Old School Thoughts

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.

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.