Keeping Juneteenth a Black-owned Holiday!

Did you know that systemic racism can cause depression, anxiety, hypertension, insomnia, and other serious health conditions? Black Americans suffer high levels of stress from the daily experience of anti-Black racism.  In this special episode, the Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Professor William Smith who has conducted extensive study on this serious condition. He discusses the physiological processes leading to Racial Battle Fatigue, the symptoms, and healthy coping strategies to protect one's health. He also identifies unhealthy strategies that people use to cope but that often have dire consequences. Join the ETT Team in this important episode. 

Bonus Materials:

Quote: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.~ Audre Lorde

Post-Podcast Self-Care Activity: Affirmations

Affirmations are a powerful tool for nurturing positive self-perception and resilience. Here are five affirmations to reinforce your sense of purpose, empowerment, and well-being:

1. I am resilient, and my strength is a force for positive change.

2. I embrace my identity and stand proud in the face of adversity.

3. I am worthy of respect, understanding, and justice.

4. My well-being matters, and I prioritize self-care in the pursuit of liberation.

5. I contribute to a community of support, and together, we empower each other.

Use these affirmations during the Breather Break (36:40) or immediately following the show. 

In this powerful final episode of Black History Month on Espresso Talk Today, we dive deep into the heart of what it means to be a history maker. Guided by the wisdom of the courageous and brilliant philosopher and activist, Angela Davis, we explore how every one of us, through our everyday actions, contributes to making history. From the stories of young activists reshaping our communities to the affirmations that fuel our inner strength, this episode is a call to recognize our collective power and responsibility.

We delve into the lives of individuals who, from youth to young adulthood, have stood up, spoken out, and acted to create change, proving that history is shaped by the everyday actions of ordinary people. Our discussion extends beyond the past, focusing on how we are actively crafting the future with our choices, voices, and actions today.

This episode is not just a reflection on Black History Month but a beacon for the ongoing journey of self-empowerment and collective action. Join us as we embrace the present with the knowledge that we are all, indeed, making history.

Bonus Materials:

Quote: “It is essential to resist the depiction of history as the work of heroic individuals for people today to recognize their potential agency as a part of an ever-expanding community of struggle.” ~ Angela Davis

Self-Care Activity

Affirmations are a powerful tool for nurturing positive self-perception and resilience. Here are five affirmations to reinforce your sense of purpose, empowerment, and well-being:

1. "I am a conduit of change; my actions, no matter how small, ripple out into the world, creating waves of positive impact."

2. "My worth is not measured by the scale of my achievements but by the sincerity of my efforts and the kindness in my heart."

3. "I give myself permission to rest and recharge, recognizing that self-care is not selfish but essential to sustain my passion and purpose."

4. "I stand on the shoulders of giants, drawing strength from those who came before me, and I too, am laying the foundations for future generations."

5. "My voice matters, my actions count, and my presence makes a difference in the tapestry of history, woven one thread at a time."

Repeat these affirmations daily, especially during moments of doubt or fatigue. 

Do you find Black history depressing? I did! Then I learned that this was my "miseducation" about the real history of Black people in America.  In this episode, host Ama-Robin rejects the "inferiorized" Black history that we have been taught and discusses the empowered history of resilience, resistance, and joy that is the true experience of Black America.  Then she challenges you to find the joy in the history that you are making today. Grab an espresso and join us!

Black Joy is found in many places. One of my favorite "Black Joy" activities comes from storytelling and skilled storytellers. 

Storytellers have always held important roles in Black communities--from Africa to Detroit. Storytelling connects us with our roots in Africa where the oral tradition was used to remember family history, acknowledge special events, and teach societal norms. This oral tradition allowed storytellers to adapt the story, message, and performance to the audience for maximum impact and enjoyment.  

The Espresso Talk Today team is pleased to have Master Storyteller, Mitch Capel, aka Gran'daddy Junebug, to the show to discuss the importance of storytelling.

Gran'daddy Junebug will also present some of his most popular stories and poems.  You don't want to miss this uncommon and joyful episode!

Dive into a revolutionary journey with Espresso Talk Today's special episode for Black History Month.

Host Ama-Robin takes you through an empowering exploration of learning Black history as an act of radical liberation. This episode highlights the pivotal roles of figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Angela Davis in reshaping the narrative of Black empowerment. Uncover the untold stories of resilience and excellence that form the foundation of our fight against systemic racism.

Join Ama-Robin in this powerful call to action, emphasizing that learning Black history is more than education—it's a rebellion and a path to true liberation. Tune in for an inspiring journey of discovery and empowerment, where our history becomes our strength.

Racism is making us sick!  A Black person dies every seven minutes because of systemic racism.  

What can we do?

The first step is to use the Every Day Discrimination Scale--a test that measures the effect of racism in our lives. 

The second step is to practice self-care. I

In this episode, Ama-Robin discusses different types of self-care, but she also encourages you to focus on the self-care that works for you. This is Black empowerment and liberation at its finest. Join this show. It could save your life. 

Join Ama-Robin and Mel for this uncommon conversation about how racism affects Black health. They also use and discuss the Every Day Discrimination Scale (EDDS) that was created by Psychologist David R. Williams. You can find the Every Day Discrimination Scale on the Espresso Talk Today website at www.espressotalktoday.com. 

Meet the fearless visionary, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.--just in time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Explore the bold and unapologetic side of Dr. King that history often hides from us.

From the challenges of making MLK Day a reality to the radical messages that resonate today, this show will empower and inspire to action. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, speak out, and make a difference in your community, because this is where radical courage meets actionable change.

Join Ama-Robin for this uncommon and inspirational show!

"The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house." Black feminist activist Audre Lorde spoke these words in 1979. She envisioned the dismantling of the global systems of oppression against Black and Brown people. As we enter 2024, Espresso Talk Today examines what has changed in the 45 years since Audre Lorde's poignant speech. We also examine what tools we have that can dismantle the machinery of white supremacy. Join us for this uncommon New Year's talk that reminds us of our individual and collective power.

Habari Gani! Let's celebrate Kwanzaa! Learn the basics about Kwanzaa from Master Storyteller Mama Edie. Learn why Kwanzaa was started, who started it, how to celebrate it, and how you can live the Kwanzaa principles. Great fun and wonderful traditions for the whole family, friends, or just you and the Espresso Talk Today team. At the end of the show, Mama Edie will tell an uplifting Kwanzaa story. Great show for the whole family!