IN THE KNOW!!

Living in Augusta, GA Wilhelmenia Powell-Simpson, Retired Social Worker

Please tune in to the second part of my epic discussion with my personal Black History Icon, my mom, as she talks about her experiences growing up in the Jim Crow South and her participation in civil rights marches

"You got to do this and you to do this; it was just the way we grew up.  I just accepted the fact that we sat at the back of the bus, stand at the back of the line; white folks were first, and we were second.  That's just the way it was."  For those who grew up during the Jim Crow years, segregation and discrimination was an ingrained way of life.   However, this way of life wasn't centuries ago.  This way of life occurred after the civil war in the 1860s through the late 1960s.   And today, there are many African Americans living who can share stories of their lives and experiences during the toughest and hardest chapters of American History.   Today, on "IN THE KNOW  with Tony Reeves", I'm starting my 'Living Black History' series with 30 year teacher, Jim Crow Survivor, Glenda Reeves (my mother), who grew up in the South during Jim Crow and Integration.

My mother didn't realize I was bullied until I was into my 30s.  I never told her.  Fortunately, she had made sure all 5 of her brothers were active in my life.   And on one faithful day, he saved my life (and didn't know it)

Whether it's 10 followers or friends or a million, you set the tone for the conditions of your group #gayleking #snoopdogg #blacktwitter #twitter #beyhive

1) Often people use the phrase "Let go of the past" as a rationale or argument against being reminded of the past, especially in a civil rights context.  This argument is dangerous. 2) We all have dreams but some times we get lost in the loftiness of our goals. 3) Have you ever thought about what your elected official does to serve you?

In an effort to be forward thinking, it's important to appreciate that others may NOT be as forward thinking

Talking about the importance of why this phrase "I don't see color" can send the wrong message

Adapting to an environment when you are the minority can be terrifying but minority students do it all time.   Have you often wondered why people are terrified of adapting?

Have you struggled to find Black Businesses? Do you know anything about your LOCAL history? Are your kids ignoring the small scholarships? Do you know how powerful being a small business can be??

What is your FIRST impulse when you get an evaluation?  If there are criticisms, what do you do?? There is a powerful distinction between perspective and history

Have you often wondered why there is this burning desire to forget the past?  As long as there are people who can educate you ABOUT the past, your perspective enhances. Also, how many of us are still holding onto the 16 year old version of ourselves??

How many of you have found yourself NOT acknowledging the things you have done which impact your ability to go forward?

What if I told you there was a great university that is focused on nurturing your success and cost effective?? Most people spend time preparing to interview to get a job.  What if you were trying to interview to leave a job?? Have you ever thought about what to do AFTER you having voted for a politician? The Next Gen don't know it but they NEED your knowledge.  Don't hid the information  

Being faced with the decision to quit or being fired unexpectantly can be a shocker but it could be the thing that saves you. Let's talk   amazon.com/author/areeves

Do neighborhoods truly understand how to protect themselves from gentrification? As an African American who grew up in a Small AME Zion church, I am only NOW appreciating the successes from my upbringing.   What have you learned? When are we going to realize that it is only a matter of time before women rule the world? I hope you know that Boomers don't tweet!!!

Don't rely on wikipedia to serve as your source of knowledge for Black History.  Talk to family members and family friends. Make sure you encourage your kids to apply for as many scholarships as possible. How many of us truly understand how to combat gentrification?  

Whether you know it or not, you may be receiving signs telling you that it's time to start or open your own business.   To watch the video, please visit our youtube site https://youtu.be/3FO-JZD4Yzs

In the 12 years "IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves" has broadcast, we have addressed an array of topics ranging from Insurance to Immigration, Politics to White Priviledge, and Race and Real Estate.    Over the years, several of the topics we have addressed in the past are not coming into focused in todays time. In the upcoming weeks, 'IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves" will kick off its new ITK SERIES with a series titled "RECYCLING REEVES" where we take the time to bring back in some of our prior guests to gain their insight about how their positions, perspectives and opinions have evolved over time and how their advice from the past has advanced to apply to the issues of today.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being confident in what you are good at doing.  Don't let someone make you feel bad about your gifts. #beauty #selfawareness #confidence