Pastor and Project H.O.O.D. founder Corey Brooks says people are 'hungry for authenticity' and 'rejecting groupthink' in the new year while calling on Americans to form opinions based on truth.

I have now made it from New York to the great state of Georgia on my Walk Across America, a million-step effort to raise funds for Project H.O.O.D.'s Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center in Chicago. 

I realized last week that I will be spending this New Year’s Day here and, with 2026 fast approaching, I’ve been reflecting on what our nation needs the most as we begin a new year. 

For years, I have watched as brave individuals from the hip-hop community, the R&B world, pop stars, movie actors and even everyday folks come under fierce attack for simply voicing what they believe. 

ELITES CALL THE SOUTH BACKWARD — BUT WALKING IT REVEALED AMERICA'S NEXT BOOM

You have Justine Bateman out in California going against the grain with her criticisms of the political happenings there. You have Azealia Banks, who has been fierce in her defense of Israel and other issues. And you have artists like Nicki Minaj, who have faced backlash for speaking out on matters close to their hearts, whether it's faith, family values or questioning the mainstream........

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