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Ready to set sail but feeling lost at sea? This guide's got your back. You'll learn the basics of boat navigation, from reading charts to using GPS. Whether you're cruising on a lake or venturing into open waters, these beginner boating skills will help you navigate with confidence. So grab your captain's hat and let's dive in! Ahoy, aspiring captains! Navigating a boat might seem daunting at first, but with the right know-how, you'll be charting courses like a pro in no time. We break down the essential marine navigation tips you need to get started. From understanding nautical charts to mastering modern tech, we've got you covered. Let's weigh anchor and explore the world of boat navigation together. The Basics: Charts and Compasses Before you even think about hitting the water, you've gotta get familiar with the tools of the trade. Nautical charts are like the Google Maps of the sea, showing you everything from water depths to potential hazards. And don't forget about the trusty compass – it's been helping sailors find their way for centuries. But here's the thing: reading charts can be tricky at first. You'll need to learn about latitude, longitude, and all those squiggly lines. And compasses? They're not just for pointing north. Small boats like  Bowriders  often have a compass built right into the dashboard, making it easy to keep your bearings. Modern Navigation: GPS and Electronic Charts Okay, so you've got the old-school methods down. Now let's talk tech. GPS systems have revolutionized boat navigation, making it easier than ever for beginners to find their way. These gadgets can tell you exactly where you are, how fast you're going and even where the nearest marina is. Electronic charts are another game-changer. They're like digital versions of those paper charts we talked about earlier, but way more interactive. You can zoom in, set waypoints and even track your route. Larger boats like  Express Cruisers  often come equipped with fancy chart plotters that combine GPS and electronic charts into one slick package. Weather Wisdom Knowing how to navigate a boat isn't just about reading maps and following GPS. You've gotta keep an eye on the weather too. A sunny day can turn stormy real quick, and that's when your beginner boating skills will really be put to the test. Check the forecast before you head out, and learn to read the signs while you're on the water. Dark clouds on the horizon? Sudden drop in temperature? Those could be signs of trouble brewing. And remember, when in doubt, it's always better to play it safe and head back to shore. Navigating Traffic on the Water Just like on land, there are rules you need to follow when you're out on the water. Learning these rules is a crucial part of mastering boat navigation. You need to know who has the right of way, what different buoys mean and how to communicate with other boats. It might seem like a lot to remember at first, but trust me, it'll become second nature before you know it. And hey, following these rules isn't just about being polite – it's about keeping everyone safe out there on the waves. Practice Makes Perfect: Honing Your Skills Alright, you've got the basics down. Now it's time to put those beginner boating skills to the test. Start with short trips in calm waters, gradually working your way up to more challenging conditions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become in your ability to navigate a boat. And don't be afraid to ask for help or take a boating course. There's always more to learn when it comes to marine navigation tips. Plus, connecting with other boaters is a great way to pick up new tricks and make some friends along the way. So there you have it – your crash course in boat navigation for beginners. Remember, every expert was once a novice, so don't get discouraged if it takes some time to get the hang of things. Keep practicing, stay safe and most importantly, have fun out there on the water! Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com

Over the last three decades, Bad Boy Entertainment has wowed us with hit songs from a roster of relatable and talented artists. Puffy redefined the negative connotation of a "bad boy" into that of a braggadocio showman with an astute fashion sense and an abundance of hubris that oozed likeability. We partied to the music, attended the concerts, made the songs anthems, and bought into the 'ghetto fabulous' lifestyle he sold us, which grew into decadence accompanied by his many monikers. And while the music beautifully centered as our life’s soundtrack, at the helm of Bad Boy Records sat its beast. It's been shy of a year since news first broke with startling allegations surrounding mogul Sean Combs. Eight lawsuits have been filed: seven by women and one by a man. On September 16th, 2024, Combs was arrested in Manhattan after a grand jury indicted the rap mogul. This arrest follows raids by Homeland Security on both his Miami and L.A. homes back in March. Although this seems like Diddy’s downfall, writer Craig Jenkins sums it up best: 'This is our dance with Diddy,' so it’s only fair we do-si-do. As soon as we heard two bottles clicking together and the chant 'bad boy, come out and play,' we all knew what was about to happen. In 1994, Sean Combs, known then as Puffy and previously Andre Harrell’s intern, launched his Bad Boy imprint with his first two acts, rappers Craig Mack and The Notorious B.I.G. Throughout the 90s, the record label became a staple in the Hip Hop genre. Puff crafted a recognizable sound using beloved and popular samples, essentially inventing what we now know as the remix. The man, the label, and the genre catapulted into the musical stratosphere. For the next decade, Puffy became known as a man who could work any room he was in—an entrepreneur’s template, a walking brand that launched a clothing line, magazine, cologne, liquor and more. We watched a myth become a mogul, all while making a string of hits that revolutionized the genre, and we still dance to it today. Combs’ empire ascended him to unbelievable heights, but whispers of loathsome behavior laid dormant as his stardom soared. This isn’t our first rodeo with Diddy, City College Stampede aside. Questionable incidents have plagued him for years. In 1999, he attacked Nas' then-manager Steve Stout with a champagne bottle over a music video edit. That same year, a nightclub shooting involving his then-girlfriend J.Lo left three people injured. Other incidents have remained under the radar, including a 2015 altercation where Diddy was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after throwing a kettlebell (of undisclosed weight) at his son Justin’s UCLA football coach, allegedly for berating his son in front of teammates. He later described the incident as a "miscommunication." These events suggest there might be some truth to the rumors about the music titan’s behind-the-scenes persona. In November 2023, Pandora's box was flung wide open when Cassie Ventura , Combs' former artist and girlfriend, filed the initial lawsuit under New York State’s Adult Survivors Act, which allows victims to sue beyond the normal statute of limitations. Since then, the floodgates have remained open. For argument’s sake, we might say that one leaky pipe can lead to two or three, but feigning ignorance only isolates the victim instead of holding the predator accountable. Cassie’s lawsuit was the first to break the silence, and now Dawn Richard of Danity Kane, from Making the Band , has come forward. Both women have shared harrowing accounts of violence, domestic abuse, sex trafficking, manipulation, drug use and lewd behavior, not to mention the fear they endured at the hands of Diddy. Still, the main question surrounding their allegations is: Why did they wait so long? I argue that using phrases like "Why wait until now?" constitutes a form of abuse. Such statements shield silence with shame, strip credibility, imply that the claims are exaggerated and reinforce the power that the abuser held over the victims. Two things can be true simultaneously: You can validate someone’s experience and recognize that yours is different. However, it’s time we ask ourselves: Why does the timing matter? Often, we wonder what would cause someone to commit such hurtful acts. I'm quickly reminded how money, notoriety and power can amplify one's unresolved demons. Sadly, this is where Hip Hop, now 50 years old, must take accountability for years of promoting deleterious and toxic behavior as a lifestyle. It has allowed figures like Diddy to metaphorically get away with "murder," receiving mere slaps on the wrist as the community continues to turn a blind eye. In the end, what does this say about Hip Hop? And what does it mean for hip-hop’s legacy? For decades, we’ve heard rumbling rumors surrounding Puffy’s revolting conduct and legendary parties—the ones we all dreamt of attending one day. But Diddy’s alluring public persona overshadows the whispers that warp around him, especially when it’s led by his beloved musical contributions. We never questioned the infrastructure; we kept dancing as his acts jumped ship and the litany of allegations got buried, simply because he’s just that good at selling us a dream. For years, Diddy has hidden in plain sight. The countless reinventions and name changes can be viewed as a plea to become a better person or a ploy to become a bigger beast. At the root of it all is his nickname 'Puff,' derived from his infamous temper—a temper that went unchecked and fueled his volatile behavior. While this temper drove the creation of the Bad Boy empire and the iconic Bad Boy sound we adore, it also allowed the beastly bad boy to remain unchecked.

The best quarterback in the NFC is about to experience moments of nuptial bliss.  Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl quarterback, Jalen Hurts , according to Essence , just got engaged with longtime girlfriend Bry Burrows , whom he met during his time as the quarterback for the University of Alabama. The super couple shared exclusive images with Essence from the day the quarterback popped the question. There’s even a look at the romantic backdrop for the moment, which includes a violinist, candles and red roses strewn about. Additionally, there is also an intimate moment: The two are holding each other, looking out into the ocean. Hurts is known for his playmaking on the field — and now off — but his bride-to-be is far from a scrub. Burrows is an AI partner for IBM. And, she is a member of the esteemed Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The two-time Pro Bowler is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  Since their days at Alabama, they’ve dated on and off and went public with their relationship in 2023. She joined the Eagles’ QB on the field after the Eagles won the NFC Championship and has remained a private but critical part of his life. Still, the two did ditch the gridiron for one night to make a red carpet debut at the Time100 Next Gala in October of 2023, matching in black and with megawatt smiles. The astounding news comes as folks murmured about the possibility that the two were engaged.  It all started when Burrows showed up to the Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers matchup in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 6 — last Friday — with a huge ring on that finger. Folks celebrated in advance online, sharing their excitement for “our good sis.” Still, it was just a matter of time before he asked for her hand, as Jalen told Essence in his May-June 2023 cover story that he’d known for a minute that she was something special, making that something spectacular. “I knew a long time ago,” he said. “I mean, to this point in my life, that’s an irreplaceable feeling. I think that’s what allowed us to get to where we are now."

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation selected Kendrick Lamar to perform at this year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans. But one prominent Big Easy entertainer isn’t all that enthusiastic about it.  New Orleans-bred rapper Lil Wayne recently admitted that the announcement of Kendrick Lamar took him aback and that he’s disgruntled. “That hurt, it hurt a lot,” he said in a video statement on Friday morning to Instagram . “I thought there was nothing better — that spot, on that stage, on that platform.” “It broke me, but I’m just trying to put myself back together.” Weezy F Baby has expressed his desire to perform at the show several times over the years. The event is scheduled to take place at New Orleans’ Caesars Stadium on February 9. Lamar, a Los Angeles native, was announced as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, which sparked an uproar on social media over his selection instead of Wayne. Nicki Minaj, a Wayne protégé, was among the first to voice her objection. Although Lamar is arguably the greatest and most influential rapper in the world at the moment, Wayne’s legacy in music is humongous and began much earlier: He started his career back in the ‘90s as a teenage rapper with the Hot Boyz. While he relocated to Miami years ago, he is still synonymous with New Orleans. Lamar’s recent rap feud with Drake, who was mentored by Wayne, has only boosted his fame. His diss track, Not Like Us , one of the biggest hits of the year, notably slams Drizzy. Even more ironic, Super Bowl entertainment is overseen by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation company, though the NFL and the city of New Orleans also played a role in the pick. Hova has been castigated by many people for his role in the decision, to the extent that rappers such as Fat Joe and Fabolous have spoken out in Lil Wayne’s defense. “First of all, I wanna say forgive me for the delay,” Wayne says at the beginning of the clip. “I had to get strength enough to do this without breaking. I’ma say thank you to every voice, every opinion, all the care, all the love and support out there. Your words turned to arms and held me up when I tried to fall back. “[Not being picked] hurt — it hurt a lot,” Wayne continues. “I blame myself for not being mentally prepared for a letdown. For just automatically mentally putting myself in that position like someone told me that was my position.”

Creating a beautifully designed space in your home is absolutely within your power. You don’t need to be a magazine editor. You don’t need to work in the world of design or fashion. You just need to know what principles to put in place and where to get the great-looking pieces for your space.  At the end of the day, great design is all about intention. Yes, some spaces look beautiful despite being a massive mish-mash of items and thoughtlessly put together over the years. These are truly creative spaces, made by truly creative people. However, the intention is better if your home looks more like a bunch of stuff than an artful collection.  One of the most powerful examples of using intention in design is in Scandinavia. If you’ve floundered on how to make your dining room actually stand out and look fantastic, then get started with Danish design principles, and this guide:  Top 6 Danish Design Principles There are a few key Danish design principles  that you will want to keep in mind while reading. These include using:  Bright neutrals Natural lighting Mid-Century Design Wood or Metal Accents Organic Shapes Minimalism Your Hero: The Dining Table With those principles in mind, it’s time to start looking for the hero piece of your space. This can and should be your dining table. Choose the table (truly, any design will do, so long as it speaks to you and is of good quality), and then look at the chairs.  Top Seating Options for Your Dining Room The chairs need to compliment your space while offering something elegant and fresh to it. Most of all, however, they need to be comfortable sitting in. That’s why, for a Danish-inspired dining room, you’ll want to consider these styles:  Wood Dining Chairs  Wood dining chairs, particularly with a mid-century slope to their design, are a classic option for the dining room. You can keep it warm with walnut wood, keep it light with a white or neutral finish, or go striking with black dining chairs . Since you already have your table, choose the seating that adds the most elegance – and don’t be afraid to have your chairs contrast your table!  Low-Back Chairs Low-back dining chairs (wood, cloth, boucle, metal) are great for taking your dining space to the next level. This is because they actually sit very close to level with your dining table, which in turn helps increase the visual flow of the space.  Mod Dining Chairs If you are more of a 60s lover, consider getting a modern swivel dining chair. These come in all sorts of styles, including cloth-covered, allowing you to add little dollops of design around your table that – most importantly – don’t need to be shuffled around since they swivel.  Top Lighting Design Elements  Your dining space should be kept fairly open and minimalist , which means that the only other big design detail (other than some art or plants) is going to be your lighting. Keystone chandeliers to place over your dining table will truly bring the space together and make it look like a piece of art. You can get modernist pieces, glass art, vintage – whatever suits your design preferences and works to pull together your dining table and chairs.

Amid New York Fashion Week, according to Essence , Morehouse alum James Jeter was appointed as the first Black Creative Director in the 57-year history of Ralph Lauren. His journey with the brand began when he started as a part-time salesperson at age 16, eventually leading to an internship. The year 2020 was marked by social unrest, with the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd , and the ensuing BLM protests. During this period, Jeter, then the Director of Concept Designs and Special Projects at Ralph Lauren, participated in a company discussion on racial reconciliation. He used this opportunity to share his experiences from Morehouse and advocate for diversity, which later influenced Ralph Lauren’s major 2022 campaign. Jeter and his colleague Dara Douglas developed the Morehouse and Spelman Collection, which aimed to reflect the influence of higher education on clothing for Black people. This collection marked Ralph Lauren’s first campaign curated by an all-Black creative team and cast. It challenged the brand’s traditionally Ivy League and predominantly white American aspirational image, according to Jeter. “All the while these images were kind of alive and well at these amazing HBCUs that are Morehouse and Spelman College,” Jeter said.  The collection drew motivation from the 1930s and 1950s, which featured varsity jackets, white dresses, and collegiate sweaters. The goal was to create unity among HBCU alumni and students. “A lot of this project was really about changing ownership around how we think about clothing,” Jeter said. “So, who owns three-piece suits? Who owns cable cardigans? Who owns the circle skirt, for instance? And while it’s typically and historically been relegated to Ivy League schools, if you see a lot of these archival images from [Morehouse and] Spelman, that has helped to inform a lot of the way that we approached not only the design but the way that we approached the campaigns as well.” After the success of the campaign and the enthusiastic reception during  New York Fashion Week , Ralph Lauren experienced a resurgence of young Black consumers.  That’s essentially why Jeter was appointed.

A great icon went to heaven. But he ensured his voice would be felt for generations — and beyond.  The legendary James Earl Jones passed away at 93 earlier this week (Sept. 9, 2024). However, Jones had already taken steps to ensure his voice would live on. It all started in 2022 when Jones officially signed over the rights to Lucasfilm, which allowed the studio to recreate his iconic voice using artificial intelligence, according to Afrotech . According to Vanity Fair , Lucasfilm wanted to keep Darth Vader’s legendary voice consistent with the original sound from the early Star Wars films. For this to happen, they teamed up with Respeecher, a Ukrainian tech company, which uses AI to recreate the iconic voice. By "leveraging James Earl Jones’ past performances, they trained the speech model to capture his unique tone. Jones gave the green light to use his archives for the project.” Jones unofficially began the process by voicing the character in every film after the original Star Wars . However, he retired from the role in 2019, which marked the start of the formal process. And just a few years later, the Mufasa and Darth Vader voice passed away, unfortunately. Hard to believe. “Thank you dear James Earl Jones for everything. A master of our craft. We stand on your shoulders. Rest now. You gave us your best,” actor Colman Domingo said  via X. “I’m incredibly saddened to learn of #JamesEarlJones’ passing today. Legendary doesn’t even begin to describe his iconic roles and impact on cinema forever. His voice and talent will be remembered always. Sending love to his family, friends, and countless fans in all the galaxies, far, far away,” actress  Octavia Spencer  penned via Instagram. There is a reason why people revered him. The deep baritone-voiced star, who mastered his once stutter-riddled voice, would go on to hone his craft at the University of Michigan in the early 1950s. But failing a pre-med exam, he switched to drama and played four seasons of basketball. He would go on to serve in the Army from 1953 to 1955, according to Fortune . Following Jones’ short stint in the armed forces, he moved to New York and stayed with his father, joining the American Theater Wing’s program for aspiring actors. The father-son duo worked together waxing floors to make ends meet while pursuing their acting careers. It didn’t take long for the younger Jones to shine, though, landing lead roles in Shakespearean plays. In fact, his big screen debut came in 1964 when he played a B-52 bombardier in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic Dr. Strangelove , according to CNN . His famous career took off from there.

Tuesday night saw a war of words between presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. As expected, shots were fired from both sides, but Harris skillfully turned a negative into a positive. In the debate, Trump went after Harris’ race but refused to acknowledge his past comments about her identity. Following a question by moderator David Muir on what heritage Harris is, Trump said, "I don’t care what she is." “Whatever she wants to be is OK with me.” Muir then referenced Trump’s comments last month, claiming Harris “turned Black” for a political gain. Trump responded and said, “I don’t know.” “All I can say is I read where she was not Black that she put out. I’ll say that. And then I read that she was Black, and that’s OK. Either one was OK with me.” In an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists convention, Trump made the following comments: “She was only promoting Indian heritage,” he said. “I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black.” “Is she Indian or is she Black? he asked. Well, she’s both, as Harris’ mother was Indian, and her father is Jamaican. In a swift response, Harris implored that Trump had a divisive history with race that she described as “tragic.” She underscored that Trump discriminated against Black folks looking to live in his father’s buildings. And she scolded him for “calling for the Exonerated Five,” also known as the “Central Park Five,” to face the death penalty. “I think the American people want better than that, want better than this,” Harris said at the debate. Back in 1989, Trump paid for a full-page advertisement in New York City newspapers calling for “the return of the death penalty for four Black teenagers and a Latino teen who were falsely accused of having raped a jogger in Central Park.” Their convictions, though, were overturned. But the Republican candidate never apologized, consistently refusing to take back his comments, arguing that they had admitted guilt. “They admitted, they said, they pled guilty, and I said, ‘Well if they pled guilty, they badly hurt a person – killed a person ultimately,’” he said. But DNA evidence linked a serial rapist to the crime. Even so, the teenagers spent years behind bars before their convictions were vacated in 2002. New York City later paid them $41 million in legal settlement. Yusef Salaam , a New York City Council member, slammed Trump’s statements amid the most recent Democratic National Convention.

The plain dark pullover is a versatile piece of clothing that is unmatched in terms of flexibility, comfort, and elegance. To get black  cheap hoodies for men  and women, you can visit online clothing sites. Remember a black hoodie matches any pants you decide to wear it with. Here's why a black hoodie has the potential to become a must-have piece in everyone's wardrobe. Advantages of Possessing a Simple Black Hoodie Black hoodies blend with any outfit you want to wear. Besides, black hoodies are not prone to stains like other colors such as white, etc. If you ever wondered why you need to have a basic black hoodie in your wardrobe, here is why: Timeless and versatile A black hoodie is always fashionable and appropriate for any time of the year. Its color versatility makes it suitable for almost any outfit—from jeans and sneakers for comfortable clothes to a coat and boots for business clothes. Sleepwear can quickly transform into casual wear, making it one of the most valuable items one can wear. Comfort meets functionality There are so many benefits associated with wearing black hoodies, and one of them is the comfort they bring. Comfortable and casual, hoodies can also be used as winter wear or as outerwear at night or during evenings. This comfort is complemented by practicality: because black is easily soiled, a black hoodie does not lose its appetizing appearance even with regular washing. Effortless style A black hoodie can easily be considered stylish and comfortable to wear. It is preferred by those who enjoy simple fashion as it allows them to possess a simple yet glamorous dress. It can be layered with a leather jacket for street-style dressing or worn under a blazer for business casual looks. The possibilities are endless. All in all, the simple black hoodie is not only a humble clothing item but also iconic and necessary in any fashionable man's closet. It is durable, comfortable, and suitable for any occasion; therefore, it is useful for anyone.

On August 24, Bevel awarded a $25,000 business grant to Atlanta-based fitness business Double Dutch Aerobics. The announcement was made during Invest Fest 2024, a festival that combines investing, entrepreneurship, pop culture and entertainment, created to promote financial empowerment within our community. As the official grooming partner of the 4th annual Invest Fest, Bevel selected Double Dutch Aerobics, founded by Double Dutch World Champion Michelle Clark and Sean Clark , Master Double Dutch Aerobics Instructor, from over 300 marketplace vendors. The innovative fitness business was recognized for its creativity, dedication to health and community-focused mission. Bevel’s CEO, Damon Frost , revealed the grant donation during the September 9 episode of the popular Market Mondays podcast, part of the Earn Your Leisure Network. Held at the Georgia World Conference Center from August 23 to 25, Invest Fest offered attendees a chance to learn from industry experts through presentations, panels and workshops on entrepreneurship, investing and pop culture. The festival also provided a platform for businesses to network, pitch their ideas, and compete for financial support like Bevel's grant. “At Bevel, we are committed to serving our customers with grooming solutions and through giveback initiatives that impact the community,” said Bevel Marketing Leader Breann Davis . “We are proud to partner with Invest Fest and support companies like Double Dutch Aerobics, elevating the next generation of entrepreneurs who share our passion for community development.”

Arguably the greatest Black director of all time is being commemorated once more. According to Variety, Alamo Drafthouse is dedicating a newly renovated downtown Brooklyn theater to the one and the only, Spike Lee . The He Got Game director will be honored on September 12 with a ceremony as well as a screening of his semi-autobiographical 1994 film, Crooklyn . Lee will also be in a live Q&A. As a private event, the day will feature the unveiling of the Spike Lee Cinema plaque, which will read as follows: “Like many of the greatest films over the past 40 years, this theater is a Spike Lee Joint. From his nuanced portrayals of Brooklyn life in ‘Do the Right Thing’ and ‘Crooklyn’ to his towering portrait of ‘Malcolm X,’ his vision has shaped our culture and left an indelible mark on this city. For that reason, as of Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, this Alamo Drafthouse Cinema shall hereby and forevermore be known as the Spike Lee Cinema.” The news comes on the heels of the recently completed upgrade and expansion. The theater was originally made in 2016 in the City Point complex with seven screens. But now, the Alamo Drafthouse is revamped with five new auditoriums, which feature laser projectors, RealD 3D, 70 mm, and 35 mm capabilities on select screens. These auditoriums will have premium leather recliners that are fully equipped with personal swivel tables to enjoy the “in-seat food and drink options that’s made Alamo Drafthouse a favorite among cinephiles. “After completing this massive upgrade to our Brooklyn location, we knew immediately that we wanted to dedicate it to Spike Lee,” said Michael Kustermann, Alamo Drafthouse CEO. “His films have defined Brooklyn for generations, and we’re immensely proud to do our part to honor that legacy.” Adding to Alamo Drafthouse’s diverse mix of first run films, classics and signature events, the new Spike Lee Cinema will screen a “retrospective programming series" of Lee’s films, which are the following: Crooklyn (Sept. 17), Mo’ Better Blues (Sept. 21), Jungle Fever (Sept. 22), Do the Right Thing (Sept. 28), Clockers (Sept. 29) and Inside Man (Oct. 6).

Warrick Dunn scored a lot of touchdowns as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer and an Atlanta Falcon. He’s currently scoring a lot of touchdowns off the field as well. Dunn recently helped two single mothers in Atlanta acquire homes and generational wealth thanks to his Homes for the Holidays program for single-parent families, according to Blacknews.com and CBS News. In this particular instance, he teamed up with Habitat for Humanities to make these women’s dreams come to fruition. His upbringing inspired Dunn's participation in this nonprofit. At just 18, his mother passed away after working multiple jobs to support their family of five children; she worked as both a police officer and a security officer. The three-time Pro Bowl player went on to purchase his sibling a house with the life insurance money that his mother left behind. “I didn’t have a place that I can actually say, hey, this is where we develop all of our memories as kids growing up,” Dunn said. His experience as a young man led to the establishment of Homes for the Holidays during his inaugural season with the Tampa Bay Bucs. The program has helped hundreds of single parents across 16 states make down payments on their first homes. It also furnishes the homes and stocks the pantries. “ Homes for the Holidays (HFTH) is the flagship program of Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. Housing is the key to reducing generational poverty and increasing economic mobility. Moreover, according to research completed by Stanford, children living in stable, affordable homes are more likely to thrive in school and have greater opportunities to learn inside and outside the classroom." “Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc, helps to break the cycle of generational poverty by providing a hand-up – not a handout – to single parents and their children. We surprise single parent families (who are actively working to support themselves) with home furnishings and down payment assistance. ” This is what Dunn always wanted to do. "I wanted to do something that was a little bit more impactful, not just handing out turkeys," he said in an interview with CNN . "I wanted to do something that had a real impact in the community."