You Ain't Imagining This!

Many of America's greatest stories were told by Black Americans who had been previously enslaved. These first-person narratives told how enslaved people lived every day. They told of the difficulties, pain, and hardships. But they also told of the courage, love, and community of people aiming to love and protect their families. In this week's episode, the Espresso Talk Today team reads the narrative of Mrs. Rosina Hoard who had been enslaved in Texas.  Her words are read by ETT team member, Elder Mel, who is her great-grandniece. This is Black History--American history--that should never be forgotten. Don't miss this uncommon episode!

Special Musical Selection: "I Wish I Knew how It Would Feel to be Free" performed by Nina Simone. 

In 1954, the Supreme Court invalidated school segregation in the famous Brown v. Board of Education case.  In this special episode, the ETT Team performs a play showing the real struggle to desegregate public schools. Thurgood Marshall, and Charles Hamilton Houston as well as parents, children, and activists fought hard for equality in education--and this play shows their struggles, hardships, and ultimate victory. Join the team for this special episode in honor of Black History Month.  Grab an espresso and hear the real history--and current state--of segregation in American schools. This is the history that Ron DiSantis does not want you to know.

America has never accepted its racist history. Instead, it tries to distort history and cover up the past. This has erased many of the great contributions of Black Americans. This has also erased the past shameful acts of the American enslavers, colonizers, and other white supremacists.  The Espresso Talk Today team is opening Black History month by confronting America with its history coverups and distortions and how it has affected all Americans. Join us for this controversial show.

The ETT team concludes its Black Love series (January) by discussing Black women who have shown self-love and courage. Black love is often discouraged and criticized. Black love is often punished. Yet Black love endures and grows. In this episode, we will discuss the courageous women who have taken extraordinary steps to show self-love by practicing self-care and self-respect. They all began by saying, “no” to the dangerous, destructive, and degrading expectations of a society that does not value them. We will discuss the power of saying no and other ways that we can show love for ourselves and others. Refusal resistance is power!

Racial encounters happen. Every. Single. Day. Anywhere. Anytime. Black people experience them so often that it affects our mental and physical health. Anticipating a racial encounter can also cause stress and trauma. Racial encounters often cause headaches, insomnia, trembling, stomach pain, and many other physical ailments. In this uncommon espisode, the Espresso Talk Today team is joined by a special guest who discusses a racial encounter at a department store that left her feeling terrified, vulnerable, and dehumanized.  Her story is real. Please join us to hear about her encounter and learn self-care steps to support her health and well-being. Full names have not been used in order to protect the participants.

Note: This true story could cause a stress or trauma response. Please listen with caution. 

The Espresso Talk Today team presents a lesser-known essay written, in 1958, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This powerful essay discusses the 6 essential elements of nonviolent resistance. This shows Dr. King as a passionate scholar, a courageous clergyman, and a radical resister. Nonviolent resistance is powerful and effective. It does resist. Dr. King reminds us, "It is not for cowards."

A special show in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Essay: An Experiment in Love (1958)

Presenter: Ben Koponen

What is Black self-love? This controversial show presents the history, obstacles, and challenges of Black self-love. Slavery, racism, and stereotyping have directly affected the expression of Black self-love. Join us to learn the elements of Black self-love and how Black Americans have struggled (against the odds) to show love for themselves, their families, their community, and even their country. Be prepared for surprising truths.

Musical Selection: Black on Black Love by Queen Latifah

Join the Espresso Talk Today team to celebrate the seventh day of Kwanzaa! On this seventh day, we celebrate Faith or Imani (in the Ki-Swahili language).

• African Folktale: Damon and Pythias 
• Musical Selection: A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke

Harambee (Let's come together) and enjoy!

Asante Sana for joining our Kwanzaa celebration!

Join the Espresso Talk Today team to celebrate the sixth day of Kwanzaa! On this sixth day, we celebrate Creativity or Ku'umba (in the Ki-Swahili language).

• African Folktale: The Feast 
• Musical Selection: Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Harambee (Let's come together) and enjoy!

See you tomorrow to continue our Kwanzaa celebration.

Join the Espresso Talk Today team to celebrate the fifth day of Kwanzaa! On this fifth day, we celebrate Purpose or Nia (in the Ki-Swahili language).

• African Folktale: How Walukaga Answered the King 
• Musical Selection: Stand Up (from Harriet) by Cynthia Erivo

Harambee (Let's come together) and enjoy!

See you tomorrow to continue our Kwanzaa celebration.