The Walt Weekly Podcast

The Code of Family, Education, Voting, and Culture

Briggette Stokes returns to The Walt Weekly Podcast and joins Walter Latham for a wide-ranging conversation about family standards, dressing with pride, education, social media, voting, and the pressures facing Black communities. They connect old-school expectations to modern issues like school dress codes, technology addiction, and code switching, arguing that speaking differently at home and in professional settings is a survival skill and not something to be mocked.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome back and opening the family-code conversation
01:47 - Why school dress and public presentation still matter
04:02 - Clean clothes, clean socks, and family representation
05:26 - HBCU dress codes and the debate over school standards
07:18 - Cultural head wraps versus bonnets and bedroom slippers
08:40 - “White man’s way” versus Black pride and creativity
10:54 - Phones in classrooms and a preview of educator guests
12:09 - Clothing, distraction, and classroom expectations
14:41 - A mortgage company conversation turns to the word “woke”
16:25 - Black American identity and ancestral responsibility
18:23 - “I ain’t my ancestor” and what historical struggle means
20:18 - Grandchildren, old-fashioned values, and structure at home
22:50 - Education, trade skills, and why every job matters
24:40 - How social media and phones affect children’s brains
26:48 - Other countries restricting social media for minors
27:36 - Children melting down when phones are taken away
30:44 - North Carolina drivers, migration, and road culture
35:35 - Code switching, dialect, and speaking differently at home
40:24 - Grandma Martha’s advice to educate yourself
41:15 - Why Black people should not move away from education
45:16 - AI, job displacement, and the future of work
46:33 - Community college, trade school, and real-world preparation
47:23 - Don’t let young people settle for “turning chicken” forever
48:07 - Why boys often need more push than girls
49:55 - Voting, name discrepancies, and checking registration carefully
53:37 - Walt’s case for transactional voting and reparations
56:03 - Briggette’s view on putting pressure on elected officials
59:03 - Reparation on the platform, not just in conversation
61:16 - Voting access, suppression, and why restrictions matter
62:46 - HBCUs, polling access, and gentrification in Black neighborhoods
68:23 - Black women in media and the stereotype problem
73:21 - Mainstream portrayals and jealousy around Black beauty
74:28 - Black culture, borrowed language, and inherited traditions
75:25 - Soul food, Black culinary roots, and cultural inheritance
77:25 - What Briggette looks for in a partner
79:17 - Humor, attraction, and why she prefers Black men

Notable quotes

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“You do represent your family when you walk out that door.”

 

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“You can’t take your education.”

 

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“If you want it, I vote for you. I can get a hundred people not to vote for you.”

 

Action items

• Check voter registration details carefully, especially spelling and name matches on official documents.
• Follow up with elected officials instead of stopping at the vote.
• Limit children’s access to phones and social media, especially in schools.
• Treat education as a priority, whether through college, community college, or trade training.
• Encourage young men and women to understand how presentation, language, and behavior affect opportunities.

You can get a little free legal advice from the Taylor Law Firm?  The first 10 people to ask a single question will get a free response from Aura Taylor!

When a family loses a loved one unexpectedly, the grief is only the beginning. For many African American families, the aftermath can become a second battle — navigating questions of accountability, financial security, and how to protect their family’s future.

Aura Taylor, known as “The Policy Limit Queen” and founder of The Taylor Law Firm, is available to discuss the legal realities behind wrongful death cases and what families need to know when tragedy strikes.

From high-profile cases involving Black Americans to everyday families facing devastating losses, wrongful death claims often raise important questions:

• How do families know when they have a legal claim?
• What steps should loved ones take immediately after an unexpected death?
• How are wrongful death settlements calculated?
• Why do some families struggle to receive fair compensation?
• How can families protect their financial future and generational wealth after losing a loved one?

Aura can provide insight into how wrongful death cases impact African American communities and explain why these lawsuits are about more than compensation — they are about accountability, stability, and ensuring families understand their rights.

She can also discuss how insurance companies evaluate claims, the challenges families face when going up against large institutions, and why having an advocate who understands the legal system is critical.

More Information on Aura Taylor of The Taylor Law Firm

After earning her MBA from Clayton State University and her law degree from Georgia State University College of Law, Taylor launched her own firm in 2018 with a mission to fight for injury victims while building a workplace culture centered on empathy, respect, and opportunity.

Today, her firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients while also becoming a rare example of female leadership in the legal field!

Originally born in the United States Virgin Islands and raised in Atlanta, Taylor’s passion for justice began when she was just 16 years old after watching her father struggle to receive fair compensation following a near-fatal car accident caused by a defective tire. The experience inspired her to pursue law and advocate for those who feel powerless against major corporations and insurance companies.

Contact Info.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/policylimitqueen/

The Taylor Law Firm

Briggette Stokes and Walter Latham spend this episode unpacking what they call the “code of family” - the idea that how you present yourself, speak, and move in the world reflects your family, your culture, and your ancestors. The conversation moves from dress codes. It is personal, political, and rooted in Black community standards and survival.

- She explains her recent absence, says she is glad to be back, and introduces the episode’s main idea: the code of family and how it shapes behavior in public and private life.

Dress codes as cultural respect, not just rules

- Briggette argues that older generations expected children to leave home clean, presentable, and respectful, and that this standard still matters in schools and public life

Contact Us:

www.Thewaltweekly.com

Thewaltweekly@gmail.com

Walter@thewaltweekly.com

 

 

 

In this episode, Jake Latham is being interviewed by Honey Luv. He talks about marketing and the change to a more personalized based approach. What is this approach?

 

This is chapter 4 of this series about a young black kid migrating from North Carolina to New York City 

This episode narrates a compelling life story marked by perseverance, the pursuit of opportunity, and moments of reflection. Discover how a young man from North Carolina navigated life's hardships, from health challenges to career beginnings at Chase Manhattan Bank, all set against the vibrant backdrop of 1970s New York City. Tune in for lessons on resilience, leveraging opportunities, and the importance of community and perseverance.

In this Chapter

• How applying for a job at Chase Manhattan marked the start of a lifelong career
• The challenges of passing an eye test without proper glasses and the innovative solution of borrowing money against a trumpet
• The impact of early 1970s New York City — from disco nights to 24-hour banking operations
• The significance of the International Money Transfer Department and early experiences in bank investigations
• Personal stories of overcoming addiction, health scares, and finding love amidst chaos
• Reflections on the social and economic climate of the era and lessons learned along the way

Timestamps:

00:00 - Starting a career at Chase Manhattan Bank in the 1970s
00:31 - Applying for a job at Chase and the importance of prior experience
01:01 - Passing the application process and early challenges with eye health
01:57 - Borrowing money with a trumpet as collateral to buy glasses
03:22 - The struggle with welfare and making ends meet in Brooklyn
04:15 - The tumultuous life before establishing stability in New York
05:35 - The vibrant culture of Lower Manhattan in the 1970s including disco nights
06:33 - The innovative 24-hour operations at Chase and its culture
07:01 - Introduction to the International Money Transfer Department
07:55 - Early training in international investigations and the cable system
09:17 - Memorable cases of money transfer mishaps and their stories
10:16 - Meeting his future wife at the office and life in Brooklyn
11:50 - Personal reflections on drug experiences, addiction, and recovery
13:20 - Health insights and the dangers of OD’ing on methadone
14:05 - Life in a Brooklyn apartment and independence as a young professional
15:33 - Social life and interactions with neighbors and coworkers
16:24 - Trying marijuana for the first time and its effects in the workplace
19:05 - Balancing nightlife and work during the early days at Chase

Resources & Links:

• Chase Manhattan Bank History
• International Money Transfer Basics
• Understanding Addiction and Recovery
• History of Discos in New York City

Connect with Walter:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Trump touts employment Increases. He has has his hand picked person in charge now. Do you believe the labor reports? Note that the numbers are now positive now. 

In this episode of the Walt Weekly Podcast, Walter Latham discusses pressing issues including federal workforce layoffs, the implications of the Bureau of Labor Statistics under the Trump administration, the impact of automation and AI on job markets, political strategies in Texas, and concerns regarding government spending and disaster preparedness.

Here’s some background information regarding the recent downward revision of nonfarm payroll job numbers by the BLS. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently revised job growth figures for May and June downward significantly. This aligns with a larger trend influenced by three key factors:

1. Federal government layoffs: Over 300,000 government positions have been cut so far in 2025, driven largely by restructuring efforts under the current administration.

2. AI adoption: The rise of automation and generative AI is leading to a significant number of private sector job cuts. Look at Wells Fargo eliminating trade support positions and white collar jobs. 

3. Tariffs: New tariffs are disrupting trade-related industries, leading to further job losses across various sectors.

These combined factors have put downward pressure on job numbers, even though it might seem counterintuitive given other economic indicators. 

 Breaking News! Black America is in a RECESSION!

 

Since Donald Trump took office, the economic landscape for Black Americans has shifted dramatically. In April 2023, the unemployment rate for Black Americans was at a record low of 4.8%. However, by November 2025, that number had more than doubled, signaling a troubling trend. This section will delve into the factors contributing to this rise in unemployment and what it means for Black communities across the nation.

Community Programs

Highlighting organizations that are working to provide job training

Policy Changes

Discussing the importance of advocating for policies that address the root causes of unemployment in Black communities, including education and access to resources.

Resources:

• Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies - Source for racial economic data
• Black unemployment statistics - Bureau of Labor Statistics official reports

 

Contact Us:

Facebook: facebook.com/WaltWeekly
Instagram: instagram.com/thewaltweekly
Twitter: @thewaltweekly
LinkedIn: Walter Latham PMP
YouTube: youtube.com/TheWaltWeeklyPodcast

 

 

Show Notes

Keywords AI, employment, job displacement, creativity, corporate culture, legal landscape, human touch, empathy, service, future of work

This conversation explores the implications of AI on employment, the necessity for human adaptation in the face of technological advancement, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in a rapidly changing work environment. The speakers discuss the challenges faced by different age groups in adapting to new job markets, the role of creativity in AI, and the corporate culture that often prioritizes performance over employee well-being. They also touch on the legal aspects of employment and the need for empathy and service in the age of AI.

takeaways

• Corporations prefer workers who do not require breaks or vacations.
• AI's advancement in machine learning could lead to general intelligence.
• Clerical and white-collar jobs are the most at risk from AI.
• Humans have an innate ability to adapt for survival.
• HR departments typically prioritize management interests over employee welfare.
• AI can automate many legal processes, but human understanding is still crucial.
• The human touch remains essential in all professional interactions.
• Understanding who you serve is vital in any career.
• Adaptation is necessary for survival in the job market.
• Business decisions are often made without personal considerations.

Contact Us:

thewaltweekly@gmail.com

@waltweekly

@thewaltweekly

 

In this episode, we explore Andy Ellwood’s innovative AI-powered app, Stretch Groceries, designed to help families make smarter grocery choices, save money, and navigate rising food costs. Discover how this technology aims to bring transparency and efficiency to an industry often cluttered with challenges, and learn about future plans to expand access even in urban food deserts. Hopefully Andy can onboard neighborhood grocery stores. It could help us to reduce cost of food.

 

Main Topics:

• The purpose and functionality of Stretch Groceries
• How AI compares prices across over 30,000 stores nationwide
• Addressing food deserts and urban grocery accessibility
• Revenue models and future expansion plans
• The broader impact of grocery price transparency and consumer empowerment

Resources & Links:

• Stretch Groceries
• Stretch AI Platform

In part 2 of this insightful interview, Paul Musson, a seasoned investor and author, discusses the intricacies of the equity markets, the impact of home purchases, stock risk, gold, and options. He shares insights around investment techniques and hedging. He advises young couples to take a long view and to do your research.

 

Keywords Investing, Equity Markets, Central Bank Policy, Wealth Inequality, US Dollar, Market Risks, Financial Education, Housing, Gold, Options, leverage, and the p/e ratio.

Resources

Paul Musson's Blog - https://paulmusson.com/blog

Capital Events: Why Some Benefit at Your Expense (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Capital-Events-Benefit-Your-Expense/dp/XXXXXX

Federal Reserve System - https://www.federalreserve.gov

US Treasury Bonds - https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financing-the-government/debt-management

Gold as a Hedge - https://www.gold.org

Historical Economic Texts - https://www.econlib.org