Police violence. White supremacy and terror. Dehumanizing behavior. Systemic racism. Everywhere. Every day. African Americans and other people of color face constant threats not only to their physical safety but also to their mental health. This leads to high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. Racism-induced stress also reduces the life expectancy and quality of life for many African Americans. Add poverty, lack of health care, inadequate housing, and reduced access to good nutrition and clean water to this deadly cocktail and there is another "pandemic" rooted in racism. Many African Americans are seeking methods to protect their mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. One effective method is meditation, which has proven benefits of fighting stress and anxiety, reducing depression, and improving the quality of life--on mental and physical levels. In this special episode, Robin will discuss the unique stresses faced by African Americans and the benefits of meditation. She will also guide three short meditations to introduce the practice of meditation and provide instant stress relief during these turbulent times. You will not want to miss this episode!

History is boring, right? Wrong! If you like stories, romance, mystery, and drama then you will love learning history. But history is often taught only by memorizing names, dates, and death counts. Robin and Hans are continuing their discussion from last week's podcast show in which they discussed why history is still important.

No, it's not Black History Month but Black history is still important. Protests. Marches. Covid pandemic. Police violence. Systemic racism. These are not new in American history. Yet many people have forgotten how these events have had a regular presence throughout American (and perhaps world) history. Are we doomed to repeat the failures of the past? Have we learned how to approach these important issues effectively? Robin and Hans think that history is important but that it is not getting the attention needed to have an impact.

For more than 200 years, Harvard University has been profiting from the photos of an enslaved man (named "Renty") and his daughter. Their descendants want the photos returned and they are taking the powerful university to court. Many universities are finally admitting their participation in and profit from African slavery. A few universities are making reparations; others are only making apologies. What will Harvard do?

America's original Founders--Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, and others--were revolutionaries and resisters. They created a new nation but also a new relationship between the government and the people. Yet there were omissions, problems, conflicts, and racism. They never reached a clear decision on slavery, the rights of women, or the rights of the indigenous populations. Work remained to be done. America's new Founders were also revolutionaries and resisters but they were more committed to the Republican ideals of equality, freedom, and individual rights for all people. They are often not revered like the original Founders but their accomplishments were arguably greater, definitely more egalitarian.

The Covid-19 pandemic. Police Violence. White supremacy and terror. Dehumanizing events. Micro-aggressions. Systemic racism. Everywhere. Every day. We, as African Americans and other people of color, face constant threats not only to our physical safety but also to our mental health and security. You might then ask: "What do I have to be grateful for?" Answer: A lot! And this is not to diminish the real threats and actions that we are hearing about and seeing every day. But gratitude is not about them. It's about you.

Do you know how many African Americans have run for President of the United States? The history books are filled with the names and stories of White men (and a few White women) who have run for the world's most powerful political office. Forgotten are the African Americans--both men and women--who have run for President of the United States. From the great orator and abolitionist, Frederick Douglass, to the fiery and bold activist, Cynthia McKinney, and beyond, African Americans have taken the courageous (and dangerous) step to be the leader of the free world. Some ran as candidates of the major political parties.

How can White people fight for racial justice and equality for African Americans and other people of color? Co-hosts Doug and Robin discuss this controversial issue, presented in the groundbreaking article, “64 Things White People can do for Racial Justice.”

What do you know about Harriet Tubman? Yes, she was a courageous conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping hundreds of enslaved Africans to escape to freedom. But her courage, skills, and talent extended far beyond those night-time "trips" through swamps and darkness following the North Star.

Yes, Black History Month comes only once per year. From the special museum and library exhibits to the musical and cultural festivals, Black History Month is a vibrant time of remembrance, learning, and celebration. But there is no need to sing the end-of-Black-History-Month blues!

The health care system in the United States is marked by racial discrimination and bias. From the Reconstruction Era until the present, African Americans have experienced racial discrimination in access to and treatment under the health care system. Many are aware of the Tuskegee experiments but other lesser-known situations have also occurred such as the case of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman who died of cancer in 1951 whose cells were "stolen" and used to make cancer drugs.

The Academy Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the motion picture industry. Yet African Americans--with our growing representation in the industry--have not been fairly or adequately represented as the recipients of these prestigious awards.

Many in the mainstream vegan movement only focus on protecting animals. However, others believe that ALL oppression is wrong and that the vegan movement should also be concerned with human rights.

What is veganism? Is it more than a plant-based diet? Learn the basics of veganism and its special place in the African American and global Black communities.