I shared the attached quote on Facebook today, but I want to bring it here too as you begin your week. Take a moment to meditate on these questions: How do you know the difference between a relationship that needs work and one that’s already over? What’s the cost of staying too long in a relationship that’s slowly dying? Have you ever outgrown someone—and ignored the signs? As you reflect, don’t edit what comes to mind. Don’t push it aside or tell yourself, “No… this can’t be" Let the truth surface without judgment. Awareness is often the first step toward clarity. Then ask yourself this question. "How long have I been secretly feeling this way?"

Partnering with Akua Naru is a blessing. Her voice has touched women across the world — and as a man, I have deep respect for the strength, clarity, and emotional wisdom she carries. I’ve watched how women are expected to hold so much: families, careers, healing, creativity, and the weight of everyone’s expectations. Akua brings a leadership that honors all of that. She leads with integrity. She creates with fire. She teaches with compassion. That’s why I’m honored to stand beside her in The King’s Circle. Together, we’re building a space where spiritual insight and financial empowerment meet — because our community deserves both. To me, this partnership is about honoring the brilliance of women, learning from their perspective, and co-creating something that helps our people rise with wisdom, dignity, and purpose.

King’s Circle is growing. In time, we’ll explore cuisine as culture. We’ll explore African, African American, African Caribbean, and African Latino culinary traditions. We’re building toward a living classroom in King’s Circle. It will include shared recipes, conversations with chefs, and stories rooted in history, migration, and creativity. This is just the beginning. There’s so much more to come. In this clip, my friend Orphee from Benin is preparing a dish for me in my kitchen. He made this dish when he visited me with his partner in Oakland last year. It’s a moment filled with memory, generosity, and connection. Orphee teaches traditional dance from Benin. His work is deeply tied to culture, rhythm, and spiritual life. Soon, you’ll get to meet Orphee in King’s Circle. He’ll share his thoughts on Vodun, cuisine, and dance. I began studying the Fon language, one of the major languages of Benin. I started studying Fon in preparation for shooting the film Becoming Light Again with Akua. The film will take place mostly in Benin. Learning the language has been part of my commitment to meet cultures with care and respect. I’ll be sharing my Fon language-learning journey with you in King’s Circle as well. This is the kind of learning we’re cultivating in King’s Circle. Lived culture. Shared openly. Carried forward together.

We bring different skills to the table—and that difference is our power. We don’t need to match. We need to align. What excites me about the King’s Circle is that the brilliance is already here. The members in this circle carry genius-level skills—right now, not someday. These are highly advanced, hard-earned abilities, each powerful on its own. When we intentionally leverage them together, we become unstoppable. As we prepare for the impact we’re about to make on the global stage, let’s activate what’s already in the room. The seeds are sprouting. The roots are strong. A forest is coming. 🌱🌳 The video clip I shared is from a past interview with Jeanette Charles of Iya Global. She carries deep wisdom—and one day soon, she’ll be joining us here to share more directly with the Circle. This is just the beginning. More wisdom. More alignment. More impact.

I am deeply honored to welcome my sister, Ifa Lola, into our space. She is a dedicated student of African spirituality and Native American spirituality—a kind, adventurous soul whose wisdom is guided by deep intuition and lived experience. Ifa Lola joined me on our transformative journey to Nigeria this past December, and on Saturday, January 10th, she will be sharing her insights, reflections, and spiritual learnings with all of us. She’ll be joined by two additional wise women: Chief Aikuloa and Dr. Hadiya Sewer, Chief Philosophy Officer of the Across the King’s River Foundation. I’m truly looking forward to this powerful gathering and our collective journey together. 🌿✨ Please join me in giving Ifa Lola a warm welcome!