Who Knows, It's Just Life

It is with some hesitation that I touch on these topics.  But as a friend of mine reminded me, that is what your show is all about.  In this episode I provide a number of updates including the Nyumburu Cultural Center 50th anniversary, the Philly Spartan Race and more.  I also focus on my struggles with the conversion of Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day.  I also broach the topic of Dave Chappelle and his controversial "final" standup on Netflix.

References:

http://nyumburu.umd.edu/

Vox Article on Chappelle Stand Up

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In this episode I tap into my archive of audio footage and share recordings of my maternal grandparents.  These were recorded from 2007 - 2008.  September is a big month because both of my grandparents were born in September and my grandma passed away in September 7 years ago.  We also celebrated my granddad turning 90 this year.

My grandma talks about witnessing Jim Crow segregation in the south while my granddad played minor league baseball.  My granddad recalls his brother's experience at Pearl Harbor.  They both talk about immigration and their experiences in school (my grandma not being permitted to go to college).  It was really nostalgic hearing them speak about these stories.

Song I'm Rocking To:

Tems - Vibe Out

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In  this episode I reflect on Black August 2021.  I acknowledge my unfortunate ignorance of the history and customs of Black August and reflect on my involvement in Herb and Temple's Black August activities, highlighted by a pilgrimage to Richmond, VA.

References:

@herbandtemple

@efsinc

Black Power Media - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDKIYemHFTo 

Artists I'm Rocking To:

Fr33Sol & Lavva - Star Dust, Promis3, Fertile Soil, Ankh Udja Seneb

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

In this episode I rebroadcast an episode from the Raceisms Podcast team.  I talk at length about what Reparations for Black Americans could look like.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reparations-or-bust/id1525297952?i=1000530183731

@raceismspodcast

Song I'm Rocking To:

Raury - Take Back the Power

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

In this episode I speak about the anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre, the Olympic Qualifiers and Sha'Carri Richardson and my Juneteenth/Father's day trip to Indianapolis with my son.

Song I'm Rocking to:

Protoje and Koffee - Switch it Up

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

In this episode I am joined by my mom.  We talk about how her parents and the major world events that took place in her childhood shaped her worldview.  She speaks about playing sports as a young woman in the 70s, experiencing white privilege, feminism and the decision to stay home to raise us kids, and her activism on local school boards.

Books:

My Song - Harry Belafonte

Nine Continents - Xiaolu Guo

Song Mom is Rocking To:

Gene Harris - Down Home Blues

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

On this episode I am joined by my dad.  We talk about what it was like for him to grow up in Newport, Rhode Island.  Dad shares life lessons and experiences including being an engineering major in the 70s, a feminist in the 80s and transitioning through to "Chapter 2" in life where he is prioritizing relationships and experiences.

Books:

Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin

Song Dad is Rocking To:

Leslie Odom Jr. - The Room Where it Happens

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

We're one quarter through 2021!  On today's episode I speak about the plethora of positive messages I see about self care and mental health.  This is MUCH needed.  But I also want us to properly diagnose the SYSTEM for causing the need for focus in these areas.  Capitalism highlights individualism, quantifiable value and material possessions.  This leaves us isolated, creatively disconnected and full of materials that ultimately don't serve our human spirit.

Shout out:

Lauren White - https://thepoeticengineer.com/

Mt Pleasant Acres Organic Farm - Riparian Buffer Planting - Choptank River Watershed

Song I'm Rocking To:

Sampa the Great - Energy

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

In this episode, I speak about recovery in a few forms.  One is my recovery from COVID (which is part of the reason for the gap between episodes).  I also speak about my recovery from the events of January 6th, and a period of dismay about the next strategic move for Black people.  I also offer some thoughts on recent films including Queen Sugar, One Night in Miami and Judas and the Black Messiah.

Songs I'm Rocking To:

Michael Kiwanuka - Black Man In A White World

Bob Marley - I Shot the Sheriff

Wizkid, H.E.R. - Smile

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell

I reflect on 2020, look to 2021 and react to the takeover of the Capitol.    I express gratitude for the positives I took from 2020.  I'm not big on resolutions so I focus on staying the course (though, course corrections are cool, too).  The takeover of the US Capitol today, while predictable, was still shocking to actually see.  My unprocessed reaction to the events today made it clear to me that knowing something to be true and seeing it unfold are two different things.  Today's events, reminded me that we may need to change the pace of our efforts - whether its to slow down and center on self or to up the ante on our community building to get this country back on track.  I end with a reminder that all of this starts with us being mentally and physically healthy and loving ourselves. 

Resources:

Jan 3 - Stay the Course by Lauren White

Song I'm Rocking To:

Raury - Take Back the Power

NEW IG: @thecoolpapabell