The Besties take you on a journey back to a cherished time in their lives when they were children being doted on by their grandparents.  Leslie grew up in Brooklyn in a brownstone where up to five generations lived at one time whereas Angella recalls fond early years in Jamaica being loved and cared for by her grandparents.   This is a nostalgic episode full of funny memories, family dynamics and the budding cultural awareness of the 60s.  They even share stories about how they each were introduced to coffee.  

Angella and Leslie transition  to exploring the legacies that they may be leaving for future generations and how they might want to be remembered.  They conclude that as they themselves become elders they acknowledge their obligation to impart information, guidance, and pass on traditions to their families.

Oliver Samuels

Marcus Garvey

Black Power Movement

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Back in the day (that’s in the mid-70s for Leslie & Angie), Saturday mornings meant cartoons interspersed cereal commercials and Schoolhouse Rock. Schoolhouse Rock is a series of educational cartoons with catchy songs that made learning things like science, math, and civics fun and made the information stick.

As political discourse increases around the impending 2024 election, The Besties recall a childhood where knowing civics was expected, and made easier by ditties such as  “The Preamble” from Schoolhouse Rock.Those foundational lessons continue to influence their understanding of civics rights and  responsibilities, and why voter suppression is a particular pet peeve. 

The goal? To inspire proactive engagement and vigilance in the electoral process, emphasizing the critical role it plays at the state and local levels.

Reference links:

“The Preamble” from Schoolhouse Rock

https://www.fairfight.com/

https://vot-er.org/

Allen Lichtman's 13 Keys to the White House

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The Besties celebrate rejecting societal norms and embracing their true selves.

This episode delves into the complexities of body image, especially within the Black community, and how societal and cultural perceptions shape our self-esteem.

By prioritizing joy and self-compassion over dieting, Ang has begun to experience a deeper love for her body, just the way it is, without the need to cover up or limit her wardrobe choices. Les knows how big a shift this is for Ang, and as always, roots enthusiastically  for her bestie.

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This episode is a rebroadcast of a previously aired recording from 2022, around the time the Besties started their podcast.  It is revisited this week as a reminder of the importance of embracing flexibility, stepping out on faith and having the courage to make life altering changes. The message remains as timely now as it had been two years ago.

Original Notes:

During a roller coaster work situation, Angella felt increasing discontent about giving a select few decision-making power over her livelihood. So she took a leap of faith into entrepreneurship. Big pivots are inherently risky but sometimes when you know, you just know. Listen again  to her story about the empowerment she felt in leaving a 30 year corporate IT career.  After nearly 20 years at one of the world's top tech companies she has become founder and CEO of HeadSpace NC, a beauty and advocacy company.

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Can you imagine Leslie on a pommel horse? This week’s Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn kicks off with some fun banter about  the speed of current events, namely the closing of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Of course The Besties have opinions. In particular about gymnast Jordan Chiles’ lost bronze medal and the performance of the Australian breakdancer Rachel Gunn.

Cultural appropriation, misappropriation, and privilege enters the conversation to take the listener deeper (because that’s what The Besties do).

This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Tags: 2024 Paris Olympics,misappropriation,appropriation,breakdancing,bronze medal,Jordan Chiles,Raygun

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Something has been nagging Ang. She just couldn’t let go of a listener's question from The Besties’ live guest spot on Dr. Kimani Norrington-Sands'  @liftingasweclimbconsulting; “How do you know what your joy is?” A spark of insight surfaced during her Morning Writing and, of course, she took it to her bestie, Les.

Most people have felt at some point that they don’t quite fit in; do you tend to see a bigger goal or wonder why risks are ignored when it’s an obviously bad decision?  The feeling has a consistent thread across various groups (family, friends, or colleagues, etc), time, or circumstances. Well, Ang thinks that it’s more of a knowing than a feeling, and that it may be a clue to where your joy is. As always, Les is willing to indulge her pal’s hypothesis.

In their signature style of mixing humor with insight, The Besties discuss the possibility that the feeling may be a gateway to uncovering what truly brings you joy. This episode is a celebration of the quirky and unique aspects of who you are. 

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Can the relentless pursuit of excellence be more performative than purposeful?  In the continued conversation with NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green, the Besties inquire about Jaki’s views on the Black Excellence archetype with the hopes and realism placed on the potential of a Kamala Harris presidency. Reflecting on her personal journey and her mother's wisdom, Jaki challenges the notion of seeking external validation and illuminates the importance of finding joy in oneself. The discussion examines the societal expectations and classism that can be pervasive within Black communities, providing a nuanced critique of what excellence means today.

Jaki recounts her enriching experiences as a young creative with icons like Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, and Audre Lorde. Their mentorship and camaraderie have shaped her path, highlighting the past and present dynamics of literary communities. As traditional spaces become more fragmented, Jaki underscores the importance of creating inclusive spaces for literary expression. Additionally, she introduces us to her unique Human Museum project, which has sparked enthusiasm among her peers and challenges us to think about how we curate our own life's artifacts.

The episode wraps up with an invitation to listeners to write a letter to the curator of their own human museum, encouraging reflection on personal narratives. We celebrate Jaki's collaborative exhibit "The Communion of White Dresses" and tease the exciting possibilities of future creative retreats aimed at fostering community among Black women. 

This episode is a heartfelt journey through art, history, and the creation of personally meaningful spaces.

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What happens when you blend the voices of wisdom, resilience, and poetic brilliance? You get an unforgettable episode of "Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn" featuring Jaki Shelton Green, the ninth Poet Laureate of North Carolina. In this powerful conversation, Ms Shelton Green, the first African-American and third woman to hold this prestigious title, shares her journey, inspirations, and reads her evocative poem, "Daughters of this Dust." Her words set a profound tone, inviting us into a space of reflection and empowerment.

Truth-telling takes center stage as the discussion turns to Kamala Harris's presidential candidacy and what it means for Black women everywhere. Is relocating abroad a form of escape or a quest for joy and safety? The exploration doesn't shy away from the hard questions, addressing the systemic issues of racism, sexism, and ageism that affect Black people. 

Our discussion on Black Women Empowerment and Responsibility reveals the intricate connection between physical and emotional health, and how stress manifests in our bodies. 

The imagery of burning fields to yield vibrant wildflowers serves as a metaphor for transformation and renewal, reminding us of the power and resilience inherent in Black women. 

This episode promises not just to inform, but to inspire and galvanize action.

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What if redefining your life could be as simple as relocating to a new country? 

Besties Leslie and Angella provide an update on the motivations and experiences that have led them  to consider moving abroad. Leslie recalls her eye-opening trip to Costa Rica, offering insights into the expat lifestyle and the profound differences between being a tourist and a resident. They consider critical aspects like healthcare, community structure, and government priorities, contrasted by the particular challenges of being Black in America.

Angella dives into the conversation with an update on a North Carolina chapter of the ExodUS Summit group, underscoring their collective longing for a better quality of life outside of the United States. She reflects on their African origins and the idea of exploring countries like Liberia, which holds a rich historical significance for people of African descent. Personal anecdotes from their travels to Ghana and Mexico City serve to challenge and shatter common misconceptions about African and Latin American nations. 

Join them for a conversation that promises to inspire and provoke thoughtful consideration of a life beyond familiar borders.

As promised, real size of Africa:

https://www.discovermagazine.com/environment/finally-a-world-map-that-doesnt-lie

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Note: This episode was planned, recorded and scheduled to air prior to the alleged assassination attempt on candidate and former President Trump on July 13, 2024.

Angella and Leslie challenge conventional beliefs about the intersection of faith and politics, comparing them to what they see as a troubling trend.  Inspired by a thought-provoking YouTube video from the Midas Touch channel, "New Turn the Tables on Trump Expose Movement" featuring Politics Girl, they detail their own Christian journeys and discuss the metaphor of faith as a mansion with many rooms. The Besties share their personal experiences of loving Christ in their own ways and they reflect on some of their struggles-  from church hurt to hypocrisy, within some faith communities.

Moreover,  Angella and Leslie discuss what appears to be an evolution of traditional Christian Evangelism toward white nationalism.  They point out the  discordance between the Biblical depiction of a loving God who commands us to love thy neighbor with the exclusionary, often  racially biased cohort or views the Republican candidate as the next Messiah.

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