Musings of Jessica Marie

Historical Spotlight: How Pepsi Capitalized on Coca-Cola's Mistakes

There’s nothing better than an ice-cold Lime Coke Zero... and if you know where I can consistently find one, let me know! 😂 It’s become a rare treat since so many restaurants have gotten rid of their Coke Freestyle machines, which means I have to go on a full-blown scavenger hunt anytime I want one. In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at Coca-Cola’s history, the discriminatory policies that alienated Black Americans, and how Pepsi recognized an overlooked market that helped transform the company into a global competitor.

Historical Spotlight: The 1970 Augusta Riot

There are countless examples throughout history of Black Americans standing up, organizing, resisting, and demanding to be treated with dignity and fairness. Despite generations of injustice, discrimination, and impossible circumstances, we’ve continued to push forward and fight for change rather than allow our voices to be silenced. In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at the 1970 Augusta Riot, an uprising that shook a Georgia community and became a turning point that exposed deep frustrations surrounding inequality and injustice.

Historical Spotlight: Florence Griffith Joyner

Within the last year or so, my husband and I have officially added track and field to our list of must-watch sports. He loves the long-distance races while I’m always locked in on the sprinters and relay teams. Between race highlights on YouTube, following athletes online, and tuning in whenever a meet is on TV, we’ve become fully invested in the sport. Whether it’s athletes competing for Olympic gold, elite marathon runners chasing personal records, or NCAA stars making a name for themselves, there’s something exciting about watching greatness unfold in real time. That’s what made me want to take a deeper dive into one of the sport’s most iconic athletes. In this Historical Spotlight, we’re celebrating Flo Jo, track legend, record breaker, and one of the greatest sprinters to ever compete. Her speed, style, and legacy changed track and field forever and continue to inspire generations of athletes today.

Historical Spotlight: Prison Activists Surveillance Program

To a certain extent, this country has long been shaped by systems of hypersurveillance, over-policing, and covert operations kept hidden behind closed doors. From explicit programs like COINTELPRO to more subtle forms of propaganda, it can be difficult to decipher intent when power and control are involved. History shows that when individuals, especially within the Black community, use their platforms to inspire change, they are often labeled and targeted in return. In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at the Prison Activists Surveillance Program (PRISACTS), a covert FBI operation designed to monitor and control activists within the prison system.

Historical Spotlight: Compton Cowboys

Sometimes, all it takes is one positive encounter to change the trajectory of a young person's life. Mentorship, guidance, and strong role models can make a world of difference, especially during childhood and adolescence when people are still discovering who they are and who they want to become. The right influence can open doors, build confidence, and create opportunities that last a lifetime. In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at the Compton Cowboys, an inspiring group of Black equestrians who are preserving a rich cultural legacy while providing mentorship and positive opportunities for youth in California. Through horsemanship, community involvement, and leadership, they are proving that representation, discipline, and purpose can transform lives. 🐎 Tap in and learn how the Compton Cowboys are making a lasting impact on the next generation while keeping an important piece of Black American history alive.