Old School Thoughts

Listening to Damonta filled me with many thoughts and emotions because it was great having a mature conversation with a 28 year-young African American man. He opened my mind when he spoke about representing three generations of being a foster care family member; the need to be intentional; and his oral description of America. I am so grateful to have met Damonta and look forward to speaking him, a...

We can’t have a part one without a part two - so here we are. Charnita ended the part one assessing her mothers generation as it pertained to the village. Because I didn’t want the interview to end without a complete explanation, I requested that we continue with a part two. Charnita will share a poem with us that captures her deepest thoughts about how she feels about “The Village.”

Today, Charnita contacted me and requested an interview to talk about “The Village” as we know it. Charnita did what I want all of you to do: volunteer to tell your story. Charnita gives a clear description of the village and its value. This conversation definitely required a part two. Feel free to share your perspective.

Charles gave me a new perspective on the history of identifying someone as a Conductor. This title was given to Harriett Tubman as she began to lead more family members and enslaved friends to freedom. Charles is operating at a level of concern to connect family members who have been separated by institutional laws, family migration, and more. He stated that he wants to reunite 200 family members...

You can’t have a part one without a part two and this really is a continuation of an incredible story filled with incredible wisdom and advice. Chloe describes her grandfather as an unapologetic leader. She shares his astute capability to navigate through inequality to achieve equality for his family, friends, and community. She goes on to say that we shouldn’t apologize for being who we are - inn...

At a time when the teaching of African American history is under attack, it is a great feeling to hear Chloe speak of her grandfather with so much reverence. She acknowledged his struggles, his focus, his empowerment, his successes, and his will to learn and teach. Chloe’s interview is a testament to understanding that History Is Personal.

Mary, who is one of the best known cooks and bakers in Columbus, Georgia, is going to school us on the craft of cooking with Crisco. She is old school and qualified to speak on the history of cooking with Crisco in the black community. Her mother cooked with Crisco as well as my mother. This episode reminded me of some steps that I had forgotten. What are your thoughts and memories of cooking with...

This is the first episode of a new series titled, History Is Personal. Charnita and I spoke for the first time to schedule an interview which ended up happening following our brief introduction to each other. When she spoke, I could hear so many things: Her loving fondness of knowing her ancestry; a good feeling about being recognized as an Old Soul; and much more. I really enjoyed our conversatio...

This was a requested episode from my family based on an evening out we shared at Cheddar’s restaurant in Columbus, Georgia. My nephews was surprised to hear about some of the stories I began to share with them and wanted them added to the Old School Thoughts podcast. My “Big Brother” was told about the stories and also requested to hear them via the podcast. So, here are a couple of stories. Here...

First, I would like to publicly thank Pastor James Daniels for accepting my abrupt invitation to speak on the impact and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pastor Daniels is the pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church located in Villula, Alabama. Pastor Daniels talks about staying focused (keeping your eyes on the back door), remembering the basics, knowing that God’s words will always p...

I’m back! Old School Thoughts is back! Happy New Year to all of my podcast family! I have missed you and look forward to our conversations this year of 2022! Thank you for all of your support in 2021! Now, let’s reflect and project! I love all of you! Be good!

During this time of year, most of us begin to reflect on the importance of family and friends. We think about those we’ve lost and the blessings for those of us who are still alive. We become sentimental about so much! This episode is being published as a reminder for me and others. I hope you enjoy it. Happy Holidays to all you and your families. Be good!

I am concerned about the future of our children. Instead of fire drills at school, they are now learning drills on how to save themselves from active student shooters inside their respective schools. They have to keep their senses up for unexpected attacks while playing outdoors. As a lifetime community organizer, I am concerned about their safety. What are your thoughts?

On 24 November 2021, a jury comprised of 11 Whites and 1 African American convicted 3 White defendants in the murder trial of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia.

Cousin Gladys and I ended part one of our conversation in the middle of a fantastic story. Part Two picks up where we left off. It is an extension of the wisdom Cousin Gladys wants us to hear. She and I will plan for more episodes.

I am so blessed to have this opportunity to record the stories of matriarchs, patriarchs, and additional special guests. This episode is the beginning of a future series of stories provided Gladys Marie Harmon-Wright. I hope all of our listeners appreciate the value of this collection of stories and wisdom.

This episode examines the actual meaning and relationship amongst friends. Is social media the wave for identifying friendship? It seems to be. Are you more comfortable sharing personal space with “friends” on Facebook than you are with sharing a greeting with someone you don’t know in real-time?

This episode is too valuable to hold on to! Ron and I recently discovered each other through AncestryDNA. After speaking with him and introducing him to the “Old School Thoughts” podcast, he requested an opportunity to participate in this legacy project. In this episode, Ron speaks passionately about the values of Old School and how those values were ingrained in him by his mother and father. Let’...

We have lost so much over centuries of survival and rebooting of our languages, traditions, cultures, recipes, religious practices, and more. This episode explores the question of how long does it take to submit and give up who you are and how long does it take to create an I don’t care generation (Gap generation)?

I am so thankful and grateful to have had this opportunity to interview Cousin Leora for the second time (her 100th and 101st year/Birthday). She shares so much with us. She creates a calming atmosphere, for me, every time we speak. Please consider the value of this recording. Endnote: When I had a lost for words, I was trying to say - intimidating. Cousin Leora’s life’s experiences makes her an i...

It is amazing how strangers can share kindred spirits when given the opportunity to converse openly. I discovered that kind of relationship with Mary Branham, two weeks ago, during our first conversation that began with her inquiring information from me about the genealogy of a relative whom I share DNA with. That conversation expanded to Mary and I speaking openly about history, race, culture, po...

I am happy to announce that Old School Thoughts has entered its third year. I want to thank all of my guests and listeners for the outstanding support and feedback. I look forward to the growth (personally) and growth of the archives. Please share the episodes with family and friends.

Leora 101 is primarily about getting the opportunity to literally see, meet, greet, and celebrate the 101st birthday of Mrs/Cousin Leora Garrett-Adams. Thanks to Cousin Leora, Cousin Beverly, and Cousin Chloe Naves. Here are two questions to consider: Is there a difference between How you want to be remembered and Do you want to be remembered? Send Cousin Leora a greeting. The interview with her i...

Simple question: Are Blacks apologetically Black? When we have the opportunity to step up to improve our publicly recognized conditions, do we apologize to uphold a positive image amongst other groups of people? What do you have to say?

I have been blessed to have two dads: My biological dad who raised me from an infant to adulthood and a dad-in-law who taught me how to prepare for my senior years. Mr. Moss is a father-figure - in my life. He gives me love and acceptance. He shares his philosophies on life through his relationship with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He gave me this letter on 5 Septembe...