St.James Project

In part two of my weekly podcast series. This interview with activist John Jones, III, Affirmative Action Committee Member. We have a frank discussion from his perspective on what's really happening in the city of Oakland. John Jones has seen first hand how marginalized people have been directly affected by this new influx of the tech boom that has taken over in the bay area.  What was once dubbed the "chocolate city" is no longer that. The city of Oakland which is right outside of San Francisco is currently dealing with a homeless problem that leaders can't seem to solve. It's gotten so bad, you now see families living under freeways, on backroads, near railroad tracks and the streets are litter with all types of waste as a result. 

More importantly, there is a vibe, culture, and art that is being erased. The downtown area is under massive reconstruction where new apartment buildings being built has taken over. Gone are one of the most beautiful murals that were located on 14th Alice St. The Malonga center, a gathering place for artists, young and inspiring has lost its appeal. While change is a good thing, not at the expense of a culture, and it's people.

#Live #Learn #Grow

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Today's episode originally aired about a year in a half ago (Part 1). I spoke with Chief Petty Officer Michael Wright who had recently moved to the Bay Area and was dismayed at all the people he saw living in squalor conditions because they could not afford rent.  I sat down with PO Wright who has traveled the world extensively and talked gave his thoughts on what was taking place. PO Wright view is from the outside looking in. A former enlistee in the Navy now calls the Bay Area home who has never had any trouble with the law. Most homeless people are deemed to be drug users, uneducated, etc. There is a stigma attached to that lifestyle.  I've met so many individuals who have degrees, have jobs, etc. However, they cannot afford the high cost of living in the Bay Area.

Most importantly, I've met many people of color whose roots are here in Oakland. Although this is happening across the US, I was deeply touched by the testimonies I heard from those who've lost their homes, sleeping in cars, with their children and just trying to survive. Not knowing when they will be able to have a normal life, a permanent address. This truly is a crisis that is NOT getting better. We've got to be about our business and digress from all other distractions that continue to divide us in the African diaspora community.

Next week, I will play part II of this interview. Two brothers from two different worlds with two different perspectives.

#Live #Learn #Grow

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As you know the North Carolina Man, David Steven Bell who was captured on video brutally punching an 11-year-old black girl, and the assault of another young girl reportedly to be around 13 years old has been seen around the world. Shocking that this man was able to avoid jail time by claiming of all excuses...that he suffers from PTSD. What equally shocking was some of the online comments from the black community where they thought S. Bell actions were justified. Will we ever get over the "PTSS" (Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome) that continues to hurt people of the African Diaspora?? 

Any black man or woman who saw that video...then can honestly say it was a justified reaction, probably, should have their black card revoked. There were so many other ways for S.Bell to respond. Black people need to start standing up for other black people. PERIOD!!! Episode six, I talk candidly, and openly about us. We need to do better. There are no more excuses.  Change is happening now, and we need to learn how to come together, setting aside our petty differences and rewrite the narrative for the injustices that have been pass down from generation to generation.

We've seen many times over...no one is going to truly fight for us. While the world is advancing in some ways, it's also going backward, and the Jim Crows of this generation feel embolden to do and say whatever and they're getting away with it. We need to move beyond the "While we kneel" mentality and strategize, use our economic potential and make a demand for a seat at the table. This is where we continue to fail. Hopefully, it will happen with this generation.

In episode five on Monday's podcast. I talk about how to make a podcast for beginners. A simple pragmatic and uncomplicated way of making your dream happened. It's easier than you think. There a few simple steps to getting started and your own your way.

#PodcastingForBeginners #DoYouPodcast #Branding #SocialMedia

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Episode 4, I meet up with talented award-winning instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, Brian Culbertson. Know for his eclectic style, contemporary jazz, and funk. The man dubbed by KKSF as "the brotha from another mother." Yass, black people love them some Brian Culbertson. I was so honored to have to the chance to sit down and talk with him on his style of music and other things at Yoshi's, Oakland, CA.

The interview originally aired on August 2016. I wanted to recapture the moment. Just an update, if you are interested in seeing Brian perform live, he will be in Livermore, CA on August 25th, 2019. Go to BC website for full details http://www.brianculbertson.com/.

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#Live #Learn #Grow

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On Episode 3 of the St.James Project, I give a "layman perspective" on why using the N-word is not okay. As people of African descent, we need to re-examine our complicit relationship with the word and how it's used today. The n-word seems to be a trending term in which now everybody is using. Sadly, we have a generation who is culturally unaware of its origin and how it was used to control, manipulate, and dehumanize the African race. This trend has come about at the pain and suffering of our ancestors. 

We have a generation that has grown up on the hip hop culture, which white youths are the biggest consumers, and feel they're entitled to use this word amongst themselves and peers. This is where the contradiction begins with African Americans. Self-awareness, education, and how this word mirrors the pain of slavery to where we are now as a people. We need a "Sankofa moment."

Episode 2, I speak with SF State Anthropology major, Halima Mahdee. Halima has traveled to Ghana many times and she embodied the culture of Ghana. In this intimate interview, I talk to Halima on what, and how to prepare myself for my upcoming trip to the "homeland." I find Halima energy to be soothing, healing, transformative and informational.  #Live #Learn #Grow

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In this interview, I meet up with Comedian Cody J. Woods. Now Cody has opened for many big-name Comedians such as Paul Mooney, Luenell, Bruce Bruce, Charlie Murphy, George Wallace just to name a few. Cody recently appeared on Hulu's season 3 "Hart of the City" hosted by Kevin Hart. There are so many adjectives I could use to describe his "eclectic" personality. If you want to know more about Cody or attend one of his shows, check out his website http://www.codyjwoods.com/.  

The St.James Project 💋

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