I would usually publish new episodes on late Wednesday or early Thursday, but this message is too powerful for me to keep from you another day. We need to listen to what Willie Haynes has to say about growing up as a son of a sharecropper in Calhoun County, Georgia. Listening to Mr. Willie give honor to those who paved the way is an emotional thing to absorb. If you like the episode, send him a message and let him know that he was heard.

“This is a conversation that needs to be had,” says Stephanie Coleman-Mack as she shares her feelings about learning that her father was not her biological father. She and I discussed the positive and negative impact of the adage “It takes a village to raise a child.” This is one of those old school topics that causes one to say, “That’s deep.”

Pastor James Daniels and I explore the psychological impact of poverty and discussed what is considered poor. Many of our ancestors left the South to pursue a better standard of living in Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Indiana, Chicago, and etc. Overt discrimination laws managed the South.

Darrell Sumbry and I are taking you on a vicarious trip down memory lane to the neighborhood corner store. It was amazing what we were able to buy with .25 cents. What would you buy with a quarter at your neighborhood corner store?

Gail Bellamy-Mitchell agreed to be my first guest on Old School Thoughts. This title is based on a suggestion she submitted to me to talk about when the county fair was divided into “White Day” and “Black Day.” Having a guest has been a goal of mine for this podcast and here we are. I really enjoyed the conversation with Cousin Gail Bellamy-Mitchell. I hope you enjoy it - as well.

This episode is examining what might have caused the breakdown of communication amongst African Americans. Deception, a sense of self-improvement, and a change in communicating have always attributed to separation. Now, it is difficult to give the greeting of the day.

So much of our history has been lost due to death and the reluctance to share family jewels of secrets. Genealogy is so important to knowing where you have come from as you manage where you are, today. There is a fear of talking to real people during this era of social media. Tell your stories because as each generation passes - so goes your history.

Ricky and Gregg decided to roll back the clock of history to join two middle school neighbors in street football. It was great to watch and funny at the same time. Go Old School!!!

This episode reexamines the history of family reunions. Everybody was invited to participate and enjoy. Traditions were handed down. Nicknames were aligned with actual names/people. We had the best characters represented from the matriarch to the championship liar. They were all there. As each generation passes - so goes your history.

This is a tribute to Cousin Dorothy Davis-Titus and all the incredible Mamas that sacrificed their lives for our benefit. I hope you see your mama in this episode.