Pivotal Moment with Nikitta Foston

KARIMA! With her smash hit “Redeemer,” Karima opened D-Nice's Club Quarantine Live for nearly 20,000 fans at Hollywood Bowl. Now, “Redeemer” is #1 on Billboard Gospel. “If you're afraid, do it anyway,” she tells Pivotal Moment. In this episode, the Grammy-nominated artist talks about selfies, chicken noodle soup, her new clothing line - and just how quickly God can turn your world around. Listen to the full episode!   IG: @karimatrotter Watch Karima's "Redeemer"  

“There are possibilities you have not considered because of the presence of anxiety,” says Grammy-nominated artist, Brian Courtney Wilson. The gospel superstar talks to Pivotal Moment about his mission, his music, and how to move your mountain. Learn about his recent collaboration with Ledisi, his 5th and most recent album, Still, and his new podcast, “Breathe Again,” live on Facebook every Thursday at 6p CT. Wilson is the winner of multiple Stellar Awards, a GMA Dove Award, and an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award. He's also received nominations for NAACP Image, Billboard Music, BET Soul Train Music, and Grammy awards.  IG: @briancourtneywilson Twitter: @BCourtneyWilson FB: Brian Courtney Wilson| Breathe Again, Live Podcast, Thursdays @ 6p CT Website: briancourtneywilson.com 

Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Mariah Carey were among his celebrity clients for his first business. That power of celebrity soon led Fred Mwangaguhunga, a former Wall Street tax attorney, to create MediaTakeOut, featuring the hottest African-American celebrity news online. MTONews, known as the “Black TMZ,” has been featured in Black Enterprise, Vogue, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, GQ, and the New York Post. If you’re looking to start or expand your business, listen to Mwangaguhunga’s advice to transform your idea into a reality.  For the latest celebrity and entertainment news, visit MTOnews.com

Allen Iverson’s wicked crossover became part of her WNBA game before thrilling crowds as a Harlem Globetrotter. Now, Joyce Ekworomadu is using her skills off the court to inspire and empower as a motivational speaker. “It’s about the business of serving others,” she says. “Who can your life story help?" In the league, Ekworomadu is known as “Sweet J” for her smooth jump shot, including 15 threes (in a row) that clinched her spot with the Globetrotters. She is only the 12th female in history to play for the Globetrotters and the first Nigerian player. “As a woman," she says, "you have to go in proving yourself. You have to earn it.” Now she's teaching others how to find their gift, their space, and their place in the world. "It may not be about basketball or sports, but it’s always about purpose.” To learn more or to book Ekworomadu, visit her website at: www.jmoneytalks.com IG: @missjoyce22 Twitter: @missdeucedeuce Photo: @KRISHPHOTOS

"Vote because she can't," says Zachary Huff, founder of the Stamped Out Movement. The 19-year-old Chicago artist launched the social justice movement after the tragic deaths of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, and 12 others as a result of, "police brutality, systemic racism, and institutionalized racial bias," Huff told Pivotal Moment. The Chicago activist created commemorative stamps, including posters hung across U.S. cities, encouraging citizens to VOTE, and encouraging his fellow youth advocates to promote the cause for justice across social media.  Visit www.stampedoutmovement.com for more information, to donate, or to be a part of the movement in your city. 

“We are growing and we’ve got a great product on the court,” says Kelsey Plum, 5’8” point guard for the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces and member of the USA team. In 2017, Plum was named espnW Player of the Year, AP Women’s Player of the Year, and the #1 draft pick. Although she was on the injured list this season, she continues to make moves off the court, representing the Nike brand and cheering on her teammates who advanced to the 2020 WNBA semifinals under former Detroit Piston and current head coach, Bill Lambert. With an eye toward the Finals, the Aces and Plum are looking for the win. In this episode, Plum encourages us to dream big as she describes what she did to bring her vision to life and the pivotal moment that changed it all. 

“Sports was transformative to my life,” says Michael Alter, owner of the Chicago Sky. “It changed the way I view the world.” On Pivotal Moment, Alter shares his vision for the Chicago Sky and how the city’s newest sports team is making a run for the finals in 2020. “We’re championship-ready.”  Alter, who played in the AAU league with industry legends like Terry Cummings and Isaiah Thomas, says that he would not have had exposure to the diversity of players or communities without basketball. "It changed the way I view the world."  Now, the Chicago Sky is looking to make an impact through sports. The team announced its social justice initiative, #SkyTakesAction, which will support Chicago organizations based on game performance: $10 for every point scored, $100 for every win, and $50 for every loss during the  2020 season. The WNBA opened its 2020 season this week at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, the home base for all teams and games. All WNBA players will wear jerseys with Breonna Taylor's name on the back.  Click on the link below to view the full schedule for the Chicago Sky. Chicago Sky 2020 Schedule    

"You don't have to wait to be great," says 12-year-old Marvel Superhero, Jahkil Jackson. "Become a change agent now." And change the world he has.   Inspired by a visit to a homeless shelter, Jackson decided he wanted to help. At just 5-years-old, he created Blessing Bags, filled with toiletries to distribute to the nation's homeless, from Chicago to Los Angeles and every stop in between.   Now, Jackson is a CNN Hero, a member of LeBron James' Always Believe campaign, and most recently, a Marvel Superhero. Check out his show, Make Way for Jahkil, part of Marvel's Hero Project, on Disney+. Jackson's vision has captured worldwide recognition and the attention of entertainers, athletes, and industry leaders.   Visit Project I Am for more information and details on how you can help.https://officialprojectiam.com/

Question: When "Sex in the City" meets a black "Friends" ensemble, what do you get? Answer: Felischa Marye’s new hit, "BIGGER," on BET+ The show follows five thirty-something friends and their quest for all things BIGGER: from paychecks, to careers, to success in relationships. Marye talks about leaving public relations for film school at UCLA, where she later sold her first comedy sample to HBO. Tune in for the moment that changed it all!! BET+ Exclusive - The visually stunning world of, "BIGGER,"  Hollywood’s Newest TV Writer

Her client was accused of murdering a 5-year-old kid. But that didn’t stop LaTonya Burton, criminal defense attorney, from stepping to her client’s side in the courtroom. “They will be looking at me -- not you,” she assured the troubled woman. “I will take the heat.” “I am able to see past what the crime is, or alleged crime, to see the person,” Burton says. “Lawyers can be the most important part of getting your freedom and liberty back.”  Burton, a partner with Bur-Men Law Group, was the first African-American public defender in Lake County, Illinois. Now in private practice alongside partner Renea Amen, the firm focuses on criminal law, civil law and family law, with a special emphasis on father’s rights. Burton is bold, passionate and unapologetic about standing up and speaking out for her client’s rights. She talks to us about her Pivotal Moment, a letter she penned to God and the phone call that came immediately after. Burton shares her insight about standing beside those who society leaves behind and the rewards of defending those who need it most. Learn more about Bur-Men Law Group: https://www.burmenlawgroup.com/ Learn more about LaTonya Burton: https://www.burmenlawgroup.com/latonya-burton.html

Danny Glover. Taraji P. Henson. Hill Harper. Will Packer. Muhammad Ali. Those are just a few of the names that award-winning journalist, author, and columnist, Maudlyne Ijehirika has interviewed over an illustrious career in media. But there’s still one person she hasn’t covered. Find out in our interview. Named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Chicago Journalism, Ijehirika pens “Chicago Chronicles,” a  long-form column on "people and places that make Chicago tick," with a focus on black and brown communities. She is the author of "Escape from Nigeria: a Memoir of Faith, Love, and War." During an interview at the Chicago Sun-Times offices, Ijehirika opens up about her faith, fears and her background as an immigrant and refugee. She talks about her Pivotal Moment and shares a story she’s never told anyone else. Ijehirika is the president of the National Association of Black Journalists - Chicago and president of the Chicago Journalists Association. Ijehirika has appeared on CNN, FOX, ABC, CBS, and NPR among other outlets. She’s a frequent guest contributor on WTTW’s "Chicago Tonight: Week In Review" and FOX32’s "Good Day Chicago." Learn more about Maudlyne at:https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/maudlyne-ihejirika Follow: @Maudlynei on Twitter & IG

With more than 2.5M views on a recent YouTube video and nearly 50k subscribers, Chicago's Candice Childress is taking the beauty world by storm. Her signature style has been featured on broadcast networks like the OWN Network, ESPN and her artistry has graced the covers of magazines worldwide. She talks to us about a pivotal moment involving Cover Girl cosmetics AND the experiences that gave her the courage to be bold, fierce and flawless. In creating the perfect style for clients, the Chicago beauty boss has worked with celebrated brands like Urban Decay, Pixie Beauty and Mented Cosmetics. In the future, she'd love to work with MAC, Fenty and her favorite, Sam Fine.  Check out Candice's advice on building your brand on YouTube: 1. Stay ahead of the trend2. Know your audience3. Categorize your audience's interests4. Meet your audience's needs5. Integrate your message across platforms Download Pivotal Moment for more tips and learn more at www.eyecandycandicemakeup.com. Also find us on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes and Google Play Music. 

"It's rewarding to help other people fulfill their dreams about their business and help their businesses grow," says Kimberly Evans Killion, who took a unique off-the-beaten-path into financial services. In a newly-created global role, Killion was named Head of Private Capital Administration, North America, for Northern Trust. In this capacity, she will focus on Northern Trust’s global capabilities on a segment of the alternatives market experiencing rapid asset growth and increased demands for transparency. On Pivotal Moment, the Chicago native shares the amazing story of how her humble beginnings set the stage for her quest for excellence and her trajectory in the field. At the heart of the story, she reveals a moment in a grocery store with her mother and siblings when she was just six-years-old, that would forever guide her path.  Killion also shares how one important mentor helped propel her from struggle and uncertainty -- to triumph. Today, she speaks at schools, colleges, seminars, and panels regarding her journey and how financial services can be both a viable and lucrative career choice. If you are the boss or plan to become one, listen to Killion's journey and the surprising stops along the way to the top.

For more than two decades, Dr. Margena Christian met with John H. Johnson to share the hottest stories of the day as a member of the Jet magazine team.  Johnson, the founder of Johnson Publishing Company, created an international empire, including Ebony, Jet and Fashion Fair Cosmetics. In 1982, Johnson was the first African-American on Forbes magazine's list of the 400 wealthiest Americans.  In "Empire: The House that John H. Johnson Built," Dr. Christian reveals personal insights on Johnson's passion, personality, and vision for his company.  With a foreword by Jesse L. Jackson Sr., rave reviews and a spot at the top of the charts, could a movie deal be in the works?? Download to find out here.  Dr. Christain says she wrote the book to preserve our history, to document our legacy, and to make sure that Mr. Johnson's legacy survives. "We need gatekeepers who look like us to tell our stories. We must speak in our name. We have power." "Empire: The House that John H. Johnson Built," is available on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, via Kindle, via Nook, and on Dr. Christian's website at www.margenachristian.com.  

Move over Tom Brady; there's a new QB in town. And her name is Sami Grisafe. But the retired female QB of The Chicago Force Women's Football team does more than win football championships across the globe. Spoiler alert. Voted MVP, Grisafe led her team to two international football victories and one national championship. Still, as impressive as her performance is on the field, so is her performance on the stage including her ukulele rendition of the national anthem. Yes, ukulele. What better? In addition to national anthem performances for the Chicago Cubs and White Sox teams, Grisafe has flexed her anthem skills on the mic before the start of several Chicago Force games, including the team's international championships. At the request of then-governor Patt Quinn, Governor sang the national anthem at the signing of the Marriage Equality Act. Known for her sultry sounds and rock vocals, Grisafe's first album, Atlantis, earned six pre-Grammy nods. Her upcoming album, which will debut next year, will serve as the soundtrack for the soon-to-be-released documentary on the singer-athlete's life, A Football Story. Wait, there's more. This month, she'll be inducted into the Semi-pro Hall of Fame. Yep.  In the interim, check out Grisafe's song, 'It's All Un-American' here. It's a message for Donald Trump.  

At just 5' tall, she's a giant above the rest. Miami model-maker Sunnie Morrison is revolutionizing the runway and making space for girls and women of color in the process. Her Miss Runway Competition offers has helped hundreds of girls to be powerful, to be beautiful --and to be fearless. From 4-years-old to over 18, Sunnie's girls are dominating, ON and OFF the runway. For the winner? A trip to New York’s Fashion Week, a photo shoot in Times Square and Central Park, $1,000  and a year as the spokesperson for an issue affecting our nations. Miss Runway enters it’s 11th season this year. Stay tuned at the end of the show as Sunnie Morrison provides daily tips for beauty every day of the week.

Rita Crundwell stole $53 million and no one knew. It’s the largest case of municipal fraud in American history. But how could this happen and no one notice? "All the Queen’s Horses," now on Netflix, answers that question. The documentary reveals how the comptroller in the quiet town of Dixon, Illinois, single-handedly stole a fortune to live lavishly and to build one of the nation’s largest quarter horse breeding empires. Created by DePaul professor and CPA, Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope, the documentary follows the global money trail and the award-winning horses Crundwell left behind.  Check out the trailer to All the Queen's Horses 

Sally Hazelgrove is making a difference in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. Her after-school boxing program, The Crushers Club, takes kids off the streets, and trains them to box, teaches them to lead, and pays them - YES, PAYS THEM, in the process. The Englewood club has employed hundreds of Chicago youth.  Crushers Club also offers a music education program, and this month, a new YouTube talk show, JoJo TV. Hazelgrove talks to Pivotal Moment about what happened at just 10-years-old and how it guides her today. She tells us about the impact she’s made in Englewood - and around the world.   Crusher's Mission:"Our mission is to be the strongest alternative to gangs. We arm young people with the support and skills they need to restore their lives and improve their neighborhood. Crushers Club is rooted if four ideals - respect, discipline, ownership, and love - that give our members a fighting chance."--Sally Hazelgrove, Founder For more information, visit Crushers Club.

Rapper Chi Candi, known for her smooth sounds and dope curves, continues her rise on the charts with sold out shows in the U.S. and Dubai, marking her claim to fame and leaving fans calling out for more. She talks to Pivotal Moment about being the only female rapper on the national stage for BET’s One Shot and how she had to impress judges like T.I., DJ Khaled,  RZA, Tech9, Mike Smith -- and yes, Twista. And despite Chicago's reputation for violence, Chi Candi says, "Chicago is not just one thing. We are many things. I'm who I am and where I am because of this town."  Check out her sizzling single and video, I'm Hott, and listen to excerpts throughout the show. 

Running ESPN, or most of it anyway, isn't easy. But Rob King has a plan, a mission and a playbook that continues to lead ESPN to bigger, better and greater. "We're judged on how well we do, by how well others do."  If you're interested in a dream job, or your next role, listen to King's insight on positioning yourself as the solution to the problem that the hiring manager is trying to solve. King talks about a candidate for ESPN, whose approach that he considered GENIUS! Tune in for King's pivotal moments and his career tips that can make the difference from where you are to where you want to be.  The degree to which you listen and communicate is the degree to which opportunities open up.  Produce where you consume.  If you're in a position to help someone succeed, do it.  When you're authentically yourself, that's when you've arrived.  Listen to the full episode for more career advice and the pivotal moments that led King to ESPN and continue to define his approach to the industry. 

For former NFL player Major Wright, "Kill or be killed," has always been his mantra, the result of an incident in a local park at just seven-years-old that would forever change the course of his career.  That pivotal moment would eventually lead Major to the University of Florida and a BCS Championship, to the Chicago Bears and an NFC Championship, to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the American Flag Football League. Now, Wright is CEO of The Wright Baagz, a new line of book bags for the athlete. In the meantime, his Good Deed Tuesdays, #GDT, continue to provide mentorship to young athletes across the country.  Influenced by NFL veterans like Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers, and Lance Briggs, Wright shares words of wisdom for young athletes and NFL hopefuls. "No matter how great of a player you are, you will not see the field if you are not coachable." For more information about The Wright Baagz, visit: http://thewrightbaagz.xom 

"Michael! Michael!" Comedian, actor, and author Michael Colyar could hardly get to his seat at The BET Awards as fans and celebs gave a shout-out to the hilarious Chicago-born personality. Find out what Rick Ross and Snoop Dogg said to Colyar and what REALLY happened at Jamie Foxx’s after party. On Pivotal Moment, Colyar talks about the moment AND the person who helped him beat his 23-year cocaine addiction -- and how prayer saved him in his darkest moments.  You’ve seen Colyar in Blackish, Martin, House Party III, Norbit, and you’ve heard him in Disney’s Princess and the Frog. He is the star of the one-man play, Michael Colyar’s Momma, slated for a 100-city tour. And according to Colyar, next on the list for Netflix. Tune in for the FIRST episode of Pivotal Moment, and remember, "Where you are and where you want to be is within reach."  For more information, visit www.therealmichaelcolyar.com.