On this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Randal Wyatt. He a father, an artist, and the Executive Director of Taking Ownership, LLC. - Taking Ownership PDX is an organization with a mission to renovate and black-owned homes that request help, with an emphasis on enabling black home owners to age in place, generate wealth, and simultaneously deter predatory investors and realtors to deflect the gentrification process. We also discuss Randal latest album 'Sixteen' which was released 4.4.2021

Be enlightened, be inspired, be empowered!

SXSNDLS

Taking Ownership PDX

Ep. 165 - Taking Ownership PDX | Randal Wyatt

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

Replay of Ep. 150 - Off White | Jane Elliott interview 

Co-host | William Johnson

Replay | Ep. 150 - Jane Elliott

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

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 3 - Identity

I identify myself with my knowledge although I use it to see and understand the world.

When it comes to understanding ourselves our identity is a symbol that can be wrapped up in an expression of our knowledge.. 

From the stance of knowledge identity is the grounding sense of self that allows us to have our place in the dream of the planet. It gives us the point of reference from which we identify and engage with one another. But this identity is a mask that blurs our awareness of the authentic self… An attachment at this level occurs when we identify ourselves with our knowledge.

Attachments - Identity

Attachments pt. 1 - Identity (Pro-Blackness)

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

In this weeks episode Shingi and I continue our discussion on African Spirituality. We also touch on some historical aspects of European colonization in Africa and abroad, and the role that Christianity played in that process. How does one reconcile how Christianity was introduced to Africa vs the true intent and message of Christianity... Also, we juxtapose the ideas of karma vs grace.

Ep 7 - African Spirituality pt. II

African Spirituality pt. II (Ep. 7)

In this episode Emmanuel makes a case for the deconstruction of how we identify folks by race in America. Race is not a biological or scientific concept. Race is, however, a lived experience and a sociopolitical construct. We delude ourselves to think that we can achieve "racial equality" some day in America. Race in America is hierarchy! There is no equality in a hierarchy. Unless we run away from racial classifications we will never have a chance to achieve equality among all Americans.

Ep 8 - Racial Deconstruction

Racial Deconstruction (Ep. 8)

This episode was recorded on 11/15/2017 with my brother @notnotshingi

3 min - we discuss the coup that’s taking place in Zimbabwe. 
5:45 - the feeling of being the majority culture.
10 min - Shingi’s timeline of being born in Africa and now living in Portland, OR.
13:20 - Emmanuel’s thought process of disconnect between Africans and African Americans. Shingi’s “Coming to America” story and his initial revelation of the social disconnect.
24:02 - Dysfunction within the African American community.
30:20 - The topic of black leadership in this country.
34:45 - The systematic attack on the family.
45:40 - The notion of race and how white people didn’t get as much as they bargained for.

Ep. 34

Diaspora Disconnect - Africans and African Americans pt. I (Ep. 34)

This episode is the second half of the conversation you heard in episode 34 between @notnotshingi and @Emmanuelsince85.

4:30 - The unique family dynamic in African culture that we can incorporate as African Americans. 
11:20 - Africa’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
14.40 - The existence African civilization pre-slave trade.
21:05 - The generational osmosis of this diaspora disconnect in America
28:50 - All skinfolk aint kinfolk.
33 min - Repairing the African Ameriacan family.

Ep. 35

Diaspora Disconnect - Africans and African Americans pt. II (Ep. 35)

In this weeks episode I discuss the recently viral video "I'm not racist" by Joyner Lucas. This video is throwback to the days of MTV/BET/VH1 when a music video was everything in the music industry. The visual is of a white guy with a #MAGA hat on sitting across from a young black man with dreads. They are essentially having a racial rap battle (insert Birdman hand rub)! A lot of folks we're extremely blown away and impressed by the video/song... However, the more I watch it and listen to the lyrics, the more cringeworthy it becomes. This song is the epitome of 'facebook deep.' Just shocking enough to go viral, yet shallow enough for me to swim in (I can't swim y'all)... Join me

Ep. 37

I'm Not Racist (Ep. 37)

This is the final episode of the #ImReallyNotRacist series. My buddy Ben Pasciak brings some Buffalo, NY swag to the show. This conversation is one that he and I have many times before, but this one goes little more in depth than we ever took time to really dive into. I learned a lot while recording this series. I hope you have as well. Below are the show notes...

- (2:40) Ben’s initial reaction to the ‘I’m not racist’ video by Joyner Lucas.
- (8:10) 12% colored?!
- (13:11) The pigeons…
- (22:18) Can’t have an intelligent conversation with a person of faith?
- (26:57) The thought of losing white privilege 
- (29:03) Why do white people fear people of color? Especially those in middle america?
- (50:15) Do white people watch ‘Empire?’
- (53:30) Is America the least racist it’s ever been?
- (1:07:15) Why blacks in America get adversely targeted more than Mexicans or any other minority?
- (1:15:10) So you say reparations won’t help black people huh?

Ep. 45

I'm Really Not Racist pt. IV w/ Ben Pasciak (Ep. 45)

Man look, I am sooooo super excited to kick off this African American Excellence series! I had the honor and pleasure of sitting with Devon Horace as he shard his journey of paying off $47,000 of debt in 10 months!!! That's what I call $47K magic! (get it? Bruno Mars? 24K magic? NO?? Whatever...) This man is in his mid 20's and wise beyond his years. From his personal success he launched his own financial consulting firm, Horace Consulting. Devon currently works for Nike at the World Headquarters in Beaverton, OR. He is business owner, home owner, and doesn't own a car! Devon will teach you how to live like the struggle, while simultaneously lacking nothing! 

Follow Devon

Instagram - @D.Horace
Twitter - @D__Horace
Youtube - Devonhorace

Show notes: 

- (6:50) Rochester stand up!
- (9:00) Leap of faith. New York to Oregon.
- (11:17) Portland, Portland, Portland
- (17:33) Got rid of $47K in debt in 10 months!
- (27:40) Living below your means. Mindset!
- (37:33) The beauty of not living paycheck to paycheck
- (39:20) Devon guides me on how to attach my debt scenario
- (44:58) The genesis of Horace Consulting 
- (47:30) The Fab 5

*If you purchase the book “The Richest man in Babylon” and send Devon a message with proof that your purchased it, Devon will send you a free “Accomplished” T-shirt*

African American Excellence pt. I (Ep. 46)

African American Excellence pt. I - Devon Horace (Ep. 46)

In this week's episode I have the honor of learning from one of the most innovative and impactful teachers in Oregon. Teacher, community leader, wife, sister, mentor, and overall phenomenal woman, Mrs. Nichole Watson. Her attention to detail, her empathy, and love is what propels her to be great. The byproduct of her efforts is pure excellence. This is the A-side of this conversation. Episode 49 is the B-side. 

Show notes

- (4:40) Nykki gives is the story behind what led her to choose a career in teaching.
- (21:10) Teachers don’t quit schools, they quit principles.
- (32:23) Nykki breaks down how she fills gaps in education that the school system isn’t equipped to deal with. 

1. Stay in the classroom as long as possible
2. Providing care. Making kids aware the Mrs. Watson cares and shows empathy. Each kids does the love language test.
3. Create a bridge between the classroom and community. The classroom is just an extension of the village.

African American Excellence Pt. III - Nichole Watson (Ep. 48 )

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)

In this episode I am joined by Jake Dockter of the @Thedismantled. Jake is white and he describes himself as an ally. Jake shares his story of his road to becoming an ally and the work that he currently does in an effort to dismantle white theology, dominant theology, straight theology, Cis theology, and Male theology...

The White Ally

The White Ally pt. 2 - Jake Dockter of @The_Dismantled (Ep. 69)

This is part 2, but it's actually the beginning of the conversation... Enjoy.

Veteran State of Mind

Veteran State of Mind pt 2 | Jeff Lillebo (Ep. 82)

The beginning of this discussion turned into somewhat of a debate (as it's simply picking up from where we stopped the last episode. Brother Heru got a little defensive and read a bit too far into some of my questions. Instead of directly answering the questions he would retort with a question or a straw-man argument. His spiciness led to an entertaining discussion nonetheless. The episode finishes smooth as he gets back into his informative/educational bag... Enjoy!

Religion & Worldview

Religion & Worldview | Kemetic Way pt 2 | Heru-Ka Anu (Ep. 90)

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***
Give 135 rides in your first 30 days and earn $1,300 guaranteed!
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)

Ermias Asghedom aka Nipsey Hussle was slain March 31, 2019. It was a Sunday at about 5:22 PM when I discovered that Nipsey had been pronounced dead after having been shot 6 times in front of his 'Marathon' clothing store. Nipsey was a true pillar of his community. He invested in real estate and helped to revitalize businesses, he donated money to help renovate elementary schools, he started a successful STEM program for kids in LA. Nipsey was hyperactive in the neighborhood that he grew up in and used music as a vehicle to finance his dreams. 

This a truly tragic loss to the hip hop/black community. Nipsey called himself the Tupac of his generation and he very well may be... His life was cut short at 33 years. Rest in POWER Nipsey Hussle...

Nipsey Hussle Tribute

Nipsey Hussle Tribute (Ep. 106)

On this week’s episode I have ascending Bay Area artist 8bitJ on the show as we review his most recent project. Jesse (8bitJ) and I go track by track as we dig to his very dope, extremely introspective, and cohesive body of work.

Follow Jesse on IG - @8bitj_
Follow and listen on Soundcloud - 8bitj

Stardust

Stardust | @8BitJ_ (Ep. 107)

On this episode I speak with my guy Sanabah Kuyateh. He is from The Gambia in West Africa and he is a descendant the griots of West Africa. He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to history and particularly African history. We discuss how the trans-saharan slave trade influenced the transatlantic slave trade. A lot of modern day Africans don’t have extensive knowledge on what happened to their ancestors that were shipped away in the transatlantic slave trade. Very similar to how in America, we were taught that African countries are mostly “3rd world” countries and they mostly live in huts… We discuss the migration story of Hebrew Israelites to “Negroland” and “The Land of Judah,” we touch on the Mandingo people, the Mali Empire, Timbuktu, West African Mythology, the Dogon and their philosophy, the possibility of black American migrating back to Africa and how we might be treated when we come back, and go down many other rabbit holes.

Listen to the Griots

Listen to the Griots | Sanabah Kuyateh (Ep. 114)

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)

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.

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