Adam Chiocca shares and blogs here.

Hank Aaron!  Last week, we lost a great man, and one of the greatest baseball players of all time.  I just read through all of his stats and accomplishments.  Wow! 23 seasons in the #mlb ..!! He played 21 seasons w/ the Milwaukee/ #atlantabraves and 2 seasons w/ the #milwaukeebrewers .. and he was predominantly a right fielder.  He was an all-star 25 times, a #worldserieschamp in 1957, was a Nat'l League MVP, .. 3x a Golden Glove Award, 4x the NL home run leader, 755 #careerhomeruns (breaking #baberuth 's record, and... #hankaaron 's #homerun record lasted for 33 years!  In one picture I show here, you can see when he broke the record, at home run number 715!  There were many other records, stats, and awards, such as being inducted into the Nat'l Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.  He was from #mobilealabama and played #baseball briefly in the #NegroAmericanLeague.  Beyond what I'm reading online, I can share my own personal memories of learning about...

Cicely Tyson!  What a beautiful woman and soul.  I love you Cicely, and we will miss you.  You were a bright, brilliant star.  You made me smile, and you inspired me.  I want to celebrate your long life, and I must say it was well lived.  You blazed trails, and inspired so many.  Rest in peace, friend.  We love you.  Thank you,  ~~ Adam Chiocca ~~ [day 30 of my book tour, 1/30/21 ~ celebrating the life of Cicely Tyson]  

Clubhouse! OMG! I need to moderate several rooms very soon! Want to be a moderator/ panelist with me? Yes, this is an open-invite to anyone in my whole network. Now, it might take a little time to get good at "running a clubhouse room," so I realize I/ we should practice soon. Wanna do a short-term trial-run, and be my fellow moderator/ panelist, for a string of 3 - 5 clubhouse rooms? We would just need to have a topic we can both speak to ... so, what could you speak intelligently about? See, if you haven't tried clubhouse yet, it's audio-only, and it's organized into hundreds of different "rooms," or conversations. You and I could be the moderators/ panelists/ experts who control the room, meaning we direct the discussion, and we allow visitors (who "raise their hand" in the app) ... to speak/ contribute/ ask questions. It's fun, easy, and you can really blow up your Instagram following. Yes, my friend spoke in a clubhouse room,...

My former students!  Yes, today's post is dedicated to the many former students I've had the privilege of mentoring, and teaching these past 15 years as a middle school & high school teacher.  It is a rewarding profession because it feels like you're doing God's work.  As an ESL/ ELL Teacher, I've had extra important duties, such as calling doctor's offices, govt.  offices, and college/ university sports coaches to help get my kiddos in, by any means necessary.  I've gotten to know parents, uncles, aunts and siblings.  Beyond my ESL/ELL Teacher duties, I've also had the privilege of being the Faculty Advisor to our high school's African American Student Association, for 8 years.  Many of my students of color have also been on our school's Hip Hop dance team.  It was always great fun to watch them get the biggest and loudest applause at the annual Pep Rally before the big Thanksgiving day football game.  Now, in case you haven't seen other...

Clubhouse!  Wow.  I just started it yesterday, and I can already see the value.  It's not for everybody, but I can see why millions are already obsessed with it.  I think it's going to be very popular, at least for a few years for a few reasons.  (1) The fact that it's audio-only makes it simple, and easy-to-use.  (2). Then, there's total freedom to enter any "room" you want, and thus you can listen in on these very interesting, specific, niche/ unique conversations.  (3)  With moderators leading the "panel discussions," it remains well-organized, clear, helpful, and professional.  (4)  It allows you to follow either specific interests, or groups, or people, and so once you choose your interests, you're automatically shown ongoing "rooms" that appeal to those areas of interest you selected.  (5)  There's no limit on the character length of your profile bio, so you can get very creative with your bio (what others would see)....

Ronnie Spector & the Ronettes!  Yes!  Ronnie Spector was the front/ lead, who, along with her sister, Estelle Bennett and cousin, Nedra Talley, made up the popular girl group, The Ronettes; and they were from Spanish Harlem.  Some of their hits (from the 60's) were:  "Be My Baby," "Baby, I Love You," and "The Best Part of Breakin' Up."  After their time together, Ms. Spector went on with a solo career, launching five albums.  In 1986, her career was rejuvenated when she sang on Eddie Money's Grammy-nominated Rock song, "Take Me Home Tonight," which got to # 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  She has been called the "Bad Girl of Rock n' Roll," and she was, along with the Ronettes, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.  Today, I'm giving much praise and love to Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes!  #amazingwomenofcolor #womeninmusic #spanishharlem #doowop #soul #motown #blackexcellence #ronniespector #therone...

Get help!  That's the message for today's book tour post.  I am trying to build a good, mission-driven empire, but since I'm just the visionary leader, who has never run a business, I knew that I would need some guidance, direction, and advice.  I searched around for months, and as you can imagine, there are mentors, and coaches everywhere.  For me, because I need to build a $500 million empire, I knew that I needed someone who has made, or been worth millions, or hundreds of millions, and David Meltzer has done that.  In full disclosure, he lost it all during the 2008 housing crash, but then was able to come back with a better mindset, free of ego, and got back on his mission to help others and make millions again.  I'm so glad I joined his private group-coaching program, where I get some time one-on-one with David.  I appreciate his support and guidance, and I think there's a reason I found him now, at the beginning of this #chioccanetwork journey....

Let's go Instagram-live, or Facebook-live together soon!  Yes, let me put this free offer out there to anyone + everyone who would like to go either Instagram-live or Facebook-live with me during February - April  2021!  Yes!  I had a revelation today during my daily meditation practice.  See, it's been part of the plan that I email, and/ or "dm" certain celebrities who might be able to help me with my grand mission.  Yes, I started this new networking plan on 1/1/21, and so I reach out to about 5 celebrities per day, to see if they'd be willing to go #instagramlive with me, or #facebooklive with me, some day; just to help get my ideas out there.  Again, this is all about supporting young people of color, and underprivileged youth.  I realized that I can, and should tap into friends' networks, and other peoples' networks through this current new phenomenon of many people going Instagram-live and Facebook-live together.  Yes, so if you're read...

Ralph Warnock!  Congrats!  I was following this political race a bit, in Georgia ... and of course, let me also give some love and a shout-out to Stacey Abrams.  For those who didn't know, Ralph Warnock is the new junior Senator for Georgia, and he just won, this January '21.  What is significant, I think, is that he is the first African American to represent Georgia in the Senate.  Yes, can you believe that?!  See, I'm from Boston, which is in the Northeast, in New England, and so, of course, I only understand so much about the South, but with the African American population being greater in Atlanta, compared with Boston, I guess I assumed that several African Americans have served in various high political positions in places like Georgia.  Does my thinking here.. this assumption I made.. connect to my own limited thoughts about race, politics and history?  Yes, probably, but I don't mind sharing my limitations, because I know that it's importan...

12 Years a Slave! Wow.  I want to celebrate this film today for a few reasons.  You see, in my second book (book launch, mid-February ‘21), I share some big goals, and a grand vision for the company I’m building, which has at its core, a good mission to support young people of color, and underprivileged youth.  I wouldn’t have had the courage to carry out this great mission, and engage publicly in topics related to African American history, if I hadn’t gone through great change and growth.  Yes, I went through a major personal transformation (and mid-life crisis) which was powerful, miraculous, and beautiful.  Growing and changing into realizing my own spiritual divinity, and that soul within, allowed me to discover a better way to live.  Are you growing and changing?  If you’re a white person, and you haven’t watched a movie about Slavery in a while, or ever, then I encourage to watch this great film, #12yearsaslave .. it’s phenomenal, and powerful....

Our website is up!  Yes!  Our new website,   http://chioccanetwork.com/   is live!  It's not actually ready, so it's technically "under construction," until my second book is ready to launch, but this is very  exciting.  I am excited and inspired every day about our mission, and I can't wait to share it with you all.  I have been given a blessed mission from God and the universe, and I believe God is going to use me to change the world.  I am so humbled, and honored to be an instrument of God's peace, love, and joy.  It's happening, friends... it's really happening..!!  Amen.  God is good.  [day 21, 1/21/21, unconventional book tour, for my 2nd book ... with love, Adam Chiocca]   

Kamala Harris!  What a great day!  I am beaming with joy.  This is so great.  Now, rather than just celebrate, I thought I could also share something I learned today, that I didn't realize was a thing.  Well, it's a social media movement, a hashtag (or a few), and it's based around the fact that Kamala loves to wear her Chuck Taylors, popularized by Converse sneakers, back in the 80's (or earlier?).  Yes, and I also didn't know that apparently she loves to wear pearls, and so today I enjoyed learning about this new hashtag movement, in which lots of amazing women are sporting pearls and Chuck Taylors!  I've enjoyed all of these pictures, ladies.  Also, for those who aren't following amazing Black and Brown women on social media, I can share that many have recently celebrated their college sorority's respective "Founder's Days."  It seems like most of the women I follow on instagram are sisters of .. aka "sorors" of AKA (Alpha Kapp...

Mom!  Love her!  She's the best.  If you've had the pleasure of knowing my mom, then you know she is funny, clever, bright, caring, fun, authentic, humble, and kind.  Here, in this adorable photo, she's playing softball for the company team (Pan Am Airways, circa 1975).  She was probably the best female athlete in her high school, and I still remember the golden trophy she got, which was for something like "Most Amazing Young Woman at Brighton High School:  Athlete, Scholar & Humanitarian."  She got her B.S. in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire, while also enjoying her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, where she met her long-time friend, Natalie Jacobsen (long-time host, WCVB, Channel 5 - Boston).  After UNH, she then liked the idea of travelling the world, and so became a stewardess.  Yes, that's what they called them back in the late 60's and 70's.  I learned how flying was very special back then.  It was a real treat....

** (a heartfelt note to the late, great MLK Jr.) written 1/18/21 ~~ Dear Dr. King,  You were taken from us too soon.  It was murder.  In talking to a friend, this weekend, about the meeting I had this past Friday, with my students in our BHS African American Student Association, I spoke of how much more progress could have been made if you and many other civil rights leaders weren't murdered.  These are the facts, and Americans need to be honest, reflective and mindful of our history.  Life for millions of Black and Brown people still isn't fair, right, or good.  We still have systemic racism, and we still have racism, prejudice and bigotry in the minds of millions.  These antiquated closed-minded old ways of thinking need to be released, and dumped in the dustbin of the past.  I am willing to do my part to help teach fellow white people about how thoughts of prejudice can live on in the mind, subconsciously.  It is important for more people ...

Thank you!  I'm so grateful for the support of these high school buddies, who joined me for a video call today.  Yes, if you've been paying attention, I've mentioned how I've got some big plans, and a grand vision, and how I share all of it in my 2nd book, coming out mid-February, 2021..!!   Now, before I go and tell the whole world, though, I wanted to tell friends, old and new, first.  Ok, so these awesome high school dudes showed up today to hear all about it.  If you're seeing this post before my official book launch (mid-February '21), and would like to join a small-group video call, please send me an email ( chioccanetwork@gmail.com ) and I'll be sure to schedule you in for one that fits your schedule.  Yes, I'm happy to share the big plans, and grand vision with you, in an upcoming small-group video conference call.  Sure, just email me at chioccanetwork@gmail.com  ...ok?  Thanks again to these guys!  ~~~~ Adam Chiocca ~~~~ [...

Lena Horne, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Eartha Kitt + Dorothy Dandridge!  Today, I'm celebrating these amazing women.  Wow, their careers spanned decades.  Their accomplishments were many, and I just wonder what kind of barriers, roadblocks and challenges they must have had as women of color.  Rather than share 5 separate pictures, let me share this cropped ig-post from one of my favorite accounts: @blk.thought #blackthought on #instagram (thank you, friends).  Yes, I'm loving learning about these women, and their impressive careers in TV, Film, Radio, Broadway and beyond.  Much love and respect ... to #lenahorne #cicelytyson #diahanncarroll #earthakitt #dorothydandridge ~~ thank you, Adam Chiocca ~~ [day 16, 1/16/21 .. for my #unconventional book tour]   

Maya Angelou!  Have you read some of her books?  I've read 5 of her books, and they're all so great!  If you haven't, then I recommend you start with "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings."  It is a powerful biography/ memoir.  It brought me to tears.  You won't be disappointed.  Her writing, especially in her unique and astute use of word choice is refreshing, enticing, entertaining and revealing.  After you read "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings," I would then recommend "Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas," which covers some of her public life and showbiz years; from the time of her performing at the Purple Onion, to her world tour with "Porgy and Bess," and beyond.  It's also a glimpse into her celebrity friend connections, so you get a new sense of some amazing people, like James Baldwin, who she often referred to as Jimmy.  Much love and praise today to one of the most important guiding lights in ...

Gladys Knight & the Pips!  Wow, I'm loving this musical journey I'm on.  Today, I gotta give praise to the great music by this awesome R&B, Soul, and Funk family group!  Yes, I've been loving their music, and so I had to ask: "Who are the Pips?!"  They're family!  Yes.  I'm so glad I know this now.  I also didn't realize they were active on the music charts for 3 decades!  They started off as The Pips in 1952, and with Gladys, there was also her brother, Merald "Bubba" Knight, sister Brenda Knight, and cousins Eleanor and William Guest.  They signed with Brunswick Records in '57.  When Brenda and Eleanor left the group, then cousin Edward Patten joined, and also a non-relative, Langston George.  With this newer version of the group, they had their first hit with "Every Beat of My Heart."  I give y'all much love and praise today, 1/14/21, day #14 of my book tour.  ~~ Adam Chiocca ~~ 

Aaron Chiocca!  That's our younger son, aka #birdie or #birdiechiocca and yesterday, he had his first high school b-ball game.  They played really well, beating Dracut High's freshman boys basketball team by about 25 points.  Spectators aren't allowed, so there's no crowd of fans in the stands, but at least they get to play a season, so that's better than nothing.  We get to cheer him on from the living room, as it is live-streamed, and so that's why these pictures aren't clear.  I was most pleased that upon getting fouled in the first minute of the game, Aaron made his first two free-throws.  I thought that was a good way to start one's high school basketball career, by making both of your first two free-throws, right!  Hahaa... yes, gotta make those free-throws.  Ok, so even though I'm doing this book tour, and posting every day, my duties as a busy father don't stop, so I'll post the following two pics for today's book tour post!  [Ada...

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You is a fantastic read!  I just finished it, and I give it two thumbs up!  Hello: I'm Adam Chiocca, a high school teacher, just outside Boston, Mass.  Should you listen to me?  Yes.  Am I an expert in African American history?  No, but I've been a student of African American history for over 25 years, and I'm now ready to launch the next phase of my life.  Yes, see..., I've got my 2nd book coming out soon.  Have I written about African American history?  Well, a little, but mostly I share my vision for what I'm building, and I share a bit of my journey, such as what I needed to learn as a white man, in order to become anti-racist.  Yes, I needed to become more aware of those tendencies that many white people have.  I'm not saying all white people are racist, for many will claim they're not, but if you truly want to be anti-racist, then you've got to drop the ego, and be willing to take an honest lo...

Natalie Cole!  Wow, "This Will Be" is such a phenomenal song, and her vocals are out of this world!  As you probably know, her Dad was Nat King Cole.  I have a new appreciation for Natalie Cole, and this is now in my go-to list for songs when I want to dance and get my day going.  In doing some research on this song, I see that she recorded it as a single in 1975.  It was written by Chuck Jackson and Marvin Yancy.  As you probably know, the words "an everlasting love" became a natural addition to the song title, even though they were never in the actual title of: "This Will Be."  From this single, Natalie won the Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, in this space that had been dominated by Aretha Franklin.  This song also helped Natalie win the Grammy for Best New Artist.  I couldn't find a good picture of the single, so I'll use a different picture here, to celebrate the one and only:  Natalie Cole!  #randb #pop #motow...

Queen of Soul!  Wow.  For today's unconventional book tour post, I gotta give mad props to the original,  "The Very Best of Aretha Franklin - The 70's" recording of "Something He Can Feel."  Wow, .. just amazing.  I grew up only knowing the splendid version by En Vogue (and they were awesome), when I was in high school, in the 90's.  I don't think I ever heard Aretha's version.  Wow, she sings with such soul, and beauty, that it's like I can't even breathe.  Over the last few months, as I have dived into this journey to learn more about #randb #jazz #soul #theblues and #motown .. it's been so much fun, but sometimes, when I hear Aretha, I get that swell of emotion.  Have you ever had that?  Do you feel me?  It's like you could almost cry; on occasion, I have cried to Aretha's singing.  I realize now that sometimes we can connect to beautiful music on a spiritual level, and it feels so good.  I sang Gospel in college, and I...

Barbara Lynn!  Wow, so very cool learning about her today, as I continue on my journey to learn about, and celebrate Black musicians from my favorite genres:  R&B, Soul, Motown, and Jazz.  She was an R&B guitarist, and singer, most known for her hit: "You'll Lose a Good Thing."  Today, I'm happy to give a shout-out to, ... and some love + praise to Barbara Lynn!  #motown #randb #jazz #soul #amazingblackwomen  ~~ Adam Chiocca ~~ [book tour post, day 9, 1/9/21] 

The Alchemist !  Have you read it?  If you haven't, I highly recommend it; two thumbs up.  I first learned of it from a TV interview of Will Smith, years ago, in which Will said that it was his favorite book.  If you're not a reader, you could certainly request the audio book from your library, or get it via your favorite eBook/ audiobook platform.  It is the epic tale of a boy named Santiago.  The journey starts where Santiago lives in Andalusia, in Southern Spain.  He's a poor shepherd boy who finds the courage to follow his dreams, which takes him to North Africa.  The author, Paulo Coelho, does a fantastic job of telling this very interesting story, one that keeps your attention, and makes you want to know what's coming next.  He reveals an old North African world, with its unique sights, sounds and smells, from a bustling Moroccan bazaar, to the dry, hot beauty of the desert.  The story inspires the reader as it reveals, or reminds ...

White Privilege.  Yes, it exists, and it's true, even at the subconscious level.  In Washington D.C., yesterday, on January 6th, 2021, we watched angry white men with guns storm the capitol, and it appears not many of the thousands were beaten, or arrested.  According to CBS News, 52 people were arrested, and 4 people died.  One was a woman shot as she breached the Capitol building.  If it were black men with guns, I'm sure we would have seen many more ... hundreds probably beaten, arrested, and some probably killed.  Even though only 52 people were arrested, the videos online seem to show controlled action by the police.  I saw videos of police pushing back on the protestors; nothing as violent as we saw how black men and women were treated last summer in the national Black Lives Matter protests.  In those videos, we saw lots of police brutality, and violence.  White privilege should be accepted by all as true, and if you don't agree, then y...

Aretha Franklin!  Wow, I have a new appreciation for the Queen of Soul.  I just watched Amazing Grace , a film made from a live concert recording done in 1972, by Sydney Pollack, and later realized by Alan Elliot.  It features Aretha recording the live album, Amazing Grace.   I was brought to tears.  She sang with such feeling, and allowed the spirit to come through.  She exemplifies soul music in this film/ recording.  With the live audience, the amazing gospel choir behind her, the pastor, and musicians, it is really a treasure.  I highly recommend you go watch this, now.  Just amazing ... Ok, yes, so this post today, for my 2nd book tour, for my 2nd book is dedicated to Aretha Franklin!  Love ... and gratitude dear Ms. Franklin.  Thank you, ~~ Adam Chiocca ~~ 1/6/21 

Jean Knight!  As I mentioned yesterday, I've been on a journey, discovering more Jazz, Soul and R&B artists, songs and stories over the last few years.  Today, let me celebrate Jean Knight!  I love her album: Mr. Big Stuff, recorded on the Stax label (1971).   I can only imagine some of the challenges Black musicians had to endure.  I believe there are more stories to be told.  I'd like to be able to produce some films and documentaries to help preserve some of the important real life stories that we must know and honor, before it's too late.  #randbmusic #soulmusic #jazzmusic #motown #disco #funk #jazz #soul #jeanknight ..!!  With love, Adam Chiocca [unconventional book tour '21] 1/5/21 

Fontella Bass!  Wow, let me take a moment and just say, "Wow!"  What an amazing voice, and beautiful lady!  It was only a couple of years ago when I started getting really into Jazz, Soul, and R&B, and so, yes, for my book tour picture + post today, I'm honoring and celebrating Ms. Fontella Bass (pictured here).  Today is the 4th day of this book tour (for my 2nd book, 50 Days to a Better Investment), and I'm getting excited for what's to come!  Hold on, people.  ~~ Adam Chiocca ~~ 1/4/21 

Good morning.  I write to you this third day of January really excited about the co-creation that I've been working on, with God, and the universe.  Yes, we have co-created some beautiful dreams and inspiring missions, and I share many of them in my second book, which should be available in late January 2021.  Central to our mission is supporting young people of color, and underprivileged youth.  Once again, I feel so honored to be able to be a volunteer for God, and this good universe.  I think I'm going to change the world.  Thanks for following along with my blogging, and vlogging, for this book tour, and this Chiocca Network journey.  Have a great day.  ~~ Adam Chiocca ~~ 1/3/21 

For my long-time friends and fans, I realize that I haven't yet said what my 2nd book is about.  Right, I know.  Please play along with me.  See, I'm trying to orchestrate an exciting, professional launch of this second book.  You see, I've got this grand vision, with some big goals and missions.  I'm excited to tell you all about them soon!  I've always been a fan of full transparency, though, so let me share that I need to delay the sharing of it all.  Why?  Well, see ... my 2nd book isn't ready yet.  I thought it might be ready by late December 2020, but alas, I'll have to wait a few more weeks.  Hang tight, ~~ Adam Chiocca ~~  1/2/21 

Ok, so this blog was archived in 2017.  I’m now bringing it out of retirement, today, 1/1/21.   Welcome back. Yes, so good news: I have written my second book!  Yes!  It is currently in the publishing process.  I got the proofs of the front and back cover, and of the book/ text, and it all looks great! ... I just needed to request a few changes.   So, I rejected the first round, and now I should wait a few days for the requested changes in formatting, or design.. but it looks really good!  Happy New Year!  Adam Chiocca