Bennye and Keisha sit down for a conversation about Bennye's primary and secondary education. Starting with kindgergarten, moving through making her way to a state-wide competition when she was 7, and then learning multiple instruments in high school band, Bennye takes her time to fondly remember the beginnings of her formal education.

In this episode of Almost 80, hosts Bennye and Keisha sit down with Bennye's brother Alvin—affectionately called Uncle Flea—to reminisce about their childhood in the Bethlehem community. They discuss growing up on a 50-acre farm without electricity, the daily chores that shaped their early lives, and the communal efforts of butchering, growing food, and canning produce. They also reflect on their simpler, yet imaginative forms of play, highlighting games and activities that bonded the community. The conversation touches on the importance of family roles, the significance of holidays like Juneteenth, and the cultural dynamics of segregation. This heartfelt conversation serves as a rich and vivid oral history of a bygone era, aiming to preserve these memories for future generations.

In this episode, Bennye describes how a tragedy in 1947 changed the trajectory of her family's life.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:36 Catching Up After a Long Break
01:33 Family Background and Early Memories
04:00 The Fire
11:42 Coping with Loss and Moving Forward
17:43 Reflections and Gratitude
22:18 Emotional Farewell and Conclusion