Old School Thoughts

I returned to Frank Chester Recreation Center to keep my promise to Lester Williams and the young men who wanted to participate in an interview. What I heard is not what I expected - not because of lack of intelligence, but transparency and wisdom. I was reminded of the stereotypes of being young that developed my defenses today. Thanks to Kejuan and Jahshua. They are in my prayers.

I really enjoyed this episode with Lester Williams at Frank Chester Recreation Center in Columbus, Georgia. Lester is a native of New York and “implant” in Columbus. Following this interview, Lester recruited some young patrons, in the center, to become future participants to be heard. I am all for it.

Wow! Lade Breez came in and dropped some valuable golden nuggets in this episode! I never thought about how the constant impact of African-American life and struggles to be treated with equality and dignity could cause post traumatic syndrome for an entire group of people. Most of us wake up, each day, putting on an exterior of armor to protect our inner being and relationship with God. Lade Breez dropped a powerful message. Please share this episode and all the previous episodes of Old School Thoughts.

I tried to create the scene of having an old school conversation while sitting on the porch - involved in a conversation with some of my neighbors. We were doing it like our ancestors would do. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

This episode is an extension of S2:E46. Ms. Cheryl Averett Johnson is the mother of Wayne Johnson and co-organizer of Fathers And Sons Under The Sun. I wanted to give her a full segment to share her thoughts - as a mother - and to explain her influence as an “Old School” mom.

On 26 June 2021, I attended a community event that was announced via the radio, and was introduced to Mr. Wayne Johnson. He was the co-organizer along with his mother. I was so impressed watching a young man taking on a big project of bringing fathers/men and sons/boys together. He agreed to give me a portion of his time for this interview.

This episode examines the making of Juneteenth: The Holiday 2021. It covers the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment, May Day, and generational attitudes.

With all that is going on: Family Generations dying, rediscovering African American History, the Republican attack on the education system, I am wondering who is paying attention? What history is being lost and or covered up by ignorance and or by apathy? We have difficult days ahead, but We Shall Overcome!!

This episode represents a compilation of conversations I had that I considered to be very interesting. What kind of conversation would you have with your mother, father, or other deceased family member? Do you remember the majorettes in the Marching bands? What mores and values do you recall from your parents and or other ancestors? Talk to me.

I was happy to have my niece, Renee, as a guest to share her experience as a fan and supporter of the annual WOKS Talent Show(s). Though she followed my generation, her experience was the same as mine. The participants/contestants were amazing! They were singing and dancing. Some of the singers were a complete surprise due to their social reputations. There were no fights - no gun violence.