j-so Poetry

SHOW NOTES Episode #19:

LET FREEDOM RING – Part #4 – written and shared by j-so – aka janis small omide – 10/01/2026.

 
COVER ART:
The portrait of Joseph Rainey, the first African American elected to the House of Representatives, is seated in a distinctive House Chamber chair designed in 1857.  The painting was unveiled in 2005--Artist Simmie Knox. 
For a FREE portrait  download of The Honorable Joseph H. Rainey <- click link

Episode Description
This Show is PART 4 of j-so Poetry Podcast’s LET FREEDOM RING Series where j-so shares how she started this journey of wanting to get the following question answered:

jso is excited to introduce listeners to some very passionate and inspiring scholars who teach about enslavement and enslaved human beings' struggle-to-freedom in America.  jso has been most informed and inspired along this journey--and encourages each listener to take notes, listen/view the complete lectures and interviews being shared in this show (links below).

AND - Please Share With Others!

This episode also introduces The Reconstruction Period.
The 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments were known as The Reconstruction Amendments or Civil War Amendments LEARN MORE

YouTube Clips Featured

·      Bryan Stevenson on Why America Can’t Move Forward Without Confronting Its Past – Hosted by Katie Couric. Watch the original video on YouTube https://youtu.be/1kT_NVj14qw - Used for analysis of jso Poetry’s Podcast Educational LET FREEDOM RING Series #4

·      Hope & Unity: Overcoming Despair with Dr. Joy DeGruy (Ep 17) – Hosted by Not All Hood, with hosts Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Candace Kelley - Watch the original video on YouTube - https://youtu.be/5OFfVxT1vSI - Premiered Feb 12, 2025 - Used for analysis of jso Poetry’s Podcast Educational LET FREEDOM RING Series #4 

·      Dr. Joy DeGruy: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome – Hosted by Rafiki Coalition for Health & Wellness - Aug 6, 2026 - Watch the original video on YouTube - https://youtu.be/BHLNCN6VQ9o  - Used for analysis of jso Poetry’s Podcast Educational LET FREEDOM RING Series #4 

·      PolicyLink Summit: Sherrilyn Ifill on the 14th Amendment and a lineage of founders – At the 2026 Policy Link Summit, We Are The Founders: Writing the Unfinished Story of Our Democracy, Sherrilyn Ifill, Founding Director of the 14th Amendment Center for Law & Democracy at the Howard University School of Law - Watch the original video on YouTube - https://youtu.be/cD8LXRfnsEY - Used for analysis of jso Poetry’s Podcast Educational LET FREEDOM RING Series #4

Music Credits

• A huge thank you to the incredibly talented Gary L. Garlic aka JuJu Drum for creating jso Poetry Podcast’s Intro & Outro Theme Music.  You can support JuJu Drum’s music and find more of his work here:  https://jujudrummusic.com
• “Ain't No Harm to Moan (Slave Song)” by Earth, Wind & Fire ALBUM: Open Our Eyes ... Link to track:   https://youtu.be/QuvB2HGxKI0?list=RDQuvB2HGxKI0 - Used for analysis of jso Poetry’s Podcast Educational LET FREEDOM RING Series #4
• " Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round”  by Sweet Honey In The Rock and James Horner  ALBUM:  Motion Picture Soundtrack FREEDOM SONG ... Link to track: https://youtu.be/D2wdkDaipNo - Used for analysis of jso Poetry’s Podcast Educational LET FREEDOM RING Series #4

Connect With jso Poetry

Again, thanks so much for allowing me to share my heart with yours … Until next time, peace, love & harmony!

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jsopoetry.live 
• Subscribe: [Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Wherever you get your podcasts]
• FREE DOWNLOADS

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LET FREEDOM RING Part 3:  – written and shared by j-so – aka janis small omide – 7/20/2026.

This Show is PART 3 of j-so Poetry Podcast’s LET FREEDOM RING Series where j-so shares how she started this journey of wanting to get the following question answered:  

j-so Poetry’s background music is for educational purposes to introduce listeners to great artists that they would not have otherwise experienced.  
j-so Poetry is under the fair use act which permits the use of j-so Poetry Podcast – with no financial gain – to teach, educate and comment on American music and history.

• The 1st song you heard was 250 YEARS by Baby’s Baby (2026) downloadable from Amazon music
• The 2nd  song you heard was Oh Freedom by THE GOLDEN GOSPEL SINGERS from the album A Cappella Praise (2007) - downloadable from Amazon music
• The opening vibe is the intro music to the great Al Green’s single  Unchained Melody from his album, Livin’ For You

 Again, thanks so much for allowing me to share my heart with yours … Until next time, peace, love & harmony!

j-so Poetry,

www.jsopoetry.live

[email protected]
==============
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TODAY I CRIED – written and shared by j-so – aka janis small omide – 5/25/2026.

Jso poetry’s background music is for educational purposes to introduce listeners to the great artists of her time.  J-so Poetry is under the fair use act which permits the use of j-so poetry podcast – with no financial gain – to teach and educate on American music and history.

The background music to this poem, TODAY I CRIED is instrumental only of the masterful song WE ARE ONE -- from the title track album, WE ARE ONE—by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly 

We Are One, released in 1983,  is the fifth studio album by the soul, funk, R&B, jazz group – Frankie Beverly & MAZE … the complete album is written and produced by the late FRANKIE BEVERLY

For a free downloadable copy of TODAY I CRIED, visit www.ohmeday.us and go to the tab jso poetry - PDF of poem

Again, thanks so much for allowing me to share my heart with yours … Until next time, peace, love & harmony!

j-so Poetry,

www.jsopoetry.live

[email protected]

On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass gave a keynote address at an Independence Day celebration and asked, “What to the American Slave is the Fourth of July?”  . . . Grammy & Emmy Award Recipient, Ossie Davis reads Frederick Douglass’ speech--of which Mr. Douglass titled “The Meaning of July 4th for the Negro” and frequently referred to as:  “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?”

His speech, given at an event organized by the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society to commemorate the signing of the 1776 Declaration of Independence, was held at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York. It was a cutting speech in which Douglass stated, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine, You may rejoice, I must mourn.”

j-so celebrates Juneteenth a little differently than most -- check out her poem ... followed by the Black National Anthem:  LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING

After I got word that Frankie Beverly transitioned Tuesday, September 10, 2024, I immediately wanted to pay homage to him in the only way I know how--with words.  I titled my poem after reading the following interview:
In one interview with Frankie Beverly (excerpts from The M&M Group’s website) he was quoted as saying:

“. . .  I don’t take anything for granted and I know you have to earn your wings everyday…”

For a copy of the poem, visit Coach OhMeDay's website:  www.ohmeday.us 

My friend, Byron A. Merriweather, of 20 years transitioned June 3, 2021 (from cancer) into a final freedom and an infinite light.

In 2008, Byron had been assigned (at the Oxford House World Service Convention) to be the Ghana Outreach Services Representative to start an Oxford House in Ghana.  Byron used the "Oxford House Model" (a community-based approach to addiction treatment, which provides an independent, supportive, and sober living environment).   

Byron did that and much more!

Byron was living with his wife, two sons, one step-son and one step-daughter in Ghana (Africa) when he transitioned.  They will miss him, along with many others in America, Ghana and the world over—especially, his immediate family in Chicago, IL (USA); and his recovery community in Richmond, Virginia (USA).

 I wrote two poems …. the second one is to his two sons – they are too young to understand it now, but someday will.
___________
CREDITS:

j-so Poetry’s theme music is provided by JuJu Drum

j-so Poetry’s Sound Engineer is Sherie Farmer

The Great Jazz Artist Ahmad Jamal(an American pianist & one of the most influential musicians and bandleaders of all times), graciously granted permission for j-so Poetry to use his signature piece, Poinciana, for this program. 

j-so poetry is equally appreciative of the permission granted by Mr. Steve Peake – Director of Indigenous People, a non-profit organization based out of England with a goal to highlight how happiness and well-being can be enhanced by participation in cultural activities, as exemplified by traditional African drumming, dancing and singing, rather than the relentless pursuit of material wealth – please visit their website:  www.indigenouspeople.org.uk 

For copies of the poems you heard, you can visit the website:  Byron's Poems PDFs
 

If you would like to share comments with me, then you’re welcome to send an email to:  [email protected]
  

Don’t forget to share with your friends, subscribe and, until next time . . .

Be Safe, Be Well, Be Kind to Yourself & Others.

These are the words that surfaced in Janis' spirit following the Biden-Harris victory--November 2020.
Background music to poem was whatever was playing from Cox Music Choice Soundscapes during the recording.
Acapella tune (He's Got The Whole World in His Hands) sung/altered by J. Omide. 
Outgoing song, LOVE OVER HATE, written & performed by K'bana Blaq.

Thank you to K’BANA BLAQ for this podcast-vibe:

The song following j-so's poem is BLACK TRASH--performed by the multi-talented, award-winning artist, K’bana Blaq.
Black Trash can be purchased from amazon.com

Excerpts from the song, NO MORE CHANCES from K'bana Blaq's album DEATH TO MINDLESS MUSIC, is played in the intro.  This song is one of Blaq's numerous songs carried on amazon.com and K'Bana Blaq Music Band Camp

K’bana Blaq is a solo artist, songwriter, actor, director, writer, photographer, model and more.  K’bana’s book, “Before Success: The Beginning With No Ending”, was published in 2018.  His most recent release, the critically-acclaimed album, Death to Mindless Music, has been available since Feb 2020.  K’bana’s music is deeply personal and passionate.  He is also vocalist for the funk group, The Fuzz Band.  The j-so Poetry Podcast is honored, and most grateful, for K’bana Blaq’s willingness to share his music, and talent, with this platform. 

NOTE:  If you can see picture art, j-so Poetry is recognizing 2020's Recovery Month and using their beautiful banner to honor Celebrating Connections.

Thank you to K’BANA BLAQ for this podcast-vibe:

Multi-talented, award-winning artist, K’bana Blaq, sings —EVERYDAY PEOPLE from his album DEATH TO MINDLESS MUSIC--which is one of his numerous songs carried on amazon.com and https://kbanablaqmusic.bandcamp.com/album/death-to-mindless-music K'Bana Blaq Music Band Camp

K’bana Blaq is a solo artist, songwriter, actor, director, writer, photographer, model and more.  K’bana’s book, “Before Success: The Beginning With No Ending”, was published in 2018.  His most recent release, the critically-acclaimed album, Death to Mindless Music, has been available since Feb 2020.  K’bana’s music is deeply personal and passionate.  He is also vocalist for the funk group, The Fuzz Band.  The j-so Poetry Podcast is honored, and most grateful, for K’bana Blaq’s willingness to share his music, and talent, with this platform. 

The background music to Janis' poem, America The Beautiful, was found on YouTube.
The original song "America the Beautiful" is an American patriotic song--the lyrics were written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1895.

The performance you heard was by:
Santa Monica High School Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble 

Kevin McKeown, Conductor 

The Eli & Edith Broad Stage 

March 26, 2014

Janis emailed Mr. McKeown on June 15, 2020 to request permission to use his band's performance but never received a reply.