Old School Thoughts

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.

The lynching of George Floyd was so great that I wanted to get a perspective from a young voice, a future generation communicator and I found that voice in Demeka Daniels. Demeka delivered and I listened. It was so refreshing to hear her layout her thoughts in a way that combined future hopes and present conditions with the past.

I really enjoyed listening to our 70’s baby as he reflected on the influencers in his life. He focused on lessons from his parents and family gathering that included uncles and aunts. I liked hearing about the government cheese. Great memories!!

Darrell Sumbry called me, after listening to the episode featuring Linda Brown-Wardlow), requesting to record a follow-up to her story because he was able to identify with her experience. The conversation was worth having.

Nothing about this episode was designed for final posting. The introduction and the beginning stage of this discussion were recorded as a draft to help Linda move beyond her nervousness, but God had a better plan and here we are with a final product. Like always, there are no edits - just honest conversation. Linda listened to her recording and decided to have this episode posted for others to hear. What a blessing! In her words, “You Can’t Always Judge A Book By It’s Cover.”

When Leora Adams closed our interview, she offered to pass the microphone to her daughter, Bev, but I asked to end our conversation - first. (Lol) This is truly a blessing to have Bev (Beverly Adams-Hardin) as another special guest. Beverly demonstrated the impact her mother and aunt had on her life when I heard her sound like her mother and constantly giving credit to their advice and “Show Me” values. I really enjoyed this conversation and look forward to our next one.