The Slater Hayes Podcast is designed to highlight the everyday occurrences of life via poetry and social commentary. They are poignant, insightful pieces that address all facets of the black experience with the desired outcome of evoking thought and conversation. Each piece directly or indirectly addresses various topics as experienced through the unique perspective of blacks. Each piece directly or indirectly addresses various topics as experienced through the unique perspective of blacks. ...
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Many may listen, agree and simply want to throw in the towel. I sincerely hope that is not the case. Instead, "Staying the Course" is an acknowledgement of those things with which we are confronted. However, its intent is to highlight those obstacles, both pending and real, while illuminating the resilience that is inherent within my people. Haymak…
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This piece was originally published on 03-06-2022. Frederick Douglas in his historic "What the Black Man Wants" speech delivered before the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, just days before the end of the civil war recognized that the Black man is faced with many obstacles. Chief among those obstacles is the prevalence of a " malignancy of hatre…
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Yet another example of the continuing relevance of "The Spoken Word". Read the current description and those past. The initial publication dealt with my internal private struggles. I was awakened on this morning KNOWING that this piece had to be published again AT THIS TIME for the consumption of the masses with the hopes of stirring the consciousn…
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I composed this piece on last year, just prior to the January 20, 2021, presidential inauguration. The euphoria during that time was palpable. One of US was ascending to the second highest office in the land. There was a "run" on "chucks" and every visible neck adorned a string of pearls. However, since that time there have been concerted attempts …
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This piece was initially published at the beginning of "the Spoken Word". I republished this piece, again, simply because I was led to do so. The very thought that there are those that feel they can continue to treat The Vast Majority of US in a manner that resembles times of old is reprehensible. Audibly detailing and boldly declaring what is on t…
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I was confronted this week with whether to publish a new piece or re-visit a previously published piece. Concurrently, I battled with whether to deliver an episode that addressed my personal issues as it relates to family, or deliver a piece that addresses the seemingly perpetual struggles that afflicts MY PEOPLE as a whole. I chose the latter. Wh?…
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By Herman Veal
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Allow GOD to be GOD!! Once you have given it over to HIM, do not continue to relive those things, those actions that caused you to not be the person that HE intended. "Let it Go" is a testament to what I personally experienced before I was able to show myself some grace. The grace that HE had already bestowed upon me even as I allowed issues of the…
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Oftentimes we find ourselves being tortured by that someone who we can never escape...OURSELVES!! We try all sorts of techniques, self help, mentoring, therapy(Black folk Aint NOTHING wrong with therapy...from a trained professional), and more to forgive ourselves of past occurrences. I have a suggestion. Turn over the steering wheel and ask the au…
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What we have comes and came at a cost. It cost us tears, sweat, and more importantly LIVES!!! All of which are the currency(ies) that thrust US into a position to be able to participate within this experiment So... "Ain't Nuth'n Free" If WE are not engaged and willingly allow all that has been fought for to fall or be taken away due to indifference…
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We allowed them to reach this point. This critical juncture. This space in time where there are many among them that are hell-bent on returning to a time when WE are afraid to even make eye contact. or remain on the sidewalk instead of stepping aside and allowing them to pass. We have to ask ourselves if we are responsible due to indifference or a …
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Father's Day....that day when the feelings of those who seek to convey their true emotions oftentimes falls flat; bereft of what is truly intended and what is deep within one's heart. More likely than not, that recurring gift of a necktie, socks or handkerchiefs are used as a symbolic gesture to express those words that seem to never find life-seem…
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So many that resemble us, those of the WELL-KNOWN variety are now seemingly selling their souls...selling US out in order to further their aspirations of continuing or furthering their fame. Do not come at me with the age's old mantra of ...we are not a monolith, because I ain't going. It's amazing how you are hopeful, prayerful even, that we act a…
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The proverbial horse left the barn quite some time ago. Initially, there were those who sought to return it to its' rightful place, all to no avail. Now, those who were secretly desiring that the horse would not be captured and contained have been emboldened and are seemingly willing to engage in armed battle to ensure that it is never again confin…
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As an observer, I now trulyrealize that... "The Noises of Love" are demonstrated in similar ways irrespective of whether you are an observer or a participant. __________________________________________________________________________________________ ***REPUBLISH On yesterday we celebrated family-the Dulaney family. Specifically, the children of Lou…
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Many believe it is that one thing with which we are left when everything around us is in turmoil or crumbling. Many grew up hearing the familiar phrase, "it'll be better tomorrow." Many grew up sitting among numerous others on church-filled pews listening to the various ways that it is manifested and evidenced, in combination with a modicum of fait…
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I see you; WE SEE YOU, now the question is indeed, DO YOU EVEN CARE? Your actions are being repeated and obviously there is an air of unconcern regarding the "OVER EXPOSURE" that those of a similar ilk are encountering. For instance, look at what has now been exposed in my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi and its' surrounding area. Persons that wer…
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Originally published as the 22nd episode during the first year of podcasting, the prevalence of... "trippin" has not diminished. In fact, there appears to be an EVEN MORE concerted effort to return US to times of yesteryear. I occasionally return to previously published episodes, not because of a lack of content, but because there are specific piec…
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This piece illuminates what pervades the mind and illustrates the wicked desires of MANY who seek to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. It is now time out for dancing around the subject and possessing fear that speaking out will only further foment the hatred that has been systematically loosed in the last several years. A hatred that was seemingly under co…
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Let's see ...heretics continue in their perpetual quest to diminish and adulterate THE WORD. Racists, who think they are not RACISTS, continue to revise and diminish history by proffering ideas that slavery, inherent human and civil rights should not be granted to all people, especially BLACKS. Revisionists seek to ban long accepted reading lists, …
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If only we all would come to the understanding that our lives are so much better when we are of one accord with those within our individual circles and those who are members of the huge group that influence or impact our lives daily. Sure, one can operate from the perspective of a soloist and journey through this life with an "I" and "my " mentalit…
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God has blessed Marjorie and I to be able to travel to a number of countries throughout the world (moreso she than I). In various countries we have witnessed the day-to-day living of the inhabitants of the countries visited. During our most recent travels we had the opportunity to witness the hustle and bustle of Hanoi in North Vietnam. the laid-ba…
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...and may I also add the changing of definitions in order to create false equivalence. For example, look into how the definition of racist has so dramatically changed, and to whom it now applies. However, I remember. That is why it is incumbent upon US to teach our youth the stories of their ancestors; Those whose shoulders on which we stand. If w…
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"That Special Place" My desire is that all married couples seek to attain and maintain that place reserved for their special someone. It takes work. But, doesn't everything in this life worth having require work? OUR SPIRIT LUVES!!! PEACE!!By Herman Veal
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"Flutter", the initial episode of the fourth season, that's right the fourth season of The Spoken Word with Slater Hayes. I was inspired to write this piece when I encountered a leaf that was caught up in a crosswind that would not allow it to descend to the ground. As I watched it seemingly for an eternity, I took note of the presence of the beaut…
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This piece...take note of the history that is being recounted through this tribute to Congressman John King. "seeKING" is also a memorial tribute to Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr.. As you listen, please understand that the impact of those on whose shoulders we stand are being continuously evidenced through the ascension of Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, …
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All I can say is that there is NO BETTER piece with which to end my third season. This piece, my initial venture into podcasting, spoke, and continues to speak, to the political events that are occurring, RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES. In some ways I have become disillusioned. Disillusioned that so many of US have decided to become quiet, OR ACCEPTING, of …
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This piece... I went DEEEEP into the vault to find this piece after I became knowledgeable that my current path mirrors that of the grandfather I never knew. I remember it pouring from me and at the moment of writing it finding myself thinking-"where did this come from"? I invite you to listen to it. I invite you to ruminate on it. I give you my pe…
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NO, IT IS NOT TOO EARLY TO START IMPRESSING UPON YOUR FRIENDS THE NEED TO VOTE!! The following is one of the reasons why. They are gathering once again. This time however their numbers include MORE THAN A FEW of those whose skin contains quite a bit of melanin. It appears that a number of my brown skinned brethren and those that closely resemble me…
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By Herman Veal
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"Look Away...This Ain't Your Dixieland" Black men-for so long having to look away for fear of the repercussions. WE KNOW THAT GAZE!!! That GAZE intent on inflicting fear!!! WE KNOW THAT GAZE!!! That GAZE delivering that intimidating message-You are being watched!!! BLACK MEN...WE KNOW THAT GAZE!!! BLACK MEN-we are NOT victims-ONLY VICTIMIZED!! BLAC…
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"It's in Me" The identifiable, the unidentifiable, and yes, that part that no one, sometimes even I, am able to pinpoint. I have listened to the stories regarding my personality. "You acting just like Snow"(my father). Sometimes conveyed with an animus that has been harbored for FAR TOO LONG by family. Sometimes conveyed with a sense of unfamiliari…
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The abstract nature of this piece was written JUST AS I WAS INSPIRED to write it. Have a listen ans allow your mind to revisit past periods of time during your childhood, your teenage years and presently. If it fills with circumstances that shaped each specific period, then consider us of a like mind. "Mindscaping" "takes me there". Wherever your "…
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There are NO WORDS to describe the emotions of those involved in the events that lead to and is leading to the horrific loss of loved ones in the Middle East. I invite everyone involved to take a pause and think of the futures that are being pre-determined for those for whom you express love. "Heritage" is my attempt at inspiring a spirit of change…
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What great profession did you envision yourself holding when you were a child-even as a young adult? I can almost guarantee that the predominant number of us did not become fixated on one profession during the earlier stages of our lives. What I can guarantee is that there were many. "Between the Ears" is a piece that was inspired as I reminisced o…
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There is a simple but sincere question at the end of this piece. NO, it is not rhetorical. I know that situations change and the environment in which they opoerate has become exponentially more complex. However, it still leads me to pose a question, even in the title... "Where, Oh Where" It seems that, attitudinally, those donning the shields of la…
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By Herman Veal
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By Herman Veal
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Oftentimes, life, irrespective of our current circumstances or condition(s), provides that thing that tugs at our heart strings or provides a constant reminder that the time is now for change. Throughout scripture the number... "8" is associated with new order, creation and resurrection. I pray that this piece provides further impetus for SOMEONE-t…
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If this past week -past since whenever- is not indicative of the lack of concern for the everyday man/woman , then I don't know what is. The far right was prepared to bring the economy to a screeching halt simply because their puppeteer instructed them to do so. They were prepared, among other things, to disrupt day care, end Meals on Wheels, delay…
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As we look around us, we quickly take note of the melting pot of ethnicities that inhabit this land. If one is of a similar age and background as me, we also quickly recognize that there now exists a vast number of ethnically diverse couples. Some of us may quickly think-"my how times have changed". Personally, I acknowledge what I see. However, I …
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The actions of that guy residing in the governor's seat of Florida, and others of his ilk, are blatant attempts to strip US of our heritage and the significance of the role that we played in the development of ALL facets of this society. It is truly astounding, IT'S REALLY NOT, that so many citizens of this society were lying in wait for a leader t…
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Now...add Ta'kiya Young to the litany of Blacks whose lives have been extinguished at the hands of those who are sworn to serve and protect. I must admit-my spirit is grieved and, honestly, the depressed part of my personal diagnosis is seeking to arise. "In Their Arms" is again a piece that was written several years ago. I wish I did not have caus…
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A piece that was published for those among us who need it spelled out for them. "REALITY" is just that piece. Pure and unadulterated-just as some of the acts that we are now witnessing. Please feel free to add your list of those things which you observe to the ever expanding list that I started. It seems to be a non-exhaustive list. WE can do somet…
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clarence, clarence, clarence...UNCLE RUCKUS!!! Oh , now I have your attention. If you do not think the buffoon occupying that seat of authority is emblematic of the above description, THEN YOU ARE WRONG for not thinking so and perhaps you possess similar traits or are a member of the puppeteer class. He, and perhaps you, may as well travel under th…
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This piece, as some who listen may deduce, is in tribute to those who have found their lives forever altered by the depraved desires of an authoritarian dictator, Vladimir Putin. Many within the boundaries of Ukraine once considered their bordering neighbors to be of one kinship, brothers even. Sadly, they have discovered this is the furthest thing…
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Well... It has all come to a head. To fruition... The dismantling of all those things for which our ancestors so valiantly fought , suffered and shed blood are being ripped away-right before our eyes. Many in authority are diligently seeking to turn this place once referred to as that "shining light upon a hill" are destroying what was viewed as ex…
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By Herman Veal
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REPUBLISH ...because SOMEONE needs to hear this!! Though this piece could lead one to only focus on the the physical atrocities perpetrated against us, daily-MAKE NO MISTAKE, the atrocities that are carried out against US encompasses each aspect of our lives. If one would note, I repeatedly use the phrase "the atrocities of never-ending acts" or so…
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By Herman Veal
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