Old School Thoughts

Martha and I are questioning the truth about family genealogy. On 24 January 2024, I made a discovery about my family that I feel very strongly about, but it comes with perplexing feelings and thoughts. Martha joined me in this finding of my/our family's research because Martha is also related to me on my paternal side, as well. On many occasions, I have stated that our family does not belong to us, they are to be shared beings. I would like for each listener to think about our ancestors and what they endured to search for and or regather families. Some families decided to move on and some accepted the truth. I am interested in your thoughts.

This episode is a tribute to Ella Sheppard, born into slavery in 1851 and died in 1915. She was the daughter of Simon Shepphard and Sarah. She and her parents were property of Andrew Jackson residing on Jackson's Hermitage plantation. She is known as the matriarch of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. This is another example of African American history that we are left to present as trivia information.

I apologize for incorrectly stating her father's name in the episode. Please schedule time to research the timeline of Ella Sheppard.

Martha and I decided to return to the front porch, on the eve of celebrating the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Holiday, to discuss and evaluate 99 years of violence against the people of Jessup County, Mississippi, that led to the tragedy of Mississippi Burning. We are asking our listeners to watch the movie and evaluate what the timelines of history from 1865 - 1964.

Martha and I have decided to return to the front porch to talk about various conversations. Martha decided to pose the question about our (African Americans) ability to focus on one cause. She stated that when we were enslaved, we singularly focused on freedom. During the Civil Rights Movement, we singularly focused on equality of voting, education, transportation, and etc. Today, we seem to be too distracted and or conditioned to focus on one singular goal. Due to everything that is happening in our society, from 2023 - 2024, the African American agenda has faded from the upcoming election process.

Here is the question: What would you do, if you found out that what you were doing was wrong? I would usually ask this question to people who would approach me under the umbrella of religion, but I apply it to every point of learning. I have asked Martha and Dunbar to join me in discussing this topic. How did you feel the first time you decided to challenge a belief or tradition that you grew up with? Those beliefs and traditions that shaped you might be under personal attack (internally and externally) as you grow and or mature. So, I am asking each of you, what have you learned that caused you to think differently about previous beliefs and traditions?

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?