The recent Prime Video documentary gives viewers a primary-hand account of the extraordinary journey through the history of Black quarterbacks, a position long defined by struggle, resilience and triumph.

Narrated by NFL great Michael Vick, the series features interviews with some of the most iconic players to ever take the field, from Patrick Mahomes to Warren Moon. The series not only delves into the past, but in addition celebrates the present and predicts the future of the position. The list of announced brawlers includes Charlie Ward, the 1993 Heisman Trophy winner and former NBA player whose story stays an inspiration to many.

In this exclusive interview, Ward reflects on his experiences as a black quarterback at a time when his role was still under intense scrutiny. “Being the first black quarterback at Florida State was something I wanted to do and I was patient to achieve it,” Ward said. He also talks about the evolution of his position, giving insight into his development and why the docuseries is a critical reminder of the battles that paved the way for today’s stars.

ESSENCE: As a trailblazing standout in each football and basketball, how did your experience as a black point guard influence the way you overcame challenges on and off the court?

Charlie Ward: Well, I’m a black quarterback. I’m black, so that may never change. Playing as a quarterback, especially in my time, there have been obviously a number of players ahead of me who needed to endure loads greater than me. So I used to be grateful to them for that. Guys like Doug Williams, Warren Moon, those guys needed to endure loads to give you the option to play that position. But for me, being the first black quarterback in the state of Florida was something I desired to do and I used to be patient to realize it because that was my goal that was never achieved at FSU.

There were a number of guys who got here before me but ended up changing positions because they desired to play earlier. Because now, after I look back, I see that loads of people wore number 17 because of me. And just hearing it warms my heart, since it means I’m doing something right. It’s at all times nice to give you the option to encourage them to proceed to grow on this position.

I’m actually glad you brought this up too, since it makes me take into consideration Lamar Jackson specifically. I desired to ask you what you concentrate on the social and racial perception of the black quarterback and why do you’re thinking that it still is? Where do you’re thinking that this can go in the future?

Yes, at one point we couldn’t think, all we could do was run. We weren’t thorough. There were all these stigmas attached to a black quarterback, and of course that was true for all quarterbacks, regardless of skin color. But of course, lately, Lamar Jackson has developed as a quarterback, from where he began playing solely as a runner and to some extent as a passer, to now where he can do all of the above.

So I believe it’s fair because the next evolution of the quarterback is to ensure that that we progress like everyone else, that we’re the best that they may be and he might be rewarded for that. Regardless of what and the way he does, to achieve success he must do what’s best for him. Therefore, the leg plays an enormous role in his success. Why not proceed to make this an element of your game? Don’t take away what you might be best at to attempt to prove something to other people. That’s why I believe he’s done a terrific job developing as a degree guard over the years he’s been in the league.

Speaking of the word “evolution,” how do you’re thinking that the public’s perception of a black quarterback has evolved from the time you played to today?

Well, I discussed that there have been some people before me, but that is about the mindset of those that make the decisions. When I played, after I stepped on the field, there weren’t many individuals in the room making decisions that reflected our style of play as a degree guard. So there are lots of of us in the room today who make decisions or have a voice in the room. And they do not always have a look at how big you might be, what color your skin is, or what you’re thinking that. They are actually tied to the way you perform and other aspects: “Can you help me win?”

Because lately it’s all about finding the one who will allow you to win. Regardless of what they appear like, you would like to ensure that they’re on your team because your goal is to win that game or gain that community. So I believe we have come a great distance from that standpoint and the thought processes behind who’s put in that position because the quarterback position is, normally, the face of the franchise.

Do you also have a favorite black quarterback? And if that’s the case, why?

Well, that is a difficult query because there have been loads of them. The reason I began 17 was because of Doug Williams. He is the first African American to win the Super Bowl as a quarterback. And that was in my time. So I wore 17 because of Doug Williams. But there was also Warren Moon, who I also watched win against the Houston Oilers. And then in the Canadian League, around the same time, you had Randall Cunningham. But I just liked watching him play that position because he played at a high level, very just like mine in terms of the way we played. I also liked watching him throw long balls. These are my favorite movies growing up and the ones I enjoyed watching.

So why do you’re thinking that this documentary is significant and what do you hope viewers can get from it?

Well, often we don’t love to listen to the story of where we’re today because we expect it just happened. It’s at all times been like this. This just isn’t the case. We’re having great success with black quarterbacks today, they usually’re making loads of money, but that wasn’t the case 20, 30, 40 years ago. So just the background of a black quarterback is supposed to remind us that it wasn’t at all times like this and make us grateful for where we’re today.

So, just with the ability to tell the story of how we got to where we’re today, we were playing point guards, especially my size. I do know being drafted primary didn’t occur 30 years ago. So just with the ability to share that information and show where we’re coming from may be very useful.

There is a standard thread that connects ours pandemic experience for the last 700 years. From the Black Death in the 14th century to Covid-19 in the twenty first century, public health authorities have implemented emergency measures comparable to isolation and quarantine to stop the spread of infectious diseases.

As we know from the pandemic, these measures turn lives the other way up in an attempt to avoid wasting them. In each last AND distant past in addition they sparked collective unrest, confusion and resistance.

So in spite of everything this time, what do we learn about the role public health communication plays in helping people understand and follow protective measures during the crisis? More importantly, in an age of misinformation and distrust, how can we improve public health messaging for future pandemics?

Last 12 months we published, amongst others: Cochrane Review examining global evidence on public health communication during the Covid-19 epidemic and other infectious diseases, including SARS, MERS, influenza and Ebola. Here’s a snapshot of what we found.

The importance of public trust

A key theme emerging in analyzes of the COVID pandemic around the world is public trust – or lack thereof – in governments, public institutions and science.

A growing body of evidence suggests this level of trust in the government was directly proportional to fewer Covid-19 infections and higher vaccination rates around the world. This has been a key factor in people’s willingness to comply with public health directives and is now a key component of future pandemic preparedness.

Here in Australia, public trust in governments and health authorities has steadily declined over time.

Initial information from governments and health authorities on the developing pandemic crisis, personal risks and mandatory protective measures was generally clear and consistent across the country. Assumption National Cabinet in 2020 signaled the commitment of state, territory and federal governments to consensus-based policy and public health information.

During this early phase of relative unity, Australians reported higher levels of affiliation with and trust in the government.

But as the pandemic has worn on, public trust has eroded amid conflicting pandemic strategies at the state and federal levels, blame games, and confusing fragmentation of public health messaging. The discrepancy between isolation policies and public health messages adopted by Victoria and New South Wales this is one example, but there are plenty of them.

When state, territory and federal governments have conflicting policies on safeguarding, people easily develop into confused, lose trust and find it harder to have interaction with or persuade. Many are giving up partisan politics. Compliance with mandatory public health measures is declining.

Our research found that transparency and consistency of information were key features of effective public health communication during the Covid-19 pandemic.

We also found that public health communication is best when authorities engage with diverse goal audiences. In Victoria, a case was brought against the state government for sudden closure of high-rise public buildings is a warning emphasizing the importance of thoughtful, tailored and two-way communication with various communities.

Counteracting disinformation

There is disinformation this is not a brand new problembut it surely has been amplified by the advent of social media.

A highly touted “miracle” drug ivermectin embodies the extraordinary traction and anecdotal treatments which have gained local and global use. Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug that has no evidence of activity against viruses comparable to COVID.

Australia’s drug regulator was forced to achieve this ban the prescription of ivermectin for purposes apart from those intended after a rapid growth people looking for the drug has caused shortages across the country. Hospitals also reported patients ivermectin overdose and Covid “cure” cocktails promoted online.

The Lancet Commission Drawing on the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, he called for a coordinated international response to countering disinformation.

She subsequently called for more accessible and accurate information and investment in scientific knowledge to guard against disinformation, including on social media platforms. The World Health Organization is developing resources and recommendations for health authorities to handle this issue.infodemic“.

National efforts to directly combat disinformation, combined with coordinated efforts to lift health awareness, are needed. The Australian Medical Association does called on the federal government investing in long-term internet advertising to counter health misinformation and increase health literacy.

People of all ages should be prepared to think critically about who and where their health information comes from. As artificial intelligence develops, this is becoming an increasingly urgent priority.

Looking to the future

Recently, Australian health ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the recent Australian Center for Disease Control (CDC).

From a science communication perspective, the Australian CDC could provide an independent voice of evidence and consensus-based information. This is exactly what is needed during the pandemic. However, full details about the CDC’s funding and responsibilities have been a subject any guesses.

Many of ours key findings regarding effective public health communication during a pandemic are neither recent nor surprising. They reinforce what we know works from previous disease outbreaks in different places and times: information that is tailored, timely, clear, consistent and accurate.

The rapid growth, reach and impact of disinformation and distrust in public authorities add a brand new level of complexity to this picture. Countering each must develop into central to all communication about the public health crisis, now and in the future.

Some people say that fashion week is a marathon, but let’s be realistic. It’s a relay race by which the baton is passed to every of the major cities in turn, from New York to London, Milan and then Paris to take home. The spring/summer 2025 season had an incredible course – from the outfits on the runway to the stars sitting in the front rows, equivalent to Cardi B and her angular fringe at Mugler. The resulting trends are equally irresistible. According to Dontalla Versace, whose presentation was full of vibrant pops of purple and interesting pieces that felt like the opposite of spring, next spring’s wardrobe will likely be especially fun because of its playful yet sensual nature.

Charli XCX’s “Summer of Brats” can have had a transparent influence on designers’ color selections – Gucci and Casablanca, for instance, showcased chartreuse club looks – but the dominant shades leaned towards soft pastels over neons. Others created ensembles with a more mature, sexy aura through plunging necklines and sheer clothes that showed all the pieces. And boho is back! Chemena Kamali, who just revealed her second appearance for Chloé, appears to be leading the charge.

Keep scrolling to see the top seven trends we spotted for Spring/Summer 2025.

Purple palette

Spring is time for a pastel party, and for good reason. Remember what it appears like to have more sunlight and warmer temperatures after months of cold and little daylight? Seasonal change is often reflected in tailoring in brighter colours. Chromatic MVP of the Spring/Summer 2025 collection will include purples equivalent to periwinkle, lilac, lavender and more. We especially love the way it shows in Sergio Hudson’s suits, PH5 knits and Versace’s vibrant patterns. Other pastels to look out for next spring? Confectionery colours equivalent to bubblegum pink, cotton candy blue, and butter yellow.

Cocoon sleeves

Barrel jeans are one of the hottest denim styles today, followed by cocoon sleeves, which have a similarly pronounced curve. Rounded-shoulder, off-the-shoulder styles include tailoring at Nanushka, animal print jackets at Luar and eveningwear at Carolina Herrera. The magic of this cut lies in its shape and softness. For an avant-garde style, pair a cocoon-sleeved top with barrel jeans and chunky kicks to alter up the silhouette. If you would like the top to be the place to begin, select straight-leg trousers and classic shoes.

Carmine on the catwalk

Carmine, a deep shade of red, almost bordering on crimson, was a everlasting visual on the runways. The pink was a daring contrast to the dozens of pastels and offered something that these pale colours simply do not have. Her best moments included a distorted gown in Who Decides War, a bodysuit in Iba Kamara’s Off-White, and a sharp-shouldered mini dress in Olivier Rousteing’s Balmain. The wonderful thing about this shade is that it wears strong, whether it’s for a full-toned look or simply a single piece.

Pure charm

We are all following a pure trend at this point. It’s hard to call a designer who would not select something transparent this season, which has turn into the queen of tailoring in recent times. Fortunately, the design has been reinvented, which at the very least makes the ongoing trend interesting. Khaite used organza to create flowing outfits, Hermès produced sheer knit trousers, and many individuals used it for nude dresses. If you are not able to bare all of it, the look will also be an exercise in layering, either with interesting elements below or with statement tops.

Boho is back

If you have not heard, “boho chic” is back. The look is characterised by casualness and ruffles, embodied fringes, flowers, crochet and ruffles. These motifs appeared on the catwalks, especially the recent ones. Ruffles give a garment beautiful texture and a way of movement, which worked for each Ulla Johnson’s flowing maxi dress and the layered skirts and dresses in Alessandro Michele’s Valentino runway debut.

Sharp V-necks

A pointy visual contrast to the softness of the boho comeback are plunging necklines, especially the V-neck version. They were most visible on runways like LaQuan Smith and Kim Shui, where designers emphasize their very own version of sex appeal season after season. The neckline also appears to be emerging as part of a brand new approach to corporate fashion popularized by office sirens trend.

The touch of metal

How to make a classic outfit immediately elevated and, if you happen to want, sexier? With a bit of equipment. This was unmissable at shows like Grace Ling, where the designer added silver fang-like elements to the dress worn by Precious Lee. This trend was also continuously present at Attico, where a silver, metallic dress appeared on the catwalk. It must be no surprise that this fashion of spicing up a chunk is having a moment. After all, is not that what involves mind when we predict of the great worlds of fashion? Think of Tom Ford’s Gucci-era metallic dresses and Patrick Kelly’s dresses embellished with gold buttons.