Old School Thoughts

This episode kicks off our series to discuss the need for a 50-year plan when it comes to uplifting our communities, churches, organizations, businesses, and more. Martha and I agree on the fact that we fail to plan beyond the immediate to five years. Our affluent society plan for generations while most of us plan for our individual lifetime. We have to change the way we speak and communicate. A person is not honored in their own neighborhood because, in most occasions, the neighborhood wants to see them the way they found them. This is an important topic that I wish we were having in front of a live group. Let us know your thoughts.

How often do you catch yourself doing or saying something that reminds you of your parent, aunt, uncle, or other adult person? That is what this episode is about. I was happy to have Martha join me in this discussion. Again, thank you for your support. Be good!!

Influences/influencers come into our lives in so many forms. They can be negative or positive. They can build you up and they can delay your growth. Martha and I are leaving a conversation that talks about avoiding influences. I am blessed to have had God in my life to protect me from the influences of no return. Martha reflects on the influences that came from her mother. I hope you enjoy this Old School Thought conversation. What are your thoughts?

What are your expectations of how you will be cared for when you reach the cycle of losing your independence? This is what Martha and I have agreed to talk about as we become our parents. We tried to present the seriousness of the conversation along with some humor. We would love to read or hear your comments. Thank you for your encouraging words. How should we show our elders that they significant and amongst the living? Let’s make this a project.

Martha and I have spent the last six weeks talking about the purpose, scope, brick walls, and relationships associated with starting and refining your family tree. We really thank all of you for your incredible support. This episode focuses on the present and future challenges to prepare for. We hope you enjoy the episode and that you share it with others. What are your thoughts?

This episode is focused on how we, as family members, sometime dismiss cousins based on their degree of kinship. We place a number on cousins that eventually leads to extraction from the family. Martha and I are asking you to consider our thoughts and share your opinions. Thank you for your support.

During one of our conversations, Martha posed a question/statement about family that made a lot of sense. She wondered if Africans, throughout the diaspora, fully understand what a family is? The question also became a statement as we assessed the question and realized that the slave trade and other migratory events always put us in the side of division and loss. What are your thoughts?

This is our third episode of the Family Tree series. Martha and I used this time to share how starting our family tree impacted our views and personal lives. Though Martha and I approached our research from a different perspective, the research lead us to discover our own relationship as cousins. What are your thoughts?

Working on genealogy require that researchers constantly check for sources to validate what they know or what they think they know to be true. Blurred truths can lead to inaccurate information - that leads to assigning the wrong people as relatives. Martha and I are committed to this podcast and this series because they are worth our time and pursuit of leaving a valuable legacy. Let us know what you think about this episode.

Martha and I approached this episode attempting to get our audience to focus on the truth. One must become prepared to accept the truth about relatives and the effectiveness of the “Village.” When you decide to pursue your ancestral history, we all must realize that our family is not ours to own. We are branches to a larger tree that was planted many years and generations ago. Let us know what you think.

Martha and I have agreed to stay on task to talk about starting a family tree. This episode is also based on a request from Martha’s niece. This is our opening to the topic. We hope you find the information interesting enough to start or improve your research. Let us know what you think.

I have really enjoyed this two-part conversation with Martha about the PBS documentary: Talking Black In America - Riots. We made an effort to draw in previous episodes to keep our listeners reminded of previous thoughts/assessments. We have to pay attention to languages, cultures, and ethnicities. We are one, but we get distracted. I hope you enjoy this episode. Give us your thoughts. Until next time - Be Good.

This episode is basically an introduction into our next topic: Black While Talking. Martha and I would like to get us to think about how our African culture and languages faded and are fading with each generation. We have also given up and abandoned communication that once created solidarity. Today, some Africans in America are okay with friends of other ethnicities calling them by derogatory names as if they are terms of endearment. There is always a gap generation. Let us know your thoughts.

This episode concludes Martha’s three-part series on “We’re Not Merchants!” This episode has a lot to do with the importance of marketing and knowing your product well enough to accurately pitch it. These are two pitfalls to transforming an idea or dream into a sustainable business. We love you and be good. Please pass it on.

Last week, Martha led our conversation with her knowledge and description of a “Merchant Class or Society” as it pertains to African American communities. This is Part 2 of the same topic. We opened this episode with a short discussion about what should we take away from the observance/celebration of Juneteenth. Let us know your thoughts.

Martha and I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Dr. LaTasha Jones Adams to learn about her initiative to start a charter school in Columbus, Georgia. The proposed name for the school is Dominion Purpose Academy. Though she is at the early stages of the process, Martha and I invited Dr. Adams to the podcast to share with all of us her purpose behind the initiative and other considerations. I look forward to this legacy and its impact. Please pass it on.

Welcome to another episode of Old School Thoughts! Thank you for all of your support. Like always, I really enjoyed recording this episode with Martha. We’re Not Merchants has to do with strengths and weaknesses to survive as a business class. I hope you enjoy this episode and pass it on to friends and family.

In this episode, Martha is leading us through a series of thought provoking situations that we should analyze beneath the surface. She used bugs and slugs, metaphorically, at one point, to get her message across. Please pass this episode on to others.

Growing up, I would hear adults saying, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” I never understood why I would keep my enemies closer than my friends. Martha and I revisited that saying after listening to a speech delivered by Killer Mike titled: Free Speech Lets Me Know My Enemy. His spin on the topic was spot on. It showed his maturity.

Our parents have always told us, in many different ways, to “Keep your eyes open”, “Pay attention” and that “You better smell the coffee.” Which meant that you better keep your sense about yourself. We all have to learn how to slow down what we see to reflect and assess. If we don’t, we will let too many important things slide while turning the other cheek. I am all outta cheeks.

Martha has led us into an episode for the archives. Most of our discussions are surfaced for discussion amongst larger groups - then some episodes go beneath the surface that might cause some of our listeners to step back. Those are the episodes I see as a recording for the archives. The archives are left for others to discover.

Martha opens this episode by exploring a repetitive mantra often used in the African American community, We are caught or stuck between a rock and a hard place.” We have repeated this phrase without ever assessing its meaning in layman terms. Here we go with another significant discussion. We hope you like it and add it to your collection. If you like it, please share it.

This episode is a door blaster because Martha and I have reached a new horizon when it comes to analyzing why our parents sent us out of the room when “Grown Folks are talking.” Martha hit the spot when she stated that, as adults, we represent those adult conversations that took place in the background. What a profound discovery! Let us know your thoughts. Thank you for your support.

When it comes to the African American experience, Diaspora is used to address the dispersion of Africans throughout the world. During this episode, Martha and I are applying the Diaspora to our voluntary migrations and generational gaps.

I asked Martha to join me in discussing the challenges our young people are struggling with to survive and live. We talked about uniforms, games, early versus present television, managing anger/revenge, and more. At what point do you lose control of children with guns?

Martha and I continue to explore past and current history. What are your thoughts?

I chose this title because we continue to struggle with claiming and maintaining cultures, traditions, and more as we scramble to survive. Martha and I are asking you to join us in leaving this legacy of recordings by sharing them with your circle of friends and family.

This episode addresses the previous one regarding the experiments on black/African American people and the assumption that they did not display pain. But we go on this time to discuss that our pain is rooted in denial of the events that have affected us over our history and distorted how we see ourselves today.

Martha and I have decided to address the history of gynecology as t pertains to Black Women. We are inviting you to read the article that we referenced: https://www.salon.com/2023/03/18/history-of-gynecology/

I really enjoyed discussing this topic with Martha! Before we started, I expressed my thoughts that maybe this conversation should be had between two or more women, but Martha encouraged me to share my thoughts. So, here we are. I hope you find this worthy of our archive of Old School Thoughts.

This series of recordings about Phenomenal Women is a tribute to women and Women’s History Month. This particular episode focuses on sacrifices and strength. I want to thank Michaella for joining Martha and I in our pursuit to share Old School Thoughts.

As we get older, our views change on some things, but as a reflective thinker, I have grown to realize that the thoughts become deeper and or emotional. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, how do you reflect on the women you got to know in your family? I am asking you to join Martha and I in this conversation. Thank you for your support.

Martha decided to provide the introduction for this highly anticipated topic of discussion. We are continuing to examine Old School Thoughts as it pertains to understanding the history and timelines of African Americans. Let us know your thoughts about the topic.

Martha and I have struggled with publishing this episode about Knowing Something Basic when it comes to observing Black/African American History Month. I do not edit our recordings because we try to place our examination of topics over perfection. How do you think we, as African Americans, should observe Black/African American History?

This episode is another discussion or lesson that examines the history of America and the Constitution. Martha and I speak briefly about the three-fifth compromise and XXIII Amendment.

Title: God-Given PURPOSE (2.10.23) When you know, accept AND 🏃🏼‍♀️ toward your PURPOSE, popularity doesn’t matter. When you know, accept AND 🏃🏾 toward your PURPOSE, the naysayers are negligible. When you know, accept AND 🏃🏻‍♂️ toward your PURPOSE, 20/20 vision and overwhelming provision follow. Today’s Old School Thoughts conversation discusses PURPOSE over popularity, PURPOSE over naysayers and provision-rich 20/20-vision PURPOSE. Take a listen … (DeWayne Webb)

Thank you for your support. Martha, Pastor James, and I have returned to continue our conversation about how do we celebrate the life of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Please excuse the feedback in the recording. The message is too impactful to not publish. Remember that our conversations are not rehearsed. So, the viewpoints are raw. Thank you for your support.

Like every endeavor of good intentions, one begins to wonder if it is worthwhile. Yesterday, I had one of those moments and God spoke to me, in my spirit, and said, “Every time I wonder why - God sends me a reason why” and I felt renewed. This is a major topic that Martha, Pastor James, and I embarked on. We love people enough to leave a gap preventing legacy. What are your comments?

Martha, Pastor James, and I assembled to discuss a new topic concerning the ineffectiveness of speaking through a national microphone. What are your thoughts?

This is our fourth episode on the topic of Family Networking. Martha, Pastor James, and I are examining past and present transitions from one year to the next. What did we observe? How do we remember family interaction? How did we transition from 2022 to 2023? I did not edit the recording because I want each listener to pay attention and hear what was said the way I did. Not by interpretation, but by sound. We would love to have you as a guest.

Martha, Pastor James, and I continue to explore the relationships of family, community, and networking in our quest to understand the intricacies of family networking. Ship, as depicted in the subject, has to do with analyzing the gatekeepers of family information, relationships, fellowship, partnerships, and other variations of “ship”. Let us know what you think and please share it with others.

Our last episode created a lot of written comments and verbal conversations from our listeners. Pastor James Daniels joined Martha and I in a discussion to expand on the topic of Family Networking. I believe we presented thoughts that can actually take effect immediately. I just can’t understand why are we fighting change? Why do we make excuses? What are your thoughts?

Martha and I met through our discovery of DNA. We have never seen each other, personally, but we have accepted our kinship as we explore life and topics together. I have used my research to get back at the institution of slavery. Each time I find a new relative, I say, “Gotcha” and try not to let go. That sentiment is not always reciprocated. That becomes the frustrating part. I have met some amazing cousins during my journey and I love each one of them as if I have known them for a lifetime. During this episode, Martha and I are attempting to define a family tree and make it palatable for African Americans. We are defining a family tree as a networking system like the Underground Railroad, Green Book, and other sources that provided a safe haven for us along the way. What are your thoughts?

During this episode of Old School Thoughts, Martha and I demonstrated the complexities that go into discussing African American history and how we should approach accountability. No two observers are the same, but there is a need for each member to approach the conditions from different angles. Different angles provide different perspectives. Someone is always in the picture.

How many of you enjoyed the leftovers the morning after Thanksgiving? How many of you grew up eating leftovers? During this episode, Martha and I expanded leftovers to represent all areas of our lives, culture, race, family, and other factors as we transform as individuals. What are your thoughts?

Happy Thanksgiving!! This conversation, with Fred Harmon, has been a long time coming, but today we are here. While visiting Fred for Thanksgiving dinner, he finally granted me this valuable opportunity to record part of his legacy. I enjoyed the conversation.

With all of the negative things surrounding us, Martha and I felt strongly about discussing the nostalgia of celebrating Thanksgiving. We wanted to ignite a public discussion about celebrating family, unity, and Thanksgiving. My prayers go out to the young generation because they are dying too soon by gun violence and other destructive actions. My prayers go out to the lonely residents in convalescent homes and those living alone. We love you and until next time, Be Good.

Martha and I used our “25 minutes of anger” to discuss our disappointment about how people, family, and friends voted or not voted. There is so much to assess. Your thoughts are welcome for additional episodes. What are your thoughts?

What will it take for Africans in America and throughout the Diaspora to pay attention to patterns and assess what our ancestors were able to achieve that we seem to have a hard time maintaining? The history is too serious to ignore.

Martha and I returned to summarize what we have learned through this series of discussions about the Diaspora. We want to thank all of our listeners for the support and comments.

Martha and I are truly on a journey together. Without any rehearsals, we come together with a ridiculous level of like-mindedness. In this series, about the Diaspora, we are challenging our listeners to just consider what we are presenting. For one to speak with the acknowledgment/understanding of the Diaspora requires a willingness to scrape the barrel of what we have been misled to learn. I hope you are finding value in what we are attempting to share. Correction: A comment was made concerning Brazil receiving 1 billion Africans. Change to 1 million. Be good!

We have reached our fourth season!! During this episode, Martha and I continue to talk about the significance of referring to the Diaspora when addressing the slave trade. Too often the subject is discussed as a separate event based on geography instead of one event that affected the lives of millions through captivity and dispersion. What are your thoughts?

Martha and I are in agreement that descendants of Black Africa should consider the Diaspora when discussing the African Slave Trade. Are we missing the significance of the atrocity? Correction: Change “Priest” to “Pope” reference 1441 gift of Africans.

Martha shares history about her great-grandmother Patsy - who lived to be 108 years old. This episode is intended to give recognition to the impact Roots (the movie) had on many of us to research our lineage. This is a remarkable story about endurance and legacy.

Today, 9 September 2022, Martha and I were blessed to have Dewayne and LaShon as our guests to talk about an incredible fitness program that is taking place at Lakebottom Park in Columbus, Georgia. It goes beyond physical fitness. They are truly building a village that encompasses children to adults.

Martha and I entered this conversation, like always, making an assessment about our thoughts and what events shaped our weekly world. During the conversation, we began to talk about how lives are impacted by being seen Black, invisible, too modest, and sometimes alone in a struggle. The conversation led me to share my own experience in Columbus, Georgia (Not Ohio). What are your thoughts?

In this episode, Martha and I went back down memory lane to further assess generational movements. We also touched on the abandonment of parents by the children they raised. Do you know Claudette Colvin? If you don’t, search for her story and interview to learn about an amazingly brave young girl that survived a movement to become an amazingly brave woman. Martha and I hope you enjoy this episode enough to share with others. Until next time - Be Good!!

In this episode, Martha and I challenged each other to recall old school activities and events that we have lost and are never getting back from those that we have lost or on the brink of losing that we need to restore and or keep because they are relevant? We are asking each listener to do the same. If you would like to join us on an episode - just say the word. Thank you for your support.

When I lived in South Korea, I got the opportunity to tour several Cultural Historical sites and witnessed villagers passing on the traditions and cultures of South Korea to future generations. I chose the title (Too Damaged?) following the recording of this episode with Martha because I was left or challenged to accept something that I had never considered: Are we too damaged as a family, village, and or people to unite for the sake of future generations? What are we about? What are the legacies that we plan to pass on to future generations? I enjoyed my conversation with Martha as always. I hope you all enjoy it as well.

In this episode, Martha and I continued to explore the magnificence of Black/African American women through their power to manage and make changes. Black Women have led us in so many ways: domestically, academically, and politically. How would you describe the unspoken power of Black/African American women and how they displayed that power?

This is the second episode that Martha and I have recorded to pay honor to the sacrifices, leadership, tenacity, and endurance of Black/African American women. This is a serious topic for us and we doing our best convey our appreciation clearly. Though women are represented in several ways, there has always been similarities based on personal and ancestral ties. I hope we are presenting this series with clarity and understanding. We are inviting you to join us. Again, thank you for all you to make this podcast successful.

This episode is basically an introduction to paying honor to the history of Black/African American women throughout the diaspora. Black women have truly “held it down” to endure hardships beyond their control to political leadership. Martha and I want listeners to think about the sacrifices, movements, love, and more that we seem to overlook. Thank you for your support We will follow-up with more.

I am really enjoying this journey with Martha, as our co-host, and with you (our listeners). Regardless of what we do in life, we want to become better at it. This is true for Martha and me when it comes to our mission (Missionary - definition #3) to pay attention and remember the history that got us where we are as a people and nation. Pay Attention and Remember.

During this episode, Martha and I wanted to open a discussion about a documentary, we both watched, titled Who We Are by Jeffery Robinson. We are attempting to ascertain who we are as people, as a village, and as a country. Our conversations are led by, what we believe to be, God’s intervention because we start with our own intentions, but we are led to include other thoughts. We are serious about our passion to leave a legacy of information for others to use or add on to. We hope you enjoy this episode and pass the word about archive we are building. Be Good!!

There are so many things happening in our orbit: Good and Bad. As Martha and I continue to grow together, we are challenged by day-to-day events that impact all of our lives in some way. The word ‘mining’ was used intentionally because we are digging as deep as possible to assess what affects us and or the village. Let us know what your thoughts are.

We often hear people reciting “It takes a village to raise a child” and I saw that demonstrated, as a child, when my mother and other mothers had the permission to challenge bad behaviors for the sake of the child’s safety and future. It worked for me and many others. Martha and I are examining the effectiveness of the village as it pertained to the horrific case of Shaye Moss, Lady Ruby, and their matriarch (grandmother/mother). How do you see the village? Is it effective?

This episode picks up where Martha and I left off during the alarm interruption that closed out episode 48. Martha starts this episode by analyzing our legal system as a two-tier operation that systematically targets people of color differently than those who are not. We did agree that this conversation is necessary and that it should continue.

On the morning of 18 June 2022, I called Martha and asked her to join me in discussing the importance of knowing about Juneteenth and being cognizant of what we never forget as we grow accustomed to it becoming a federal holiday. This is a two part discussion due to an unexpected alarm. We picked up the conversation during Part 2.

What a conversation! Mr. Landers is the Director of the Civic Center of Columbus, Georgia and Chairman of the Juneteenth committee. We met yesterday (9 June 2022) for the first time to schedule today’s episode. It was a meeting worth having to see and listen to this young leader talk his stuff. I had to use “Old School” language to express my happiness. I hope to have him back to give us feedback on how he felt about the outcome of the Juneteenth activities. Please pay attention to his comments.

Something amazing is happening! Old School Thoughts has a co-host, Martha Buford-Green! We are both excited about collaborating to discuss this enormous topic of “the Village” as we refer to African American communities. I am going to add an additional title as a description: The Baseland. The village reminds us of our basic values and experiences that we cling to and have even abandoned. In our first episode, Martha and I are going to discuss the roles of the elders based on what we witnessed and experienced. We want you to join our team. We can do this! Great job, Martha!!!