Dr. Venus is ready to have a grown-up and adult conversation that isn't easy, but it's very important. The fallout from slavery has been devastating for centuries, however, it was also the most effective business entity in the history of the world. As a businesswoman, Dr. Venus identified three things that we can learn from the institution of slavery and take with us to build our own assets and truly change generations to come. Until we can look the devil in the eye, we will always live at the effect of other people's actions, and we will always be enslaved. This is a conversation not meant for everyone, but one we must have the courage to face as we transition more into getting paid for our knowledge rather than time or labor. Take a deep breath and let's dive in. Key Takeaways: [2:50] This conversation is both about honoring our feelings and also having the courage to look at the mechanics behind the system of slavery that funded not just North America, but many other countries. When we can extract information from what worked and what didn't, we are working in service of our own progress. The most effective business entity in the history of the world was slavery, and as a businesswoman, Dr. Venus wants to have a grown-up conversation about what works and what doesn't. [7:05] The main thing Dr. Venus realized from being a millionaire is that it's not enough. If you have money and the people you love don't, it can make you feel poor. Also, they rarely tell you about the taxes and inflation that come with being wealthy. [8:10] If you are a millionaire and your money continues to be tied to your effort and your labor, you will continue to be enslaved. We have been socialized to believe that time and effort is what makes you rich, but what happens when you get hurt or can't perform? [13:41] We are not used to talking about slave bodies as financial assets that planters and merchants could borrow against. It's not easy to bring up, but the more we understand the difference between labor and having assets, the more we can change the infrastructure and build our own highways. [18:11] Money is transient. It doesn't stay in one place. While you cannot hold onto money, you can create assets that work for you instead of having to depend on your labor, body, or time. [19:47] Three things they did in the system of slavery that worked that we can learn from: They created an extraordinary product. They created a structure to make that product work. They turned their structure into an asset. [22:47] The benefit of an asset is that you have something that people want and something they are happy to buy. [24:43] The world is not set up for cash, it is set up for assets. Due to digital technology, now is the time that we can make big strides in the playing field and acquire assets. [27:29] It's not enough to just buy Black. We must provide value and go from service-based to digital-based in our business. It's important to train yourself to bring in money for what you know, not what you do. It comes down to creating a product that a group and audience loves, and Dr. Venus has faith in you and her tribe to do that. [29:44] It may seem impossible, but it takes courage, honesty, integrity and most of all — community. Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Kanye are examples of people who used the money from their art and their community and funneled it into acquiring even more assets. Quotes: “Until we can look the devil in the eye and not shrink back, or try to fix it or solve it, we will always be enslaved.” “We have to understand how business works beyond how we feel about it as a people, not just as an individual.” “I thought that being a millionaire would solve a lot of problems. I was wrong.” “We are talking about the institutionalization of money, and that takes courage. It takes something to have this conversation. Honoring your feelings, but being clear-minded enough to look at the mechanics and extracting what worked and what didn't in service of our own profits.” “The main thing I realize being a millionaire is this: it's not enough.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES The History of the Dutch Slave Trade 1600-1863 The Business of Slavery The Men Who Turned Slavery Into Big Business The hidden links between slavery and Wall Street The Benefits Of Owning Your Own Business
Trauma is devastating. Whether it's emotional trauma, sexual trauma, the loss of a loved one, a home or a job, trauma hurts. Women worldwide deal with it, yet so often we just push it under the rug or try to stuff it down without sharing how we really feel and speaking up for what we need. This week, Dr. Venus talks about the profound undertaking of allowing pure pleasure into your life, especially if it comes from a man who looks like ones that have hurt you before. It can be very tough to trust someone who reminds you of what has been done to you, and it's essential that Black Women talk about the fact that Black love is beautiful - but can be hard to accept if you've been violated. Dr. Venus gives historical context of how North American slavery caused generational trauma in Black Women and Men, and discusses her personal journey of healing her owns wounds with regard to her father. She shares a personal story that demonstrates how our true nature comes out most during times of fighting or disagreements, and why actions matter so much more than words. Key Takeaways: [3:32] Dr. Venus discusses the truth of mixed race Africans selling Africans in slavery, and how the institution of slavery still leads to Black Women feeling unprotected and unheard. [7:01] In this space, we are interested in dialog, and not a debate. Dr. Venus is well studied in this area, and if you can't handle that or don't want to be part of a respectful dialog that moves us forward, you are welcome to leave and create your own platform. This tribe is one of partnership and education. [8:50] Trauma is a personal thing, and there is no hierarchy to it. Trauma can mean the loss of a loved one, a sexual trauma, physical trauma, etc. We have to be sure not to minimize or disregard someone else's trauma just because it doesn't seem big or important enough to us. [13:11] Dr. Venus is feeding Black Women first, because we need it. She appreciates her allies and Black Men, and notes how she made her first million with Black Men holding her up, and Black Men will be an instrumental part of making her billion as well. [17:24] Dr. Venus has been healing the wounds of having an absent father, and what that meant in her relationship with trusting men, and Black Men in general. Because of the history of slavery in North America, Black Women were born into addiction, poverty, violence, and acquiesce. It has taken decades to claim her voice, body, and power, but the more she heals her father wounds, the more she has room to shift her relationship with Black Men who are showing up. [19:06] As a Black Woman hurt by Black Men in different ways, we often have to contend that our relationships feel like they come with strings attached, and it's hard to receive pleasure in any capacity. We focus on the act of violence rather than the trauma that shows up in our behavior. [24:09] The first step to heal is to tell the truth. The people that deeply love you will hear it even if the truth hurts, but those that are defensive and reject your truth are welcome to leave. You matter, and you have a right to have people hear you from where you are. [25:19] Taking care of yourself will free your energy up to receive love and pleasure, whether it's intimate pleasure or just enjoying a great meal together. [26:47] People show their true nature through their actions, not their words. If they aren't living up to your needs and can't provide what you know you deserve, don't try to change them. Just bless them and release them. [28:28] You have to be clear about what you require. If a person is not going to honor you, they are not going to honor themselves, so stop trying! Make a list of your values and what you want. Is it clear communication? Punctuality? [31:53] People's actions never lie, and they are the most honest indication of their character. Every relationship has their fights, but it's how you fight and treat the other person while you are fighting that matters. Dr. Venus shares that she has a gentleman suitor who is fantastic and really knows what she needs. During a disagreement, he sent her breakfast to let her know that although they were mad at each other at this moment, he loved her and still wanted her to feel safe. [35:07] There has to be a level of intimacy for you to experience safety that brings pleasure of any kind, whether it's sexual, being heard, or a shared joke. It's about finding a person that is willing to heal and grow with you, and who is doing work on themselves as well. Therapy and/or couples counseling is strongly recommended. [37:14] As you develop more self trust and are firm with your personal boundaries, you can allow someone who is worthy of your time and energy without feeling the need to show up as their doctor or mama. You can love your partner and let them do their process without engaging in a way that disregulates your peace. Quotes: “You have to change your standard with regard to who you allow in your life.” “The way a person fights will tell you more about their character than anything else.” “There has to be a level of intimacy for you to experience safety that brings pleasure of any kind, whether it's sexual, being heard, or a shared joke. It's about finding a person that is willing to heal and grow with you.” “No matter how hurt you've been, you have a right to pleasure.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Sexual Healing After Trauma Why You Might Have Intimacy Issues After Trauma Black Survivors and Sexual Trauma What I learned talking to 120 women about their sex lives and desires Overcoming the Fear of Love | Trillion Small | TEDxSMUWomen
Right now, we are in a street fight for our children's minds. When history is not taught in an inclusive way, it affects ALL races, genders, nationalities and religions. What's more, when required reading is inclusive, it impacts how children vote when they become adults. Recently, the Texas Senate passed a bill that removes required reading from various Civil Rights movements including Susan B. Anthony, Cesar Chavez, Indigenous American History, Dr. King's writings, and many others. While all White American History stays, significant historical events and information addressing women and POC will be removed from Texas public schools, with more states to follow. But what can we do about it? This week, Dr. Venus contends with why our children's minds are worth fighting for, and why historically it makes sense that we wouldn't trust White extremists and supremacists. She talks about why going to textbooks as a way to keep the systematic agenda in place is a desperate move, and gives 10 strategies you can implement NOW instead of waiting for them to change or behave. Don't get discouraged, get inspired and know that education is power. Key Takeaways: [4:19] When anything having to do with critical race theory is taken out, White Extremists don't see it as biased, because they see White supremacy as the standard. They count on us to be reactionary rather than strategic, but times are changing and technology helps us all be awake and actionable. [7:02] It's not just Texas looking to control what the younger generations do and do not learn. There are 23 other states now in the process of similar education tactics. [7:02] Principle: The victor always writes the history books. They say racism is not real, but yet they don't want to talk about it? It is very clear - they are writing to protect their ideology, and see controlling the textbooks as a way to tell history in a way they want. [8:34] Desperate people take desperate actions. If their children were believing what they believed, they would not have to go through this. As the world becomes more of a melting pot and their children engage more with things such as Black Lives Matter, the more they desperately try to grab at what's in the textbooks. Don't get discouraged, get inspired and know that we must be winning if their only option is to screw with the curriculum. [10:10] Ignorant is not the same as innocent. The more children of European ancestry mix with peers of a different ancestry, the more they tend to vote Democrat. Trying to keep the children ignorant about history is a desperate man's way of holding on to an image. Except, we know that it is falling, and the old system is crumbling. They can try to push their beliefs that the Confederacy won the war and that Black Men and Women are lazy, but that is starting to change more and more with every generation. [17:00] Logically, why would we think that given how much they have historically lied to us, hurt us, and killed us, that it would be safe to care for our babies? Why would we expect them to be fair and inclusive? Dr. Venus discusses how when we did integration, we as a people got hopeful for equality. We let our guard down and stopped being accountable. It's also important to remember that there is no shame or judgement in this, and we are in it together. We can honor our ancestors and learn from our history to create a present that is rooted in building our own structures, such as Dr. Venus is doing with her digital platform. [19:02] Dr. Venus shares 10 Strategies that we can implement now instead of waiting on White extremists to act right. Parents - join the school board and let your voice be heard. Sue the school district with other parents. Call the news. Sit in on your children's classes. Get a copy of the reading list and curriculum being taught to your children. Supplement reading to fill in the holes. Create or attend after school programs. Start including Black educational apps and technology. Create a Black History book club. Start or join a Black Male mentor group. [33:08] If we take on being accountable instead of hoping people will change their behaviors, we can do anything. Let's make the change now, so we don't have to continue this for generations. Quotes: “You may have to provide leadership, sis, but it's for your baby.” “You don't need to wait on any body or anything to be successful.” “My actions are a match for my outcomes, not my feelings.” “It's not biased, because they don't see White as a bias. They think that's the standard.” “We got seduced by the illusion of equality. In that seduction, we stopped being accountable for all of it, for all the pieces, including education.” “Why would we trust the enemy who has turned our bodies into factories in order to get free labor for generations?” “Because we started to live in the delusion of equality, we stopped being accountable.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Martin Luther King Jr., the KKK, and more may soon be cut from Texas education requirements Texas Senate passes bill that stops teaching requirement calling KKK ‘morally wrong' Texas Senate Bill Drops Teaching Requirement That Ku Klux Klan Is ‘Morally Wrong' Why more black parents are home-schooling their kids What's Lost When Black Children Are Socialized Into a White World
The Slave Bible was commissioned in 1807 and was created to evangelize African “savages” in order to save their “pagan” souls from eternal damnation. The “tool” they used was an “abridged” version of the King James bible wherein 90% of the Old Testament & 50% of the New Testament were removed. In the Slave Bible, the MISSIONARIES (not the Planters) chose to include the books from the King James version about slaves obeying their masters, humility, & looking forward to meeting God in the by & by. ALL BOOKS that inspire hope, freedom and rebellion are omitted. This week, Dr. Venus deep dives into the impact these well-meaning Missionaries intended to save souls, but at the cost of our very lives. She discusses the impact of their good intention on our relationship to money, as well as how we relate to the world. She also talks about the superiority in thinking others have to follow your faith, and why we need to focus more on impact, and less on intention. Key Takeaways: [3:34] We need to create new conversations that pull us forward rather than keeping us in the modality of expecting White people to change or keep their promise. Which they may do, but it will be on their terms and on their timeline. This conversation is not about explaining the bad away, but about moving towards the freedom to pursue your own dreams without the shadow or residue of all the filth done to us. [5:56] When humans have a structure in place that they benefit from, they are not wanting to give it up. So, we must come up with new solutions and focus more on the impact than the intention. Marches and lobbying are powerful, but because of the impact of slavery, we have been wounded in a way that both hurts ourselves and our money. [8:31] God is smart enough to meet you where you are, so don't trip off someone's belief structure. Dr. Venus has no fight with your beliefs. She is talking about the impact on your money and sense of self. [9:59] Dr. Venus discusses how the Slave Bible was created with an intention of salvation, but with the good also came the bad. As it was created to make sure the slaves didn't revolt, it also helped Black Men and Women to learn to read. However, the concept of hope and freedom that it promised also was rooted in obedience and the righteousness of making them “better” or “good” like the missionaries themselves. [13:42] White extremists have a vested interest in telling us to get over the past or not telling history in a truthful way. Of course, they are fighting even more for their narrative now, with White children the minority in public schools. Just because you don't talk about something doesn't mean it didn't happen. The more we learn and discuss, the more we honor our truth and our ancestors. [16:18] Instead of fighting the very structure that built itself, we have to create our own economy for us, and by us. We must focus on the impact — such as the impact that Tulsa being burnt to the ground had on generations to come. [19:39] The way you win in America, is you make your own money. The best use of your energy is to play their own game — Capitalism. Of course, we would be scared because of what they have done and may try to do, burn it down or bury self-reliant Black cities underwater. However, the difference between now and our ancestors is that we have digital technology. Thank you, ancestors, for your prayers and work, so we can move the race forward. [23:34] If you don't get yourself oriented bringing money around what you know rather than what you do, you will always be enslaved. That means owning your own business, and/or supporting more Black-owned businesses. [24:42] The Bible has given people comfort in the midst of atrocities, yet everything that is touched by the flesh is imperfect. Faith is a function of belief, and you can pull the parts out that resonate with you. [27:45] The missionaries really thought they were doing a good thing and their intention was to save our souls, yet it was in the context of superiority. It's important to remember that you can introduce someone to something, but if they don't do it your way it doesn't make them bad, it makes them human. [28:55] No amount of blaming is going to get you generational wealth. What will is digital technology. There is a difference between using platforms and building your own. [31:44] You have every right to grieve the past, but you need to use your energy in a leveraged way to build generational wealth. Quotes: “If you don't know what you are fighting against, you can't set yourself free.” “I met God in the streets. Never met God in Church.” “If you think you are saving someone's soul, can you hear how superior that sounds?” “Be mindful that your relationship with spirit is personal and private. It's you.” “You have every right to grieve the past, but you need to use your energy in a leveraged way to build generational wealth.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES The Negro Bible - The Slave Bible: Select Parts of the Holy Bible, Selected for the use of the Negro Slaves, in the British West-India Islands Slave Bible From The 1800s Omitted Key Passages That Could Incite Rebellion Origins of the Black Church: Pre-slavery — missionaries in Africa Intent vs. Impact: The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions Ten Best Lies of Black History
Tulsa wasn't the only Black community burnt to the ground by systems of oppression. There were at least 33 others. Thriving, independent and self-sustaining Black communities — terrorized and destroyed. Fire wasn't the only method used. Over 100 Black and poor communities were flooded, turned into lakes, or gutted to build railroads and highways. In fact, underneath manmade lakes near Central Park and in California, ENTIRE COMMUNITIES sit underwater, all in the name of progress. This week, Dr. Venus talks about systems of oppression for Black and poor Americans. She discusses how it's happening at the local and state level, and why we must educate ourselves and play at their level of the game in order to win. Key Takeaways: [6:34] If we don't tend to our wounds and learn from them, we will keep repeating the same actions. Dr. Venus explains that if we keep fighting and not winning, we may want to consider that we are fighting the wrong fight. There has been progress, yes, but what we haven't done as a collective is to take America on America's terms, capitalism. Yes, we talk about our experience, but we have to educate ourselves in a way our schools never did. [9:22] Dr. Venus discusses the historical context where after President Lincoln freed the slaves to handicap the South, his assassination led to the federal government withdrawing the troops. This gave White Supremacists permission to continue acting in a way that proved they believe they are superior without feeling any consequence. [10:14] Working-class White people have been paid not with money or land, but with the psychological wage of being “better”, and this is how they stay controlled. That's how the Electoral College came about, and how America built itself through Black Women and on the backs of poor people. [13:24] Marching and standing up for our rights is important and we should continue, but we also have to contend with the fact that the great equalizer in America is money. As long as we keep our attention off that, we will stay enslaved. It is when we change the structure to create a space that we are meant to participate in and be fully heard that real progress happens. [14:42] Dr. Venus discusses why equality is not possible in America with the way our social, economic, and political structures are set up. [16:17] Why would they put a lake over a whole town and displace people for highways and railroad systems? They call it gentrification, but Dr. Venus calls it development-induced displacement. The American way is to monetize, and these systems of oppression are built into everything from the federal and national levels to the state and local levels. [18:30] They did the same thing with poor White men. If a White Man who was poor got land from Indigenous people and could not sign the agreement three years in a row, they took the land back. American history pimps out anybody who is not a rich, White, land-owning male. It has to do with class and a feeling that White Men are superior and above everyone else. It is a strategy to capitalize on that which will move America forward and make them rich. [25:59] White Supremacists see themselves as so superior that they truly believe you are stupid if you don't agree with them. So when they do something like flood an environment, they know there is no structure in place to protect us. Even to this day, we have a number of mixed communities that are being pushed out because they can't afford the rent, so they are living in their car. It's not personal, but to them, progress comes at the cost of somebody. But NEVER rich White, land-owning Men. [27:47] They can take a Black community and they can flood it with not only water but things like drugs and fast food. They can set it up so loans and real estate are hard to come by, and we aren't protected the way the rich are. [30:04] What White Extremists don't mess with is commerce or money. All the structures in place in terms of capitalism are never touched. We have to create great products, services, distribution and platforms where we can move things and create with our own money, FOR us and BY us. [35:10] There will be challenges, but the tech space that Dr. Venus and her brilliant team are working to create a safe space in the cloud without penalties for truth-telling. [36:51] Structurally speaking, we are at a place where we can come together as a community and create wealth. Because the structures around capitalism are so clear, when we create on our own terms and commit to getting out of our feelings and help each other, we can thrive. Quotes: “American history leaves out anybody who is not a rich or a White, land-owning male.” “The things that they say about poor people they say about Black people.” “When we move forward, we move the human race forward.” “I'm more committed to what we can create than what we've lost.” “What we haven't done as a collective is to take on America on America's terms.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Beyond Tulsa: The Secret History of Flooding Black Towns to Make Lakes | The Amber Ruffin Show Not Just Tulsa: Race Massacres That Devastated Black Communities In Rosewood, Atlanta, and Other American Cities Tulsa isn't the only race massacre you were never taught in school. Here are others. How Highways Finally Crushed Black Tulsa Dr. King and the Dream of Full Employment Drowned Towns: Is This Black History White Conservatives Are Trying to Hide? Minimizing Development-Induced Displacement Development-induced displacement
For people who love the Lord, our most sacred text is the Bible. Recently, Dr. Venus stumbled upon a Bible rooted in the doctrine of the Confederacy, the King James Version of The Spirit of Liberty Holy Bible. This version has been used since to rewrite history, as well as textbooks, to educate and indoctrinate generations of children about their God-given superiority. It positions our Presidents as Godly and continues that narrative that Black people are less than and have no authority. This week, Dr. Venus walks this very important and deep teaching real slow, so we can uncover a mind-blowing truth: the indoctrination process of positioning presidents (from Washington to Ford) as God's instruments in the TEACHING of the Bible to the descendants of the forefathers has been GENERATIONS in the making. Let's talk. Key Takeaways: [5:18] Dr. Venus was just minding her business, talking to her 76-year-old mom, when the topic of the Confederate Bible came up. She discusses the physical beauty of the King James version of the Bible, and how they added stuff to it instead of deleting what we already know. By them writing “a past to remember, a future to mold” on it, this clearly shows it was created to mold the future generations and shape history a certain way. [7:40] Dr. Venus opens the Bible and begins to read some text. The Confederate perspective of the Civil War is that it was about states' rights, not slavery. President Abraham Lincoln was trying to unify colonies and in order to do that, they needed a certain representation in Congress. They came up with the ⅗ law, where every 3 of 5 Black Men could be counted as one vote. They positioned us being “less than” a full person as something political, something that White Supremacy still very much believes today. [11:24] The Confederate Bible took every President from George Washington to Lyndon Johnson, and used colored photos to position them as righteous men that are God's messengers. The irony that while America was founded on the principles of freedom, White ideals don't apply that to slavery. [15:07] Dr. Venus discusses the Daughters of the Confederacy, women who were mostly teachers dedicated to preserving the legacy of their Confederate War Soldier husbands. They campaigned, developed scholarships, and raised money to have monuments in places like churches and schools that showed these men as Godly humans, patriots and noble citizens. Since every place that a statue erected had civil accountability, these men became infamous and ingrained in the subconscious of future generations. [18:21] Here is the rub. There are many White people still to this day that believe it wasn't slavery that was the cause of all the trouble, it was the anti-slavery movment and the abolishing of slavery. In their world, they have many different ways to articulate either that slavery never happened, that we liked it, or that we were sitting around happy eating watermelon and fried chicken. [22:55] When the Daughters of Confederacy wrote the textbooks about slavery, they framed it as a gentle and benign relationship, almost in a parent/child sort of dynamic. This trained everybody to write about it that way after, from movies to the news. [25:48] We have to remember that they aren't talking to us. They talk to poor White people and lower middle class White people to keep the system running. We spend our focus and energy looking for equality and justice, but that's not how Americais built. It is built to justify and protect Whiteness, rendering Black voices invisible; with no authority. [26:17] Dr. Venus understands that there are many White people out there doing the work, and she appreciates it. For the extreme White Supremacists, their religious fervor keeps them believing that White is good, and Black is bad. [28:02] America is founded on puritanism and morality, so when we hear White people focus on the argument that George Floyd deserved to die because he was a bad person, that is indoctrination at its finest. [31:41] Don't spend your energy trying to argue and get ahead with a group that has no genuine interest in helping you get free. You can speak up without talking down, and there is a high probability that they aren't going to meet you with the logic you are looking for. [36:00] We have been living under the effect of the indoctrination of White education to keep relating to themselves as better than Black people. Unless we wake up and start to see this, we will continue to be controlled. [36:51] When the Confederate Bible positions a photo of a former President next to a picture of Jesus, it trains people to see them as Godly and a “good” man. [38:18] While in the past they have tried to silence every Black Man or Woman who has tried to move the race forward, technology gives a way to reach the world and create a safe space for real conversation. The more we put attention on creating a new infrastructure, the more we can gain tools to help us really win at their own game, capitalism. [43:43] It may seem far away, but we are close and the times are changing. Generational wealth is very close, and soon teachings like those from the Daughters of the Confederacy will be a little less indoctrinated in future generations. Quotes: “The only passion I have is for Black people to be free, have our own money, and take care of our families.” “Speaking about history doesn't make one a victim, it makes one aware.” “We are close and the times are changing.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot “Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES The Confederate Bible Catechism on the History of the Confederate States of America, 1861–1865 (Religious Exposition) United Daughters Of The Confederacy Slave Bible From The 1800s Omitted Key Passages That Could Incite Rebellion The Slave Bible
The Judge has spoken. A 22 and ½ year sentence. Parole eligibility in ⅔ of the sentence. Was justice for George Floyd served? Was this really a fair outcome for a helpless and restrained Black Man being murdered by the Police, as America watched and the world cried for justice? As Derek Chauvin stood with his hands in his pockets, defiantly and brazenly glaring directly into the camera, deaf to all the bystanders screaming for him to stop? For Dr. Venus, the answer is no, justice wasn't served. However, it's not because of the sentence. It's about the fact that until we hold police truly accountable and see reform, it's truly an empty gesture. However, to understand this and see how real change can come about, we must understand how Whiteness protects itself and how systemic racism is very much here and alive today. Let's talk about it. Key Takeaways: [3:49] Dr. Venus discusses how the public murder of George Floyd broke her brain and changed her forever. Not because she didn't know history or cultural trauma, she is educated and deeply rooted in an understanding of it. But, because of how confident and brazenly Derek Chauvin was in taking a Black life, with spectators, in the middle of the day. [6:22] Seeing this changed Dr. Venus in a way that couldn't and wouldn't let her go back to business as usual. How could a police officer, who is supposed to serve and protect his citizens, put his knee on the neck of a man for over 9 minutes with such cavalierness, looking into the camera as people screamed for him to stop? [8:50] The world marched in protest, from Antarctica to Iceland. Dr. Venus felt as though real change had been made when she saw White women putting their bodies in front of Black Men and Women to protect them. Then, the election happened and she found out 56% of White women voted for Trump. Her feeling of defeat came less from it being about Trump and more from realizing that things hadn't changed as much as she expected and that to win at all, we needed to create our own structures and make our money in the game of capitalism. [9:04] After George Floyd, Dr. Venus shifted her content away from marketing and more towards police reform and social change. She also took her focus away from the impact of White Supremacy on Black Men and Women, and the effect it had on society and started looking at it from their point of view. Finally, it made sense why Derek Chauvin could be so brazen. He has had law and privilege on his side and has had 19 prior examples that the law would back him up. It was just another example of systemic racism protecting its own. [15:06] Dr. Venus discusses the effect of slavery throughout her bloodline. She has been the first one to go to high school, let alone college. The murder of George Floyd clearly showed us that the impact and institutions of White Supremacy, an ideology rooted in positioning yourself as superior, is still very much clearly at play. [17:57] Dr. Venus talks about the Confederate Bible, where it was set up to create a level of belief and passion behind a group of people relating to themselves as God. They even accounted for history in a way that said slavery was a good thing for Black Men and Women, and remember history in a way that serves their narrative. It's important to read this and learn about it because you can't win unless you know what your opponent believes. [23:03] Dr. Venus doesn't think justice was served for George Floyd. Not because of the sentence, but because we haven't dealt with how we are going to turn it around and create our own system. She is a patriot and loves America, and has even served in the military, and will join you in the marches, but Dr. Venus knows that we need to play at their level or higher in their own game — capitalism. [25:02] This is why Dr. Venus is building her own digital platform, so we have our own outlets to have conversations rooted in honesty and truth without getting barred or trolled. As Black Women have a buying power of $3.8 trillion, we don't need White money and until we know that and create our own, we will always be enslaved. [28:58] When we take our buying power and use it in a way that is for us and buy us, they lose money. They depend on us to buy from them and don't take us seriously so that we can really change things. [30:11] We are awake and aware now, or at least Dr. Venus is. It's not about needing and hoping for favoritism or a break, it's about learning to fund a system ourselves that can have a lasting change for generations to come. Let's capitalize on capitalism and systemically make our own money. [33:52] For Dr. Venus, it's about putting culture in the cloud and making money from what you know rather than what you do. For you, it can be real estate, business, or anything else. [33:52] We need to stand up and deal with their ugly, and know that our brightness is beyond their ugly. Quotes: “I cried when White women put their bodies on the line for Black bodies.” “Their ugly is not a match for your bigness.” “I'm committed to creating a safe space for Black Women to tell the truth.” “Change is here and we are the change we want to see in the world.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Why Derek Chauvin's sentencing for murdering George Floyd is a rarity Black men sentenced to more time for committing the exact same crime as a white person, study finds The Confederate Bible How Southern socialites rewrote Civil War history White Privilege Shapes the United States Anointed for the Altercation — Bishop T.D. Jakes
While Dr. Venus is very clear that the federal holiday of Juneteenth is a symbolic victory, she feels it has no direct impact on the quality of life of Black people. Knowing that, why are Black People, but specifically Black Women, SO ok with accepting so very very little? Why are we so okay with accepting scraps that we are thankful that White people or the government or Senate would give us a holiday to BBQ, but not pass the laws that would stop the police from killing us? Dr. Venus has MANY followers who are thankful for Juneteenth becoming a Federal Holiday, and has received numerous comments on her platforms chiding her for not being grateful for this step in the “right direction.” In this episode, she passionately explains the historical wound behind why we want approval, and why she isn't celebrating just yet. Warning: This is a rant. Dr. Venus goes ALL THE WAY in on this one. It's real, raw, and unapologetic. If you are easily offended, you are advised to NOT watch this video. You have been warned. Key Takeaways: [2:30] Dr. Venus makes it clear that she is proud of us for Juneteenth and this is NOT a slam. She is thankful for recognition but dissatisfied with the lack of true change. While it may be a step in the right direction, we have been stepping for 400 years. [3:44] We may feel that White validation equals something, but in fact, it has given us nothing. They make money off our pain, and Juneteenth will be no different. They will capitalize on it and monetize it, all the while trying to pass it off as a holiday. But we can't talk about the Tulsa Race Riots or Critical Race Theory in schools, and many of the people celebrating Juneteenth don't even know what or why they are celebrating. [6:40] You need to be aware when they are pulling your strings. If we are so excited about a day off and symbolic gestures, then they can say “we gave you Juneteenth, what more do you want?” What Dr. Venus wants is real change, including police reform as one example. Dr. Venus isn't even mad at White people doing what is in their self-interest anymore. She thinks of it as an occupational hazard. What we aren't going to do is pretend it's a good thing when it didn't do anything we currently requested. [9:33] Our acceptance and gratitude are signals and signs to them that we are not to be taken seriously when they can buy us off with a BBQ or a parade. They will commercialize and monetize our pain, and our ancestors worked too hard and sacrificed too much to let that happen. [12:54] You are powerful and when you settle for crumbs you literally are not standing for your power. [13:24] Dr. Venus feels livid because if we can't talk about oppression, slavery, and Critical Race Theory in public schools — why are we celebrating? Black people have been so indoctrinated that White is right that our validation comes from thinking their approval and inclusion actually means something. [15:37] Until you get that fire in your belly, you will be used. Your voice matters, your vote matters, and that is the truth. [20:01] More Black Men can see that it's about business. Black Men, say it in love to your sisters and don't hurt their feelings and pride. Until we build our own infrastructure, we will continue looking for approval and trading our hours for dollars for what we do rather than what we know. That is one of the changes Dr. Venus will be creating with her tech startup. Quotes: “We are worth more. It may feel like a victory, but it's false.” “When you settle for crumbs, you literally are not standing for your power.” “It is a signal and sign to them that we are not to be taken seriously when they can buy us off with a BBQ or a parade.” “Until you get to that fire in your belly that you are not going to be used, taken advantage of, you will be used.” “Until you stand up, you will fall for anything.” “Show me the money, don't talk to me about a cookout.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Congress Made Juneteenth A Holiday In Just 3 Days. Why is Reparations Taking Over 30 Years? Juneteenth Is a National Holiday Now. Can It Still Be Black What could Congress actually accomplish on police reform? Critical race theory in the classroom: Understanding the debate Biden signs anti-Asian hate crime bill marking 'significant break' in partisanship Pass the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act
The role of Black Women in North America is so deeply rooted in trauma and social expectations that when we step outside, there is a punitive consequence. From criticism to fines, physical and mental damage to humiliation, when a Black Woman (and I would dare to say most women worldwide) stands her ground or puts herself first, the hammer comes down on her. This week, Dr. Venus discusses the historical reason behind Black Women finding such great pushback when they try to set personal boundaries, how Black Masculinity and White hate play a role, and how we must remember that while it's hurtful and insulting, it's not personal. She gives a recent example in Naomi Osaka, the star tennis player who stood up for her boundaries and mental health, but was met with threats and punishment. Dr. Venus shares a few tactical ways to begin speaking out and standing up for yourself, even if it doesn't come out perfectly. Key Takeaways: [3:25] In 1619, when the first slaves were brought to North America, the Black female body was used to create the capitalistic Society of North America. Certain things had to be put in place in order to justify the pimping out of our bodies and them hurting us. This included labeling Black Women as lazy, promiscuous, weak, trifling, etc., and if you stepped out of line and spoke up, you broke protocol and needed to be reprimanded. [4:05] It still continues today and there are constant examples shown in the media that portray us as lesser than and just vehicles to use for gain. If we have anything to say about this, it is seen as a rejection on their part and they feel so threatened that they have to teach us a lesson. [6:44] Dr. Venus discusses how tennis star Naomi Osaka recently pushed back against sports authorities and giving media interviews to prioritize her mental health. The committee fined her and said if she doesn't comply, she may run the risk of being banned altogether. While this may seem shocking to some, it makes sense when we look at the structure. Black Women are treated with the most hostility whenever we stand our ground, and that is a historical artifact left over from slavery. They see us as there to serve and think we don't deserve a break for our mental and physical health. [9:22] You are in a structure that is rooted in making you feel less so they feel more. It has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with capitalism and media. As long as they circulate images that keep us down, they don't have to respect us. [11:01] When you speak up, it's a revolutionary act. However, this doesn't mean that there won't be push back. They can't even function without you staying in your place, so of course, they are going to feel threatened. Their only value is reflected in your compliance. [14:13] You must get clear on how important and powerful you are that you don't sell yourself out for comfort. The first step is getting clear on your personal boundaries. [14:37] Dr. Venus strongly believes that Black Masculinity was born in the belly of White Supremacy. The slaves brought over from Africa watched White Men do violence against Black bodies, and they equated that power with freedom, riches, status, etc. [18:05] When you understand the way that racism and White Supremacy get ingested, it's not a far cry to see the self-hatred Black Men can have around Black Women. When you love something, you take care of it. When a Black Man hears no, it lands as an insult to him as a man and the setup of slavery had it that Black Men couldn't be there to protect Black Women, or else they would get killed. [20:42] A Black Woman can't sit down without her being weak? No. How about, she is tired. She needs a break. She is protecting herself. They think we are strong and never vulnerable. While we are strong, we need care and we need a break, and it is powerful to know that about yourself and take space when you need it. [22:16] When you don't speak up, you diminish yourself and that gives them permission to diminish you. The more you stand in your power. You standing your ground is not for them, it's for you. Even if they try to push your boundaries or honor you, you've at least said it. [27:36] Your job is to say your piece and not worry about their side. You don't even have to say it perfectly. Your voice can wobble, you can shake, you can even get angry and feel out of control. Practice saying that you are passionate, and your intention is to stand your ground. [28:34] The more we start speaking up, the more we normalize Black Women standing up for themselves. If you don't claim that birthright, they will steal it from you. [32:03] As we release ourselves of the internal shame that all women have, we give each other the space to be ourselves. Don't forget that whenever we do something, they copy it and want to figure out how it's done so they can steal it. The more we band together and speak up, the bigger platform we can have to grow and create new highways and infrastructures. Quotes: “Every time you stand up for yourself, what is called into question is their justification.” “You are in a structure that is rooted in making you feel less so they feel more.” “When you speak up, it's a revolutionary act.” “When you don't speak up, you diminish yourself and that gives them permission to diminish you.” “When you speak up and stand up for yourself, that is not for them. That is for YOU.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Why Personal Boundaries are Important and How to Set Them Black Women Should Be Able To Establish Boundaries Without Triggering Naomi Osaka and the Cost of Saying No Toxic masculinity and its deadly grip on the black community The disregard for Black Women and their boundaries Unapologetic Black women are taking back our power
Inside of Black culture, some groups aren't always included when it comes to identity. As we celebrate both Pride Month and Juneteenth this month, we can combine the two to lift up communities that have been marginalized and celebrate activists that have fought for the freedom of Black people. This week, Dr. Venus shines a spotlight on 7 Black Queer Freedom Fighters and Black Queer advocates, from the literary genius of the 1920s to the brilliant strategy behind the scenes of the March on Washington, these heroes have fought and died for Black freedom, but are seldom cited or celebrated in our society. We were born in a historical time, but we won't be able to make our money, grow, and help others if we sacrifice our freedom and rights for a point of view. Let's talk about it. Key Takeaways: [2:28] Black people have a commitment to freedom, but we can't say we are fully about liberation if we are going to leave out or ignore a group of people. Freedom includes all of us, not just some. [4:25] We have to liberate ourselves from the conditioning of White Supremacy and be the change we want to see in the world vs. pointing the finger at someone else. You can love someone without agreeing with them. What matters the most is that we walk our walk and love each other rather than oppressing or ignoring someone who seems different or whose lifestyle we may not understand. [7:03] We also can't blame ourselves fully for marginalizing our brothers and sisters. It's not a bad thing or something that makes us bad people. It's just White oppression being acted out in Black environments. When we can't allow people to be who they are, we lose in every way from opportunities to money. [9:39] If we can have empathy and grace for players in the Bible, we can have it for the people in our families and the human beings around us. Human beings are imperfect and people do the best they can with what they've got. [10:29] Judging others is not necessarily the problem. It's a problem when you make it a problem for the person you are judging. If you are committed to winning, you have to be emotionally mature enough to know that we need help as we grow and succeed, and that means allowing in people who don't perform and act like you. [11:46] If someone has something that can make your life better and is willing to help, it's a form of self-sabotage to turn it down, especially when it comes to money and social change. You end up handicapping the people that depend on you. Dr. Venus knows that even means accepting the help of White allies who are there to support her along with her own mission of birthing 100 Black Women Billionaires and launching a new tech brand. [14:11] If we are talking about Black Pride, we must be proud not just of our progress, but of our ability to make room for us to be individuals. When you make room for people to be themselves, you provide the ability for true change, growth, and unified power. In Dr. Venus's community, we are not doing hate. Not Black hate, Asian hate, etc. [17:01] We can celebrate both Pride and Juneteenth this month. Juneteenth is Black people's version of Independence Day, when slavery ended for real and when we celebrated because it marked our emancipation. [18:50] Dr. Venus lists 7 Freedom Fighters and LGBTQ Advocates that may not be recognized regularly: Audre Lorde - Died in 1992 and fought for Civil Rights and the Women's Movement. Check out Zami. James Baldwin - Essayist, writer, and activist. At Dr. King's side during the “I Have a Dream” speech. Check out I Am Not Your Negro. Marsha P. Johnson - Pillar of the LGBTQ community in New York City. Trans Woman who fought for queer rights while struggling with mental illness and homelessness. Check out Pose. Bernard Rustin - Leader in Civil Rights, Strategic advisor for Dr. King and helped 1963 March of Washington, Queer rights pioneer. Barbara Smith - Author, Considered Mother of Black Feminism. Andrea Jenkins - First Openly Trans Black Woman elected to political office. [23:08] Identity is not sexuality, yet people conflate the two. Each culture has a language, and Trans and Queer cultures each have their own language code and lexicon. [24:21] If you are committed to making money, you are going to have to get interested in understanding how other people see themselves. Marketing has everything to do with relational dynamics, and you have to know who you are talking to, and how they see themselves. [27:20] Trans rights are human rights, yet Trans Women are murdered by Black Men more than any other group, in much the same way a Black Man would get lynched for being accused of raping a White woman. It's important to know that this is still an aggression and attack on Black Women's bodies. [28:27] Your truth is a truth but not the truth. We have space to have dignified conversations if we truly want to move forward and create a new infrastructure that we can succeed in. [31:48] Dr. Venus shares her love for Black Women. The tears, the pride, the hurt, the love, the perseverance, all of it. Don't take the hate of others on in your energy, and don't feel the need to argue your truth with haters. Be proud of yourself, they have no idea what it takes for you to be well and show up in the world. Quotes: “I have a commitment to inclusion and diversity, and I mean that in every possible way.” “If you are infighting, you can't unite.” “Judging others is not necessarily the problem. It's a problem when you make it a problem for the person you are judging.” “When it comes to money and social change, you require other people who are different from you.” “If we are talking about Black Pride, we must be proud not just of our progress, but of our ability to make room for us to be individuals.” “A lot of times in the Black Community, we stop winning because we don't agree or approve.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES 7 black LGBTQ leaders in honor of Juneteenth and Pride month Black & Queer: What It Means To Celebrate Juneteenth And Pride In The Same Month CELEBRATE: What the Celebrations of Juneteenth and Pride month can teach us about loving our neighbors 16 queer black pioneers who made history: From Marsha P, Johnson to Lori Lightfoot, NBC Out honors the black LGBTQ trailblazers of the past and present 5 black LGBTQ activists that shaped the civil rights movement 7 YOUNG BLACK LGBTQ ACTIVISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Tulsa wasn't the only Black town that was burned to the ground by White hate. Historically, White hate has found ways to annihilate Black wealth, even if they don't riot or kill. Sometimes they just build a highway in the middle of a community, deny business loans, or withhold permits so we can't build on the land. They still find ways to hurt and handicap us, even when we do everything right. This week, Dr. Venus talks about building a Black Wall Street they can't burn to the ground. She discusses how truly deconstructing capitalism really started for her with George Floyd. Now her attention is fully on creating a new digital infrastructure to beat them at their own game using the knowledge, skill, and large buying power that Black Women already bring to the table. Let's first talk about the roadblocks designed by White Supremacy to fully understand how to get around them and set up a new world for us now and future generations. You can't win if you don't know what game you're playing, and Dr. Venus doesn't play a game she can't win. Key Takeaways: [1:37] Ever since George Floyd, Dr. Venus has really taken a look at how the game is rigged and got clear on how we need to look at changing the infrastructure rather than responding to our emotions. Using the analogy of a gun — we get mad at the gun and the bullets, when we need to look at who made the gun, where they got it, who built it, etc. [5:15] Slavery has been the most effective business model in North America. Everywhere we turn now there is a built-in roadblock designed by White Supremacy to hold us back and keep us down. Dr. Venus thought we were progressing but never saw arrogance as bold as when she watched the public execution of George Floyd in front of the world. [13:29] America is not built on fairness. America is designed specifically for White land-owning men and all of the structures are built-in service of them. The challenge is that as Black Women, we are taught to fight racism, not capitalism. [16:54] The way history has been written is in favor of White Men. That plus the negative representation of Black Men and Women in the media makes it look as though we are not a contributing factor to history. This gives them permission to shoot us and not listen to our word with authority. [19:07] When they realize we are outdoing them, they gang up on us to win, limit our success, and burn what they can of ours to the ground. [20:43] The reason they could burn Tulsa to the ground in 1921 was that it was built on dirt and a tangible threat. Now we must get strategic and build something they can't touch. Let them fight over land while we are creating new highways and infrastructures. [23:38] It's no longer about depending on service-based jobs or trading your time for money. It's about thinking strategically to turn your knowledge into content, and your wisdom into words. Our ancestors put in the sweat, and now it's our turn to put our knowledge in a digital platform that has the capability of changing everything worldwide. [25:26] With Black Women having a spending power of $3.8 trillion, we could change the next 5 generations if we were purposeful and intentional about where and who we buy from, and who creates those products. [30:34] You don't have to agree to align. Dr. Venus's app intends to create a platform for Black Women, featuring Black Women's content everyone can fall in love with and support the cause. Quotes: “You don't have to agree to align.” “The challenge is that as Black Women, we are taught to fight racism, not capitalism.” “America is not built on fairness. America is designed specifically for White land-owning men and all of the structures are built-in service for them.” “Slavery has been the most effective business model in North America.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus' tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES WHAT THE TULSA RACE MASSACRE DESTROYED Tulsa's Greenwood neighborhood wasn't America's only Black Wall Street The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and the financial fallout 10 Reasons that so many businesses are moving to the cloud Benefits of a Mobile App – Why You Should Invest What Are The Benefits of Having an App For Your Business in 2021
Dr. Venus was in a complete breakdown. Her website crashed, her Amazon Prime account was hacked, and the sales page for her app had to abort. There was nothing else to do but to stop, take a moment, and pray. As she asked God to help her, the answer that showed up was so much more than she expected. Black Men showed up to get up under her dreams and use their expertise and wisdom to help not only with the tech app, but with the larger mission of birthing 100 Black Women Billionaires. To fully understand how much that means to Dr. Venus and why being able to trust Black Men is such a deeply spiritual leap of faith, we must first walk it back to the historical wounds that run seven generations deep. Historically, Black people have been pitted against each other for survival. That was deliberate, and it worked. History refused to let us see each other through innocence, and we’ve thrown each other under the bus. It’s a revolutionary act to allow yourself to be supported by a Black Man, but Dr. Venus is ready to put her trust and faith on the line and jump in. Key Takeaways: [3:31] We think the way we act is based upon character or personality traits, when really a lot of our actions come from strategies required to survive and stay alive. In the past, Dr. Venus has worked with Black Men who are initially on board, but then something triggers them and they don’t say anything about it. Suddenly, they build up resentment, blow up, or leave. Sometimes it’s all three. [5:08] Feeling this historical wound doesn’t mean Black Men or Women are broken or bad, it just equals woundedness. While on the streets, Dr. Venus had several Black Men that had her back and looked out for her. She doesn’t have it that all Black Men are bad. She has it that Black Men are complicated. [8:22] Dr. Venus discusses these wounds and gives historical context. Black Women feel angry for Black Men not protecting or hearing them, while Black Men feel disrespected and talked down to. On the plantation, Black Men were positioned to be “less than” and humiliated in front of their own families. Black Women were just bodies to be used, and they weren’t listened to or protected. Because this is a spiritual wound that hasn’t been addressed, it brings with it 400 years of rage. When you get the two wounds of not being heard and not being respected together, it is a bloody mess. [11:36] While Dr. Venus was praying after her website crashed, what showed up were some really great Black Men. Dr. Venus believes God is pretty smart, and right now, there are a whole tribe of brilliant Black Men coming out to support her in ways she never even dreamed of, especially around her mission to birth 100 Black Women Billionaires and launch her app. [14:19] Dr. Venus speaks of one Black Man who she is proud to have as a team member. He goes above and beyond, and she is being with how much she not only appreciates him, but needs his help as she expands in this new territory. [18:43] Dr. Venus uses the analogy where she is in a canoe rowing along, and here comes someone pulling a yacht and offering her a ride all aboard this big ship. It feels scary to jump on, but she is emotionally ready and spiritually mature now to accept the help and put her trust in the Black Men showing up to help. [20:41] Even if you haven’t had the support of Black Men your whole life, it doesn’t mean that it’s too late to start. It’s scary to set up your entire life to not need a man and then open your heart and mind to a different possibility, but at this point for Dr. Venus, it’s not even an option, it’s a need. [22:02] How do you trust Black Man with your dreams? Nothing in life is guaranteed, but here is some basic groundwork: Check his actions to make sure they are consistent across the board, and not just special to you. Tell the truth. Ask for what you need and make sure it’s clear. Let him know the significance of what it is you need. Have these conversations until you are clear that he has heard you. [25:53] It can feel weird to accept help and not feel as though you have to pay for it in some way. [27:55] Step out on faith and know that God will catch you and not let anything bad happen. [30:06] When you have big goals and aspirations, you can’t reach the world alone. It takes a team, and that takes a certain amount of giving up control for a larger vision. It’s a spiritual act for Black Women to trust Black Men, and someone has to start the ball rolling. Dr. Venus is willing to choose to trust them, communicate, and be transparent all the way through. [31:17] This may just be in business now, but it can be applicable to more relationships beyond work. It opens the door for Black Men and Women to create something beautiful together, and communicate until there is an understanding in a way that comes from love. [32:27] How do you trust Black Men with your dreams? Quotes: “I don’t have it that Black Men are bad. I have it that Black men are complicated.” “Step out on faith and know that God will catch you and not let anything bad happen.” “How do you trust Black Men with your dreams?” “It’s a revolutionary act to allow yourself to be supported by a Black Man.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo
White Power Structures are ruthless. The level of diabolic thinking is staggering when you start to really deal with how America is set up to oppress everybody that is not a White Male land-owning body. The infrastructure was built based on slavery, and we must understand the invisible oppression that comes with what it means to be American. To get out, we must first get in and contend with different strategies for surviving White supremacy by seeing the matrix of the structure, and then coming together to strategize and outsmart it. America is built on capitalism, not fairness. In business we use models that work, so by using their model, we can infiltrate. This week, Dr. Venus talks about how the infrastructure of America is designed to keep us oppressed, and RADICAL but DOABLE ways to leverage our power now so we can see real change in as soon as the next 3-5 years. Key Takeaways: [3:22] There is an invisible infrastructure built into America that when you challenge it, it sounds like you are challenging America. It’s so invisible that you end up fighting the burning cross, not the infrastructure that supplies the wood, gasoline, and matches. [4:50] It’s great that Biden is talking about infrastructure, but as Black Women, we are never taught how to win. We are only taught how to protest. [6:07] Dr. Venus is here for all the petitions and marching, but just doing that is ineffective. How does she know? Because it’s not really changing anything. We are participating in a system where it only looks like we can have change. Coming from our emotions is valid, but not enough. If you want to be effective at anything, you have to learn the game you are playing. [9:10] It became clear to Dr. Venus what was really needed to make lasting change, and she can see the infrastructure clearly. It’s almost like The Matrix, where you have to immerse yourself to really understand all the connections and see the bigger patterns. [11:35] There was a window of time where Black people were winning after Emancipation. There were Black people in Congress, but the Constitution has clauses where anyone can be free except prisoners. We’re fighting the effect of this same infrastructure instead of creating our own. [13:55] If you fight people on your terms but on their turf, you are going to lose. If you fight people on their turf with their tools and weapons, you can win. [16:01] You can play the capitalism game by creating a product that a group loves, funding it yourself, and turning it into a business model that can be seen as having future earning potential. You own it and you build out all the systems. Much like Jay-Z encouraged Beyonce to fund her music video and have complete control, you hold the power when you are the one cutting the checks. [18:33] Slavery was the new technology of the 1700s and 1800s. All of this was infrastructure that was built in, and to change it you don’t fight it, but you pimp out their stuff and use it for your own good. [19:43] White Supremacy is arrogant and doesn’t really believe Black Men and Women, especially poor ones, can know enough to change the system. Their arrogance of privilege is our protection. [21:39] The movement doesn’t have to be everyone, it just has to be enough people to create a tipping point. When you are committed to a vision larger than yourself, you can inspire others to also see themselves as leaders in the mission. [26:18] As Black women, we set the tone. We can infiltrate the infrastructure as soon as in the next 3-5 years. Technology now speeds up the process and we can do it faster than ever before, but it takes effort and alignment. [31:20] We have power when we are together. When we are apart, we are not strong. [33:53] Whoever writes the check writes the rules, and you need to write the check. That’s how you infiltrate. Dr. Venus will be marching with you in the streets as well, but it’s also important to embrace our power and commit to the greater good. Quotes: “Money is not a problem, we just have to redirect it in service of us.” “We need to infiltrate the infrastructure of White Supremacy and pollute it with Black power.” “As Black Women, we are never taught how to win. We are only taught how to protest.” “If you want to be effective at anything, you have to learn the game you are playing.” “I’m out to infiltrate the infrastructure.” “If you fight people on your terms but on their turf, you are going to lose. If you fight people on their turf with their tools and weapons, you can win.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below so you get access FIRST to updates, launches, and the behind the scene scoop! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES The 13th By Ava Duverney Amend: The Fight for America Garland, Mayorkas warn white supremacy is now top security threat in the country The transformative power of infrastructure The Importance of Infrastructure: Networks and Systems That Keep Things Moving From “Poor As Hell” to Billionaire: How Tyler Perry Changed Showbusiness Forever
Hey sis, can I sit with you? Those are the most beautiful and tender words a Black Woman can hear when she feels tired and as though the world is against her. Recently, we saw a video of a Black Woman who sat in the street and refused to get up. The Minnesota Police surrounded her, hands on guns. People watched, but NO ONE got on her side. Not the police. Not the bystanders. Not the EMTs. Except one. A Black Woman social worker simply said, “Hey Sis, are you ok? Can I sit with you?” Why is this so powerful? Because instead of making her feel like she was the problem, the woman understood the pain of NO ONE caring about a Black Woman. She understood the fatigue of not being seen as a human being with feelings and wounds, needing support and not being tased by guns or put in prison. This week, Dr. Venus talks about the power of Black Women coming together, and how we need to create our own infrastructure to do so. When we stand for each other, magic happens. Key Takeaways: [4:22] The woman in the video who sat down with the other woman was a social worker. She put her body on the line and was the only one out of the whole crowd to do so. That bothers Dr. Venus, as Black Women get shot, villainized, and a lot of us have grown up around unprotected spaces. [8:00] When you’ve been hurt by life, time after time, there comes a point in that lived experience where you get tired. Emotionally, physically, and spiritually tired. Just one person asking to sit next to you can mean so much. [10:13] The passion and anger gives them a reason to shoot us. Dr. Venus talks about how although she gets hateful comments on the regular, there’s always been one Black Woman who cared enough to check-in and be on her side. [11:12] When a Black Woman uses her voice, she becomes a target for other people’s violence. Dr. Venus gives examples of Michelle Obama and Stacey Abrams. [13:14] Black Women have been the savior and the workhorse. We’ve been the sacrifice. We have to invest in each other, as we’ve invested so much in everybody but us. When you have a voice and have to hold your tongue, to Dr. Venus that’s an act of self-hatred, and she isn’t doing it any longer. [16:35] With the structures being the same ones they were in slavery, the only way for us to create our own narrative is to create our own space and our own highways. We can no longer try to fit into the model, as they try to make us the scapegoat or cash cow. The tech company that Dr. Venus is building provides a supportive and diverse space for Black Women creators. [19:45] When Black Women get together, we create miracles. We make things happen that seem impossible, but we can’t do it if we can’t get heard and the structures of White Supremacy keep us blocked. [20:11] Dr. Venus’s goal is to have 20k subscribers by June 1, the anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre when they burned Black Wall Street. She is working to create her own Black Wall Street in the cloud that is for Black Women by Black Women and the men and allies that love us. [25:14] Dr. Venus has Black women helping with everything in the app, from content creation to marketing to sales, and her Nana as the Chairman of the Board. [27:26] It can be very lonely because when we feel as though we aren’t heard. We have to have our own space to grow and explore, you can’t do that when people are designed to throw verbal bricks at you. [30:17] Dr. Venus priced the app reasonably on purpose so that it is a safe space access that is inclusive, and a place where you can let your hair down and leave your stress at the door. Quotes: “It’s about Black Women being on other Black Women’s side in a world that is against us.” “There’s always been one Black Woman who cared to ask me, what do you need? How can I help?” “We have to invest in each other, as we’ve invested so much in everybody but us.” “I want to be that chick that says “Hey, sis, can I sit with you?” “We save each other. We stand for each other.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT BLACK WOMEN: If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES WOMEN SUPPORTING OTHER WOMEN: 4 SIMPLE WAYS ‘Black Women Loving and Supporting One Another’: Tamar Braxton Thanks Taraji P. Henson for Creating a ‘Safe Place’ for Her to Share Her Story But who’s gonna support Black women? Darren Walker: It’s Time to Support Black Women and Girls As They Lead The Truth About Black Women and Stress Support Black Women During Black History Month And Beyond The author encouraging Black women to embrace self-care
Dr. Venus is not arguing over if racism is real. She’s not trippin’ about the first 100 days of the Biden/Harris administration. Nor does she care who's right or wrong in terms of social change. Here is what she has given her life to empowering Black Women to win. This week, Dr. Venus breaks it down as an identity theorist on why we need to put our attention on outsmarting White Supremacist structures in service of the economic emancipation of Our People. We need to put our focus less on feelings and more on strategy. If you keep playing checkers when your opponent is playing chess you are bound to lose. Can we really outsmart them? Yes, but it’s going to take some work, and we have to be committed to winning. White Supremacy is predictable, and once we create our own self-sustaining ecosystem, we could use their model to create one of our own. Once we do, we would never have to go to White people for money, again. Going forward, we’re playing chess — and playing to win. You are invited to do the same. Key Takeaways: [5:29] Dr. Venus takes this discussion on as an identity theorist. Until she took on understanding White Supremacy as a historical practice, she didn’t know EVERYTHING in America was modeled after the institution of slavery in North America. Slavery was bigger business than railroads for North America, and now it exists in the fabric of every structure, including those that are invisible and not as obvious until you really look at them. [9:18] Dr. Venus is going beyond the history of cotton picking and really examining the infrastructures that made it possible such as the buying, selling, and trading. [11:05] Black culture gets packaged and commodified as hip, cool, and trendy and then gets pushed back to Black people to buy. We take something, crush it and take it to the next level, and that becomes something that White Supremacist structures sell back to us. For example, gangster rap was bought by more White than Black young people. That which is illicit — aka Black — becomes something that can be sold. [16:12] White Supremacy is invisible but very present in everything from car, home, and business loans, even how the TV portrays a Black Woman speaking or dressing. There is an investment in how they dehumanize us and make profits off our labor to justify killing us. [20:15] When you are a corporation and not an individual, there are benefits including tax write-offs, legal advantages, and the ability to get money based on the idea of a potential return. The rich get richer, and this keeps the structure of White Supremacy even more rooted for years to come. Even the banks we have now don’t see us as a viable option to loan money out because we are Black. [22:09] In terms of cultural currency, Black people set the tone and trends. We have it on lock. White people turn it into money, fashion, comedy and they have been doing so for the history of time, but, what if we modeled their structures for our own gain? Think about it. If we move our fight from protests about social justice to capitalism, we can start to organize ourselves around a product built for Black Women-owned by Black Women and really change the game. And if we make that product and system repeatable for other Black Women to succeed, we can monetize in years and not decades. [28:40] Dr. Venus is out to infiltrate and to outsmart White Supremacist structures. They think we are stupid, dumb, and lazy. Let them. While they are doing their thing, Dr. Venus is building out an ecosystem where Black Women creators will get PAID instead of giving out their content for free. [29:45] With $1.4 trillion in buying power, we can do whatever we want. We can flip that script in service of ourselves and that takes us from slave to master, from victim to owner. [34:01] They will try to burn down everything we do just to stay in power, but they can’t burn down a digital community. Since the technology Dr. Venus is creating goes by the rules of capitalism, we’re good. [35:01] Think of this less as a personal thing and more of a structural thing. It’s easy to be in your feelings, but this is where we need to focus on the money and not the shock value of the news. Quotes: “I play my enemies like a game of chess.” - Ms. Lauryn Hill “When you transform a Black woman, you transform a community.” “Instead of being mad at White Supremacist structures, let’s outsmart them.” “What if we modeled their structures for our own gain?” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEURS & TV/FILM WRITERS: I'm starting a tech company that features YOUR VOICE front and center! If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES The Men Who Turned Slavery Into Big Business How Slavery Became the Economic Engine of the South America’s first big business? Not the railroads, but slavery Dutch East India Company What Is a Corporation? The 7 Benefits of Forming a Corporation The 5 Advantages Startups Have Over Big Businesses
The news doesn’t tell you what to think, it tells you what to think about. This distinction is important because if we go by what we see on photos and mainstream media, it looks like the police are killing Black people more than White people all the time. However, the reality is that 3 times as many as White people are “shoot to kill” victims by police, but we NEVER SEE WHITE PEOPLE murdered in cold blood by cops. With 64% of the population in America being White and 13% being Black, why wouldn’t they also show the White police murders on the news? And when they do show victims such as Ma’khia Bryant or George Floyd, they show them as violent and angry people that deserve to be killed, while White people are just having issues with their mental health. First, we must understand how the Black body has always been a commodity in White America. Whether we are picking cotton or making a touchdown, it’s always been money for Whiteness. That’s the fabric of American culture. Next, we must understand how Black trauma still equals in entertainment for White Supremacy, and to turn it around we must create a whole new structure instead of fighting with the existing one. Let’s talk about it. Key Takeaways: [5:49] Do not diminish your brilliance and drain your energy by fighting with the haters. Dr. Venus is focused on engaging in constructive conservations and creating a safe space. You aren’t their emotional puppet. [6:58] 64% of the population in America are White People, while 13% are Black. More White people are killed by the police than Blacks, so why does the TV only show the Black bodies, and never the White ones? [8:28] If you ever want to have a conversation with someone that doesn’t agree with you, read what they are reading. It’s important to understand where their information comes from. Ignore the tone, get the knowledge. [11:12] If you aren’t educating yourself, you will be stuck in a power dynamic that keeps you in bondage. Here in Dr. Venus’s tribe, we are truth-tellers. We think, we strategize, and we win. [12:23] There’s often no progress without struggle, but we are built for this historical moment. Yes, it’s heartbreaking and exhausting sometimes to see the laws they are trying to pass in terms of protesting and voter suppression, but do not get discouraged by the pain. If it wasn’t working, we wouldn’t have this resistance. [16:31] When White Men who murder are in the news, it’s positioned as a mental breakdown, and they are given empathy and understanding, but the statistics show that police are also killing a high number of poor White people too. [18:47] Dr. Venus walks it back to explain why. In the early 1900s-1950s, lynching was a norm in North America. The term “picnic” was even coined by White people picking a Black Man or Woman out to get lynched and watching it as a form of entertainment. Since Black people don’t own the media and it’s predominantly run by White older men, White Supremacy still shows this entertainment in a subversive way that makes it just seem like everyday news. Black trauma sells. It sells views, streams, and it sells because it feeds into the metanarrative of White superiority and the power it has over the Black body. White Supremacy believes they can do whatever they want to our bodies, whether it’s slave work or sexual exploitation, Black bodies are treated as though they are just a commodity. They view us as disposable. If it was a White cop on a White Man’s neck, it wouldn’t get any coverage because they protect Whiteness. [27:48] The images of Blacks in the news have trained the world to see us as dangerous and savage, so we get no empathy. Since 64% of America is White, that means they are catering to their needs and monetizing their entertainment. Also, they have an implicit bias in how they see themselves, and they don’t want to see their own kind be treated the way that Blacks are. [30:41] We are positioned to turn our pain into their profit. So, what is the answer? We need to control our own media channels and create our own highways, which is exactly what Dr. Venus is doing with her new app and her mission to birth 100 Black Women Billionaires. We need to create our own media channels so we are in control of our own image and not stuck in a model built to keep us “less than” and dead. [39:11] Until police are held accountable, they will keep killing White and Black people. We have to do our part and elect people into office that have our interest in place and also badger the Senate until they pass the right laws. Quotes: “Don’t get mad about it, get educated. Read. Check up on it.” “If you ever want to have a conversation with someone that doesn’t agree with you, read what they are reading.” “If it was a White cop on a White Man’s neck, it wouldn’t get any coverage because they protect Whiteness.” “Black trauma sells. It sells views, streams, and it sells because it feeds into the metanarrative of White superiority and the power it has over the Black body.” “The Black body has always been a commodity, whether we are picking cotton or making a touchdown. It’s always been money for Whiteness.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEURS & TV/FILM WRITERS: I'm starting a tech company that features YOUR VOICE front and center! If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Black Lives Matter: Are Whites killed by police brutality more than Blacks? Stats show the shocking truth What about police violence against white people? Who’s killed by police more…Whites or Blacks… depends on what kind of math you do Social Media and Black Bodies as Entertainment: Although I refuse to watch the killing of George Floyd, I can’t escape it Blacks, Picnics and Lynchings - January 2004 Question Six Times White People Were Shot By Police And No One Cared When We See Photographs of Some Dead Bodies and Not Others
Dr. Venus was already in a tizzy about the media assassinating the characters of both DMX and George Floyd, pointing to the notion that because they had addictions, they were weak and dirty. Now, Daunte Wright, a 20-year old young Black Man, was fatally shot by a police officer during a traffic stop. This got her thinking about how the structures of White Supremacy are so powerful, yet so invisible to most of us throughout our daily life. Black bodies used to be, or some may even say are still, seen as commodities. Female Black bodies were turned into a factory for the American Dream, and have continued to be used and abused as an effect of White Supremacy. This week, Dr. Venus shares some sage advice and strategies inspired by a talk with her 76-year-old Nana. To really make lasting change, we must first understand just how White Supremacy is currently rooted in our government by having most of the Senate made up of White Men 65 years old and above. She talks about the huge buying power of Black Women (1.4 trillion dollars) and how we are the fastest growing sector in entrepreneurship in the world, yet we still can’t get the funding. What will change this? More Black Women Billionaires and the knowing that instead of fighting White Supremacy, we must outsmart it and become our own highways instead of being the vehicles they use. Key Takeaways: [6:44] When Dr. Venus speaks of White Supremacy, she is not talking about skin color, she is talking about ideology. Black people can be White Supremacists, and White people can be our allies. Her focus is on the invisible power structures that we live at the effect of. [8:18] One of the biggest challenges of being a Black person in America is the powerlessness of dealing with White power structures. It seems like they only pay attention when we mess with their money or burn something down, but Dr. Venus’s 76-year-old Nana thinks there is a better way to counter White Supremacy than with burning and looting. [9:11] Blame is a distraction from change. Don’t get hijacked into a right or wrong conversation. There are better and more efficient ways to use your energy and power. [10:18] We are normally the vehicle for what’s hip, hot, and cool from everything including culture, trends, to fashion. Throughout history in North America, White Men have used this to rip off our ideas, use our bodies for their gains, and capitalize on our cultural currency. Dr. Venus has had enough, and her emerging app is one way of becoming the highway instead of just the vehicle. [13:05] Nothing in this society will change until we elect future-focused leaders. The average age of someone who starts in the Senate is 65, and this explains so much. They were two generations prior to the baby boomers and were born literally after Jim Crow. Our Senate is a group of elderly White men, and no one is noticing because we are all too distracted by the hot news of the day. We need to elect officials from local, state, and national levels that align with our interests and care about our needs. [16:10] One of the things we can do as Black Women to counter White Supremacy is to start looking at how we educate and encourage our communities to vote in advance. Stacey Abrams is the loudest microphone out there now around voting, and we need more loud voices speaking up. [19:39] In order to be free, you need to have your own money. Dr. Venus plays the game and knows that Black Women have a buying power of 1.4 trillion dollars and are the fastest-growing segment in entrepreneurship, and yet less than .27 percent of Black Women ever get funding from investors. Billionaire status is not about the money. It’s about creating infrastructure that allows for financial investment and leverage decades later based on the viability of a proven product — like slavery. [21:41] Everything in America is built on the model of slavery. Dr. Venus explains how social media and corporations are two examples built on a caste system. We must fight the structure itself, not the effect of the structure. That is what Dr. Venus is committed to with her new tech company. Until we have our own highways, we will always be a slave to their rules, agendas, and how they change it when it serves them. [26:04] They don’t think we can do it, and they view us as animals. That’s okay, let them think that. Put your focus on building the highway, and know that Dr. Venus is creating an inclusive space for Black Women creators of all types. From kink to Christian, she’s here for all of it. Quotes: “If we build our own highways, we don’t need theirs, and they can’t control us. We’re using highways that we built, based on their model.” “If we took on becoming Billionaires, we are literally modeling the model that keeps us in bondage. Our structures would be designed for us. It’s about the infrastructures, and that is a different financial future.” “They can’t fathom that we would be able to do this, but we already have.” “Instead of fighting White Supremacy, we must outsmart it.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEURS & TV/FILM WRITERS: I'm starting a tech company that features YOUR VOICE front and center! If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Please, Let’s Elect Some Younger U.S. Senators Charts that show just how old this Congress actually is Nielsen report: Black Girl Magic and brand loyalty is propelling total black buying power toward $1.5 Trillion by 2021 Black Women Were Among The Fastest-Growing Entrepreneurs — Then Covid Arrived Black Women’s Buying Power Is Helping To Define Mainstream Culture: Report Goldman Sachs: One Million Black Women Goldman Sachs Commits $10 Billion in Investment Capital and $100 Million in Philanthropic Capital To Impact The Lives of One Million Black Women
George Floyd and DMX are men whose lives mattered, yet both of them are positioned in the popular media as junkies and losers. Bad, trifflin’ Black men whose lives were destined for the grave. We know Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd with his hand in his pocket as though his life meant nothing, and yet the conversation is more focused on if George would have JUST gotten in the police car. Much like if DMX had JUST not used drugs, he too would still be alive. This week, Dr. Venus slows it way down to talk about what addiction is, what it is not, and how we need to change the conversation to see it more about well-being than about willpower. She discusses addiction as a survival strategy, and how being poor and Black creates its own DNA strands of PTSD. Dr. Venus reminds us that addiction doesn’t always just look like a junkie. We can be addicted to anything including food, work, relationships, and they all can take a toll on our health and quality of life. When we look at it from this lens, we vilify people less and come from a place of understanding and peace. When YOU are threatened, scared, overwhelmed, feel like the world is against you, or haunted by the pain of the past, how do YOU cope? How do you survive? Let’s talk about it. Key Takeaways: [2:02] There are two different narratives when it comes to addiction. For White people, struggling with addiction means they get grace and mercy. For Black Men and Women, addiction is seen as a character trait that makes them weak, broken, and worthless. [2:50] No one chooses to be an addict, and having an addiction does not make you weak or less than a deserving human. Addiction is not a character trait. It is a brain disorder and a medical condition. Yet, the headlines scream the most vile and ugly things, specifically when it comes to Black Men as addicts. [4:33] Dr. Venus breaks down how addiction plays a role in the stress response Black Men and Women feel just trying to survive day to day. It dates back to African ancestry and since we’ve been here, we have been in a moment of crisis. The target on your back is sanctioned by the government, and being Black is stressful no matter if you are rich or poor, queer or straight, you are born into stereotypes you didn’t earn. When things start compounding, addictions can be born as a type of survival strategy. She gives the example of DMX, who was rejected by his mother at a very young age. You add in poverty and a biased education system, and it is possible to see why someone would turn to an addiction. [11:52] Addictive behavior doesn’t have to look like a crackhead. Michael Jackson was just trying to sleep and his White doctor ended up giving him the wrong dose and killing him. We need to expand what we call an addict. It can be wine or drugs, but it can also be gambling, sex, food, or even just the need to be right or liked by everyone. [14:38] White people use the trope of the Black Man as an addict so often to justify killing us. It’s infuriating and will continue unless we change the conversation and the power structures at play. We’re watching the conversation be manipulated into “yeah, but he was a drug addict.” [19:44] It screams in headlines that our lives don’t matter, and they are wrong. DMX was a flawed man, but flawed doesn’t equal justifying their murder or celebrating their demise. Nor does it equal tarnishing their name while they are here, or after they have gone. [20:22] What are you addicted to? You can be addicted to red bottoms, to being important, to being in the number one spot. It doesn’t have to look like a crackhead. If you can’t NOT do it, you are an addict. Addiction doesn’t equal bad, it equals human. Survival is hard. [24:52] Being an addict doesn’t mean you have no willpower. We need to change the conversation and make it about well-being and less about a character trait. Then, we can help people get the tools and strategies to cope with their addictions. [28:15] If we can relate to addiction as a survival strategy, it starts being about well-being, a chemical issue, and stops being about being weak or flawed. That is a different conversation with no condemnation. Addiction is not a character flaw, it’s part of the human condition. [34:21] Dr. Venus heard a rumor about Jay-Z possibly buying DMX’s catalog to give it to his children and set them up for life. If that happens, that is a Billionaire move and an example of what happens when Black Men and Women make enough money to make changes big enough to impact generations to come. Quotes: “Addiction doesn’t equal bad, it equals human.” “Addiction is not a character flaw, it’s part of the human condition.” “It screams in headlines that our lives don’t matter, and they are wrong.” “When we talk about addiction being about well-being and not a character trait, we start to change the conversation and to relate to it rather than vilifying them.” “If we can have addiction become about wellness instead of being a bad person, once we take on that conversation the world will too.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEURS & TV/FILM WRITERS: I'm starting a tech company that features YOUR VOICE front and center! If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES CHAUVIN TRIAL DMX death: Pharrell Williams and Ava DuVernay lead tributes to hip-hop icon What Is Addiction? What is an Addiction? A Guide to Addiction and Recovery for African Americans
It's NEVER them. It's ALWAYS us. Our fault. Our poor health. Our drug use. Our diabetes. As Derek Chauvin’s attorney Eric Nelson chips away at the video of George Floyd being murdered to create reasonable doubt, the logic of White Supremacy is so clear. He is questioning the “real cause” of George Floyd’s death. He argues that Floyd died of a cardiac arrest resulting from drug use & pre-existing health issues, including heart disease & high blood pressure, not an inability to breathe. Can you see it? More blame the victim and character assassination of the Black Male body. This week is an inflammatory conversation, so Dr. Venus takes it real slow so we can address the information, get organized, and not get baited into reacting. She suggests effective strategies to implement no matter what the verdict, and gets us prepared to pray for the best and prepare for the worst. Key Takeaways: [5:07] When Eric Nelson, Derek Chauvin’s attorney, was speaking about reasonable doubt and George Floyd’s opium addiction, did he think we were stupid? It is easy to see through what they are doing, and the proof is right there in the 9-minute tape where George says over 27 times that he can’t breathe. [6:38] When a Black Man dies, they dig up every piece of dirt to justify why he was destined to die, and why he is not worthy as a human being. [7:18] Black Men being policed by White Men is fundamentally embedded into the fiber of America, along with the “Brothers in Blue” code that keeps Black people suppressed, oppressed, and scared. [8:15] George Floyd was an imperfect man, but that doesn’t mean his life didn’t matter. His character is on trial now, rather than digging up any imperfections or mistakes made by Derek Chauvin. All it would take is a juror or two to have reasonable doubt for Derek to get slapped on the wrist without having to face the consequences for his actions. [10:36] Whiteness doesn’t mean skin, it can be ideology, or how you see yourself. White Supremacy is apparent in the belief that George is a lesser human being and his life meant nothing as a flawed Black Man. [13:18] Courthouses are designed to keep the status quo of Whiteness. They fight institutionally, not just with guns. They will set up structures that deny Black Men and Women of getting good credit, business loans, and much more. [15:03] White people are grieving the loss of the world as they know it, and we can honor that, but not allow the vilification of Black people’s character any longer. It’s been going on since 1619, and it's obvious that it’s still alive today as we watch the Derek Chauvin trial turn into George Floyd’s character assignation. [15:57] Dr. Venus lays out a strategy for if Derek Chauvin gets off or they give him a light sentence. We have to get emotionally prepared for a soft verdict or a non-guilty verdict. They are looking for a fight, so the best thing we can do is stay in and not give them the fight they are looking for. [22:23] Instead, we can start to look at going after the cops that aren’t on trial, and how we can impact the things they value. If police lose something that matters to them, they will stop enabling each other’s violence. [25:46] There will be rage and retaliation no matter what happens. If he is found guilty, White Supremacists will have a strong reaction, but the police won’t hurt and kill them the way they hurt and kill us. [27:12] When we take a minute and organize ourselves, we can hold police officers accountable in a way that affects their pension, insurance, and health care. No matter what happens, keep your cool and use your head. It’s not a glamourous strategy, but it’s an effective one. [30:35] In order to move the needle on these efforts, we need funding. Thank God for capitalism, and this is where Dr. Venus’s Black Women Billionaires come in. This gives us the power to change the fundamental structures in place and to have more power. Quotes: “I’ve been Black for too long to not account for the trickery and the level of self-indulgence of Whiteness.” “I’m not thinking justice in terms of justice. I’m thinking in terms of loss.” “Don’t let them play you. Anticipate. Pray for the best, prepare for the worst. Stay inside because people will be mad, one way or another.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEURS & TV/FILM WRITERS: I'm starting a tech company that features YOUR VOICE front and center! If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES If Chauvin's Gets Off: Why We Want to Burn The !@#$%^& Down - @mommahorsetales Van Jones Predicts What Will Happen If Derek Chauvin Isn’t Convicted Derek Chauvin May Get a Sentence Much Shorter Than the One William Barr Thought Would Be Seen As Too Lenient ‘Character assassination’: George Floyd’s brother dismisses Derek Chauvin defense’s focus on drugs Op-Ed: Derek Chauvin is in the courtroom, but the character of Black people is on trial in Minneapolis
White Supremacy in Georgia is pissed. The GOP is still fuming over the state turning Blue due in large part to Black People voting, and now is doing everything in their power to undermine the Black vote as punishment and prevention from us gaining legislative power. The level of ruthlessness is real, but Dr. Venus has some thoughts and comes at this discussion from a different angle than you may hear elsewhere. This week, she shares the historical context of White Supremacy creating power structures to keep the marginalized from voting and why it’s important to get educated so we aren’t stuck in a caste system seven generations deep. She talks about why becoming a Black Woman Billionaire is a revolutionary act, one that creates infrastructures that allow us to fight for OUR interests and start to change the game in our favor. We have to fight, but they aren’t playing fair. In order to beat them at their own game, we need to get strategic and head White Supremacy off at the pass for upcoming elections. If we don’t think in terms of building in the future, we will always live at the effect of White Supremacy. Dr. Venus isn’t okay with that, and she is betting you aren’t as well. Key Takeaways: [3:26] We showed up and showed out in Georgia, and turned the state Blue. This made the GOP mad, and when White Men get mad, they create laws. This is how they fight. [5:12] Dr. Venus gives historical context in which White people suppressed Black Men and Women and poor Whites from voting. These included both blatant and subversive tactics including violence, intimidation, literacy tests, the Grandfather Clause, purging them off the registry, poll tax, and charging Black Men and Women for petty crimes which stripped their rights to vote. [10:07] White Supremacy using its power to keep marginalized people down is not new. When we see the GOP in Georgia leading the way to put laws in place to make it really hard to vote, it triggers a historical wound. [10:57] The way America is structured is designed to keep people who have big money in, and to keep the middle and lower class out and away from having any type of power. [13:02] Money isn’t the problem. It’s the structures in place that keep getting funded to keep those structures in place. When we get Black Women Billionaires that can put money towards our movement, it changes the power dynamic and gives us the opportunity to fund politicians, judges, and Congress members that have our interests in mind. This is how we see real change for generations to come. No amount of marching is the same as picking your candidates with ease and fighting money with money. [17:08] Dr. Venus has switched her focus from racism to now focusing on White Supremacy, and it’s so clear. We’ve been fighting them on fairness, but it’s about money, capital, and infrastructure. Our ancestors knew how to navigate this because they knew the self-centeredness around White Supremacy, but we are now in our own time of fighting the 21st-century version of Jim Crow. [22:01] Let’s get committed to creating Black Women Billionaires who really are part of the solution so the funding is built-in and not piecemealed together. [25:01] If we do not start funding our own power structures, they will have us picking cotton the 21st century way. Dr. Venus isn’t saying let’s be shady. Let’s be strategic. We have to view this as a business. It takes money to fund your interest and empower what you value. If we think in terms of infrastructure, being a Black Woman Billionaire becomes a revolutionary act. The money part is just the fuel. [26:30] We aren’t dealing with fairness, we are dealing with who has the biggest microphone, and who can fund it. [30:08] White Supremacy thinks so little of us that it would never dawn on them that we could create our super PACs and support registration and elections that have our interests at heart. That’s fine, let them doubt us. Quotes: “When White Men get mad, they create laws. This is how they fight.” “Money isn’t the problem. It’s the structures in place that keep getting refunded to keep those structures in place.” “When I think of Billionaires I’m not thinking of money, I’m thinking of power structures.” If we do not start funding our own power structures, they will have us picking cotton in the 21st century way.” “It’s not about red bottoms or clothes, it’s about putting in place what we need so we can create our own power structures.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEURS & TV/FILM WRITERS: I'm starting a tech company that features YOUR VOICE front and center! If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Voter Suppression Is Violence Georgia GOP Goes All Out to Suppress Black Votes Amid MAGA Civil War We need a voting rights champion like Vanita Gupta at Justice, and fast: GOP ex-officials Voting Rights For Blacks And Poor Whites In The Jim Crow South Georgia's 'Jim Crow' voter suppression bill is now law. Here's how Democrats can fight back. There’s also the chance that this attempt to restrict voting could backfire for Republicans Slavery and Social Death
Eight murdered. Six of them Asian. To Dr. Venus, we need to call it what it is. We need to realize that this is the time to stand together and support each other in the face of obvious White Supremacy. BE CLEAR: WHITE SUPREMACY IS NOT SKIN COLOR. IT’S AN IDEOLOGY. There are Black White Supremacists just as there are Asian & Hispanic White Supremacists. George Zimmerman is a prime example. #riptravonmartin This week, Dr. Venus turns to her identity theorist side to provide historical facts of when Blacks and Asians have stood together. She discusses why, in fact, this is a racist event, and it’s time for White Men to stop taking out their frustrations and aggressions on harming and killing innocent people. To her Asian allies — Dr. Venus is sorry. She hears you, and she is with you. You are not alone. Key Takeaways: [0:58] If you are targeting Asian women and end up killing 6 of them out of 8 murdered, this is a racist act. The mainstream media may call it something else, but Dr. Venus and the truth-tellers see it for what it is. [4:33] When a White Man is suppressed, he feels that he has the right to shoot up other people. If they can’t control their sexual urges and need to make it right by controlling the life of innocent people, what chance do we stand? [7:12] White Supremacy is so ingrained in the system that when a White Man commits an act like this, they get off the hook easier, usually have a lighter sentence, and are even often treated better in prison. [8:50] The Black and Asian community has not always been aligned, but we have more in common than we think. We know what it feels like to be hunted and to have White Supremacy looking to kill us, literally. When they can get away with one, they can get away with 1000. [11:14] You can be a White Supremacist and not a racist because you think you have the right to act out your aggression on someone else. That literally is supremacy, thinking you are better than someone else and have the privilege of taking someone’s life because you are frustrated or having a bad day. [12:33] White Men get grace that Black Men wouldn’t. If this shooter was a Black Man, he most likely wouldn’t have even been able to get to the next location without being shot down. [15:41] Sexual perversion does not have you shoot people. What does is entitlement. If you kill people that are not of your race and gender, and it’s 6/8 of them, it is an act of racial hate. [17:12] Even the language around a White Man shooting up a community is different. They call him misunderstood and unstable, while the Black Man is dangerous and a thug. [19:40] By blaming China for the pandemic and calling it the Wuhan Flu, Trump fanned the flames for White Supremacists to attack Asians and view them as less than humans. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to support somebody because you are aligned with their values. [24:56] What does it mean to stand in solidarity with someone? Does it even make a difference? Yes. We don’t have to agree with every little piece to align on standing together. Dr. Venus provides references for you to learn more about the Black and Asian communities standing together. [32:46] It’s important that we know that we are in this together. Dr. Venus talks about her therapist feeling relieved and grateful that someone had her back. Please do that for someone else around you, they may need it more than you think. Quotes: “I’m angry that they think we are stupid that they can’t see the double standard. White Supremacy is merciless. If you are not who they think you should be, they will throw you under the bus.” “We need to unite, even if we don’t agree.” “It’s an imperfect world but when it matters, we stand together and we do what we can.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEURS & TV/FILM WRITERS: I'm starting a tech company that features YOUR VOICE front and center! If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Stop Asian hate, Stop Black hate, stop all hate: Many Americans call for unity against racism Hate crimes against Asian Americans, Black and Hispanic communities. Here's why they are similar Black-Asian solidarity has a long and storied history in America Stand together to fight anti-Asian hate. We all have a stake in a more inclusive America Amid Rise in Anti-Asian Attacks, Advocates Call For Black and Asian Solidarity Atlanta residents respond to spa shootings with calls to end racial violence
It’s easy to be labeled “self-made” when you come from the gutter. People look at the results of decades of hard work and acknowledge you for “overcoming”. There are implications and assumptions that hard work is the reason for your success. People may even look up to you as a role model for beating the odds, inspired and hopeful that they can do the same. This week, Dr. Venus explains why she is done being “self-made”. It can be exhausting and there are generations before her that also deserve to be honored so she could have her voice. As she creates her new tech startup to birth 100 Black Women Billionaires she realizes that it's all about being “God-made” and letting the process of going through the fire of pain turn into peace and profit. Key Takeaways: [5:10] When we hear the term “Self-Made” we often think that it means someone made it on their own with very little resources to help them. When you come from nothing and break through ceilings, it can feel like you are self-made. [9:04] Even if you are Self-Made, you are most likely the product of a lot of people not giving up so you could be where you are today. [9:04] The practice of being Self-Made can be exhausting! The benefit of getting back up time and time again after life knocks you down can give you character, but it also makes you wary of trusting other people to look out for you. [12:51] It’s hard to trust other people with your dreams when they’ve let you down. Being self-made can give you pride, but it can also be a prison. [14:28] As Dr. Venus works to birth 100 Black Women Billionaires, everything about this walk is God guided, and truly God-Made. While she can get to 10 million alone, you can’t get to 1 billion alone. It requires not only teams and other people but truly opening up to God’s process. If you are God-made, you are designed to change the world. Your whole life is set up to take you through the pain and loss that refine you, purify you, and turn you into the lightning rod for success. [19:25] At least you can comfort yourself being self-made, when you are God-made you have to feel all of it. [22:07] People who literally changed the course of human history came through the fire and they were refined by the pain. [26:47] People like the idea of being a millionaire or billionaire, but it’s the walk and the commitment to your purpose and the pain that births it that really makes the outcome. [31:33] If you feel as though life is always pulling something new, you aren’t alone. Dr. Venus is now not only grieving over her brother’s transition but recently just lost a dear cousin as well. She has had moments of being on the floor and feeling isolated but knows it’s all part of God’s walk. Quotes: “I thank God for using me and choosing me. I may not agree with the methods, but I know they are effective.” “I am the product of a lot of people not giving up generationally so I could have a voice. That is not willpower. I have no willpower, what I do have is honor.” “I honor the people who gave me the right to have a voice.” “There is pain that turns into peace and profit.” “Self-made may be exhausting. God made hurts. You have to let yourself feel it.” “People who literally changed the course of human history came through the fire and they were refined by the pain.” “If you are God-made, you are designed to change the world.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEURS & TV/FILM WRITERS: I'm starting a tech company that features YOUR VOICE front and center! If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Breaking The Myth Of Self-Made Self-Made Man By Frederick Douglass 8 Surprising Things I've Learned About the Ultra-Rich: Things are not always as perfect as they appear to be What to do when you are going through fire? How God Refines Us
It’s Women’s History Month, and Dr. Venus is excited to celebrate Black Women Billionaires. Yes, there are other Black Women Billionaires besides Oprah, and now, becoming a Black Woman Billionaire is historical defiance. Back in the day, Black Women’s work purchased the American Dream and made others rich. Now, Black Women Billionaires PROVIDE the capital. Dr. Venus spotlights four Black Women Billionaires, all-powerful and extremely diversified in their investments and sectors. She also discusses the painful historical relationship between capitalism and Black Women, and how we must change the narrative and work together to heal historical trauma, be ready to receive, and transcend to Billionaire status. Key Takeaways: [6:30] Dr. Venus is DONE! White supremacy pollutes things, and she has chosen to put her energy and effort on to bigger and better things. She has gratitude for other things to focus on, such as her truth-teller tribe and the team behind her new tech company. [8:57] Dr. Venus walks back the relationship between Black Women and the pain associated with capitalism. Black Women in North America (and worldwide) were used just as bodies to produce and make others rich, their loved ones were sold, so it’s no wonder our relationship to money is messed up. [11:26] Being strong is not a character trait. It is a generationally passed down survival strategy that kept our ancestors alive. When it comes to making money, Black Women have been the work-horse for the American dream. Work has been associated with trading hours for dollars and being socially rewarded for being selfless and stoic. The challenge is to embrace a deep knowing that we have been quick to make other people rich, but we are beyond capable of making our own money, and it is our birthright to do so. [14:27] When we think about Black Women Billionaires, often the only person that comes to mind for us is Oprah. In order for there to be many more, we must give ourselves permission for this level of wealth and really know internally that we are ready to receive it. We also must rise above the feeling that we don’t deserve it because we didn’t work hard enough for it. [15:10] To become a billionaire, it’s a state of being, just like it is going from 5 to 6 figures. [15:57] The social currency of Black culture makes White billionaires, and Dr. Venus is ready for a change, and for Black Women to work together to make each other more prosperous. [17:25] When you are a billionaire, you have the power to deeply affect not just you, but your loved ones for generations to come. You can put money towards the politician you want, build a hospital in your community, or build your legacy in a way that is meaningful for you. In order to do that, you are going to have to grow out of providing only service-based business. [20:43] Ngina Kenyatta is the Former First Lady of Kenya and is the widow of the country's first president, Jomo Kenyatta, and also the mother of President Uhuru Kenyatta. Her empire includes real estate, hospitality, and owning thousands of acres of prime land in Kenya. She has an estimated net worth of $1 billion. [20:39] Folorunsho Alakija also sits on a net worth of $1 billion and a renowned Nigerian businesswoman who has established herself in the oil, printing, real estate, and fashion industries. She works as the managing director of the Rose of Sharon Group and serves as the executive vice-chairman of Famfa Oil Limited. [23:08] Isabel dos Santos, the richest woman in Africa, is an Angolan billionaire businesswoman who is also famous as the eldest child of the former Angolan President, José Eduardo dos Santos. Her net worth is $1.7 billion, and she made the vast majority of her wealth by purchasing stakes in companies based in Angola. [25:013] Oprah Winfrey has a net worth of $2.6 Billion, and is dubbed the “Queen of All Media”. The popular talk show host, actress, philanthropist and producer is considered the wealthiest African American of the 20th century. The media magnate is the chairwoman and chief executive officer of Harpo Productions. [26:27] Dr. Venus loves the diversity of these amazing Black Women Billionaires. [27:55] Back in 1913, Sarah Rector became the richest Black girl in America, at only 11 years old. This is not something that is widely taught or talked about in schools today. We talk about Black people overcoming, but we were already wealthy. [30:31] It’s important that we celebrate us for all that we do and the complexity of all that we are. [32:27] Now is the time to get ahead of the AI curve and start to think about how to make money digitally. Quotes: “If you don’t know your worth, you will squander it, even if you are born into it.” “Even in Black history books, we don’t talk about money. It’s a big deal to me that in Women’s History Month that we look for ways that we’ve won.” “You aren’t an exception, you are an original. You come from a lineage of women that soared and it’s your birthright to have your own money and highways.” “When Black Women work together and have their own money we transform the world.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEURS & TV/FILM WRITERS: I'm starting a tech company that features YOUR VOICE front and center! If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Meet Some of the richest Black Women in the world Black Women Who Changed The World MEET SARAH RECTOR, THE 11-YEAR-OLD WHO BECAME THE RICHEST BLACK GIRL IN AMERICA IN 1913 #20 Folorunsho Alakija 18 Richest Black Billionaires And Their Net-Worth
Dr. Venus is birthing 100 Black Woman Billionaires in the next 5 years. Watch her — or Join Her, it’s your choice! This is the season for Black Women to not only claim their divine birthright as world leaders, history makers, and life changers, but to do it in a way that can not be watered down, stolen, or compromised. It is our season, and it will be monetized. This week, Dr. Venus goes into more detail about the tech company she is founding and what it means for creators and artists to have a place to collaborate and finally be paid what they are worth. She talks about who it is for, how to get involved, and why it’s shifting the energetic approach to be more about “we” rather than “me”. She also talks about the need for more Black Billionaires to be recognized in society, and how the tech world is the perfect vehicle to create a whole new pathway. Why is a Billion SO much more leveraged and scalable than a Million, and what are Dr. Venus’s plans to get there with the work of her brilliant Black community? Let’s talk more about it. Key Takeaways: [1:40] Dr. Venus couldn’t be genuinely more excited about this time and the potential for Black Women creators, artists, talents, etc. Now is the time to dream big. [4:32] If you are a Black content creator, please throw your hat in the ring. Allies, we may get to you, but for now, Dr. Venus wants to show Black Women that they are the priority. [8:46] Dr. Venus talks about her frustration over White Supremacy changing the rules so they always win and White people continuing to only do what is in their own self-interest. She is over it and no longer giving much energy to it. Now she will be contending with building a new highway so Black Women don’t have to pay the tolls they have had to throughout history. [10:26] The God of America is not justice and fairness, it’s capitalism. Stop being mad and make your money — that’s the real great equalizer in this country. [12:42] The founders of Bumble and Clubhouse get notoriety for making Billions for their app, but where are the Black Billionaires? Two reasons: Black Men and Women have been trained to serve, not to know. Also, we often don’t have the mechanisms or access the way White Privilege does. [14:26] A little more about Dr. Venus’s company: it will serve the interest of Black creators and do a 50/50 revenue share, based on generated traffic and views. It will be about collaboration and will be up to 5% owned by other Black Women. [19:04] Dr. Venus has such a strong relationship with money and finds it easy to make and multiply, but she views it all as God’s and none of it really belongs to her. She could always see Millions, but now it’s about seeing Billions. [25:40] Black people were the most wealthy pre-integration. Now it’s time to take that same talent and genius and put it back into our own community and investments. [31:44] It is a business model and a hand up, not a handout. In order to be part of the tech company you also must be a team player and ride for everyone’s success, not just your own. [33:47] Money and love have the same energy. They both require you to be able to receive. [35:51] Being a Billionaire is about “how can we all win”? It’s not survival-based, it's about thinking big to change our family and communities for generations to come. When you are a Billionaire, you call your own shots and can write checks for the charities, politicians, and non-profits you are moved to. [43:75] Loving money doesn’t make you evil. It’s what it can do for us in terms of what type of life and impact we can have. Quotes: “We are born in this historical moment when destiny and victory finally collide.” “We’re driving Black culture to a Black platform that funds Black dreams.” “I had to give us permission to see that we could be Black Women billionaires.” “In this space, you are welcome, Black Woman, and you are wanted. I choose you.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEURS & TV/FILM WRITERS: I'm starting a tech company that features YOUR VOICE front and center! If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Branded By TD Jakes (Video) ***** Reasons Why You Should Dream Big 30 “Dream Big” Quotes That Will Motivate You Right Now 10 Incredible Black Women You Should Know About THE RICHEST SELF-MADE BLACK WOMEN Here Are The Black Billionaires Who Made the 2020 Forbes List Richest Black Women In The World WHY SELF-LOVE AND SELF-CARE ARE RADICAL FOR BLACK WOMEN
Sis, did you know the most wealthy and powerful era in American history for Black People was right after the Emancipation Proclamation? Black People had a huge part in land ownership, political representation, and building wealth. As Dr. Venus gets everything in place to launch her tech company that will provide a pathway for Black creators, artists, and entrepreneurs, it’s important to know these facts and believe in the power that Black Men and Women have in making money and excelling at business. This week, Dr. Venus discusses the key to economic freedom through community and ownership rather than providing service. She talks about the vision of her new tech company, providing a space for Black creators to showcase their talents rather than waiting to be picked. Are you ready to believe in yourself and see how easy it is to manifest your millions? Tune in and let’s discuss. Key Takeaways: [2:01] Calling all Black content creators, creative entrepreneurs, film, TV writers, and more! Dr. Venus is starting a tech company and she wants to invite you to get some skin in the game and be part of something big. She is committed to this company being a Black-owned business and interested in collaboration and those who would like to have equity in it. [7:00] Money is the best thing and Dr. Venus has an almost decadent relationship to money. Money equals freedom and if you feel differently, who are you listening to? If you want to learn how easy it is to make money and overcome your limiting beliefs that you need White Men to give it to you, you are in the right place. [10:14] Capitalism sets us up in a way that makes money the great equalizer, but Black people have been trained and rewarded for service-based jobs and for making the White Man rich. Now it’s up to you to adapt and survive and thrive in a digital world. [13:44] Black people are skilled at making money, we came out of the womb making it! [15:01] It takes being brave to step out of your feelings and be willing to learn new things and believe in yourself fully. [16:33] The more Black people stand with and for each other, the more we can build our path instead of relying on White Men to give us permission to prosper. [18:06] If you don’t invest in yourself, don’t be looking for others to believe in you. [20:23] Yes, it’s been unfair and White people have been trifling and always are self-serving. They marched with us in the murder of George Floyd, but then 56% of White Women voted for Trump. Instead of fixating on this, use your energy to create something new and to help other Black voices rise. [27:37] Dr. Venus is building a tech company that allows Black Men and Women, POC, and allies to build something together and to be part of an emerging industry that isn’t run or owned by White people. [38:26] Allies are welcome, but Black Women are first because Dr. Venus wants to provide space for Black Women to experience being chosen and be THE priority. Quotes: “We ain’t broke, we just made other people rich!” “What if the history of Black money is rooted in the history of Black people standing for each other?” “When you have an idea that you can bring an idea to market, you just leveled the playing field for generations.” “I never give a handout, it’s always a hand up.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS, INFLUENCERS, ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEURS & TV/FILM WRITERS: I'm starting a tech company that features YOUR VOICE front and center! If you want to be THE FIRST to know about ALL things Dr. Venus’ tech start-up, fill out the form below for updates, launch dates, AND opportunities to be a part of history in the making!! http://bit.ly/DrVenusAppInfo RESOURCES Why the racial wealth gap persists, more than 150 years after emancipation Here’s why black families have struggled for decades to gain wealth Black Leaders During Reconstruction Black land loss in the United States 21 Most Successful Black Entrepreneurs Throughout History TECH RESOURCES 26 Apps Created by Black Women You Have to Check Out The Best Apps You Need to Know Designed By Black Developers 4 Must-Have Inspirational Apps Made for Black People by Black People This Black-Owned App Makes It Easy For Black Women To Find The Right Hairstylist Find & Support Black-Owned Businesses With These Apps & Websites
Dr. Venus is done living at the mercy of White Supremacy in terms of business, entertainment, and monetization. Instead of fighting the system, she is ready to start her own and bring those along who want a change. This week, she dives in on why she is SO done with White Men in Power, specifically the Senate. They are wielding their power in a way that shows us clearly that the same structures and power dynamic will always be in place to keep Black Americans living at the effect of White Supremacy. Dr. Venus is done with content creators, athletes, and entertainers being paid with the promise of exposure or hope while White Men cash in on Black pain and labor. That’s why we are no longer ok with being just cars paying our toll on the road, but now building our own highway. Let’s talk about it. Key Takeaways: [1:36] White Supremacists posing as public servants is an abomination to God, humanity, and life itself. [5:30] This is not a conversation where Dr. Venus is tripping on humanity. What she is more interested in is to shine a light on the White Men who have all the cards and the power structures set in place to keep it that way. This keeps Black people and POC living at the effect of this structure. [6:10] The success that has made America great has been built in the womb of Black women and on the backs of Black Men. In 1619, Black people arrived, not by choice, and the White man got labor for free while building even more laws and structures to make sure Black babies were literally born into slavery. [10:34] Dr. Venus has had enough of White people not only commanding our bodies but our culture. They make money off Black pain, brilliance, and talent whether it’s an athlete, comedian, actor, etc. [11:46] A majority of Black-based businesses require us to be there, so COVID-19 has locked us out of earning in a lot of ways. However, Dr. Venus sees it another way. Since the great equalizer in America is money, we can use the fact that now everything is turning tech and digital-based to our own advantage to build our own highway. [13:33] America has one true God — Capitalism. Let’s use this to our advantage instead of expecting anything to change. [16:14] White people have turned us into the cash cow, the talent. In order to move anything, we have to actually work within the notion of capitalism, not fairness or justice. [18:51] Instead of being a car on the highway paying the toll roads that others build, we can build our own highway. Until we own it, we will never be free. There are more of us than there are of them. [23:44] We are trying to make them change their behavior with our vote and behavior, but that isn’t the strategy that will work. They will be awful and try to hold onto power until they die. What we CAN do, is make our own highways and emancipate ourselves. [25:31] It’s time content creators get paid for their voice and their story and not just promised exposure or experience. This means creating a whole new platform, not playing in theirs. [25:51] The only thing that makes a difference in America is making your own money. [29:30] Dr. Venus has done it before with creating her own book and series, and she’s done fighting White people to hear her voice. She is ready to create her own tech company with the help of some tech geniuses and to help Black Men and Women get away from service-based businesses and into information. Quotes: “I never want a Black Woman to go through a White Man again for her dreams. But it takes a model and a Black Woman doing it first.” “They keep the money, but they make us the talent.” “New normal is not just content creation that pays in exposure, but building your own tech company.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition RESOURCES Everybody Is Making Bank Off Of Black Culture. Here's Why We MUST Monetize It Ourselves When White People Profit Off Of Black Pain BLACK IMPACT: CONSUMER CATEGORIES WHERE AFRICAN AMERICANS MOVE MARKETS Commodification of the Black Body, Sexual Objectification and Social Hierarchies during Slavery Blackness as a Commodification, Cultural Appropriation, and Other American Pastimes Top 11 Black-Owned Tech Companies to Invest in For 2021 Black-owned tech companies on the rise Black-Owned Apps Black-Owned Apps to Help You Live Your Best (and Most Sustainable) Life
Through the process of grieving through her brother’s transition due to COVID, Dr. Venus has committed to spending time and energy to become her best self. One of those actions is getting out into the dating scene and calling in the energy to be courted, wooed, and loved by a Black Man. She hired a personal trainer. Changed her diet. Even bought new shoes (that’s how serious it is!), and signed up for two dating apps that cost a pretty penny. Yet, when a White Man asked her out and she declined, she was called a racist. This leads to the discussion this week — are you racist when you decide to date within your own race, or are you a racialist, seeing the eye of humanity through race? Dr. Venus opens up and shares how deciding to date a Black Man is also a step in her healing, why it’s important to delineate between racist vs. racialist, and how the energy of love and money both requires you to both jump into action and claim what you desire. Key Takeaways: [3:05] Dr. Venus wants to get a few things straight. She is NOT Anti-White, but she is proudly Pro-Black. She is extremely open-minded and Queer identified. Saying she wants to call in the love of a Black Man is stating her preference, and a conscious decision for what she wants to do with HER own body. [5:05] The social justice issues Dr. Venus is passionate about things such as Black Lives Matter, Trans Rights, etc. is one of several reasons why she wants to date a Black Man. She doesn’t want to argue with a White Man about these things, especially not one she is dating. [8:37] How come a woman can’t say no without someone telling her what to do with her body, including who is inside her body? Dr. Venus explains how this stems from White Supremacy, where Black Women were just used for their bodies, instead of seen as a human being. [9:40] Dr. Venus is not a racist, but a racialist. She sees the world through the lens of race. [13:24] Dr. Venus may not have given Black Men a chance in the past, but she is open now and that is part of her healing. She explains the primary relationship she had with her father, who kept her alive but didn’t stay. [14:55] As someone who doesn’t follow the rules or the politics of a certain group, Dr. Venus is Queer Identified. While her former spouse was a woman, she has every right to now desire the love of a Black Man. [16:21] Just like money, if you want love, you have to make yourself energetically available to it. [18:00] Dr. Venus is already seeing Black Men come through her energetic space. She shares a story about a message she received, and when she called the man back to discuss how to be a better father, she almost choked at how attractive he was! While he didn’t come through any of her dating sites, it’s clear she is doing the work. [21:00] Are you willing to stand for what you want, even when people don’t agree? [24:12] If you don’t say what you want, how can you ever have what you want? You can’t have what you want if you aren’t willing to claim it. [27:02] Dr. Venus deciding to date a Black Man doesn’t mean she is narrow minded. It means she knows what she wants to call in, and is brave enough to claim it. [20:24] It’s okay to have desire and to decide what you want in your body. [33:34] Both in love and money, really think about if you are taking action to put yourself out there for what it is you deeply desire. Quotes: “Don’t call me a racist when I don't have any systemic power to enforce my rule.” “I love being Queer identified because it’s the only space where I could be my self.” “I pick the energetic connection that gives me the most room to be myself.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition RESOURCES ‘When Dating, Stick to Your Race’ Is it Racist to Only Date Your Own Race? Is It Racist to Date Only People of Your Own Race? No. Black Love Black Love Ideas Dating While Black: An Open, Honest Discussion About Black Love And Relationships Dating While Black
Life can be hard. It can be cruel and demanding, and at times a struggle to even get out of bed. This week, Dr. Venus opens up about the highs and lows that she has been feeling since her brother Tory transitioned on Christmas Eve due to COVID-19. She reminds us that it’s okay not to be okay and that everyone’s grieving process looks different. When life has knocked you to your knees, how do you keep going? Sometimes, even just the very smallest acts of self-care can have the largest impact on our healing. Join in and be part of the community. Key Takeaways: [5:06] Losing a loved one is deeply tragic. The extra trauma from COVID-19 deaths comes with the additional pain of not being able to be in person with our loved one. That extra element of comfort being ripped away can make the grief extremely painful. [9:33] Everyone grieves differently. Dr. Venus understands that people with previous trauma may have to work a little harder intentionally and consciously staying away from the things that may throw them off track from any progress. [11:47] It is a particular kind of systemic racism and alienation that keeps poor families more likely to have rifts and bad blood between them. Dr. Venus discusses how she didn’t see how much this was the case until she got well. [13:13] The first step of healing is to tell the truth. Don’t pretend you feel good or say you are fine when you are not. If you’re hurt, be hurt. [15:57] Nana, age 75, said ‘Always try to focus on the positive’ so that is what Dr. Venus is doing. She is giving herself space to grieve but also purposely pouring love on herself in every possible way. [17:42] The little things can go a long way when you are grieving and it feels like even just normal life can be a struggle. For Dr. Venus, ordering herself healthy meals and continuing with physical activity is huge. Also, putting on the occasional set of pearls, some lipstick, and berets can remind us that we are loved and worthy. Watching movies you love and listening to music that moves you also is healing for the soul. [20:02] Dr. Venus opens up about her dating life and her desire to feel what it is like to be deeply loved by a Black Man. It may be unchartered territory for her, but she is going in with an open heart. [23:02] Focus forward on the future and not the past. One way to do this is to immerse yourself in your passions, interests, and goals that create forward momentum. [25:50] It feels like all the good ones get taken too fast. It doesn’t make sense, but Dr. Venus believes we honor the love we have for ourselves and others by moving forward. [28:00] It’s essential to give yourself room to grieve and space to just receive any emotion that comes up. [29:51] It’s a blessing to be able to get up and try again. There is always hope, and when you let the pain win, you turn your back on God. We can honor God by moving forward. [32:38] We can grieve while we live and do what God has kept us alive to do. Quotes: “I can not tell you how many bad things were normal until I got well.” “Tell the truth about where you are.” “You can let yourself grieve while you live. It’s not either-or.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition RESOURCES You Can Heal Your Life The Prophet Therapy For Black Girls Brown Girl Selfcare A professional song selector shares 15 songs of Black women’s empowerment and freedom PERSONAL TRAINING http://RSfitnessLA.com DATING APPS The League Bumble HEALTHY GOURMET FOOD DELIVERY Factor YOUTUBE MUSIC VIDEO CHANNEL Jonathan McReynolds Playlist Make Room Tribl Refiner
In order to find your purpose and profit, you must make peace with white privilege. Dr. Venus had a huge realization recently when one of her viral videos spawned comments from the far right. She couldn’t understand where this rhetoric and hate was coming from, but then it dawned on her. They get their news and information from such different sources that it’s like trying to speak a whole other language with someone. What is clear to her is that profitability happens when you let something arise without making it about you, and you clear the energy that would block you from manifesting your millions and beyond. Simply put: dealing with White Privilege — especially UNSOLICITED Whiteness — can make you lose your religion. This week, it’s “real talk” about setting personal boundaries, letting go of the need to change others, and understanding privilege as a business strategy in today’s landscape. Key Takeaways: [4:48] Dr. Venus discusses the viral video of hers that made its way to some pretty extreme right-wing Trump supporters. They left comments harassing her for her looks, her beliefs, and continued to cite rhetoric she’s heard before but couldn’t understand where it came from. Until now. [8:20] Each culture has distinctions and a language inside of it. For the far-right, they react to certain trigger words without really thinking their argument completely through. [10:24] There are White people who understand that there is something inherently wrong in our society, but refuse to take any blame or admission. As Dr. Venus started to engage with a few of the more respectful people that left comments on the video, she understood something that gave her peace. [11:01] These people are not listening to mainstream media. They aren’t getting their information from the sources you may, so why would we expect them to have all the information we do and think the same way? When you get into an engagement, don’t assume you are looking at the same media channels. The far-right have their own TV channels, podcasts, blogs, etc. [16:15] “Dog Whistling” is an appeal or communication to a group when you are inside of that group. [18:53] Stop acting like they are against you, when they are really just for them. [19:11] It is a waste of your energy and power to try to change someone’s beliefs. We live in a world where being White means having access to “having” or “not having”. If you want your business to thrive, you need to know the landscape and what you are dealing with. [20:42] Don’t endow them with power, but you can respect what they say. [21:54] When you stay angry and upset, your energy is blocked and you aren’t able to receive the flow of money. Money is an energetic exchange, so while peace is an exquisite emotional experience, it is quite literally a necessary business strategy in 2021. [24:09] If you are desperate and feel as though the world is against you, you are pushing money away. [27:37] The trolls and haters have no power in the face of love. Instead of trying to correct them, set a personal boundary. You aren’t accountable for changing someone’s beliefs, but you are accountable for setting your own boundaries. [30:52] In this social climate, you have to have a new level of emotional maturity to not get pulled into conversations that do not move you forward. I need your eye on the prize. [33:26] The willingness to hear the world from another person’s point of view without having it mean something about YOU gives you a window of influence. When you do this, you make room for miracles, even if you can’t see them yet. Quotes: “Peace is a business strategy. Money is an energetic exchange.” “They talk about unity, we talk accountability.” “When we say race, they don’t hear race. They hear division. They talk peace, we talk responsibility. We are in two different conversations, although it may sound like we are talking the same language.” Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram “Hot Mess Millionaire” Amazon Pilot ”Hot Mess Millionaire” Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Join the conversation! Hot Mess Millionaire Facebook Group Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition RESOURCES Breaking Up with White Supremacy Was Always The End Game What White Privilege Really Means — and How to Work On It Explaining White Privilege To a Broke White Person What’s The Big Deal About White Privilege? The Legacy of White Privilege and Power is Pain, Anger, and Fear
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