Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kevin Cohee.
Title: Owner, Chairman & CEO of OneUnited Bank
Host: Rushion McDonald
Podcast: Money Making Conversations Masterclass

Kevin Cohee discusses the mission, history, and future of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black‑owned bank and the first Black‑owned internet bank in the U.S. The conversation connects Black economic history, financial literacy, technology (AI), and wealth-building, positioning OneUnited Bank as a modern solution to long‑standing financial exclusion in Black and underserved communities.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview is designed to:

1. Educate listeners on why Black-owned banks matter historically and economically.
2. Explain how technology has transformed banking, making location irrelevant.
3. Address financial exclusion, particularly reliance on check-cashing services.
4. Promote financial literacy as the foundation of wealth creation.
5. Position OneUnited Bank as a practical, accessible tool for individuals, entrepreneurs, and communities to build equity.

Key Themes & Takeaways 1. A Mission Rooted in Black History

• Kevin Cohee frames OneUnited Bank as part of a long historical vision, not a modern trend.
• Leaders such as Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. all advocated for a national Black-owned bank.
• Cohee’s own family legacy ties back to Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, including land ownership stemming from negotiated “40 acres and a mule” outcomes.

Takeaway: Economic independence has always been central to Black progress.

2. From Brick-and-Mortar to Digital Banking

• OneUnited originally grew by acquiring small Black-owned banks nationwide.
• The bank pivoted early toward technology-driven banking, recognizing that:
  • Customers expect 24/7 access
  • Physical branches are no longer required
  • Digital reach enables national—and global—impact

Key insight: Technology allowed OneUnited to become a national Black bank without national branches.

3. Financial Technology Built for Real-Life Problems

Kevin Cohee emphasizes that OneUnited designs products around how people actually live, not just traditional banking norms.

Examples include:

• Second-chance checking accounts
• Emergency small-dollar loans
• Alternative credit criteria
• Nationwide surcharge-free ATM access
• AI-powered tools that help users understand:
  • Cash flow
  • Assets vs. liabilities
  • Net worth (or debt)
  • Financial decision-making in real time

Takeaway: Banking should help people function—not punish them for past mistakes.

4. Financial Literacy Is the Real Wealth Gap

• Cohee states that 90% of Americans are financially illiterate, largely because:
  • Financial literacy is not taught in K–12 education
• He compares this to not teaching reading—and then blaming people for illiteracy.
• OneUnited uses AI and data aggregation to help customers make expert-level decisions without being experts.

Key message: Financial literacy, not income alone, determines long-term wealth.

5. Ending Dependence on Check-Cashing Services

• Kevin sharply criticizes high-fee check-cashing businesses that dominate underserved neighborhoods.
• OneUnited offers digital check deposits, debit cards, and ATM access—removing the need for physical branches.
• Anyone, anywhere in the U.S., can bank with OneUnited via oneunited.com.

Takeaway: Lack of access is no longer an excuse—awareness is the missing link.

6. Technology as the New “40 Acres”

• Kevin draws a powerful parallel:
  • Land ownership was once the primary source of wealth.
  • Technology and financial literacy are today’s equivalents.
• Entrepreneurs no longer need to manufacture products—branding, distribution, and digital reach are the new leverage.

Key insight: Technology levels the playing field—if people understand how to use it.

7. Mandatory Financial Literacy as a Policy Solution

• Kevin advocates for required financial literacy courses in all U.S. schools.
• He cites research showing:
  • One required high-school financial literacy course can generate $100,000+ in lifetime net worth per student.
• He frames this as a matter of equity, not preference.

Takeaway: Systemic problems require systemic solutions.

Notable Quotes

“The concept of a national Black-owned bank goes all the way back to slavery.”

“We’re not behind in technology—we are the party.”

“Ninety percent of Americans are not financially literate.”

“You don’t have to go to check cashers and get ripped off.”

“Technology is the new 40 acres.”

“Financial literacy alone can generate over $100,000 in net worth per person.”

“There has never been a better time to build a business than right now.”

Overall Impact

This interview is both a financial masterclass and a historical lesson. Kevin Cohee reframes banking as a tool of empowerment, not just transactions, and positions OneUnited Bank as:

• A modern solution to historic exclusion
• A technology-first institution built for underserved communities
• A catalyst for financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation

Final message: Access + education + technology can finally close the racial wealth gap—if people choose to engage.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney Whitney Knox Lee

Explains practical estate‑planning strategies—wills, trusts, powers of attorney—and how entrepreneurs, families, and especially parents of disabled children can protect assets, avoid costly probate, and maintain eligibility for critical benefits. The conversation also touches on integrating insurance with estate planning, small‑business contingency planning, and Lee’s personal mission and background in civil rights work.

Purpose of the Interview

1. Educate listeners on estate planning as a wealth‑preservation strategy (not just documents)—to reduce court costs, taxes, and confusion for families.
2. Clarify the differences and roles of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, including when each is appropriate and how they work together.]
3. Highlight special considerations for entrepreneurs and families with disabled children or aging relatives, including insurance, operating agreements, and special‑needs planning.
4. Share Lee’s values and practice approach, including culturally responsive service and sustainable advocacy rooted in prior civil‑rights work.

Key Takeaways 1) Wills vs. Trusts vs. Powers of Attorney

• A will is not the plan—it’s just one piece and still goes through probate, which can be slow and expensive; think of a will as a “letter to the judge.]
• Revocable living trusts can help families bypass probate, reduce delays, and retain more control over how assets are managed after death.
• Powers of attorney (financial and health) are essential for incapacity scenarios; even 18‑year‑olds heading to college should have them so parents can access information if needed.

2) Why Insurance Belongs in the Plan

• Life insurance can protect the family’s ability to keep the home by paying off a remaining mortgage or covering living expenses—turning an asset into a sustainable legacy rather than a burden.
• For entrepreneurs, key‑person insurance can replace income when the owner can’t work, keeping the business afloat.

3) Minimizing Probate Costs and Taxes

• Probate involves court filings and legal fees; in some states fees scale with estate size (example discussed: percentage‑based fees in other jurisdictions), which can significantly erode wealth passed to heirs. Proper planning reduces those leakages.

4) Special‑Needs and Elder Planning

• Parents of children on need‑based benefits (e.g., Medicaid) must avoid transfers that jeopardize eligibility; the right trust structures preserve benefits while providing support.
• Elder law planning anticipates long‑term care costs (nursing home, assisted living, in‑home care) so families don’t have to deplete assets later.

5) Business Continuity for Owners

• Establish operating agreements and buy‑sell agreements that spell out who runs the business if the principal is incapacitated; pair with business powers of attorney.

6) Values, Audience, and Access

• Lee intentionally centers Black and Brown women and their families, grounding services in community uplift and transparent referrals to trusted financial pros (no paid referral arrangements).
• Contact approach: 15‑minute intake, then a four‑meeting process (legacy planning → design → review → signing).

Notable Quotes (for pull‑quotes & captions)

• “Think of a will as a letter to the judge… a will still has to go through probate court.
• “A trust allows families to bypass probate altogether so they aren’t paying legal fees or leaving things to people who want to challenge the will.
• “Life insurance is a huge tool—it can help the family pay off the mortgage so they can keep the home and the equity.”
• “Estate planning is a strategy—not just documents.”
• “Even 18‑year‑olds should have powers of attorney—parents can’t just call doctors once kids are legal adults.”
• “I stay in my lane—I’m an attorney. I work closely with trusted financial professionals and make non‑compensated referrals.”
• “For special‑needs planning, don’t jeopardize need‑based benefits—use the right trust so support continues.
• “I want to build a sustainable practice that lets me serve my community and rest well, aligned with my family and values.”

Quick Action Items (for listeners inspired by the episode)

• Draft or update POAs (financial and health) for every adult in the household, including college‑age children.
• Evaluate whether a revocable living trust makes sense to avoid probate and retain post‑death control.
• For business owners: review operating agreement / buy‑sell, add key‑person insurance, and create a business POA.
• Families with special‑needs dependents: consult on special‑needs trusts to protect benefits.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Howard Hewett Interview (Part 2)

Legendary R&B and soul singer Howard Hewett returned for Part 2 of his interview on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to continue discussing his iconic multi‑decade career, his transition from Shalamar to a solo artist, new collaborations, performing for multi‑generational audiences, the evolution of R&B, and his philosophy on life, legacy, work ethic, and spiritual grounding.

This segment is rich with personal stories—from unexpected collaborations to the behind‑the‑scenes decision-making that shaped his career. Hewett also reflects on aging gracefully, staying relevant, maintaining integrity, and building a strong foundation that supports longevity in both life and music.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The conversation aims to:

• Highlight Howard Hewett’s career longevity, legendary catalog, and current creative projects.
• Explore his transition from group success (Shalamar) to building a respected solo career.
• Provide insight into new musical collaborations, including work with Ronnie Laws.
• Discuss the challenge of performing new music for audiences who crave the classic hits.
• Reflect on spirituality, life philosophy, integrity, and aging as keys to sustaining a fulfilling career.
• Offer guidance for artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives who must navigate uncertainty, fame, and reinvention.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Collaboration with Ronnie Laws

• Hewett shared a humorous story about Ronnie Laws showing up at his door while doing Jehovah’s Witness outreach.
• Their new collaboration was inspired by a personal connection to Ronnie’s late wife and her love for “Ribbon in the Sky.”
• Covers require publishing approval, not necessarily permission from the artist, as long as royalties go to the right places.
  
  

2. Transition from Shalamar to Solo Career

• Contrary to popular belief, Howard was not the first member to leave—Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley departed before him.
• His transition happened during the opportunity to record “Dancing in the Sheets” for the Footloose soundtrack.
• Initially, he and producer Leon Sylvers did not think Footloose would be a big movie—a now‑humorous regret.
• “Dancing in the Sheets” became Shalamar’s second-largest selling single after “Second Time Around.”

3. The Challenge of Performing New Music

• Hewett explains that audiences overwhelmingly want the classics, not new songs.
• When artists introduce new material during concerts, the room’s energy often drops.
• He performs new music only when he can “set it up right” and bring the audience into the moment.

4. Musical Identity & R&B Philosophy

• His solo style skewed romantic and intimate because that is authentically who he is as an artist.
• He rejects modern attempts to redefine R&B:
  • “R&B is the foundation—of rock, hip‑hop, neo-soul, everything. You can’t replace a foundation.”
• He uses the “foundation of a house” as a metaphor for life, music, and spiritual grounding.

5. Multi‑Generational Audience Connection

• Hewett loves seeing grandparents, parents, and children attend his shows together—evidence of music that lasts.
• His concerts are structured:
  • Act 1: Howard Hewett solo classics (slow jams, connection, romance)
  • Act 2: Shalamar dance hits (“Second Time Around,” “Make That Move,” “A Night to Remember”)

6. Integrity, Spirituality, and Aging

• Hewett emphasizes that integrity, faith, and foundation have sustained his life and career.
• He began singing gospel in childhood; his mother was a gospel promoter who booked major gospel acts.
• At 70, he says he does not look or feel how he imagined 70 would look when he was younger.
• He encourages people to control what they allow into their lives—“stress, drama, or peace.”
  
  

7. Entrepreneurship and Resilience

• As an entertainer, he equates his career to running a small business—no guaranteed income, no employer‑provided safety net.
• COVID forced him off the road for the first time in decades and taught him adaptability.
• He attributes his continued success to a solid foundation, timeless hits, and avoiding stress.
  
  

8. Life Lessons: Worry, Faith, and the Power of the Tongue

• Hewett shared a powerful story about receiving a church pamphlet titled “Worry Is a Sign of Disbelief.”
• He spent years removing “worry” from his vocabulary and now avoids negative speech.
• He compares the tongue to a ship’s rudder—small but capable of steering life’s direction.
  
  

🗣️ Notable Quotes ✔ On new music

“When you do new material, it’s almost like singing in Japanese. People don’t want to hear it unless you set it up right.”

✔ On R&B

“R&B is the foundation—of rock, hip-hop, neo-soul… you can’t replace a foundation.”

✔ On longevity

“Integrity is one of the most important things. Let your yes be your yes.”

✔ On aging

“When I turned 70, I thanked God it doesn’t look like what I thought it would look like when I was 30 or 40.”

✔ On stress

“Stress is like a rocking chair—it gives you a lot to do, but you’re still in the same place when you get done.”

✔ On faith

“If you’re truly a child of God, what are you worried about? Worry is a sign of disbelief"

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Leonard S. Graham.

Social Security disability advocate, Leonard S. Graham joined Rushion McDonald on Money Making Conversations Master Class to explain how Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) really work, who qualifies, and how misconceptions prevent people—especially within the Black community—from receiving benefits they are legally entitled to. Graham has over 35 years of experience assisting clients nationwide with disability claims, appeals, and hearings.

The conversation sheds light on the disability process, eligibility, the appeals system, the role of advocates vs. attorneys, and the importance of education, honesty, and persistence in navigating Social Security.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Educate listeners on Social Security disability benefits, including eligibility, filing, and appeals.
• Debunk common myths, such as the belief disability is only for seniors.
• Explain SSDI vs. SSI, work credits, resource limits, and Medicare connections.
• Highlight the importance of advocacy, especially for underserved communities unfamiliar with the system.
• Encourage individuals not to fear or stigmatize applying for disability, and to avoid misinformation from non‑professionals.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Disability Isn’t Just for Seniors

Many mistakenly think Social Security disability is only for people over 65, but anyone with the required work credits can qualify, regardless of age—even individuals in their 20s or 30s.

2. Working Does NOT Automatically Disqualify You

Applicants can work while applying as long as they do not exceed the monthly substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold of $1,690 per month.

3. Every Claim Is Unique—Don’t Compare Your Case to Others

Graham warns clients not to take advice from neighbors or relatives because each disability case depends on medical evidence, work history, age, and individual conditions.

4. SSDI Requires Work Credits; SSI Is Needs-Based

• SSDI: Requires 20 credits minimum, 40 credits for maximum benefit, earned through past work. Assets do not affect eligibility.
• SSI: For people with low resources ($2,000 single / $3,000 married). Primary home/car do not count as resources.

5. Medicare Comes After Approval

Medicare eligibility begins 24 months after being awarded SSDI benefits.

6. Appeals Are Normal—Most Initial Claims Are Denied

95% of initial applications are denied, and the real opportunity often comes during a hearing before an administrative law judge. Persistence is essential.

7. Honesty Prevents Fraud & Overpayments

Applicants should always disclose their financial situation truthfully to avoid fraud investigations and repayment demands.

8. Disability Benefits Can Provide Back Pay

Approved claimants often receive a Notice of Award detailing monthly benefits and any back pay owed. Representatives are only paid from back pay—not monthly benefits.

9. Stigma & Fear Prevent People from Applying

Graham emphasizes that pride, fear, and misinformation often stop people—especially in the Black community—from seeking help, even when disability support could save them financially.

🗣️ Notable Quotes ✔ On Who Needs Disability

“What if you get in a car accident… or have an illness and you can’t work? Those are reasons to file for disability.”

✔ On Misinformation

“Don’t talk to your neighbor or relatives about your claim… Each claim is its own individual claim.”

✔ On Work Limits

“You can still work and have an active claim as long as you don’t gross over $1,690 a month.”

✔ On Stigma

“Some people feel applying for benefits makes them look a certain way. But the system is there to help you when you are unable to work.”

✔ On Honesty

“Just tell the truth. If they catch you on the fraud side, you’ll have to pay the money back.”

✔ On Perseverance

“Getting a denial is nothing out of the norm… The key is to continue with the claim.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

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Founder of No Ceiling Consulting, a biomedical scientist, STEM expert, agile project manager, and advocate for professional development, mentorship, and removing internal and systemic limitations (“ceilings”).

They discuss her STEM background, the evolving role of AI in science, the meaning of “no ceilings,” navigating personal and professional barriers, mentorship, setbacks, agile leadership, and how individuals—especially people of color—can create opportunity even in the face of bias and structural limitations.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The purpose of having Bamidele on the show was to:

1. Highlight her work at No Ceiling Consulting

Her firm helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, elevate performance, and lead with purpose, specializing in STEM leadership, DEI, professional development, and agile project management.

2. Explore the concept of “No Ceilings”

She provides a framework for breaking through personal and professional barriers—emphasizing that many “ceilings” are internal, learned, or based on access and systemic issues.

3. Discuss STEM, AI, and the future of work

She explains the growing role of automation and AI, how it reshapes STEM roles, and why professionals must upskill, adapt, and embrace professional development.

4. Provide strategies for career advancement

Her insights include mentorship, persistence, self‑advocacy, managing setbacks, and adopting agile mindsets.

💡 Key Takeaways

1. STEM + AI = New Opportunities, Not Job Loss

Automation and AI enhance efficiency, reduce manual labor, and create new roles—especially in labs and diagnostics. Instead of replacing workers, AI demands that professionals upskill and leverage technology for faster, better outcomes.
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2. “No Ceilings” Means Removing Internal + External Barriers

Bamidele distinguishes between:

Personal ceilings

• Internal doubts
• Imposter syndrome
• Feeling “not enough” despite capability
• Learned perceptions from bias or discouraging environments

Professional ceilings

• Being overlooked for opportunities
• Lack of access to resources (even when resources exist)
• Systemic barriers, bias, and limited upward mobility

“No ceilings” means operating from a mindset of possibility, not limitation.

3. Mentorship Is the Missing Link in Many Careers

Mentorship provides:

• Guidance
• Access
• A blueprint from those who have “been there”
• Confidence building

She explains that while mentorship is more visible today, access to the right mentorship still matters.

4. Setbacks Are Strategies in Disguise

She argues setbacks can redirect you to more aligned paths. Her personal example:

• She failed her A‑level science subjects in the UK
• A lecturer told her to “rethink her career”
• Instead, she re‑enrolled, tried again, and succeeded

Setbacks force reassessment, new strategies, and new paths—if you don’t let them define you.

5. Professional Success Requires Initiative and Advocacy

She emphasizes:

• Don’t wait for opportunities—go after them
• Knock on multiple doors
• Apply for roles even if you don’t feel 100% ready
• Learn from interviews even if you don’t get the job

Rushion supports this point with his IBM story: opportunity started when he stopped complaining and clearly shared his goals.

6. Agile Leadership Applies Beyond Technology

Agile principles help leaders:

• Think quickly and adapt
• Focus on collaboration and accountability
• Encourage self‑management
• Support teams through “servant leadership”
• Reflect and iterate rather than waiting for perfect plans

Agile mindset = resilience + responsiveness.

7. Faith, Vision, and Purpose Drive Her Journey

Bamidele speaks candidly about:

• Faith guiding her through rejection and setbacks
• Conversations with God grounding her
• Believing her life is a “living testimony” of grace and perseverance
  
  

🗣 Notable Quotes (with citations) On AI and automation

“Automation makes life easier… without it, manual methods take hours, weeks, months to get results.”
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On embracing AI

“AI is not taking your jobs, but those that ignore the AI will be left behind.”

On personal ceilings

“You’re thinking to yourself, ‘I can’t do it,’ even though you have the evidence to show you can.”

On professional ceilings

“You may have access, but you don’t have access to access.”

On initiative

“I don’t wait for opportunities—I always go for it. Worst case, you’ll say no.”

On setbacks

“When you have a setback, you’re thinking: what can I do? This can’t stop me.”

On mindset

“Life is all about risk. You have to look for solutions; there has to be another way.”

On faith

“Grace carried me to where I am today… my life is a living testimony.”

On the meaning of ‘No Ceilings’

“Why do we even have a ceiling in the first place? Let’s operate in a world where we don’t see the ceiling—only possibilities.”
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#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

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