This is the first episode of 2021 that reflects on 2020, family, and the recent insurrection at the US Capitol Building in Washington DC. I am asking listeners to share their old school stories as part of their legacies. Happy New Year to all of you.

This episode is a blessing because God granted my son and me the opportunity to sit side-by-side, during this Corona pandemic, for a shared interview. He is one-half of the duo podcast titled Jay Raised Us. He and Mos are creating an excellent podcast that focuses on music Jay-Z. I have had the opportunity of listening to each episode and paid much attention to their level of comfort, maturity, and presentation. If you have an open-mind, search for Jay Raised Us and get involved.

This episode was sparked by a question posed to me by my wife. She asked how did my parents talk to me about the birds and the bees. After considerable thought, I realized that my experience (boys) had to be different from little girls. How were you taught about the Birds and the Bees?

Michaella expands on the conversation provided by Sakinah (Hall) Franklin during the previous episode. Michaella shares her similarities with Sakinah along with her genuine concern for mentoring girls, boys, men, and women.

I invited Sakinah Franklin to give us a woman’s perspective on old school values that shaped her life. Sakinah is a retired US Army Veteran who demonstrated leadership as a noncommissioned officer and commissioned officer. During the interview, Sakinah briefly spoke about the traditional roles of men and women and how those roles were changing. This is another great lesson.

Songs/lyrics played and still play a significant role in our lives. They reference love, war, social justice, and many other issues that affect us one way or another. When I hear old school music, I always think back to recall what I was doing; where I was living; what type stereo equipment I had; and other significant events in my life. They truly tell stories. What about you?

This episode explores the impact and or meaning of empathy. We all have used the concept of empathy in an effort to console or help others in need, but something has happened. Millions of people/children are losing jobs, homes, the ability to sustain in this wealthy country. I am always attempting to wear somebody else’s shoes. What about you?

First, I would like to thank Cousin Michaella Titus-Terrell for inviting us into her preparation for Thanksgiving Dinner. As we give thanks please consider those who are without. This episode examines the impact slavery had on the lives of Africans throughout the Diaspora. The colonization and propaganda have affected us by removing languages, traditions, customs, religions, songs, stories and more. That generation immediately deprived of those values and mores were born into the “Maze of No Return.” What a sad situation! What a serious impact!

This is the week of Thanksgiving. People are planning and reminiscing as they prepare to celebrate this annual period to give thanks. God led me to ask Cousin Michaella Titus to get us in the right frame of mind as we remember those before us and how we take on the responsibility to move traditions and customs forward. During this pandemic and just life itself, we have lost a lot of loved ones along with legacies. Don’t be afraid to open the doors of your families to allow new family members to enter. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families. I love you!!!

Willie Haynes continues to share his experiences as the son of a sharecropper during the 70’s in Calhoun County Georgia. He shares his stories of the “rolling store” and decision to join the US Army. As I listen to my friend, Willie, tell his story, I imagine the estimated four million Africans-in-America who were released from slavery with nothing, but a statement of “you’re free.” They were released with zero advancements after 246 years of being in America. They were not immigrants; they were deemed property. This is an African American factual story.