Slater Hayes Podcast

Herman Veal

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. Episodes are to be published each Sunday. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

"Center Eye"
Feb 11 2024
"Center Eye"
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 what is transpiring. Our zeal seems to have waned as it relates to the energy that is necessary to maintain a movement that was and is rooted in righteousness.Disillusioned that so many seem to have accepted the bombardment of lies that seem to grow more and more pervasive each day.Disillusioned that SO MANY CHOOSE to REMAIN QUIET!!We are indeed ..."Center Eye"and the back side of this storm may indeed be even more cataclysmic than what we have already experienced.Though I have grown to be disillusioned, I have not given up the battle. I shall continue to walk in a path of righteousness with an understanding that "Someone is Always Watching" and that oftentimes all one needs is to see and hear the strength that exists within another.VOTE!VOTE!! VOTE!!!OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!PEACE!!!__________________________________________________________________________________________Update- June 3, 2021Initial Publication- February 12, 2021This piece, my first to be published via podcast, is apropos considering what is occurring in state legislatures throughout the land. Listen closely, as this movement is assuming the characteristics of the storm  that is the crux of right wing fringe groups. There are also those that are attempting to give the potential devastating effects of the movement to suppress the vote of MY PEOPLE short shrift(read as Mitch McConnell, among others)-thus granting tacit approval for the continuation of the efforts by those intent on relegating MY PEOPLE to the point of insignificance.Our Spirit Lives!!!PEACE!!"Center Eye" was composed as I was completing my early morning walk through one of the local parks. The serenity of the deer , the dew and the fog that hung over the water stirred me to the allegorical content of this piece, especially in contrast to the racial tension that confronts persons of color at this point in time.
Them People Dangerous
Jan 28 2024
Them People Dangerous
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 have fallen for the entreaties of the ORANGE-SKINNED snake oil salesman and his sycophants. Don't be disillusioned though. There is still time to change the minds of those who are considering casting a vote for those representing the MAGA movement and to recruit those who consider voting an exercise in futility. It is still possible that they will become illuminated to the fact   that the MAGA movement DOES not and WAS NOT intended to include them. I SAY THIS....GET YOUR MINDS RIGHT...HOIST YOUR PANTS...PREPARE YOURSELF and ALL THOSE within your sphere to ...VOTE!!!VOTE!!!VOTE!!!IT IS CRITICAL!!!______________________________________________________________________________________This piece was penned on the evening of what was, and is, a day that will throughout the annals of time, live in infamy.The day of which I speak is January 6, 2021.You see , on that day, those among us who desire to maintain the privilege that they envision slipping away allowed all their fears and anger to erupt. Led by an assortment of those whose very existence is steeped in hatred and animus- they exercised what they believe to be their inherent right. The Boogalo Boys, The Proud Boys, The Oath Keepers,  Qanon-they all came to together and left us all to surmise that..."Them People Dangerous"Unfortunately, there are those among us who do not profess an allegiance to any of the previously identified groups and are as equally dangerous.What is far more disturbing is that those of their ilk are now on the precipice of being voted into positions of power that could ultimately rock the very foundation on which this republic was established.Let US, those of us of every ethnicity, who desire that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness remains available to Us all stand up and make our voices heard. Let US exercise our right and cast out those whose very existence seems to be based on, among numerous other things, denying an essential element of a democracy.Vote! Vote!! VOTE!!!OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!PEACE!!!
"Rubber Trees All Around Us"
Jan 21 2024
"Rubber Trees All Around Us"
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 hatred' that is being perpetuated from generation to generation among whites. We, as a people, must recognize that silence regarding those things and actions that rob us of our inherent rights must be addressed at the time of their occurrence. Too often we assume that someone else will address the issue and it is allowed to fester and evolve into something that far exceeds its' life expectancy.Ruminate on the following..." No class of man can, without insulting their own nature, be content with any deprivation of their rights". (F. Douglas-"What the Black Man Wants", 1865)The level of our desire to experience life in the same manner, with the same freedoms, as others has not diminished.Certainly, impediments, and the ill intent of others, has negatively affected generations of MY people. Generations, who were oftentimes travelling along this journey, in hopes of experiencing the American dream oftentimes saw their dreams violently interrupted by many who were hell-bent on preventing such lofty desires."Rubber Trees All Around Us"was written as a testament to the many that were unwillingly sacrificed and those who daily make a choice to painstakingly identify and overcome those obstacles (rubber trees) that are intentionally designed and constructed to prevent US from living our best lives.So many have acquiesced and abandoned their dreams-leaving the unfulfilled aspirations of their forefathers to remain adrift-consumed by the abyss of denial, non-inclusion and the perpetual intimidating threats of violence wickedly veiled in a desire to return to years past.Our enduring spirit has positioned us to recognize that  we are more highly considered than the ANT-aware that when facing inconceivable adversity- to  remain firm  in the foundational knowledge of  that which is inherently  ours through a birthright of HE that provides eternal...HOPE!! OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!!PEACE!!!
"I Hear a Symphony"
Jan 7 2024
"I Hear a Symphony"
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 " mentality. One can achieve tremendous success by doing so.  One can also become consumed with the "I did it myself" mentality and find oneself exhibiting extreme selfishness that oftentimes leads to discord, loneliness and depression."I Hear a Symphony" addresses the beauty of what is achieved when we allow our individual desires to become enmeshed within the beauty of what is achievable as a group. A group that is oftentimes better served when led by one GLORIOUS conductor. I can hear the outcry from many as I write this..."I don't need nobody telling me how to do nothing...I got this".While expressing this, simply think of how that favorite tune would sound if only it had your favorite instrument within the band.  Pretty weak...huh?Let me be clear. I am not advocating for one to dismiss one's personal desires. OUR GREAT CONDUCTOR does not desire that our gifts be ignored.I am simply expressing that one should recognize that the pursuit of individual achievements become more attainable when they become a part of and are designed to serve more than oneself. Now, play with fervor and think of the beautiful music that emanates from you as a part of the awesome symphony that seeks to evoke change within your home, community and within.***HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my BEAUTIFUL sister, CAROL!!!OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!!PEACE!!!
"Lessons From Ton Le Sap"
Dec 24 2023
"Lessons From Ton Le Sap"
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-back city of Hue, located along the Huong River, in central Vietnam-just 5 miles from the South China Sea, and the difference in the politics of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)., located in South Vietnam.We were also blessed to be able to visit Cambodia. This is where I was filled with an intense desire to document what I was seeing as juxtaposed to what I live and observe as an American."Lessons From Ton Le Sap"was inspired by our travels up and down a portion of Ton Le Sap Lake. There we witnessed the indigenous people go about their daily lives that consisted mostly of fishing. In fact, it seemed that their entire existence was dependent on Ton Le Sap. This was ultimately conveyed to us by our tour guide. There was a difference in their manner of living that was quickly observed and highlighted. We were told of the level of cooperation that exists among those we encountered.  For example, the individual harvests of fish are combined and picked up daily by a local company without contentiousness over the amount of one's contribution. Children piloted boats up and down the lake delivering classmates to and from school. Floating homes were anchored in spaces that are individually owned, but there seemed to be no easily identifiable markings that separated the adjacent homes. The natives of Ton Le Sap are living in a community that is predicated on cooperation among the group. If one's boat is larger and creates a bigger wake, then the pilot of the larger boat willingly pilots his or her boat to the side, slowing down to allow the smaller vessel to proceed. This, all done without the use of verbal communication or horns.It was simply inspirational observing the level of cooperation and the level of community. It led me to think about what would be possible within OUR community(ies), the nation, if the same level of "village" think were prevalent in America.I pose a question at the end of this piece. Ruminate on its' words!Personally, I am left to wonder and remain HOPEFUL!!!OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!!PEACE!!!
"It's In Me"
Dec 17 2023
"It's In Me"
"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 unfamiliarity. As if there is a part of me that has been left secretly cloaked within the inner recesses of my being since I entered this world. I know my last remaining maternal aunt continues to express to me that what I am now expressing through this platform is simply a re-creation of her dad, R.T. (the military changed his name to Artee to conform to governmental practices).Whomever is conveying their beliefs regarding what they see pouring out through my personality and past and present actions are probably ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!! I am not seeking to run from either.You see I am the result of all that has been poured into me over time and obviously the result of the genes that created me.HOWEVER, there is also something that is within me of which no earthly man has control, and it is being manifested for such a time as this. Don't allow your past experiences and encounters with me to close your eyes and ears to those things that emanate from me at this time. You see, I honestly feel that my true heritage is what is being evidenced NOW!!  A heritage that is continuing to be established and manifested through an intense desire to allow HE to do what was intended through and for me...this BLACK MAN!!!OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!PEACE!!!
"Between The Ears"
Nov 26 2023
"Between The Ears"
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 on my past and the numerous experiences I have had with a plethora of school children and incarcerated individuals during my many "jobs" and ultimately my career.Our desires or dreams of fabulous careers is oftentimes influenced by what we see within our communities, the books we read, the fabulous fantastical tales of others, or the foundation that was laid through THE WORD.Our seeking to become what we envision, I feel, is in large part, determined by the number of obstacles that we allow to thwart our dreams. Those obstacles are oftentimes manifested through the negative words of others as they espouse what can be done and what should be done based on where and what they perceive as your destiny.Undoubtedly, there are those who envision success when they encounter our youth and there are those who envision anything but success.  Therein lies the problem. It seems that as I experience my personal walk, I have begun to notice that more and more adults are inclined to speak negatively to children and young adults about what they perceive as far-fetched aspirations. How can we expect our children, those who we view as lacking, to dream of something greater if they have not been exposed through the experiences contained within the written word and THE WORD?  How can our young adults grow in the knowledge that undesirable choices will be made but that there is THE WORD that will help them to overcome if they are never exposed to THE WORD?In summary, STOP expecting your children, your young adults, OUR FUTURE to dream bigger, to think bigger when we are not exposing them to the prospects of the GOOD LIFE contained within and through THE WORD!!!OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!!PEACE!!!
"The Noises of Love"
Nov 21 2023
"The Noises of Love"
***REPUBLISHOn yesterday we celebrated family-the Dulaney family. Specifically, the children of Louise/Whitey. It was a marvelous time as we had an opportunity to share..."The Noises of Love"with family from near and far.  This wasn't an event that was orchestrated and conducted at a fancy restaurant or resort-this weekend we showered love upon each other in the backyard of the home of my niece, Brittany and her husband Tee. Thank you'll for opening and sharing your home. A fabulous time was had by all and my sisters, as usual, provided a feast for kings and queens. There was boundless LOVE and each time we get together I am even more impressed by the relationship that has been INTENTIONALLY CULTIVATED among my nieces and nephews. I salute my siblings for their intentionality in ensuring that these relationships were fostered among my great nieces and nephews. Those that could not attend...WE MISSED YOU!!LET'S ALL DO OUR BEST to make it next time!!! Church on Sunday?For CERTAIN. There is a reason for this LOVE!!OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!!PEACE!!!_______________________________ The celebration of Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. Though I penned this piece during our Thanksgiving gathering of 2021, it was published during the Easter season of 2022.  Prior to the funeral service of my dear cousin, Edith.The words and sentiment contained within this piece are timeless.I pray that each listener will recall the precious memories of family gatherings and the love that was exuded during those times.Now, go and share the love, as you and yours revel in "The Noises of Love"***BTW...we are getting together again as family this Thanksgiving...yaaayyyyy!!!OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!!____________________________I penned this piece at the time of our last family reunion during the 2021 Thanksgiving season. The importance of familial relationships is undeniable. The resurrection of familial relationships is just as important.  The celebration of this Easter Season, I feel, is a very apropos time for the publication of this piece I entitled..."The Noises of Love" is a testimony of the joy, love and spirit of closeness that is demonstrated when family members get together under the banner of family.I have come to realize that relationship, especially with family members, is something that needs to be willfully and carefully nurtured even though there is a sharing of the same blood and upbringing. I assume my share of the responsibility for failing to nurture those relationships with my sisters, brother and the numerous nephews, nieces, cousins...ALL those with whom I share DNA.  More importantly, the past memories that helped to mold us should be the impetus for us continuing to desire to establish moments that create those special memories that are revisited each time we get together.Regrettably, most of those times are at the loss of a beloved family member. Unfortunately, the loss of my dear cousin, Edith, will, undoubtedly, be the next time where family will gather.  Past stories will be re-told and revised, memories that create joyous laughter reshared and recollections of her sweet spirit will be recounted. On this day of RESURRECTION, and the day of her pending burial, let us be mindful of those relationships that are in need of being restored through the conscious decisions we make to breathe fresh life into each.LET ME START HERE...I LOVE YOU ALL and there is NO-THING that I am not willing to do in order to breathe life into our relationship(s).OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!PEACE!!
"Home"
Nov 5 2023
"Home"
If one can remove SELF from situations, then it will allow for "a real understanding" of the needs of others and become sensitive to the fact that we ALL desire similar things.___________________________________________________________________________________________ We have all heard the stories!! Whether they emanate from within your inner circle, or from that person to whom circumstance provides one the opportunity to "ear hustle". Often times, it pours forth from a personal desire that has been harbored -within.It sometimes sounds like this..."when I retire I'm moving back..."...I wish I could go back...""HOME"it seems our spirit is in a constant state of desire. A desire that is inexplicable but that we know is not being fulfilled by all those things we pour into it. I will not digress by providing examples of the myriad thigs to which I refer. What I do know is that each leaves a thirst...a thirst that continues to linger until we SATISFY the SPIRIT.The SPIRIT that was breathed into us at the onset of our being. That SPIRIT that perpetually hungers and provides that offramp, regardless of the circumstance that we carelessly involve ourselves. That SPIRIT that provides a place that is free of cynicism and condemnation.We all know the place to which I refer because we have heard the beckoning and experienced the heaviness of heart when we continue to stray or consciously choose to elude....THAT CALL!!Do NOT be dismayed. If you have thus far chosen to ignore it, take my word, it continues- becoming as clear as when mama screamed out and her voiced resonated oftentimes at the tenor that only you could hear...OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!!PEACE!!!
"Take Your Warm-Ups Off"
Oct 29 2023
"Take Your Warm-Ups Off"
STOP minimizing the importance of what you are capable of bringing to the table! STOP recognizing the importance of your singular voice-EVEN within your sphere of influence!STOP waiting for someone else to verbalize, or do, that which only you can say or accomplish!GET IN THE GAME!!!__________________________________________________________________________________________Innumerable opinions and justifications (read as excuses) for a lack of involvement inundate that place to which I refer in this piece that was inspired by speaking to friends, listening to neighbors and the panoply of overbearing pontificators that have found their way on to various networks. I envisioned myself as that coach nervously approaching each, wondering if they were indeed ready to display ALL THAT which seemed to be bubbling from within as they projected indifference, hurled insults and sometimes cast profuse adulation towards those engaged in battle. I could see the look of nervousness overtake many, but not all of them, as I approached. Afraid, no deathly afraid, that they would hear those words that would thrust them into battle and possibly change their lives forever. Those words..."Take Your Warm-Ups Off"those five words that have stymied the growth of so many along this journey.  I have learned that oftentimes many, though extremely well intentioned, do not possess the ability(ies) nor desire to actually be at the forefront of the hand-to-hand battle that occurs along their personal dash. Oftentimes they relegate themselves to the passivity of an onlooker to something they should ACTIVELY and aggressively engage. This should not be perceived as a knock on how individuals make conscious choices regarding their lives. Instead, utilize it to make a personal assessment of whether you, the listener, are an actual participant in what so many have come to refer to as the game.OUR SPIRIT LIVES!!!PEACE!!!