This podcast episode features a heartwarming conversation between Bennye and her daughter, Keisha, reminiscing about the mother's upbringing in De Kalb, Texas, and the surrounding Bethlehem community.  Bennye shares vivid memories of her small-town life, detailing the town's demographic composition, local businesses, community dynamics, and racial segregation experiences.  She contrasts the past with the present, noting the decline in population and communal activities.  The discussion also covers personal anecdotes about family, cultural practices, and the impact of their community's socio-economic changes over time.  The episode paints a detailed picture of life in a rural American town from the past to its present-day challenges while highlighting the strength and resilience of community bonds.

00:00 Welcome Back and Catching Up
00:47 Celebrating Milestones and Mother's Day
01:21 A Deep Dive into DeKalb, Texas: Hometown Stories
03:42 Life in De Kalb: Stores, Services, and Segregation
08:39 Community Dynamics and Racial Divides
11:23 Navigating Social Norms and Segregation in Retail
14:29 Exploring Surrounding Communities and Their Connection to DeKalb
16:00 Bethlehem: The Community That Raised Me
18:09 The Heart of Community: Church and Fellowship
18:50 The Tradition of Hymns and Testimonies
19:37 Exploring Gender Roles in Church Leadership
20:12 Musical Expressions and Lost Traditions
20:38 Family Dynamics and Church Attendance
21:51 Community Cooking and Sharing Meals
24:11 The Essence of a Close-Knit Community
28:36 Addressing Crime and Mental Health in the Community
32:00 The Decline of Bethlehem and Reflections on Community Resilience
34:16 Concluding Thoughts on Hope and Community Survival