This episode is an extension of S5:E11. Jarrett Dunbar rejoined Martha and me to expound on his assessment of how gaps are generated and sustained amongst African Americans. There

seems to be an influence that comes from the college/university classrooms that impact our younger generation as they are beginning to enter the world stage of learning. Then, there is the question, "Have African Americans lost touch with language(s), religion(s), culture, family rituals, and more?" Are we too diverse, within our race and ethnicity to discuss and or reach some kind of understanding/agreement? What are your thoughts?

Martha and I were blessed to have Jarrett Dunbar as a guest on Old School Thoughts because we wanted to hear his perspective on a segment of life based on his experiences. Dunbar questioned the gap that is developing and that can continue to broaden between people of "New School" and those of us who are "Old School." I clearly learned a lot and look forward to our next conversation.

The last thing I heard from Martha, as we were hanging up from our phone call, was "Frank, what are you going to give as a title?" At that time - I really didn't know because I usually listen to the finished recording alone to actively listen. This time I initially titled it, "Sometimes We Need Word of Mouth." That triggered me to recall what we would say, in our community, about those who say too much out of turn. We would taught to say that the person "Spilled the Beans." Though this is a public platform, Martha and I have to agreed to keep the information close hand for our listeners to pass on by word of mouth. That is how effective our ancestors and organizations operated. That used effective "Word of Mouth" while using public technology.

In this episode, Martha and I are discussing the kind of counseling we received that was homegrown. That kind of counseling that came from mothers, fathers, relatives, and neighbors that taught you how to survive harsh words and situations. One of those forms of counseling was presented in a parable which stated, "Sticks and stones might break my bones, but words will never hurt me." When we lived in overt segregation, I knew the likelihood of hearing hurtful words, but parables like - sticks and stones - would provide you with an appropriate combat to use against anybody of any age. I think that our soft approach has negatively impacted our children and their ability to survive emotionally. I really would like to hear your thoughts about this topic.

After chatting for over one hour, before recording this episode, Martha and decided to open up sharing our thoughts and experiences about the Old School phone booth(s). How many of you remember using the phone booths? What were some of your experiences? We followed up with another conversation about the amazing Grio Award ceremony, created by Byron Allen, that was televised on CBS on 25 November 2023. This was the second annual presentation to recognize Blacks/African Americans who give of themselves for a better good. When Byron closed the award ceremony, he challenged all people to speak the truth about history. If we fail to present the truth, we will allow others to control the narrative.

What are your thoughts about the Old School phone booth and the closing remarks of Byron Allen?

On this episode, Martha and I opened by answering the question about what makes us feel up and down about managing this podcast. Our passion, for the podcast, is so serious because we embrace the responsibility to leave a legacy behind to prevent a gap generation. If you can recall, we define the gap generation as that generation that doesn't seem to care about old traditions and mores that we practiced through the timelines of our African American and family experiences. By the time that generation become mature enough to want to know, the storytellers are not around which leaves a gap to reinvent themselves and their stories. I hope we conveyed the messages with some level of clarity. Thank you for always listening and providing feedback.

Martha and I decided to pause from continuing another full discussion on "A Cup Of Sugar" in order to speak on an another topic that questions what's it gonna take for the community to become educated on issues to properly defend nonsense. We thank you for listening to us and providing feedback because our hearts are in the right place to engender old school thoughts and to preserve the history of our ancestors into the timelines of history. We look forward to hearing from you. We love you and Be Good.

In my world, growing up, mothers sharing ingredients with their neighbors was a tradition - a custom of old school activities. I can recall neighbors either calling or sending one of the children to the house or apartment to retrieve that cup of sugar, egg(s), vanilla, flour, or some other ingredient(s). As I was reflecting about that period, I was wondering if this is still going on and posed it to Martha for her old school thoughts. Was it more prevalent amongst lower income communities? Did it fade as families moved closer

to middle class?

Today, Martha and I decided to move the scene of our conversation vicariously to the front porch like our ancestors would do. Though we never pick one topic and or rehearse a specific topic, we wanted to present this particular discussion as a means of exhaling or shooting the breeze. We have also discussed meeting on the front porch once a month.

Thank you for your comments. We enjoy reading what you send and listening to you when you call.