Old School Thoughts

Martha, Kenya, and I went out on the front porch to discuss how we approach gathering and sharing of information pertaining to African/African American history. The focus was not specifically on genealogy research, but on history all together. What should we consider? Do we apply timelines of history? Do we consider the impact of slavery, escaping to avoid harassment and possible death? Do we consider years of enslavement without counseling? Do we consider the lost connection of family? What is your approach?

Martha, Kenya and I returned to Old School Thoughts to explore this complex question of What's in Your Hello? This discussion is an exploration of how we, as people speak to each other and or how we do not speak to each other. We try to answer this question based on our personal travels, by regions, by experiences, and by race. What connects us and what causes our antennas to rise?

I chose this title because I asked Martha and Kenya to return for another episode to answer this question: If African American history was banned from public schools, colleges, and universities, what responsibilities do we have to teach that history? Should we look for responsibility from churches, organizations, fraternities, sororities, home - where? I really enjoyed the conversation. Are we, as African Americans, prepared to teach our history?

Martha and I were blessed to have Kenya Hicks as a guest on the front porch. Knowing your history is a vital part of knowing who you are. Martha and Kenya did what historians should do when it comes to exploring African history, they expanded their viewpoints to include the African Diaspora. This conversation deserves a continuation.

I chose this topic for today's episode because I have so much love for family, the unity of Africans (throughout the Diaspora), the history of our ancestors, the gifts they left behind, and the ways in which they conquered insurmountable odds. I also chose this topic because Martha and I put so much effort into leaving a legacy of Old School Thoughts, wisdom, and a sharing of experiences for present and future generations. Apathy is causing us to lose so much: politically, personally, and historically. Effort is a terrible thing to waste.

When we rallied together, the burdens were weakened. What I mean by this statement is that when friends and family members suffered any kind of hardship, there was always somebody there to lend time, money, meals, or whatever to soften the pain.

First thing: Happy New Year to all of you and your families! This is our first episode of 2025. Based on many of our conversations, with others, Martha and I are concerned about the future of Griots in the African culture throughout the Diaspora. What I am poking at is the desire for people, in general, to search Google to measure the accuracy of realtime information shared during conversations. Google it is becoming the mantra - as Martha would say. When our elders or gamily Griots share information, they pass on what they know and how experiences impact circumstances. We are concerned that Google might significantly hurt our culture and traditions. Martha and continue to apply Old School Thoughts to situations because if we don't pay attention, significant lessons will vanish from our traditions and cultures.

Martha requested to go out on the front porch to discuss the importance of knowing how food helps and or affect us in a negative way. Though neither of us claim to be a nutritionist, Martha wanted us to come together to bring attention to our health since diabetes, high blood pressure, and other ailments are prevalent in the African American communities, culture, and race.

Today, Martha and I returned to the front porch to assess two statements that our parents and other adults would express in their disappointment of some things we would say or how we would behave following some experiences of education. They would say, "You are an educated fool" or "You are too smart for your own good." If you have heard one or both of the statements, what are your thoughts?

Martha and I decided to go out on the porch to discuss the 2024 presidential election. We touched on demographics, trust, privileges, and more. On 6 November, my granddaughter asked me, "Pa Pa, did you see the vote on television?" I responded with, "Yes." She came back with, "Who won - red or blue?" Following our conversation, I was impressed with her and her parents. They are instilling in her the importance of voting and politics. She is willing to talk about something adults are not comfortable talking about. Out of the mouths of babes.....