I came across a beautiful YouTube video of our very own Ines Tola performing one of her original songs. Her people are from Guadeloupe, the Caribbean island that inspired my book Meditations Across the King’s River Her work is a magical blend of Gwoka, soul, nu-jazz, blues, and world music. Her Creole words, melodies, and rhythms create lush, dreamlike sonic landscapes. She was also one of the very first founders of the King’s Circle, and it makes me so happy to support artists and creators and business owners here. Take a moment to listen, reflect, and share your love below. Let’s continue to honor and uplift one another. 🤍 What comes to you as you listen to her music and watch her perform? What words of encouragement do you have for her in this season?

A few days ago, my friend Brian sent me a video. Akua Naru, performing How Does It Feel. It was his response to my latest newsletter, where I shared news of my partnership with Akua. “Congrats on your latest offering, The King’s Circle,” he wrote." Awesome knowing you’re collaborating with Akua. Best wishes with that.” Later, I learned something else. How Does It Feel is one of his favorite tracks. Akua sings with such raw power. Such intimacy. I’m proud of her courage—her willingness to lay her soul bare on stage. And listening to the lyrics of this song, I also feel deeply protective of her. We are close in spirit. I want people to see her as a whole being. Not fragments. Not projections. We met in person in late 2024.Almost immediately, she knew we were meant to work together. From that recognition, the idea was born. Our collaboration on the documentary film Becoming Light Again. We communicate often. We chatted for a few minutes last night. She was preparing dinner for her two sons. Toddlers. The conversation ended abruptly. She had to attend to the baby! “Sorry I had to run so quickly,” she said. I was grateful for those moments. Even in those few minutes, she inspired me. I felt the faith. The determination. The fire. And I know many of you recognize this fire—because it’s already moving through you. In time, this fire we carry will go global, I told her. Not just the film. The King’s Circle. This is what King’s Circle is really about. What she carries as an artist, we are building as a structure. Because what we’re creating is bigger than any single project. It’s not just a documentary film—Becoming Light Again—that we’re working on through King’s Circle. We’re launching an aviation program with Stan and Lorenzo McDuffie. Infusing African wisdom with Black feminist thought. With engineer Alicia Elias, we’re building a math center in Ibadan. We’re offering sacred retreats to Ethiopia and Nigeria. We’re providing financial education and literacy.

Our ancestors knew how to listen—to the stars above and the waters below. Those same forces are still speaking. The real question isn’t whether guidance exists—it’s whether we remember how to hear it. Our stories carry that memory. Our wisdom keeps it alive. And our future depends on whether we choose to listen—together - What’s one way you’ve felt “called” to listen more deeply lately? - Where do you think we stopped listening—and how do we begin again? - What wisdom do you feel is being remembered right now?

- What unfinished work or gift from your ancestors is asking for your attention now? - In what way are you being called to tend, protect, or reshape what has been handed down to you? - What inherited pattern are you ready to face rather than avoid?

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.