We’re less than a month away from hurricane season, and the vibes are not great. A newly released internal assessment obtained by CNN revealed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is “not ready” to respond to a major disaster. Let me repeat that: the national agency that is supposed to save us in an emergency says it’s not ready. This review was put together under FEMA’s new acting Administrator David Richardson and highlights some serious issues, like paused training, poor coordination with states and low staff morale. Don’t think it’s an issue? Tornado warnings were recently delayed in Kentucky because of cuts that gutted the National Weather Service, so they had no overnight forecaster. Twenty-seven people died. Lack of preparedness is not what you want to hear when you live in a city like Houston, where hurricanes are a way of life.
But here’s the thing: Houston isn’t ready either. A study from Rice University’s Kinder Institute found that only 8% of Houstonians feel fully prepared for a hurricane or severe weather event. Just 32% have created an emergency plan, and only 16% have practiced emergency drills with their families.
This is deeply troubling, especially considering Houston has experienced 52 federally declared disasters in the past 40 years—more than a third of those in just the last decade. Let’s do better, y’all. Take the time now to put together a plan, gather supplies and talk to your loved ones about what to do if (or when) the next big storm hits. We cannot afford to wait until it’s too late.
Kindred Stories Finds a Forever Home
Let’s shift to something joyful. Kindred Stories, the beloved Black-owned bookstore that has been a haven for literature, culture and connection, has found a new, more permanent home inside the historic Eldorado Ballroom. This is a big deal, not just for the bookstore, but for the community.
I’ve watched Kindred blossom from a small storefront into a cultural anchor. And now, with this move, it feels like a beautiful full-circle moment—placing Black literature and community-building inside one of the city’s most historically significant spaces. Whether you’re looking for your next great read, a Blackity Black greeting card, something for the kiddos or just a quiet moment in a space that sees you, Kindred is the place to be. Go show up. Support this local gem. And let’s keep building spaces that reflect us, for us.
What’s Going On at FAMU?
Have you heard about the drama at Florida A&M University? The Board of Trustees recently voted 8-4 to name Marva Johnson the university’s 13th president. But here’s the kicker: Johnson has no higher education leadership experience. None. She’s a telecommunications executive and has been linked to conservative political figures, including Governors Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis.
The backlash from students, alumni and faculty has been swift and justified. Folks are worried, and rightfully so. Johnson may have said, “I was not sent here to dismantle FAMU,” but let’s not forget: actions speak louder than words. Choosing someone with no academic experience, despite several highly qualified finalists, feels like a calculated move. It’s a dangerous precedent. Look for this to happen at more HBCUs across the country. We must protect the legacy and leadership of our HBCUs, or risk watching them be chipped away by politics.
A Win for Black Girl Magic
And finally—because we always make space for the wins—let’s celebrate Mara Brock Akil and the phenomenal team behind Forever, which has been renewed for a second season on Netflix! Based on the Judy Blume novel of the same name, this show reimagines a classic coming-of-age love story through the lens of Black teens, families and lived experiences. Starring Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr., it’s real, it’s tender, and it’s necessary.
As someone who grew up devouring Judy Blume books, seeing this adaptation made my heart smile. The show doesn’t just tell a love story—it tells our story, showing the beauty and complexity of young Black love without trauma as the centerpiece. It’s proof that our stories matter, and when given the platform, they soar.
