Life in Stillness | The Universe's Vacation by Hussein Abdullahi

Over the last month, life has taken a couple of strange turns. Given the time of today’s climate we are facing a global pandemic with the COVID-19, also we are witnessing a world REVOLUTION. The excessive forms of racial discrimination how reached an all-time high, the death of George Floyd has awakened our nation from a global level. During these unprecedented times a few consistent themes that I’ve kept at the top of my mind HUMAN CONNECTION, HEALTHY DIALOGUE, and ADAPTATION.

HUMAN CONNECTION

First, Human communication. This Covid-19 experience has brought an illuminating light in various areas of our daily lives. Often as individuals, we are so accustomed to being on-the-go that we tend to turn a blind’s eye to cultivating human connections. Life in quarantine has presented a golden opportunity for people to develop a deeper sense of human connection with their peers, friends, and family members. With the increasing number of deaths revolving around Covid-19, individuals have shown empathy and strive to make a more conscientious effort to reach out to others. Self-Quarantine has its perks, I’ve felt the need to take a break away from my work so I can reconnect with my friends and family members. Putting the effort into making a phone call, sending a text message or an email can change the dynamics of a friendship, relationship, and connection. Let continue to lead with humanity!

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CONNECT

Take the time to check-in with your loved ones on a daily basis. Don’t underestimate the power of human connection.
— Hussein Abdullahi

Healthy Dialogue

During today’s world climate, our culture has been brainwashed to follow a trend in the current social revolution. The vast majority of the black community has been fighting against an alarming rate of racial discrimination, police brutality, and systemic racism. It’s time that our race must collectively stand together and create spaces that enforce healthy dialogue. According to the report of music and entertainment, the average individual watches 11 hours of TV so entertainers have a strong influence on what we consume on a daily basis. As humans, our daily interactions are influenced by several components such as our environment, social circle, and human interactions.

Through our digital platform here at TGQ Inc., we strategized several ways to combat for our fellow members of the black community. We launched our first podcast title Culture Conversation hosted by Founder @twingq, our objective is to create a safe space for healthy dialogue. Each week the podcast has a featured guest from a diverse industry across the sports + business field, discussing topics on cultural capital, social justice, and sports. Our long list of honorable guests includes SLAM creative producer & LeagueFits founder Ian Pierno (@ianpierno), NBATV Host Akil Augustine (@akilaugustine), Toronto basketball legend Myck Kabongo (@kabongoonfire), Toronto Entrepreneurs Randy Osei (@randyrozaay), Antwi Atuahene (@noiretnoire), + more. Tune in every Wednesday at 6 PM ET. vi Instagram Live. Culture Conversation is available across major streaming platforms.

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@akilaugustine

H/T:Culture Conversation

Episode 1: Ft. Nathaniel Elliot, Randy Osei, Antwi Atuahene

Episode 2: Ft. James Clark (@clarkj22)

Episode 3: Ft. Watswitandy, Ian Pierno, Bernard Bowen

Episode 4: Ft. Charlie Max Torres (@bucketsworth)

Episode 5: Ft. Warren Ward (@warrenward10)

Episode 6: Ft. Myck “2-EZ” Kabongo (@kabongonfire)

Episode 7: Ft. Matt Manhire (@mattmanhire)

Episode 8: Ft. Akil Augustine (@akilaugustine)

Episode 9: Ft. Antwi Atuahene (@noiretnoire)

Episode 10: Ft. Tut Ruach (@tutmyownhorn)

Healing for everyone looks different and when you heal, you’ll become your highest self and a clear example of what to be.
— Akil Augustine (NBATV Host + NBA Reporter)

Adaptation

With the recurring effects of COVID-19, unique challenges leave humans in a state of discomfort, vulnerability, and unease. Instead, coping during this pandemic has become the new norm for many individuals, One word to describe the emotional repercussions is Adaptation. To attack Covid-19 head-on, we must Adapt to the current normalities of this pandemic, millions of individuals are fighting the same fight globally. The new norm for working, shopping, travelling, exercising, + more has changed the dynamics of our world, confining to a life where social distancing is at the forefront.

The renowned political activist George Bernard Shaw once quoted that “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man. ” With that being said, the only way we progress as a human family is by adapting to ourselves to the world’s current climate. One valuable lesson that COVID-19 has taught us is that things take time, be grateful for what you have today because tomorrow isn’t promised. The universe gave us a vacation so we must take advantage and hyper-focus on relationships with ourselves from a physical, mental, emotional, social, humanistic standpoint.

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
— George Bernard Shaw

Often as humans, we conform to a way of living where we are constantly rushing through life and neglecting the true essence of solitude. The value of time must be spent with a deep sense of appreciation, life in quarantine has taught us the true meaning of taking our time with everything we do. In retrospect, it’s great to get a hard reset coming out of quarantine life, Let’s take advantage of the opportunity the universe has created for us and cultivate a deepened sense of gratitude for our current life experiences.

Control your environment and never let your environment control you. On a positive note, we are halfway through 2020 which is a relief for most, remember on the other side of a side come a full ray of sunshine. In hindsight, we will look back at this moment in history and reflect on these times of unprecedented challenges and how it made us stronger from an elevated humanistic side. I always look at my glass half-full rather than half-empty; perspective is everything.

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ADAPTATION

Location: Top Secret


Written & Produced by TGQ Inc. (@tgq.inc)

Art Graphics by TGQ Inc. (@tgq.inc)

Chronicles Of MJ | Volume 1 by Hussein Abdullahi

The Last Dance

Over the last 3 weeks, Michael Jordan's name has circulated across several media platforms globally. A large part of that was the release of his highly anticipated ESPN Documentary title "The Last Dance". The Last Dance is a 10-episode documentary series on the Chicago Bulls historical championship run. The Bulls were synonymous for winning 6 titles (2 3-peats) during the 90s, making them the prominent team in all of professional sports. The Uniqueness of the Chicago Bulls has created an everlasting imprint on the culture of professional sports.

When we speak about the Chicago Bulls we can't forget of the incredible nucleus in Michael Jordan. The Last Dance is a unique representation of how iconic Michael Jordan was as a Global figure, One who revolutionized the area of professional sports setting the barometer for athletes across generations to come. With all the unprecedented success of Jordan and the Bulls, some may still make the argument about who's the top dog on Mount Rushmore. History has shown us the careers of Magic, Bird, and Jordan were influential to NBA Star Kobe Bryant. Growing up the kid from Philly watched multiple championship battles between Magic and Bird, studying MJ until he got his chance to grace the hardwood with him.

Michael Jordan was the global cultural icon that was widely celebrated as a world hero.
— Dr. Todd Boyd (Author of Young, Black, Rich & Famous)

It's safe to say that the iconic career of Michael Jordan has cultivated a unique cultural influence on basketball globally. Millions of Athletes like myself were drawn to Jordan's innate competitive drive and insurmountable will to WIN! His charismatic approach and swagger is something our culture has adopted in today's era. Below we will share some memorable moments of Jordan throughout his career.

Art Diction by: @tgq.inc

Art Diction by: @tgq.inc

Whenever they speak Michael Jordan, they should speak Scottie Pippen.
— Michael Jordan

The Shot: 1982 NCAA Finals

Before Jordan was rocking in front of millions on fans, he was Mike Jordan of Wilmington North Carolina. Jordan played for a tough the Tar Heels team from 1981-84, where he was coached by the legendary Dean Smith and Roy Williams. During his freshman campaign, Jordan was met with unique challenges that would define his as an athlete going forward. Coach Smith gave Jordan the golden opportunity on one of the biggest stages in all of sports, the 1982 NCAA Championships was a clash between a top-heavy Georgetown team led by Hall of Fame Patrick Ewing.

The atmosphere was electric and with over 60,000 spectators in attendance the set was set. The clash between the UNC Tar Heels and the Georgetown Hoyas went down to the wire, with .32 seconds left in regulation Jordan rose to the occasion and sunk the game-winning basket. North Carolina went on to defeat Georgetown 63-62 and for Jordan, this was the beginning of a new era. Under the guidance of Coach Smith Jordan emerged as one of the top college prospects and in 1984 Jordan declared for the NBA Draft.

That turned my name from Mike Jordan to Michael Jordan. It gave me the confidence I needed to start to excel at the game of basketball.
— Michael Jordan
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CIRCA ‘82

MJ leads UNC to a NCAA Championship title defeating Georgetown 63-62.


Coming of Age

From the day MJ graced the NBA with airiness and unique presence, he took the league by storm. The Carolina native was selected third in the 1984 NBA Draft by The Chicago Bulls, that season they underachieved as a ball club missing the playoffs. By the 1986 season, MJ led the Bulls to a playoff match-up against the NBA reigning champs Boston Celtics. At this point, Larry Bird was the leagues MVP and arguably the face pf NBA. MJ saw this as the golden opportunity and barometer for his career. Game 1 of that series included an array of scoring courtesy of MJ, pouring in 49 in a 123-104 loss.

That wasn’t Michael Jordan out there. That was God disguised as Michael Jordan.
— Larry Bird ( 3-Time NBA World Champion)

MJ came back with more firepower in Game 2 and arguably put up one of the most memorable performances in NBA history setting a playoff scoring record of 63 points. Boston Garden was filled with a burst of exuberance as the game went into overtime, MJ sunk two free throws as the clock expired. Despite Jordan's scoring barrage the Celtics still captured a 135-131 win. After Game 2 the world stop and everybody knew who the top dog was. Larry Bird along with teammates were in total awe worshipping the greatness of MJ. The dawn of a new era was in existence and MJ was at the epicentre.

Art Direction by: @tgq.inc

Art Direction by: @tgq.inc


To Be Continued… Vol.2

Art Graphics by: @tgq.inc

Written & Produced by: @tgq.inc

Special Thanks @espn, @bleacherreport, @NBA