I started it and then stored it to my Watch Later list because I want to watch it whole. Right now I can't accomplish that.
This is Substack. We are not YouTube. This is where the boldness of personal creativity can be showcased. Maybe one day I will create something worth sharing. Meanwhile, you did. Kudos.
The fact that you’re actually blocking out time to sit with it? That’s rare. And that line about feeling like you were trespassing playing a blues chart—that got me. That honesty. You’re already in the right headspace to receive what this thing is trying to say.
I hope it gives you something. Not answers, necessarily—just something real to hold.
And no pressure at all, but if you do end up watching more and feel like it’s worth it, tossing a like on the video or even just dropping a comment over there or subscribing helps keep it from getting buried again. The algorithm doesn’t really know what to do with slow, layered stuff like this.
I read a post you made earlier about Black music that is missing from the current "playlist". I don't listen to much commercial music (Jimmy Buffett being the huge exception, with a dash of either Yacht Rock, or Classic rewind/vinyl over on SiriusXM) and was only familiar with about a third of the artists/pieces you listed.
This hard hitting documentary fleshes out what I already suspected about the Blues and Reconstruction. Not sure yet if it's even possible to edit without omitting important details.
This means a lot, David. You hit the core tension I wrestled with the whole time: how do you tell a story this layered without gutting it just to fit the “content” mold? I gave up on fitting and just told it straight man
That kind of support, man… I don’t even know what to say.
This video sat buried for a year. I figured it was dead.
I almost deleted it more than once—thought it was too long, too rough around the edges, too easy to ignore.
But then you show up, actually sit with it, actually feel it… and then throw in with a paid sub on top of that?
That hit me.
Seriously, thank you.
You made this thing feel less like a ghost and more like something worth keeping alive.
Hey And if you haven’t already…liking the video or subscribing on YouTube helps keep it breathing a little longer. The algorithm’s cold, but every little push matters.
I watched, and I loved it. Do not silence your voice. We need these history lessons, especially now that even the Smithsonian is white washing USAs history. Your wife is a wise woman getting you the new laptop. Thank her from all of us 💙
Yashira, I also want to add that your words reminded me why I can’t stop putting these stories out there. If you get a chance to drop a like or comment directly on the video itself, it’ll help push it further out into the algorithm’s universe. Every little bit counts right now. And I promise, your voice carries louder than you even think.
Subscribed to YouTube channel and started watching. In Canada so a lot of this is new to me. They don't teach us about this part of US history here either. Very interesting. Glad you posted it again
Middrm thank you! That’s exactly why I put this back out there. A lot of this history was buried even inside the U.S., so the fact it’s reaching Canada and sparking interest means everything. I’m grateful you jumped on the channel because every watch, comment, and share helps me push this work further. Appreciate you being part of this ride.
A pity there is no transcript of your video as I’m more of a reader than a listener. Don’t shy away from telling the truth, your people’s history needs to be told warts & all. If people have issues with them that is their problem, not yours.
For you, 108 protest signs for the fight. This is for Occupied D.C. Many signs are revised to sing. 🎶. I recommend using a local printer, but national print companies offer great pricing, shipping included. There is time to get the lot printed for your protest group, assuming you have a gathering of 300 to 1,000. This would help fill the hands of the signless.
I watched the first 7 or so minutes. I have always loved the blues. May watch more when I have some time. I think you’re on to something, trying to tell the real story.
I watched 👍
Hopefully more than 30 seconds…or hopefully not more than 30 seconds lol
Your stories are too important not to tell, a big thumbs up to the wife for doing what wives do.
Thanks Harold…seriously thank you man.
I’m a big fan of your work. We have to grab a beverage and chat.
I started it and then stored it to my Watch Later list because I want to watch it whole. Right now I can't accomplish that.
This is Substack. We are not YouTube. This is where the boldness of personal creativity can be showcased. Maybe one day I will create something worth sharing. Meanwhile, you did. Kudos.
I watched the first few minutes. I’m blocking out a couple hours tomorrow to watch and digest this.
I’m an amateur musician, have played a variety of music, and always felt I was trespassing playing a blues chart. I’ll add more later.
Ally… damn, thank you for this.
The fact that you’re actually blocking out time to sit with it? That’s rare. And that line about feeling like you were trespassing playing a blues chart—that got me. That honesty. You’re already in the right headspace to receive what this thing is trying to say.
I hope it gives you something. Not answers, necessarily—just something real to hold.
And no pressure at all, but if you do end up watching more and feel like it’s worth it, tossing a like on the video or even just dropping a comment over there or subscribing helps keep it from getting buried again. The algorithm doesn’t really know what to do with slow, layered stuff like this.
Appreciate you deeply.
I read a post you made earlier about Black music that is missing from the current "playlist". I don't listen to much commercial music (Jimmy Buffett being the huge exception, with a dash of either Yacht Rock, or Classic rewind/vinyl over on SiriusXM) and was only familiar with about a third of the artists/pieces you listed.
This hard hitting documentary fleshes out what I already suspected about the Blues and Reconstruction. Not sure yet if it's even possible to edit without omitting important details.
This means a lot, David. You hit the core tension I wrestled with the whole time: how do you tell a story this layered without gutting it just to fit the “content” mold? I gave up on fitting and just told it straight man
Structure is necessary for any production, Xavier. But the expected structure isn't always the right one.
Damn, David… I didn’t expect this.
Not just the comment—but the subscription too?
That kind of support, man… I don’t even know what to say.
This video sat buried for a year. I figured it was dead.
I almost deleted it more than once—thought it was too long, too rough around the edges, too easy to ignore.
But then you show up, actually sit with it, actually feel it… and then throw in with a paid sub on top of that?
That hit me.
Seriously, thank you.
You made this thing feel less like a ghost and more like something worth keeping alive.
Hey And if you haven’t already…liking the video or subscribing on YouTube helps keep it breathing a little longer. The algorithm’s cold, but every little push matters.
We're all one. We stand a better chance of survival working together to embrace our legacy and build on it before it gets buried.
I watched, subscribed, and read. Keep on with it, you're on a good roll.
Robert thank you thank. You just gave that algorithm a much needed kick in the ass.
I watched, and I loved it. Do not silence your voice. We need these history lessons, especially now that even the Smithsonian is white washing USAs history. Your wife is a wise woman getting you the new laptop. Thank her from all of us 💙
Yashira, I also want to add that your words reminded me why I can’t stop putting these stories out there. If you get a chance to drop a like or comment directly on the video itself, it’ll help push it further out into the algorithm’s universe. Every little bit counts right now. And I promise, your voice carries louder than you even think.
Just called her and told her what you said. Thank you Yashira. And thank you for supporting my work.
Watched and will continue watching ! Healing can be found in the arts. Thank you for sharing.
No thank you. If you get a chance give that YT algorithm a kick in the ass by liking and or subscribing.
Excellent essay. You took me to school today and I appreciate it!
Subscribed to YouTube channel and started watching. In Canada so a lot of this is new to me. They don't teach us about this part of US history here either. Very interesting. Glad you posted it again
Middrm thank you! That’s exactly why I put this back out there. A lot of this history was buried even inside the U.S., so the fact it’s reaching Canada and sparking interest means everything. I’m grateful you jumped on the channel because every watch, comment, and share helps me push this work further. Appreciate you being part of this ride.
A pity there is no transcript of your video as I’m more of a reader than a listener. Don’t shy away from telling the truth, your people’s history needs to be told warts & all. If people have issues with them that is their problem, not yours.
For you, 108 protest signs for the fight. This is for Occupied D.C. Many signs are revised to sing. 🎶. I recommend using a local printer, but national print companies offer great pricing, shipping included. There is time to get the lot printed for your protest group, assuming you have a gathering of 300 to 1,000. This would help fill the hands of the signless.
https://hotbuttons.substack.com/p/protest-sign-sign-everywhere-a-sign
I watched the first 7 or so minutes. I have always loved the blues. May watch more when I have some time. I think you’re on to something, trying to tell the real story.
Thank you for this.