Kamala Harris. Spike Lee. Toni Morrison. W.E.B. Dubois. What do these great Black people have in common? They all graduated from an HBCU! HBCUs have been educating Black students since 1837. These schools are graduating students who become leaders in every field.  Do you want to learn more about these amazing schools? The Espresso Talk Today team is joined by Leslie Jones, founder of the website, thehundred-seven.org, which is dedicated to positively promoting  HBCUs. Join us for this uplifting and uncommon conversation. 

Many Black actors have taken on the dual role of activists fighting for social change. In the past, they participated in the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement. Today, Black actors are still fighting for racial equality but are also focusing on women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, economic justice, environmental justice, and many other important causes. Yet they are often told to "shut up and act." However, these actors will not be silenced. Join us for this important show that honors Black actor-activists who risked it all to fight for social change.

Blood banks. Cataract surgery. Automatic elevator doors. What do these items have in common? They all were invented by Black people!  There are many items that we use every day and procedures that have saved lives that were invented by Black Americans.  Yet we learn and hear so little about the numerous inventions by African Americans.  In this episode, the ETT team discusses Black inventions and their backstories. We also discuss the challenges faced by Black inventors today and how we can support their research, work, and contributions to society. Don't miss this show!

Why is kindness important in antiracism work? What does kindness look like in the fight against racism? In this folktale called Lord of the Cranes, the main character tests the kindness and helpfulness of a wealthy businessman.  This folktale, similar to the parable of The Good Samaritan, introduces the importance of showing kindness to all people. Elder Mellanese returns to read this ancient folktale. Sit back. Get comfortable. Listen. Think. Enjoy. This is storytelling at its finest!

 What happens if you discover that your friend holds racist views? Or homophobic views? Or sexist attitudes? Bias exists in every person. Yet racism, sexism, antisemitism, and anti-LGBTQ-ism take prejudice to a different and possibly dangerous level. Handling a racist "friend" is a difficult situation.  Hans and Ben discuss this problem from different practical and ethical points of view, including personal experience. They also identify their "red line" that should never be crossed. You don't want to miss this uncommon conversation!   

Real Talk Show! Mel and Robin are joined by a special guest for their Real Talk: African tour special, Samuel Kweshie Ametewee.   The Espresso Talk Team visited Ghana in May. Sammy was our amazing tour specialist.  We welcome our homeland brother to have a Real Talk with us. He will tell us what makes Ghana such a special country to visit. He'll also share some Ghanaian history and insights. In short, he will tell us why Ghana is described as the Hidden Paradise. Join us for some Real Talk today!

How is your quest for success affecting your health?  How does your personality predisposition determine your health risk? Epidemiologist Sherman James, Ph.D. developed a questionnaire for Black Americans to assess their health risk in the struggle to succeed: The John Henryism Active Coping Scale.  This short questionnaire reveals that certain personality types are prone to cardiovascular health risks, particularly for Black Americans struggling against "the machinery" of systemic racism. Join us to discuss the questionnaire and our results. You can complete the Questionnaire here.

Thugs. Criminals. Angry. Dangerous. Stereotypes persist about African Americans. Stereotypes are pervasive in society. Everyone holds stereotypes about other groups. Are they all harmful? Do they hold any truth? The Espresso Talk Today team discusses both old and modern stereotypes about African Americans and their effects. They also consider the effects of "positive" stereotypes. Join Hans and Robin as they discuss their experiences with being "stereotyped" and how they handled the mental and emotional effects. We continue to fight stereotypes every single day. Join them for this lively and informative discussion. 

Hypertension. Heart Disease. Diabetes. Arthritis. Depression. Black Americans face a disproportionate of many chronic illnesses and conditions. The medical community has been reluctant to dig deep to find the causes of this health crisis.  But the Espresso Talk Today team is digging deeper and finding answers!  Today, we are joined by renowned epidemiologist Dr. Sherman James to discuss strategies and solutions to control this epidemic. Join us for this uncommon and health-saving conversation. Read (4 minutes) or listen to (7 minutes) the Amazing True Legend of John Henry who inspired the research of Professor Sherman James. 

John Henry, the famous steel-driving man, was a Black Freedman born in the 19th century. He was known for his strength and hard-work ethic.  In a famous challenge, he faced and defeated the steam machine.  He became a legend. But his story is true. The Espresso Talk Today team is honored to share his amazing story with you. The story is read by storyteller, Ben Koponen.