You Ain't Imagining This!

An epic Black History Month story! The Espresso Talk Today team is pleased to present Sankofa: An African American Saga. Part I begins in the great kingdoms and empires of Africa which were prosperous with gold, salt, and other commodities. These kingdoms traded widely, contained well-built houses and urban centers, and were renowned intellectual centers. This changed with the expanded contact with Europeans. 

Books. Movies. Museums. Re-enactments. Elders. How do you learn and experience Black history? The Espresso Talk Today team discusses their experiences with learning Black history and the favorite ways to prepare for and enjoy Black History Month. Join the team as they learn about the founding of Black History Month, why it's important, and how to celebrate Black history all year long. 

What is Black Psychology? What role does culture play in psychology, therapy, life choices, personal decisions, and individual behavior? Join us for this introduction to Black Psychology. The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Theopia Jackson, Ph.D., former President of the Association of Black Psychologists to discuss this culture-based form of psychology.  Englightenment guaranteed!

Perspective is your window to the world. It determines your thoughts, behavior, and, ultimately your life experience. In this first wellness show of the year, Robin discusses the importance of determining perspective and knowing whether it is helping or hurting you. The Stoics are brought in to discuss the importance of perspective and how a view from above can elevate one's outlook. Join us for this important and uplifting wellness show. The show concludes with an excellent meditation.   

What does self-empowerment mean to you? Do you feel self-empowered? In a world of white supremacy, many African Americans feel disempowered and struggle with maintaining self-esteem. This show will introduce the elements of self-empowerment, the obstacles to self-empowerment, and how everyone can live a self-empowered life.  You will also learn practical and important steps you can take towards self-empowerment. The show ends with a meditation that will help you to feel and live a self-empowered life. 

In this special and unique episode, Elder Mel reads a short story by Langston Hughes called, "One Christmas Eve."  This story is written in a genre that is not widely known: the African American holiday story. In these unique stories, Black writers and activists present racial and social justice issues and Black cultural traditions during the Christmas Season.  They highlight the different experiences of Black and White families and discuss problems like segregation, poverty, and violence (lynching). After the reading, the ETT Team of Mel, Robin, Marlene, and Barry discuss the issues presented in this story. This proved to be a lively and spirited discussion! Join us for this uncommon Christmas story and conversation! 

Habari Gani! Enjoy a guided celebration through the seventh day of Kwanzaa with the Espresso Talk Today team! We'll start with a discussion of the importance of faith (Imani) in the Black community.  We'll guide you through the candle lighting ceremony with the kinara. Finally, we have a special reading of an original Kwanzaa story about faith. Harambee! (Swahili for "Let's come together!)

Habari Gani! Enjoy a guided celebration through the sixth day of Kwanzaa with the Espresso Talk Today team! We'll start with a discussion of the importance of creativity (Ku'umba) in the Black community.  We'll guide you through the candle lighting ceremony with the kinara. Finally, we have a special reading of an original Kwanzaa story about creativity. Harambee! (Swahili for "Let's come together!)

Habari Gani! Enjoy a guided celebration through the fifth day of Kwanzaa with the Espresso Talk Today team! We'll start with a discussion of the importance of purpose (Nia) in the Black community.  We'll guide you through the candle lighting ceremony with the kinara. Finally, we have a special reading of an original Kwanzaa story about purpose. Harambee! (Swahili for "Let's come together!)