10 Iconic Black Action Heroes

 I recently had a conversation with my brother about Black superheroes and Black action heroes. The differences between them, and if there really is a difference. So of course the wheels started spinning in my brain.

I present 10 iconic Black action heroes through film and TV. For clarification this list will focus on the characters, and not the actors who played them. I omitted two just because everyone knows them, John Shaft originally played by Richard Roundtree and later Uncle Samuel L. Jackson. And my boy the one and only Bruce Leroy. Now that's all out the way, let's get into the list.

10. Blackbelt Jones

Blackbelt Jones was a Blaxploitation era hero. Portrayed by Jim Kelley who was known for starring in Enter The Dragon with Bruce Lee. This local L.A. hero kicked alot of ass protecting his neighborhood and karate school from mobsters.

One of the first depictions of Black martial artists, he paved the way for my guy Bruce Leroy. Zack from Power Rangers, and even the multiple Michael Jai White martial arts characters.

9. John Cutter

In the early-mid 90's Wesley Snipes was everywhere. I previously wrote a blog about his run of action films. Which all started with John Cutter in Passenger 57. A decorated ex-law enforcement agent who has to save the day when a plane is taken over, to release a criminal on board.

This truly is the film and role that made Wesley Snipes an action star.

8. Action Jackson

While Carl Weathers will always be known as Apollo Creed. His second most memorable role was of one Action Jackson. A Detroit detective who gets into some shady union and business dealings.

The film is all 80's muscles and mayhem action. Through its presentation Action Jackson became a legend in the common man action hero lore.

7. B.A. Baracus

Take one of the most unique personalities in entertainment history. Pair him up with a team of ex-military soldiers for hire, and we have B.A. Baracus from the A-Team. A gruff quick tempered fighter. The only thing holding him back from being a total bad-ass, is his fear of flying.

Yet no one would dare try Bad Attitude Baracus more than once. Making him an action hero icon.

6. Morpheus

Morpheus the sage resistance leader within The Matrix. Very stoic and good at holding his composure, he was an excellent leader on the battlefield. And a master combat fighter and marksman.

A central figure in the trio of heroes within the Matrix universe. Morpheus inspired a new generation of stoic philosophical field leaders.

5. Black Dynamite 

First things first, we should have had an entire trilogy of films for Black Dynamite. The 2009 Blaxploitation era spoof and homage film, follows Michael Jai White as a former CIA agent. Bent on cleaning up the streets, after his brother is killer by a new drug.

The movie is funny as hell, Michael Jai White is perfect in the role. And it hits all the right points, Black Dynamite is also a masterful fighter and a ace with the gun in his hand.

4 Robert McCall (The Equalizer)

Robert McCall a former Marine and Intelligence agent, is "retired" and just wants to live his life lowkey and out the way. When he helps out a young lady he has befriended, he lands in the wrath of some mobsters. He then has to show them he's not the one to mess with.

McCall is gentle but ruthless, a walking deadly weapon who plays no games. And he goes on about his business, making him a action icon.

3 Roger Martaugh

Roger Martaugh always remarked how he was "too old for this shit", now I completely understand what he meant. He just wanted to go home, and retire. With a loose cannon like Riggs by his side, it wasn't easy.

Martaugh was the perfect everyman action hero, a family man who could still jump into the thick of things when needed. If he was gonna end up sore as hell the next day.

2 Axel Foley

Eddie Murphy may not have started the quick thinking, wisecracking cop character is Axel Foley. What he did do though is absolutely perfect it, so much he influenced future wisecracking cop roles (Det. James Carter).

Axel Foley is just a regular street cop from Detroit, that somehow always finds his way back to Beverly Hills. To tear that city up, scheme a little, and save the day before heading back home usually with just a little scratch.

1 Mike Lowrey & Marcus Burnett 

Miami PD detectives and best friends family man Marcus Burnett and Romeo adrenaline junkie Mike Lowrey. Two bickering buddies that went from a shootout here and there, to full assault weapon battles over the course of four films.

Displaying apprehension, fear, a will to get out alive, and through out all the battles still bickering. Common cops trying to take down local crime who become action heroes. Since 1995 they've set the standard for cop duos.

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Black Led Cartoons For Today's Kid's

 One thing I quickly learned since becoming a parent in 2020, was that you soon get sucked into the shows your kid watches. If it's not the theme song randomly popping in your head, or the toy's you end up buying. Or actually realizing that it actually is a good show, you also make sure that your kid's see people that look like them on TV.

Representation matters there is absolutely no doubt about it, unfortunately avenues to include more representation are currently under attack by folks who don't love themselves so they hate everyone else. We must keep representation and what it mean's for kid's alive, so with that here modern cartoons featuring Black led characters for today's kid's to check out.

Craig Of The Creek

Craig Of The Creek was a standout favorite on the fall from grace cable channel that is the Cartoon network. Debuting in 2018, the show features the main character craig and his band of friends as they play at a nearby creek, using their vast imaginations to make the creek their own little world and navigating life in the process. The show just ended it's final season last month and went out with much fanfare.

Reruns still air on Cartoon network, and it is available on streaming services such Max and Hulu.

Motown Magic

This Netflix original is a favorite in my house and a genius idea in my opinion. Using the legendary music from Motown records and inspiration from cartoons such as The Magic School Bus. The series also debuting in 2018, follows a young boy Ben who stumbles upon a paintbrush that is magical in nature. It allows him to bring colorful art to life and through the power of Motown learn some lessons each episode.

While still available on Netflix, it only lasted two season's which is a shame because while several Motown favorites were played, there is a vault of classics that were never touched.

Doc Mcstuffins

The Doc is Here! Doc McStuffins the cartoon is well over 10 years old, debuting in 2012 yet kid's of today still love it. Dottie "Doc" McStuffins aspires to be a doctor like her mother, and with the power of his magic stethoscope and toys she brings to life she is able to start working towards that goal. Fixing toys from dolls to stuff animals healing them from their ailments. And as customary for most kid show's she learns important life lessons in every episode. 

The cartoon was a Disney Channel hit during it's original run which ended in 2020. I'm sure one of the Disney networks still air reruns, but it's available to watch on Disney plus and Hulu.

Ada Twist, Scientist

Another Netflix original Ada Twist, Scientist is a show in a similiar vain as Doc McStuffins. Debuting in 2021 the series follows the highly intelligent 9 year old Ada, full of imagination she has a book of scientific inventions and her own "magical' lab she can conduct experiments in. She also has three friends who are equally as smart by her side to assist in her science hijinks. 

The series focuses on the STEM field and imagination amongst kids. Encouraging them to persevere and not give up when something goes wrong the first time. There have been four season's of the show with the last one airing in 2023, it has not officially been cancelled by Netflix so hopefully more episodes are on the way. 

Lyla In The Loop

A PBS kid's production, Lyla In The Loop debuted last year on the network. It features a 7 year old girl named Lyla and her sidekick pet Stu, although no one really knows what kind of animal Stu is. Along with her family, Lyla and Stu navigate the life of a 7 year old in the city. Using critical thinking skills and her imagination, she innocently get's into mischief while also brainstorming her way out. Becoming a problem solver for those around her. Season 1 recently ended, so let's hope that season 2 is not far behind.

Karma's World

Another Netflix show that debuted in 2021, this one receives a lot of airtime in my house. Karma's World follows middle schooler Karma Grant who learns she has a skill of making good music. She also learns all the good music can bring to the world, while simultaneously learning about herself and gaining confidence. One of her song's Proud Of My Hair is quite infectious, you hear it and will be singing it to yourself for some days. While the show hasn't had any new episodes since 2022, hopefully new ones are being developed, in the meantime there is plenty of Karma's merchandise available in stores (trust me I know).

My Dad The Bounty Hunter

Netflix is really leading the pack here with cartoons featuring Black led characters. For kid's who love a good sci-fi adventure, this one is for them. My Dad The Bounty Hunter features brother and sister Sean and Lisa, while they are half earthlings they think their father is a typical boring dad. Until they accidentally catch a ride to one of his missions and find out he is a well known Bounty Hunter chasing down criminals of all species within the galaxy. It has some comedy and kid appropriate action scenes, as well as showing a loving Black family.

It debuted in 2023 and has 2 seasons before being cancelled by the streaming service. Which is a shame but there are still 19 episodes you can watch on repeat over and over again. 

Ariel

Based off the 2023 version of Ariel from Disney's Little Mermaid starring Hailey Bailey. This cartoon debuted on Disney Jr. last summer, and follows the misadventures of Ariel alongside her pals Sebastian and Flounder. Learning about the undersea life outside of her kingdom, and life lessons on how to treat other's and herself. It truly is just an updated version of the story for a new generation and hasn't changed much about the lore.

However if kid's today enjoyed the original Little Mermaid and the live-action remake, they will enjoy this one. While it has not been officially renewed by disney, I'm sure it will soon. 

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Ten Black Celebrity Crushes Of All Time

One day my brother and I had a random conversation about celebrity crushes and the pinwheels started moving in my head. I started thinking about celebrity crushes that span generations, and since it's Black History Month and Valentine's Day is this week. I decided to write one on ten Black celebrities that were just about everyone's crush at one time or another. This list is based on several debates and discussions, and some social media research on who is still relevant. I'm ready for all kudos and backlash, so here we go.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good started her career in the 90's as a child actor with small appearances in films like Friday, and starring roles in Eve's Bayou and the television show Cousin Skeeter. In the early 2000's when she reached adulthood it didn't take long for many to realize just how attractive she is. In fact early 2000's Meagan Good started her run of being drop dead gorgeous and instantly becoming many men's celebrity crushes.

The 2012 film Think Like A Man solidified she is simply fine. She has held that title for 20 plus years now and the older she get's the finer she get's. Even today in her early forties she can still pass for a twentysomething and look's as beautiful as ever.

Pam Grier

                                                    

Some younger folks maybe asking Pam Grier? and I'm here to say damn right Pam Grier. In the 1970's she starred in Blaxploitation classics like Foxy Brown, Friday Foster and Coffy. Exuding a confident Black woman who oozed sex appeal and could also handle her own. My uncles told me she was their first celebrity crush back in those days. Her 80's and early 90's run she kind of flew under the radar until she made an appearance on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Playing an ex-girlfriend of Uncle Phil who seduces Will. Then came 1997's Jackie Brown, which at that point a new generation was asking about this forty something year old woman and going who is that?

In the almost 30 years since that film has released and thanks to the power of social media, Pam Grier is still a massive crush of many men amongst different generations. Just hashtag her name and social media and you will see endless posts dedicated to her and her beauty.

Stacey Dash

Stacey Dash has caught alot of ill will in recent years, for many believing she has gone off the deep end due to her political beliefs and just life in general. However, even if you feel that way now there is no denying once upon a time she was That LADY! Starting with her role in 1992's Mo' Money and a few years later her iconic role as Dionne in Clueless. Everyone was mesmerized by her flawless brown skin, smile, and those big engaging pretty eyes. Add in she was much older than she looked, she was the personification of the term Black Don't Crack playing a teenager in her late twenties-early thirties (she reprised the role of Dionne in the Clueless TV show).

Even today at almost 60 years old, she is still a very attractive woman. The kid's of today who weren't alive when she played her iconic roles, see her films and go damn who's that?

Vanessa Williams

I will admit when I discussed this blog topic, my brother was adamant about Vanessa Williams, and I kept asking Vanessa Williams? for all time? so I went down the rabbit hole of social media and damnit she apparently has been the crush of many men over the years. It's not hard to see why, she is gorgeous, has those striking blue eyes, was a model, singer and actress. She was the first Black woman to win Miss America in 1984. And she did a penthouse spread a  few years later, which honestly most of the crushes gained in the 80's came from.

She is what many may describe as a classical beauty, has never really aged and continued her career with grace. Even now in her early 60's she still has her fair share of men that would trip over themselves to have just an opportunity to stand next to her. 

Alysia Rogers

Speaking of kid's today asking "Damn who's that?", Alysia Rogers is a first time crush of many young men. She just happened to disappear from the public eye and have many asking whatever happened to her? She first appeared in the classic film Boyz N The Hood as Ricky's girlfriend and son's mother Shanice. She really turned heads a year later in 1992's Class Act as Damita. The pretty, sultry, and low key intelligent young lady smitten with Kid's character Duncan Penderhughes.

Then after turning head's she stopped working in Hollywood. Apparently she has a instagram account that show's she has aged very gracefully. And if you check social media today there are several threads dedicated to the beauty of one ms. Damita. And again Gen Z youth's are clamoring over this timeless beauty.

Aaliyah

If you know me, you know Aaliyah was one of my all time crushes ever. 14-15 year old me legit thought I was going to marry her someday. Well apparently so did a lot of other young men around my age. A natural beauty in the Hollywood and music industry, she stood out as she was gearing up to make a bigger impact in the business.

Her look's were versatile as she could be a tomboy or runway model and look just as beautiful either way. Her sad unfortunate death at the age of 22, has only made her legacy even bigger and in the weird way of teenage boys minds. Has made her an all time crush spread across generations.

Janet Jackson 

The youngest of the legendary Jackson sibling's, Janet Jackson has always had that quiet, sexy demeanor about her which intrigued many young men coming into their own. In the 80's with the Control and Rhythm Nation albums, she had young men saying "Ok Janet" while she was breaking hearts. Then when the 90's came Janet cranked her sex appeal all the way up and left tongues on the floor. While she broke even more hearts and crushed the record charts and music videos with her dance moves.

Janet is almost 60 now, still touring and moving across the stage like she is in her 20's. One thing's for sure from Gen X to Millennials and likely even some Gen Z. Janet Jackson adorned many walls and desktop wallpapers. For that she forever will be an all time crush.

Rihanna

Hailing from the island of Barbados, Rihanna exudes sex appeal and has a chill yet dominant personality. Hitting the music scene in 2005, folk's really started noticing Rihanna during her Good Girl Gone Bad era in 2007 and she hasn't lost any steam since. I have heard several men of all race's mention how attractive they think Rihanna is. Which mean's Rihanna has juice (old school reference for the kids). 

With twenty years in the public eye, she has went through several different era's and in each found her own style which makes her even more attractive. She's a bit of a maneater when you look at how many guys in the industry she has left crying for her to come back. Which honestly is attractive to many men, which is why so many have a crush on her.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry is one celebrity that is probably universally agreed upon she is drop dead gorgeous. Becoming the crush of many, many young men in the 90's and early 2000's. In fact Halle Berry was such a huge crush of many, it was damn near a event when she went topless for literally 2 seconds in 2001's SwordFish. I'm also positive that scene generated more ticket sales for the movie than the actual movie itself, being as though it really wasn't good. 

She came a long way from the girl next door in some early 90's role's like Boomerang and one of my favorites Strictly Business to a bonafide sex symbol. Aging gracefully as she approaches 60, Halle can still break many of the hearts that clamored for her to this day.

Nia Long

Nia Long, Nia Long! A true 90's "it" girl that has transcended that title through the years. Whether you saw her as Brandi in Boyz 'N The Hood, Lisa in Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, Debbie in Friday or Bird in Soul Food. You fell in love with Nia Long at some point during the 90's and 2000's. And for many of us that has not gone anywhere as she graced our screens over the year. 

I have a perfect story on why Nia Long is still everyone's crush. One time several years ago we were playing charades and the word my brother had was "fine", legit all he said was "Nia Long" and my father yelled out "Fine!" and we got our point lol. A true real life testament to just how much everyone of several generations love some Nia Long.

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Iconic Black Video Game Characters

 

It's February, while Black History is 365 days a year. February is the month where it's highlighted and honored a bit more. I partake in the celebrations with my blogs trying to put my own little spin on things, this year I decided to focus on Black characters in video games.

Much like other genres, Black main characters in video games are still a work in progress. There are some instrumental Black characters in the medium. However, that is still few and far between. I've compiled five Black main characters from video games, who many may consider legendary video game characters. This list isn't a ranking per say, just a list.

Alyx Vance

                                

Alyx Vance debuted in 2004's Half-Life 2 as a Non-Playable Character (NPC). She appears in subsequent games in the franchise such as Half-Life Episode One and Episode Two. She was the main character in the virtual reality game, Half-Life: Alyx. The funny thing is other than the latter game she is a supporting character in the series helping main character Gordon Freeman in his missions, but is well-revered. 

Alyx is a very tech savvy prominent figure in the fight against The Combine, the alien empire ruling over humans. Computer skills aren't her only traits as she can fight and use weapons with the best of them. She is also an outgoing wise-cracking personality, which in the world of video games is not common for a Black female character. Which makes her so special in the medium. 

Jax

The Character of Jax Briggs debuted in 1993's Mortal Kombat II searching for his partner Sonya Blade. Jax is a U.S. Special Forces soldier, identified by his bionic arms which give him super strength that maybe only matched by the likes of a Superman or Thor. Besides his brute strength granted to him by his arms he also fights in the styles of Judo and Muy Thai. He has appeared in eleven Mortal Kombat game series of course with redesigns throughout the years. He has been a fan favorite over the years when it comes to selecting a fighter in the games.

Outside of the game realm, he has been portrayed in all three live action Mortal Kombat films. Mortal Kombat (1995), Mortal Kombat Annihilation (1997) played by Lynn Red Williams. Michael Jai White played him in the short-film Mortal Kombat: Rebirth (2010) and the follow up series Mortal Kombat: Legacy (2011). He most recently was played by Mechad Brooks in 2021's Mortal Kombat film.

CJ 

Carl Johnson also known as CJ, just a kid from the mean streets of Los Santos and a member of the Grove Street gang. Coming back home to Los Santos from Liberty City, after the death of his mother. CJ finds a brand new world from the one he left. CJ partook in criminal elements, but he was a good guy who at times displayed a conscience and confliction about his deeds. But make no mistake he wasn't a pushover. 

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was a game changer on PS2 for it's vast open world expansion across the great state of San Andreas, and the ability to customize CJ's wardrobe and look throughout the game. I distinctly remember dressing CJ in all black with a gold chain and a bucket hat cruising around in his black and gold low rider. 

As is customary in the GTA world CJ quickly was sprung from his neighborhood all across the glitz of Las Venturas and the quirks of San Fiero. CJ came across all facets of the criminal underworld and defeated them all to make a good life for himself outside of Los Santos and the criminal element. 

Lincoln Clay 

Lincoln Clay is the protagonist in Mafia III (which by the way I think it's time for another game in the Mafia series). Lincoln is a Vietnam War vet who returns to his home of New Bordeaux (based on New Orleans). Much like depictions of heroes in movies, Lincoln just trying to find steady work get's caught up in the underworld. Soon he sets out to avenge some close friends and family lost to the mob, while building his own empire and dealing with racism.

Props to the creators of the game, because while Lincoln is a very calm but strong minded man. Who uses strategy and rationalizes things, he is also a conflicted man. Violent and suffering from ptsd which plays a part in his characterization while also shedding light on the struggles many military vets go through. Lincoln was not afraid to spring into action and bust some heads, while still having visions and flashbacks of the world he left behind overseas. Which should be examined more, but this isn't the blog for that.

Adam Hunter

The first Black character I can recall that was depicted in a video game. Adam Hunter was a former cop in the world of Streets Of Rage which was released in 1991, and one of the primary characters.  The older brother of Eddie "Skate" Hunter, Adam was all muscle in the world of the game.

Since this was an early 90's property, characterization wasn't really a huge deal back then. Much isn't known about Adam except his history as a cop, relation to Skate, and he could gorilla press slam an opponent like the best of them. In Streets Of Rage 4 he's been given a bit more character, he's honorable and he too is calm and collected but has no time for games.

Adam Hunter is one dude you would not want to mess with, if he was a real character. 

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28 Random Things That Define The Culture

It's Black History month and while Black History is 365 days a year, it's important to showcase all the culture has to offer in February. This blog cover's 28 random things that define the culture, other than the top 10 the listing has no real merit. It's just random stuff that came to mind while writing the article, so here we go.

28. Lunch Time Rap's

Lunch Time cipher's in schools across America are a staple and has not skipped an generation. There's always a "DJ" banging on the lunch table making the beat, while two aspiring rappers battle each other until a hating ass administrator or teacher comes along and puts a end to it.

27. Motown Records

We listened to it as our parents and grandparents cleaned the house, and now we jam to the classic Motown sound. It carried Black People throw the civil rights era and provided hit after hit. Judging by how everyone was on their feet during Stevie Wonder's Motown Medley at this year's Grammy's. Its clear Motown music is timeless.

26. Def Jam

The house that Russell built it, it's far from the powerhouse it once was. However Run DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy and many more Def Jam artist really were the first hip-hop artist to cross over. Many of their hits still load our playlists. 

25. Ginger Ale

Try to dispute all you want, but when your stomach just ain't right Ginger Ale can solve most of your problems. It's a reason it's a Black Household staple.

24. Fubu

Fubu (For Us, By Us) was a 90's clothing staple, it means so much more now especially on the renewed focus to keep Black dollars within the company. Time for a major comeback.

23. Essence

A staple of Black household book shelves and coffee tables, Essence has been telling important stories within our community since 1970.

22. Essence Fest 

Essence fest is a full weekend of parties, concerts, and celebrating the Black culture. The festival covers a lot of ground over the weekend from Black Health to Black Wealth, food, music and everything in between.

21. Jet magazine

Much like Essence and Ebony magazines, JET magazine is a Black community hallmark. Telling stories since 1951, it was an outlet for Black people during a time when our stories weren't told. This clip from Boomerang gives an idea on just how revered JET was.

20. BET

When MTV still wasn't trying to play Black artists, Robert Johnson started Black Entertainment Television. Initially known for playing music videos all the time, it's programming trajectory has changed but the mission of showcasing Black Excellence has not.

19. Apollo Theater

The mecca of Harlem, The Apollo Theater has been instrumental in showcasing Black artist since the 1930's. It's history is now, then, and forever.

18. Bad Boy Records

If Motown was the sound of Black America in the 60's and 70's, Def Jam was the voice of the youth in the mid 80's to early 90's. Bad Boy Records was the Black voice from the mid to late 90's, highlighting success, flashiness and just a good time.

17. 106 & Park

In response to MTV's wildy popular music video countdown show Total Request Live (TRL), in 2000 BET debuted 106 & Park. Which an entire generation grew up on watching the top ten countdown, waiting for the throwback of the day, and of course Freestyle Friday.

16. Yo! MTV Raps

Before 106 & Park there was Yo! MTV Raps, MTV's and the mainstream media's acknowledgement that Hip Hop was here to stay and couldn't be stopped. The show ran for five seasons and opened so many doors for so many artists. 

15. Jordan Sneakers

Since their release in 1985, Jordan's also called J's have been a must have in any sneakerhead's collection. 

14. Strawberry Filled Candy

If you went over grandma's or any older relative's house, chances are you found a bowl or jar full of Strawberry filled candy.

13. Crown Royal Bag

Once you finish that Crown Royal bottle, what to do with the bag is the next question. The answer whatever you need to store in it. Change, important documents, loose bills whatever it's better to repurpose than throw away.

12. Spades

Want to get a good time at the family function going, and possibly cause an argument. Play some spades. 

11. Uno

Maybe the only other card game that will have Black folks side eyeing you, throwing up their hands, and debating about how the game is supposed to be played.

10. Hennessy

                            Have no idea what's in it that's so addicting, Black People just love Hennessy. 

9. Plastic Market Bags

They serve so many purposes, protecting valuables and folks hair, sometimes their shoes in inclement weather. Something to carry the plates you took from the family function, dumping smelly food or diapers to mask the smell.

8. Spaghetti

If Black People having a gathering for a large group or just tryna make something that will stretch for the week. They gon make a large pot of Spaghetti, may even fancy it up a bit and put some shrimp in it.

7. Drawer full of Condiments

No matter how many we already have in the house. If some takeout food provides some condiments, we saving them for later.

6. Sunday Dinner

After a long week of work and running errands, Black folks look forward to a good Sunday Dinner. Sometimes the meal rivals that of a Thanksgiving spread. 

5. Fraternities & Sororities 

Seen all around college campuses and often pillars of community service. Fraternities and Sororities are a huge part of the Black culture.

4. HBCU's

The halftime show's, The Marching band's, Greek life, and just a sense of family. HBCU's play a important part in educating the future and celebrating the culture.

3. Frankie Beverly and Maze Before I Let Go

You cannot attend a Black function without someone playing Before I Let Go. Once it come's on even those not on the dance floor will be singing along, waiting for that moment to scream at the top of their lungs "Before I Let You Goooooooooooooo".

2. Line Dances

The Electric Slide, The Cha-Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, The Wobble and many more. Black people love love love a good line dance.

1. Family Reunion

Life get's busy a Family Reunion is always a good opportunity to get everyone together near and far to enjoy each other's company, and celebrate love and family.

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