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.

I chose this title because of repeated behaviors I encounter while moving about from place-to-place in Columbus, Georgia. I have tried to understand those behaviors though some are downright frustrating to witness. The social climate is filled with apprehension. There are people, with good intentions to be nice, who seem to display apprehension because they don’t know what responses to expect from strangers during a greeting exchange. Others have just grown afraid and are cowardly apprehensive. So, I used two of James Brown’s songs to lay the foundation for my monologue: Soul Power and Say It Loud - I’m Black and I’m Proud!

This episode is a reminder that we cannot allow ourselves to give up on children/people based on their social environment and or acquaintances. We have to apply the three parables Jesus laid out for us: The Lost Sheep, The Prodigal Son, and The Lost Coin. It is unfortunate that those who are doing well seem to go overlooked, but we must encourage them to keep their eyes on the prize/God. The use of the word “subordinate” is being applied as a military rank structure.

This episode is a call out to my senior listeners to share stories that were experienced are passed down through their respective family’s history. We have so much to leave the next generation with. It is almost an obligation to pass on those or your own valuable stories.

This episode, by Frank Goodman, was prepared to pay tribute to mothers for the comfort only they can provide bode their children. I recognized Stephanie Coleman-Mack for her diligence to graduate with a doctorate degree. Then there is a tribute to the Matriarchs in The Family. I hope you enjoy this episode.

Today, Vijay and I were talking, like we occasionally do, and he began to share some information about his relation with his father and some Indian traditions and culture. The conversation was so revealing that I asked him to join me as a guest on Old School Thoughts and he accepted.