Here and Now with Sandra Bookman: Collette V. Smith, NFL’s first African American female coach, talks new children’s book

NEW YORK (WABC) — Coming up on Here and Now, we introduce you to a groundbreaking author who is defying the odds both on and off the field.

As a professional football player, the first African American female NFL coach and the first woman to coach the New York Jets, Collette V. Smith truly follows her own playbook.

And now in her new book for young readers, “Collette’s Courage,” Smith is encouraging others to follow their own passions, no matter how different or impossible they may seem to others.

Joining us today is the founder and president of the nonprofit Believe N You and new author Collette V. Smith.

Plus, how the “She Did That: 2025 Holiday Bazaar” is elevating Black-owned brands.

Also ahead on our program: Mental health and black men. How the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health’s “Barbershop Talk with Brothers” promotes community health and wellness.

And Black Farmers United New York State on the impact of the Trump tariffs.

Here and Now with Sandra Bookman airs Sundays at 12:00 p.m. on Channel 7, WABC-TV in New York City.

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