You Ain't Imagining This!

This 2020 holiday season will be different. We have to accept that fact. The COVID-19 pandemic could prevent people from safely enjoying their holiday traditions, which often involve meeting with family and friends, shopping in crowded stores, and enjoying holiday festivals.  The holidays are already very stressful but the long-lasting pandemic and COVID fatigue are compounding this stress into potential threats to our mental and physical health. The Espresso Talk Today Team is committed to savoring holiday traditions while remaining safe.  Robin, Mel, and Marlene discuss creative ways to celebrate the holiday season. They also discuss easy ways to protect mental health.  Some ideas are virtual. Others are creatively distanced (think: drive-by potluck dinners!) All are safe and responsible.  The conversation also focuses on the mental health challenges presented in this difficult time. Join the ETT Team for this potentially health-saving, lively, and very uncommon conversation that can help you to think outside the COVID restriction box and enjoy your holiday season. 

The 2020 presidential election between incumbent President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden was the most hotly contested election in a generation. The stakes were high. Very high. And it was inevitably close. Margins were tight. So how did Joe Biden secure his victory? The African American vote! African Americans voted in unprecedented numbers in many urban cities, which helped Biden win the swing states and presidency. But what's the next step? What will Biden do to support the community that supported him? Will Biden's policies on racial justice, climate change, health care, federal minimum wage, affordable housing, and other issues support African Americans? Or will they fall short of the promised progressive platforms needed to make real change in the Black community and the country as a whole? Join the Espresso Talk Today Team as they discuss these issues and look to the future of the Biden presidency. They also question President Trump's surprising performance in the election. This dynamic and uncommon conversation could have you standing with pride, jumping for joy, and contemplating the future. Don't miss it!

Veteran's Day in America or Armistice Day in Europe is devoted to honoring all of those who have served the country in war or peace.  All soldiers should be recognized for their service and the special challenges that they faced. African American soldiers have faced enemies abroad and at home. Yet their service and courage are often overlooked or downplayed.  Not on Espresso Talk Today! Join Hans and Robin for an unusual and inspiring episode. Hans presents a folk story about facing your fear and showing courage--both of which Black soldiers did on a daily basis. Robin introduces the show with a discussion about the role of Black soldiers in America's wars. Spoiler alert: Black soldiers fought in every war since the American Revolution.  And their battles did not end when they returned home. The real battles began when they came home. They continued to show their same courage and valor when facing homegrown violence. Don't miss this exciting and enlightening episode that honors our Black veterans and their families.  Remember to thank them for their service. 

As Hans and Robin discussed last week, African Americans are leaving the United States in unprecedented numbers. Some are moving abroad for short stays. Others are moving away permanently. The primary reason for leaving is the unrelenting racism that they face on a daily basis. Where are Black Americans moving to? All over the world! One country that is a major landing point is Ghana. With its historic and cultural connection, Ghana is an attractive destination for African Americans.  Robin and Hans discuss the 2019 "Year of Return" in which the Ghanaian government is opening the door to Black Americans and other Black diasporans to settle in Ghana. It is also helping Black people to get visas, find jobs, and otherwise establish themselves culturally and financially. Join the ETT Team to discuss this modern migration and the opportunities available for African Americans to return to their roots.  

What is courage? The Stoics believed that courage was the most important virtue, the one upon which all other virtues (wisdom, justice, moderation) depend.  In a world of the Covid-19 pandemic, systemic racism, violence, marginalization of people of color, and unprecedented poverty, people are called on to show courage on a daily basis for their survival. But courage is also an internal struggle to care for oneself, live with joy and peace, practice forgiveness, and show unconditional love. This show will introduce the different kinds of courage, the elements of courage, and the steps that will help you to live courageously. The show concludes with a folktale that teaches courage and the benefits of this most valued and important quality. 

Are African Americans experiencing a third Great Migration? Fact: African Americans are leaving the United States in unprecedented numbers. The reasons vary. Racism tops the list. But the list is long and the experiences different. African Americans have a long history of living abroad. James Baldwin. Richard Wright. Josephine Baker. Paul Robeson. Today, African Americans are also leaving for non-racism-related reasons such as pursuing education, experiencing other cultures, pursuing career opportunities, learning another language, and many other reasons. Join Robin (who lives in Belgium) and Hans for an interesting and insightful discussion about this Third Great Migration. The conversation presents facts about Blacks moving abroad but also gets personal about experiences that expanded their outlook, challenged their perceptions, and created memorable moments.  This groundbreaking and uncommon conversation explores the trials and tribulations of Moving Abroad While Black. Don't miss it!

Senior Content Analyst Hans Hyppolite presents the major news events of the month. There is a lot of news happening these days! From elections to conflicts to Covid: How can we remember it all? We think about events as they arise throughout the month. However, by the end of the month, we have often forgotten those events or moved on to focus on others.  Yet all of the events are still important and still making an impact. The Espresso Talk Today Team designed this show to help you remember and reflect upon these important events. Hans summarizes and presents the month's major news events to you in a quick and memorable way--just like a good espresso! 

Do you know the history behind the holidays that you celebrate? Would you be surprised to find out that some of the most popular American holidays have shameful beginnings? Mass rape. Slavery. Sex trafficking. Genocide. Racism. The history of many holidays is often forgotten and distorted in modern celebrations. The terrible treatment of people of color, particularly Black Americans and indigenous and native peoples, is often not taught in schools or even within families.  And people of color continue to suffer the distorted Eurocentric reinvention of their histories. Join Ben and Marlene in an interesting and disturbing discussion of these shameful American and European holidays and the changes that should be made to "fix" these celebrations. They also discuss the importance of holiday traditions as well as two important African American holidays that are based on real history and that support Black culture. Get ready to get real about Thanksgiving!

It is said that "The road to the White House has to stop at a Black woman's house." Black women voters are one of the most powerful and loyal voting blocs in American elections. In the last three presidential elections, Black women outvoted all other racial, gender, and economic voting blocs. Any candidate must hear and respond to the demands of Black women: racial justice, health care, equal pay, education, and affordable housing are just a few of the demands made by Black women. Interestingly, these issues will help most other groups in America. Robin and Marlene hold a lively and revealing discussion about the power of Black women voters and how this voting bloc can become even more powerful. Join this controversial discussion!

Young people are a powerful group--especially in elections. In the United States, young voters (aged 18 to 29) make up more than half of eligible voters. This group is diverse, informed, intelligent, and focusing on the future. Yet many young people choose not to vote. Their reasons range from a lack of interest to disillusionment with the political process. A growing group--the informed nonvoter--chooses not to participate in electoral politics but instead focuses on grassroots activism to affect change. In one of their most important discussions, Espresso Talk Today includes a new voice to the team: activist and actress Marlene Slaughter.  Together they acknowledge the difficulties and disillusionment of young voters but also stress the importance of voting and how young people can and should encourage change through different methods.  Join this lively and uncommon discussion. No judgments. Just openness, listening, and lots of thought-provoking ideas.