On this episode I speak with one of Portland's most thorough activists, Mac Smiff. Mac has been fighting to defund the police years before it became a slogan. We discuss the current obstacles that Portland must overcome with a mayor and city council who can't seem to defund at the rate that Mac and many others would like to see. We discuss everything from  freedom, to solidarity, to the US potentially being a 3rd world country, and much more... Be empowered, be inspired, be enlightened!

Show notes:

7:50 - Foundations of Mac’s “defund the police” style of activism
9:50 - Ted Wheeler tings
17:50 - Mac’s plan to actualize the goal of defunding the police
25:20 - Freedom > Solidarity
30:40 - How do we produce justice and constructive change despite the mayor’s reluctance to defund PPB
37:54 - Black solidarity > allies
43:45 - capitol riot reaction
49:13 - Is Portland over
1:02:00 - Is the United States a 3rd world country?
1:12:43 - Unity does not require uniformity
1:24:28 - Fab 5 questions

SXSNDLS

Defund PPB

Ep. 168 - Defund PPB | Mac Smiff

On this episode my brother Oba and I react to the end of the Joe Budden Podcast we grew to love over the past 3+ years. The end of the Joe/Mal/Rory/Parks connection... Listen and enjoy!

Oba:
www.effabl.co
@Obabalu (IG)
@Effabl (TWITTER)

End of an Era - Joe Budden Podcast Collapse | @Obabalu

On this episode my brother Terrance Hayes and I discuss a rift that's is going on among two groups of black community advocates in Portland, Or. We are dealing with huge government contracts, real estate, non-profit vs for-profit, black representation in leadership but overall leadership is majority white, lack of trust among the groups, etc... All of these topics are all to common in this city... Be empowered, be inspired, be enlightened!

Ep. 170 - Who's Holding Down the Black Community | Terrance Hayes

On this episode I review a recent Aljazeera article by a professor from Columbia University, that speaks on race, racism and critical race theory. There is much confusion going on pertaining to this topic and my goal is to help clear the confusion. 

Time stamps

3:30 - Achilles Story
12:27 - KYE 3.0 announcement 
13:10 - Aljazeera article review 
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/7/23/white-is-not-a-colour-white-is-an-ideology
15:51 - “White is not a color, white is an ideology”
21:20 - “Looking at someone and calling them white is racism”
22:35 - My YOUniversal definitions for Racism
27:30 - Difference between supreme and superior
29:35 - Accusing Critical Race Theory as conflating racism with the color of one’s skin
31:55 - “You are only white if you think you’re entitled to certain privileges that are denied to non-white people.”
38:10 - “Racism is a construct.”
46:30 - “Being white is an ideological conviction.”

Critical Race Theory-ish Pt. 1

On this episode my brother Emanuel Solomon and I bounce ideas in response to an amazing lecture by Professor Bayyinah Bello. 

Check out Emanuel Solomon at www.Emanuelsolomon.com and download his free ebook at www.navigatingwhiteness.com

Follow me on IG: 
@Emmanuelsince85
@Soxandsandalspodcast

Tap in with the website
www.Emmanuelwilliams.co

Timestamps 

10:38 - The white man is living in your mind
19:35 - Unlearn, detach, disassociate, disentangle from whiteness
27:45 - How to speak to the church folks that don’t want acknowledge the history of racism and religion 
38:18 - What is the difference between medicine and poison. 
55:55 - The independence dilemma 
1:01:38 - We’re dope, but we must acknowledge the L’s that we’ve taken.
1:11:51 - Know your limits as it pertains to the rate at which you unlearn and re-learn
1:20:23 - Success 
1:28:20 - Who are you outside of your characteristics
1:31:00 - Diaspora wars spurred from bad information
1:35:50 - Manipulation, deception, mind control, reshaping perception
1:52:30 - Simply going through the motions will move us to extinction

Ep. 172 - Bayyinah Bello Convo | Emanuel Solomon

On this episode Oba and I discuss the Kanye West interview from the Joe Rogan podcast. We also have a special appearance by our brother Tevin Tavares.

Timestamps 

20:05 - Teaching my kids about marriage
30:02 - Family-Friend dichotomy 
34:15 - Family + Generational Wealth 
1:00:20 - Black history months affect on the Black psyche. 
1:12:34 - Tevin Tavares has entered the chat

Ep. 173 - Symphony of Ideas Pt. 2 | @Obabalu

Oba and I continue the conversation about family, investing/divesting from the system, the hero's journey, the passive aggressive racism of white progressives, integration vs. segregation, etc.

Ep. 174 - Symphony of Ideas Pt. 3 | @Obabalu

Podcasting has transformed my life. I recently started a new chapter in life as I have accepted the position of Community Justice & Equity Coordinator with the Black United Fund of Oregon. I share a common story that many of you have heard, but also add on to the significance this position in the way that it checks all the boxes of narrow criteria I've set for myself as it pertains to working for someone else. Something that I've vowed not to do since I quit my job in 2018... unless, once again it fit specific criteria.

Your gifts will make room

Ep. 175 - Your Gifts Will Make Room

On this episode I discuss the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion activities of former Las Vegas Raiders Coach Jon Gruden and a few of his contemporaries in the NFL. We must realize that this type of behind the scenes rhetoric from upper management folks who are seemingly "cool bosses."

Ep. 177 - The Cool Racist Boss

On this episode Trenelle Doyle and I discuss navigating the low-points of  entrepreneurship. Trenelle is the founder of Go Girl Ride; a Womxn, Femme, Non-binary ride service.

Show notes 

4:50 - Trenelle shares about the past 4 years of establishing Go Girl Ride
10:20 - The request for proposal letdown
19:00 - Navigating the highs and lows; the growth curve
22:30 - Managing time with family while building a business
30:49 - Emotional toll of relationships lost on your entrepreneurial journey
37:40 - In service to the mission
44:45 - True entrepreneur doesn’t do it for money
53:40 - Intentionally making time for your health and family
58:35 - There is no balance
1:02:00 - Advice to aspiring and current entrepreneurs

Ep. 178 - Entrepreneurs Anonymous | Trenelle Doyle @gogirlride

On this episode I have my personal dream-team of guests, my guys Maundo and Oba. Two gentlemen who have crossed the SXSNDLS path many times, but have not been on the show at the same time! Furthermore, we dedicated our time together to review the part 2 of Ye's Drink Champs interview. His interview will be watched and studied for years and its impact on Black culture will be undeniable.

Timestamps:

5:57 - Is Kanye West still canceled?
10:00 - Drink champs review transition
11:11 - Inmates in control of the jail
22:40 - Correlation of comfortability in prisons and profitability of the prison industrial complex
25:03 - Christianity in Africa before colonization; We are the Blood of Christ; low-key Hebrew Israelite talk
35:02 - Ye x Umar collab in Wyoming?
37:04 - You Crazy
50:33 - Is this a new Ye or an evolved Ye?
55:06 - Culture is the new oil
57:03 - How can Black people be anti-semitic is we are the Jews? Jewish x Jews i.e. Black Hebrews
1:13:04 - Cancel what? What we canceling out here?! Scared to death negroes beware
1:23:30 - How can we change if we don’t embrace new ideas? True political power for Black Americans
1:35:41 - Black Gringos

Ye ain't Crazy

Ep. 179 - Ye ain't Crazy | @Obabalu & Maundo

On this episode I am joined by Shalimar Williams, owner of Holy Beanz Coffee, located in Portland, Oregon. From childhood to present day, Shalimar gives us the raw and uncut truth of her journey and all the experiences that led her into entrepreneurship. In this episode you will truly understand the meaning of "Purpose in a Cup"

Show notes:

- 3:53 | Shalimar introduces herself
- 5:43 | Shalimar's formative years
- 11:50 | Car accident that changed everything 
- 15:25 | Incarceration saved my life
- 19:43 | Holy Beanz Coffee Shop is really a vibe
- 24:48 | Unapologetic spiritual convictions
- 28:45 | Purpose in a cup
- 30:28 | Becoming an Entrepreneur
- 33:52 | Becoming a parent; added motivation to achieve and provide
- 37:52 | Once you get out, it's hard not to go back
- 42:09 | Racial Identity
- 53:05 | Rapid fire questions

Ep. 180 - Holy Beanz

Ep. 180 - Holy Beanz | Shalimar Williams

On this episode I am joined by David Barron, Owner of Cross-eyed Cricket Farms. He shares his journey of being a part-time firefighter and a part-time farmer.

Show notes:

(3:30) Introducing David Barron, Owner of Cross-Eyed Cricket Farms
(8:11) Day in the life of a part-time farmer, part-time firefighter, full-time Dad
(10:15) Transitioning from city life to rural life
(17:40) The satisfaction one gets from growing their own food
(28:00) I’d rather show my kids than tell em
(33:35) Peace, quiet and tranquility on demand
(39:13) Impending national food security crisis 
(42:00) Rapid fire

Ep. 181 - Black Farmers Matter | David Barron | Cross-eyed Cricked Farms

On this episode I speak with Tyler Monk of the Underdog Mentality.

The Underdog Mentality uses inspirational story-telling and practical strategies to accomplish the goal of breaking people’s mindset bondage---releasing them to tap into the power of their potential so they can accomplish their goals. TUM delivers high energy and engaging workshops on a host of topics including but not limited to---How to persist in challenging times, The power of purpose, leadership development and cutting edge growth mindset strategies.

The Underdog Mentality

Ep. 182 - The Underdog Mentality | Tyler Monk

On this episode I speak with Emanuel Solomon. Founder of Black Flame Yoga. Author of Navigating Whiteness. Creator of Cultural Emotional Intelligence.

Go to www.emanuelsolomon.com and check out his work.

Black Flame

Ep. 183 - Black Flame | Emanuel Solomon

Are you using knowledge or is knowledge using you? Using the Five Levels of Attachment for the backdrop of this series, I discuss how these attachments distort our reality. 

1. The Authentic Self 
2. Preference 
3. Identity 
4. Internalization 
5. Fanaticism 

Level 4 - Internalization: At this stage... "my identity in the form of my knowledge gives me the rules and guidelines by which I live my life." 

Internalization describes a degree of attachment to knowledge where our identity becomes the model in which we accept ourselves. This is domestication through attachment. 

At this level our narrators have begun to set the conditions by which we domesticate our identity. They measure our acceptance and rejection of ourselves and others based on the beliefs we use to construct the mask of our identity. We will distort the information we receive to reinforce the conditions of which we expect from life. The narrators also serve our need to validate who we are in our personal dream, as well as the face we present to the world . 

Our knowledge is corrupted. Our sense of self is the personification of our beliefs and our will is subjugated by the need to fit in with the dream.. Thus our mask may not necessarily be in the form of our passion, but we will wear whatever mask we think we need to be accepted.

At this point we’ve lost our sense of respect for self and others, and conditional love is all we know.

Attachments pt. 2 - Internalization

On this episode I am joined by Niyi Sobomehein. He is the creator of the Sports Motivation podcast, Get ya Mind Right podcast, Imnotyou.com, etc... When I say World-Class?! I kid you not! Niyi has been a Mindset coach for athletes and entrepreneurs for quite some time. He shares is "I'm not You" philosophy on the Sports Motivation podcast and offers intense, hi-level mindset coaching through his Killer Instinct program. 

Do yourself a favor and subscribe to the Sports Motivation podcast and follow @Niyisobo on YouTube and IG.

I'm Not You!

Ep. 184 - I'm Not You! World-Class Sports Motivation | @NiyiSobo

On this episode I sit down and discuss all things crypto with crypto educator and Algorand Ambassador, Sea Will. He graciously explains the world of crypto, blockchain technology, the reasons why many exchanges went bankrupt in 2022, & more.

Follow Sea Will

Ep. 185 - Tales from the Crypto | Sea Will

On this episode I discuss the conundrum of the "White Lives Matter" fiasco of Candace Owens and Kanye West while contrasting it with what has happened with the Black Lives Matter foundation.

Who Matter's ?

Ep. 186 - Who Matters?

It's election season! It's time to vote for the people that tell us what we want to hear! It's time to put our trust in new people because the people we trusted 4 years ago, well... They're just like everyone else that let us down in the past, right? Oh yeah, and Ye is in his rant bag once again, so there's that too.

Humanity is Overrated

Ep. 187 - Humanity is Overrated

On this episode I cover the backlash that Coach Deion Sanders is receiving from the Black Community for taking a job with The University of Colorado after winning back to back conference championships with Jackson State

Ep. 188 - Breaking News: Winning Coach Takes a New Job

Ep. 189 - Anti-Black Hate Crime Cover-up

This is it! The time has come to bring the Sox and Sandals Podcast to a close. With mixed emotions, I elaborate on the six-year journey of personal, spiritual, and entrepreneurial growth. To all my guests and listeners that have turned into friends and family, I am eternally grateful for your many contributions that have inspired me to keep going and keep creating. Huge shout out to my key collaborators/influencers -- Jesse Brown, Maundo, Tevin, Oba, Paul Henry Grice III, and Devon.

We did some good work ya'll. Farewell for now...

Farewell

Ep. 190 - Farewell

This conversation is the B-side of a great conversation I had with Nichole and Ezell Watson. In this episode we continue to highlight the excellence of Nykki as she discusses the event that she is putting on for the city of Portland. Her organization @blackvoicespdx is holding the black voices candidates forum that will showcase those that are running for various elected positions for the city of Portland and Multnomah county districts. The forum will be held at Maranatha church on 3/24/2018. Also, the last 40 minutes of the we share our feelings on the impact of the Black Panther movie... Wakanda Forever !!!

African American Excellence pt. IV - Nichole Watson (Ep. 49)

On this episode Chuk Barber educates with knowledge of the Black Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans. Chuk is one of the original members of the Skull and Bone gang of New Orleans and is the founder of the Northside Skull and Bone gang here in Oregon. Chuk migration to Portland started with the tragedy of hurricane Katrina. He did not evacuate for the storm, so he gives us his firsthand account of living through the storm.

***Lyft Driver Promo Code: Emmanuel32636***
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Use the code!!!

*Tip your favorite podcaster*
Cash App: $EmmanuelWilliams85

Guest: 
Chuk Barber

Song: 
Have a Good Life
Artist - @SPZRKT

Black Mardi Gras Indians

Black Mardi Gras Indians | Chuk Barber (Ep. 102)

On this week's episode I'm joined by the good brother @Obabalu as we break down this profound conversation between Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin that took place in 1971. We touch on the topics of external and internal oppression, Willie Lynch, gaining the world vs. losing your soul, and reparations for American Descendants of Slaves.

Hue Knows

Nikki Giovanni & James Baldwin 1971 pt. 1| @obabalu (Ep. 104)

On this episode I sit down with the big homie Art Williams. Art is the owner of "The Influential Grooming Lounge" in Portland, OR. He is a man that wears many hats and is making moves throughout the city and also around the country. 

We also touch on the Lavar Ball/Molly Qerim situation and Lavar being banned from ESPN, and also the House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on reparations for American descendants of enslaved people.

Cash app for donations: $EmmanuelWilliams85

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www.misteroksessentials.com

The Influential

The Influential | Art Williams @thedopeinfluencer (Ep. 118)

On this episode I speak with the brilliant Quincy Robinson as we discuss the time he spent in Israel studying the scriptures and the revelation that has come from that experience. We dig into questions of the historicity of the Bible, what the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal about the Bible, what has been changed in the Bible, is the Bible the inspired/infallible/"God-breathed" word of God, etc. The listeners and I had mad questions for Quincy and he answered them with as much intellectual integrity as possible... Listen and enjoy!

If you would like to reach out to Quincy you can email him: quincy4_0@hotmail.com

Follow the show on Twitter and Instagram @soxandsandalspodcast

God-ish

God-ish | Quincy Robinson (Ep. 125)

On this episode my guy Tevin Tevares pulls up and we discuss grinding through this Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the circumstances we both have had some breakthroughs in our careers. Tevin recently submitted his script for a movie he's been writing for the past year. We also discuss all that's happened since I released the Jane Elliott interview. Join us as we reflect and bounce ideas off one another... Be enlightened, be inspired, be empowered!

Follow Tevin on IG @Tevin.Jordan

Follow the Pod on IG @Soxandsandalspodcst
Follow the Pod in Twitter @SXSNDLS

OFF SCRIPT

Ep. 152 - Off Script | Tevin Tavares

On this episode I spoke to the homie 8bitJ as we discussed his debt album "Dreamland." We went track by track and dove into the narrative of the project and the inspiration of each song. Drugs, women, depression, suicidal thoughts, and all kinds of real life topics are what you can expect from this conversation and his album... Be enlightened, be inspired, be empowered!

Follow 8bitJ on IG: @8bitJ

Follow the show on IG: @Soxandsandalspodcast
Twitter: @SXSNDLS

Dreamland

Ep. 153 - Dreamland | 8bitJ

This 8-week live digital course is designed to help victims of Racism become bold and confident by establishing a rock-solid foundational understanding of Racism/White Supremacy. This course provides a historical framework on the establishment, maintenance, and refinement of Racism and Racist ideology. You will be equipped with tools to constructively live a life of counter-racism.

This is for you! The ambitious, open-minded, independent thinker that is dedicated to solving the race problem and/or striving to minimize the feeling of being a victim of racism. You recognize that your genuine concern and ambition to resolve the feeling of helplessness on this subject, doesn’t match the level of historical knowledge and emotional intelligence needed to consistently and constructively live a life of counter-racism. You have been underwhelmed by the advice and leadership of politicians, celebrities, social justice spokespersons, and other hired-guns that tell you what you want to hear, get you all worked up, inspire you in the moment, but leave you with no tools to fight the good fight when they are gone.

In the United States so-called education system, most of what we've been taught about our history and our identity has been carefully crafted and curated by our enemy (colonizer/oppressor). Whether we would like to admit it or not, we have been directly and indirectly affected in a harmful manner by this faulty information. The KYE course is designed to equip you with knowledge that will help you to understand what White Supremacy is, how it came to be, how it works, and how it presently shapes your personal identity and our society at large. Once you take inventory of how you've been shaped and molded by this system (of Racism/White Supremacy), you can then take steps to rid yourself of that psychological poison. After you rid yourself of the poison, you have a clean slate to build a correct identity and live a life of counter-racism.

Know Your Enemy - The Evolution of Racism

This podcast exists to create dialogue among people with various worldviews. Our faith, religion, political stance, etc are things in society that we easily allow to drive us apart. Trust me, Sox and Sandals is all for a good debate every now and then, but there comes a time when we have to put ego aside and allow the individual define who they are, and for subject matter experts to be given the room to speak on the subject at hand. We ascribe to so many labels now days that we think we know who someone is or what they're about before they even put two sentences together. I believe that if we take the time to understand each other's worldview we can achieve meaningful change that will set up the next generation for true long lasting success. Here at Sox & Sandals compassion is key, love is the ultimate ethic, and everything thing we do is for the greater good of society.

Sox and Sandals Podcast

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