You Ain’t Imagining This! (YAIT) is an extension of Ama-Robin Lofton's the Espresso Talk Today Podcast. It is a bold and mindful podcast rooted in Black truth-telling, healing, and collective power. Through stories, reflections, and honest conversations, YAIT uplifts the lived experiences of Black folks—past, present, and future—reminding listeners they’re not alone, not exaggerating, and not imagining what they’ve seen, felt, or known. With four soul-nourishing episode types—YAIT Stories, E ...
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Laying Down the Armor: A YAIT Comforting Moment
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8:36We’ve worn emotional armor to survive—from slavery to segregation to being “the first” in white spaces. But healing means knowing when (and how) to set that armor down. In this Comforting Moment, we honor what protected us and gently choose rest. Through breath, reflection, and a powerful gratitude meditation, we invite the safety of community, cul…
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Letting Go Ain't Weakness: A YAIT Story on Black Self-Love
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31:03Letting go is never simple—especially for Black people living in predominantly white spaces-- where we’ve been expected to carry more than our share and to do it quietly. But what if letting go is not abandonment, but liberation? What if it’s an act of love? In this warm, reflective episode, Ama-Robin invites you into three immersive stories —slow-…
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The Circle that We Couldn't Save - A YAIT Story of Unity
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27:13Alafia, fam! “Some circles can’t be saved. But new ones can be born.” In this third episode of the Black Healing Summer session, Ama-Robin invites you to slow down and breathe as she takes you on a journey through an insightful folk tale. You'll hear about an African village's sacred circle disrupted by an outsider’s influence, leading to important…
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The Black Healing Room: A YAIT Story on Rejuvenation
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29:15What if you had a space where you could breathe, release, and remember who you are—no explanations, no performance, just presence? In this episode, we step into The Black Healing Room—a sanctuary we can carry with us, anywhere. This is Part 2 of The Black Healing Summer Session—a season-long journey into rest, release, and renewal. You’ll experienc…
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The Day I Let My Burdens Fall: A YAIT Story
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22:59In this first episode of The Black Healing Summer Session, host and storyteller Ama-Robin invites you into a powerful reflection on what happens when we stop carrying everything alone. Through an immersive story, she shares the experience of a Black woman professional who finally decides to lay down the invisible burdens she’s been holding: perfect…
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Juneteenth Is Not Just a Holiday: Believe Black People Episode
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37:22Juneteenth has passed—but we’re not moving on. Because we still don’t have full freedom. And we damn sure don’t have true liberation. This Believe Black People episode of You Ain’t Imagining This! was generously loaned by the Espresso Talk Today team—and we thank them deeply for this offering. In this powerful audio celebration, you’ll hear: 📖 An o…
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The Porch Light is Always On - An Immersive Story of Belonging
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13:40This is more than memory. It’s a reminder: you were never alone. In this special Juneteenth bonus episode of You Ain’t Imagining This!, storyteller Ama-Robin guides you through a quiet, powerful tale about coming home, being expected, and the radical love embedded in one simple ritual: the porchlight. This immersive story takes you on a long drive …
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Sounds of the Cookout - A YAIT Comforting Moment Episode
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12:23Sometimes peace sounds like laughter, a sizzling grill, and an uplifting playlist. In this Comforting Moment episode of You Ain’t Imagining This!, storyteller and empowerment coach Ama-Robin invites you into a sensory sanctuary—where the familiar sounds of a Black cookout become a place of rest, memory, and gentle joy. Comforting Moments are short,…
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This isn’t just a story—it’s a homecoming. In this immersive episode from You Ain’t Imagining This!, Black empowerment storyteller Ama-Robin takes you straight to the heart of a Black family reunion. From the sound of folding chairs and the smell of sweet potato pie to bold debates on reparations and land, The Reunion is a vivid, truth-telling expe…
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The Family Reunion - An Immersive Story of Family and Belonging - YAIT Stories
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27:37This isn’t just a story—it’s a homecoming. In this immersive episode from You Ain’t Imagining This!, Black empowerment storyteller Ama-Robin takes you straight to the heart of a Black family reunion. From the sound of folding chairs and the smell of sweet potato pie to bold debates on reparations and land, The Reunion is a vivid, truth-telling expe…
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Not Just Banned — The Erasure of Black Books
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41:30Black books aren't just being banned—they’re being erased. Quietly. Systemically. From classrooms, libraries, and publishing houses. In this Believe Black People episode, Black empowerment storyteller Ama-Robin breaks down how erasure works—and how we fight back. This isn’t about asking for space. It’s about reclaiming it. Join the Canon of Black B…
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Black Book Joy: The Stories We Love to Love - YAIT Espresso Talks
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42:48
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42:48Ever finish a book and think, this one is gonna stay with me? In this bold Espresso Talk episode, storyteller Ama-Robin opens up about the books that shaped her—Roots, The People Could Fly, Parable of the Sower, and others. She shares how Black books gave her more than knowledge—they gave her belonging. And she asks: What are the stories that shape…
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A Page of Peace for You - YAIT Comforting Moments
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6:50Hey there, friend! I'm so happy you're here. Let’s take a deep breath together and slow down for a minute. I'm Ama-Robin, the storyteller and guide of this YAIT Comforting Moment episode. This is a safe space to breathe, rest your spirit, and remember that your story is sacred. Today, I’m sharing a comforting moment inspired by a note that I found …
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This isn’t just about books. It’s about belonging! I'm Ama-Robin, your guide on this storytelling journey. In this immersive Village episode of You Ain’t Imagining This!, I will guide y'all inside a Black-owned bookstore—a space where history lives, wisdom flows, and the Black community thrives. Through storytelling, reflection, and real conversati…
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You Ain't Imagining This! (YAIT) Introduction
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18:46You’re Not Imagining It—And You’re Not Alone You Ain’t Imagining This! is more than a podcast—it’s a sanctuary for Black truth, imagination, and healing. In this premiere episode, Black empowerment storyteller, Ama-Robin, shares the origin of this sacred space through story, reflection, and raw honesty. From Oakland dreams to ancestral wisdom, from…
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Hi, I'm Ama-Robin. Welcome to You Ain't Imagining This! This podcast show is a sanctuary for Black empowerment, truth, and liberation. Here, we create a space to breathe, reflect, and rise through enlightening storytelling, powerful conversations, and comforting rituals. Whether you're feeling joyful, heavy, or anything in between, you're always we…
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Literacy Beyond Whiteness: Reading as Resistance, Storytelling as Power
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31:17Black people have always valued knowledge—through books, through songs, through music, and even through memory. In this fireside reflection, Ama-Robin explores why reading has always been a form of resistance and an expression of joy, why storytelling matters, the importance of music, drumming, dance, and other forms of communication and repositori…
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You are never alone in a Black Bookstore - A Village Story
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19:08In this story, we will step inside a Black-owned bookstore. Feel the warmth. Hear the conversations. Smell the books and the spice of chai in the air. This isn’t just a shop—it’s a sanctuary, a meeting place, a revolution in the making. In this story-driven episode, I take you inside a Black bookstore where knowledge is resistance, elders share wis…
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Your Comforting Moment for Black History Month
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14:01Hujambo community, and welcome to Espresso Talk today. Today I'll be guiding you through a heartfelt reflection as we close out Black History Month. We'll start by grounding ourselves in the wisdom of our ancestors and celebrating the lessons, stories, and triumphs we've explored this month. Dr. Carter G. Woodson's vision for Black History Month se…
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Gumbo, Grits, and Gathering: Black Food is Black History
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32:37In this Espresso Talk Today episode, we step into the rich, vibrant world of Black food spaces with the story A Taste of Home. This story is more than a sensory experience—it’s an exploration of how food connects us to our history, our culture, and our sense of belonging. Through the bustling African-Caribbean marketplace, the aroma of smoked papri…
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A Seat at the Table: Conversations with Historical Black Figures
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23:46Hujambo fam and Akwaaba (welcome!). Join me as I take you on a journey into my dream where I sit with great Black figures like Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Together, we discuss the significance of Black history, and the importance of reclaiming our narratives and lighting the way for future generations. ✨💡 In this ep…
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Black History Month Reflection: Symbols, Stories, and the Power of History
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20:09What connects you to your history? For Ama-Robin, it was a wooden map of Africa that hung in my childhood home—a powerful symbol of identity, pride, and resilience. In this episode, Ama-Robin shares a deeply personal story about how this map, despite being ridiculed, became a source of strength and a reminder of the greatness of Black history. We’l…
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Beyond "Rugged Individualism": The Power of Collective Core Values
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31:16Western society glorifies rugged individualism, but in the Black community, we know the truth—our power has always been collective. From Black Wall Street to the Black Panther Party, from HBCUs to our multigenerational families, we have built, protected, and uplifted each other through shared core values like unity, self-determination, and collecti…
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Black Empowerment Starts Here: Living by Your Core Values
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24:01What are core values? Why should I care about them? Core values aren’t just a “white thing”—they’re the foundation of Black empowerment. In this episode, Black empowerment educator Ama-Robin explores how our core values are challenged and undermined in a world that often questions our humanity. She's talking directly to the skeptics, showing how co…
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Stop Making Resolutions: Harnessing the Power of Core Values
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34:47In this episode, we’re ditching resolutions and diving deep into the transformative power of core values. Discover how values like resilience, unity, and freedom can ground and empower us, especially as Black individuals navigating racial chaos. Core values aren’t just personal—they’re revolutionary tools for empowerment and liberation. Let’s explo…
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In this poem titled, "The Christmas Reunion Down in Martinsville," Augustus Hodges (1854 - 1916) presents an African American version of a Christmas poem. Hodges was an American editor, writer, journalist, and political organizer. In 1876, He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. Presented by musician and teacher, Kirk Wadi. Follow him on…
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Kwanzaa: Principles for Liberation and Believing Black People
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39:37Habarigani! Discover the power of Kwanzaa as a celebration of Black culture, resilience, and liberation. This episode explores the seven principles of Kwanzaa, connecting each to the inspiring stories of Black historical figures and the importance of the #BelieveBlackPeople movement. Join us for reflection, empowerment, and a call to action for lib…
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BelieveBlackPeople: From Supportive Spaces to Standing Strong
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20:33In this episode of Espresso Talk Today, host Ama-Robin dives deeper into the #BelieveBlackPeople movement. This isn’t just a hashtag—it’s a revolutionary call to honor and trust Black voices, celebrate our achievements, and challenge the stereotypes and biases that have silenced us for too long. Ama-Robin breaks down what it means to believe Black …
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#BelieveBlackPeople: More Than a Hashtag, It’s a Movement
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31:20BelieveBlackPeople is more than words--it's a call to action! In this episode, we break down what it means to believe Black people and why it matters now more than ever. Hosted by Ama-Robin, this episode explores why believing Black people is essential—from recognizing everyday encounters with racism and bias to celebrating Black excellence that’s …
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Doubt Your Limits: Discover your Inner Explorer
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21:41Discover your inner explorer! Join us as we discuss how finding your inner explorer means pushing past societal limits, reclaiming community and culture, and doubting the boundaries that have been placed upon us. This episode will encourage you to embark on your own exploration, to doubt your limits, and to explore the vast possibilities within. If…
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Exploring New Horizons: Celebrating Black Explorers who Broke Boundaries
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22:15In this powerful episode, Espresso Talk Today dives into the remarkable, often-hidden stories of Black explorers who redefined what’s possible—from Matthew Henson’s trek to the North Pole to Mae Jemison’s journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere and beyond. Join Ama-Robin as she reveals how racial barriers sought to silence these achievements, fostering a…
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Breaking the Silence: Rediscovering Black Explorers and Empowering Black Futures
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31:44In this powerful episode of Espresso Talk Today, host Ama-Robin shines a light on the incredible Black explorers whose contributions have been erased by the quiet force of racism. From Matthew Henson, one of the first men to reach the North Pole, to Octavia Butler, who explored the Black experience through Afro-futurism, this episode uncovers stori…
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From Silence to Strength: Tackling Racial Chaos in the Doctor's Office and Beyond
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33:04In this episode of Espresso Talk Today, we're diving into how to prepare for and manage the racial chaos in the healthcare system. I know many of you—especially my young audience—feel nervous, afraid, or even powerless when facing medical appointments. This episode is for you. We're shifting gears from recognizing the red flags of medical racism to…
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Red Flags of Racial Chaos in Healthcare (Part 1)
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48:39Hujambo, beautiful people! In this episode of Espresso Talk Today, we confront the subtle yet pervasive racial chaos in the healthcare system. Join host Ama-Robin as she uncovers the microaggressions, hidden biases, and other red flags that Black people often face during medical treatment. From dismissal of pain to offensive stereotypes, we get rea…
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Black Women's Health Matters: Shattering Myths and Fighting Medical Racism
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1:20:57In this eye-opening episode, Deirdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D, a leading historian of medicine, reveals the disturbing history of medical racism against Black women. From the origins of American gynecology during the period of enslavement to the persistence of biased treatment today, Dr. Cooper Owens exposes the systemic issues that Black women face in h…
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Black Power in Action: Fighting for and Reclaiming our Health
1:27:56
1:27:56
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1:27:56In this episode of Espresso Talk Today, Dr. Greg Hall, a leading expert on Black health, joins us for an empowering conversation on the critical importance of self-advocacy and personal health care. Dr. Hall shares powerful insights on how systemic barriers and racial biases in the healthcare system have historically impacted Black communities—and …
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Empowering Black Health: Essential Steps for Longevity and Well-Being
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59:47
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59:47Have you ever wanted to have a (free and authentic) conversation with a cardiologist? That's what the Espresso Talk Today team wanted--and that's what we had! We met with Dr. Clyde Yancy, cardiologist and spokesperson of the American Heart Association! Nothing was off the table. We discussed everything from heart fairlure to heart health. Dr. Yancy…
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Uncovering Hidden Racism: The Everyday Behaviors We Need to Confront
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44:19In this powerful episode of Espresso Talk Today, we dive deep into the often-overlooked world of covert racism—the subtle, everyday behaviors and attitudes that many people don’t even realize are racist. From denying racism’s existence to ignoring white privilege and making harmful stereotypes, we unpack how these actions perpetuate systemic racism…
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Why is August 28th so important to Black Folks?
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29:30Join Ama-Robin on Espresso Talk Today as we dive into the profound significance of August 28th in Black history—a day marked by moments of pain, progress, and power. From Emmett Till’s tragic lynching to Dr. King’s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, we explore the events that have shaped our journey toward justice and equality. This episode is a power…
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In this episode, host Ama-Robin dives deep into a challenging yet vital discussion: "You probably don’t think that you’re racist. But you are!" Many white people, even those who consider themselves allies, unknowingly perpetuate racism through ingrained and socialized behaviors. This episode isn’t about blame or shame—it's about understanding and t…
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Fighting the "C" Word: The Dangers of Complacency
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50:44Hujambo, beautiful people! I’m Ama-Robin, host of Espresso Talk Today. In this episode, we're tackling the "C" word: complacency. Join me as we explore why complacency is a silent but powerful enemy in our fight for justice and equality. We'll discuss how complacency perpetuates injustice, creates a false sense of accomplishment, erodes empathy, an…
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Navigating the Chaos: Confronting Racism in Unexpected Places
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32:41In this powerful episode, Black empowerment educator and host Ama-Robin dives into the unpredictable and irrational chaos of living Black in predominantly white spaces. Ama-Robin shares a recent "banking while Black" experience, highlighting the physical, mental, and emotional toll that racism takes on Black people as individuals and communities. T…
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The Mindfulness Superpower: Tapping into your Inner Wisdom.
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54:31In this powerful and transformative episode, host Ama-Robin welcomes back Roxanne Warden, a board-certified life and mindfulness coach, for the second part of their series on the power of mindfulness. This episode dives into the critical role of mindfulness in Black empowerment and offers practical tools to help listeners manage the chaos of living…
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Self-care Special: Building Your Village with Mindfulness and Support
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49:43In this insightful episode, host Ama-Robin and special guest Roxanne Worden, a dedicated mindfulness coach, discuss how building a diverse support network can lead to personal growth and empowerment within the Black community. Ama-Robin highlights the importance of professionals like doctors, dentists, and mindfulness coaches, while Roxanne delves …
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In this powerful and defiant episode, host Ama-Robin confronts the painful contradictions of celebrating Independence Day as a Black American. Drawing inspiration from Frederick Douglass's iconic speech, "What to the Slave is Your Fourth of July?" Ama-Robin exposes the hypocrisies of a nation that celebrates freedom while denying it to millions. Th…
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Why Black-centered Spaces Should be Protected
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44:00Join Ama-Robin on Espresso Talk Today as we celebrate Black spaces—vibrant havens of safety and empowerment that defy the chaos of predominantly white spaces. Discover the resilience and creativity flourishing in Black-owned restaurants, boutiques, and cultural centers. But Black spaces are so much more. Black spaces are Black history, Black art, B…
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Juneteenth: A Radical Movement for Reparations and Liberation
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34:17In this powerful and radical episode, host Ama-Robin dives into the deeper significance of Juneteenth, the day that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Juneteenth is not just a celebration—it's an ongoing movement for reparations and liberation. Ama-Robin explores the historical roots of Juneteenth, the enduring struggles faced by…
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Toward Black Liberation: Imagining a New World
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37:47In this electrifying episode of Espresso Talk Today, host Ama-Robin demands Black liberation and discusses dismantling the existing white supremacist structures that force us to "make a way out of no way." We explore the true cost of resilience and the necessity of envisioning a world where Black people thrive, not just survive. Drawing on the powe…
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Confronting the Chaos: Living Black in white spaces
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33:56Join host Ama-Robin as she dives deep into the relentless chaos of living Black in predominantly white spaces. In this episode, we explore the challenges faced by Black people, from microaggressions and tokenism to racial profiling and economic exploitation. We also confront the emotional labor of constantly educating others about racism and the to…
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The Hidden Costs of Resilience on Black Health and Wellbeing
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31:12In this episode of Espresso Talk Today, host Ama-Robin dives into the often undiscussed aspect of "Making a Way out of No Way." While resilience, resourcefulness, and determination have driven the Black community to achieve remarkable successes, these traits have also taken a significant toll on our health. Ama-Robin explores the phenomenon of John…
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