As I was filming today’s episode, I had the beginnings of an epiphany. I sometimes imitate the way my grandpa used to talk. Later, talking to Lovely Wife, it dawned on me that part of my identity is to be a link to the past. I am from a generation where I knew and was raised by not only both of my parents, but also by many of my grandparents.
I think this is part of my love for history. I’m basically a link to a much earlier time in the history of black people in America. I remember the example, attitudes, strengths and outlooks of a group of black people that came of age during the Great Depression, World War II, and the great migration out of the South.
They tended to be of greater resilience, self-reliance and determination compared with most people of the last couple of generations. Their out look shapes mine greatly, and it the genius of these might by flawed regular old folks that is worth conserving so that we can reach back and take of their strength and wisdom to help us in these fairly bleak times.
I also got real about the source of one of our greatest obstacles: black-on-black violence. Have you heard of the meme “13/52”? I get into the painful truth about it and more.
Share this post