Old School Thoughts

I have really been blessed over the years and through this podcast. After speaking with Ora Jeane Warner-Hall three times this week, I thanked God for the opportunity to receive wisdom from ladies/guests who were old enough to be an older sibling, my mother, and or grandmother. I want to thank all of them for the legacies they are building through Old School Thoughts. Ora gave me a new look of Mississippi from the view of a Gulfport and Mississippi City resident.

Listening to Damonta filled me with many thoughts and emotions because it was great having a mature conversation with a 28 year-young African American man. He opened my mind when he spoke about representing three generations of being a foster care family member; the need to be intentional; and his oral description of America. I am so grateful to have met Damonta and look forward to speaking him, again.

We can’t have a part one without a part two - so here we are. Charnita ended the part one assessing her mothers generation as it pertained to the village. Because I didn’t want the interview to end without a complete explanation, I requested that we continue with a part two. Charnita will share a poem with us that captures her deepest thoughts about how she feels about “The Village.”

Today, Charnita contacted me and requested an interview to talk about “The Village” as we know it. Charnita did what I want all of you to do: volunteer to tell your story. Charnita gives a clear description of the village and its value. This conversation definitely required a part two. Feel free to share your perspective.

Charles gave me a new perspective on the history of identifying someone as a Conductor. This title was given to Harriett Tubman as she began to lead more family members and enslaved friends to freedom. Charles is operating at a level of concern to connect family members who have been separated by institutional laws, family migration, and more. He stated that he wants to reunite 200 family members in five years and I followed with him reuniting 500 members. I equated him to being a Conductor and he assigned himself to being the Engineer. All of that means big goals and responsibility. This conversation requires a comeback.

You can’t have a part one without a part two and this really is a continuation of an incredible story filled with incredible wisdom and advice. Chloe describes her grandfather as an unapologetic leader. She shares his astute capability to navigate through inequality to achieve equality for his family, friends, and community. She goes on to say that we shouldn’t apologize for being who we are - innately. “We are the sum total of those who came before us.”

At a time when the teaching of African American history is under attack, it is a great feeling to hear Chloe speak of her grandfather with so much reverence. She acknowledged his struggles, his focus, his empowerment, his successes, and his will to learn and teach. Chloe’s interview is a testament to understanding that History Is Personal.

Mary, who is one of the best known cooks and bakers in Columbus, Georgia, is going to school us on the craft of cooking with Crisco. She is old school and qualified to speak on the history of cooking with Crisco in the black community. Her mother cooked with Crisco as well as my mother. This episode reminded me of some steps that I had forgotten. What are your thoughts and memories of cooking with Crisco?

This is the first episode of a new series titled, History Is Personal. Charnita and I spoke for the first time to schedule an interview which ended up happening following our brief introduction to each other. When she spoke, I could hear so many things: Her loving fondness of knowing her ancestry; a good feeling about being recognized as an Old Soul; and much more. I really enjoyed our conversation and this episode. I look forward to interviewing Charnita, again.

This was a requested episode from my family based on an evening out we shared at Cheddar’s restaurant in Columbus, Georgia. My nephews was surprised to hear about some of the stories I began to share with them and wanted them added to the Old School Thoughts podcast. My “Big Brother” was told about the stories and also requested to hear them via the podcast. So, here are a couple of stories. Here are two corrections: 5 boys/3 girls and Kinfolk Corner. My Mama Was A Green Beret!