Welcome to the Espresso Talk Today Podcast!
Where we go on an enriching journey through the heart of Black history, culture, and health. Our mission is to not just discuss but to connect, inspire, and illuminate.

Episode 287: Literacy Beyond Whiteness: Reading as Resistance, Storytelling as Power
In this Espresso Talk Today episode, Ama-Robin discusses how reading has always been a way to resist and find joy, especially during tough times like slavery. She also highlights the role of storytelling and oral traditions in keeping Black history alive and strong. Lastly, she touches on the challenges of accessing diverse books today and stresses the importance of supporting Black bookstores.

Episode 286: You are never alone in a Black Bookstore - A Village Story
In this Espresso Talk Today episode, Ama-Robin shares her experience in the empowering world of Black-owned bookstores. As Black bookstores aren't just about books; they're sanctuaries and hubs of knowledge. They symbolize belonging, community, and revolution.

Episode 285: Black History Month Comforting Moments
In this Espresso Talk Today episode, Ama-Robin will 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 serves as a reminder of the power in knowing our history.

Episode 284: Gumbo, Grits, and Gathering: Black Food is Black History
In 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.

Episode 283: A Seat at the Table: Conversations with Historical Black Figures
In this episode, Ama-Robin shares her 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.

Episode 282: Black History Month Reflection: Symbols, Stories, and the Power of History
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.
While reflecting on the power of symbols, the lessons of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and the importance of reclaiming our stories.

Episode 281: Beyond "Rugged Individualism": The Power of Collective Core Values
in this episode, we discuss everything 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 collective responsibility.

Episode 280: Black Empowerment Starts Here: Living by Your Core Values
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.

Episode 279: Stop Making Resolutions: Harnessing the Power of Core Values
In 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.

Episode 278: An African American Christmas Poem
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.

Episode 277: Kwanzaa: Principles for Liberation and Believing Black People
In this episode of Espresso Talk Today, host Ama-Robin discovers the power of Kwanzaa as a celebration of Black culture, resilience, and liberation.

Episode 276: Believe Black People: From Supportive Spaces to Standing Strong
In 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.

Episode 275: #BelieveBlackPeople: More Than a Hashtag, It’s a Movement
In this episode, we break down what it means to believe Black people and why it matters now more than ever.
Today, host Ama-Robin, explores why believing Black people is essential—from recognizing everyday encounters with racism and bias to celebrating Black excellence that’s too often overlooked.

Episode 274: Doubt Your Limits: Discover your Inner Explorer
In this powerful episode, Espresso Talk Today host,Ama-Robin Lofton, discusses how finding your inner explorer means pushing past societal limits, reclaiming community and culture, and doubting the boundaries that have been placed upon us.

Episode 273: Exploring New Horizons: Celebrating Black Explorers who Broke Boundaries
In this powerful episode, Espresso Talk Today dives into the remarkable, often-hidden stories of Black explorers who redefined what’s possible - Matthew Henson’s trek to the North Pole, and Mae Jemison’s journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Episode 272: Breaking the Silence: Rediscovering Black Explorers and Empowering Black Futures
In 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.

Episode 266: Uncovering Hidden Racism: The Everyday Behaviors We Need to Confront
In 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.

Episode 264: Uncovering the Racism You’ve Been Taught
In this episode, In this episode, host Ama-Robin dives deep into how white people, even those who consider themselves allies, unknowingly perpetuate racism through ingrained and socialized behaviors.

Episode 257: Juneteenth: A Radical Movement For Reparations And Liberation
In today’s podcast episode, host Ama-Robin explores the historical roots of Juneteenth, the enduring struggles faced by freed people, and the unfinished work of Black liberation. She calls on us to honor our courageous ancestors by continuing their fight for true equality and demanding reparations.

Episode 256: Toward Black Liberation: Imagining A New World
In today’s podcast episode, 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
Subscribe to Ama-Robin’s Substack for uncommon stories, articles, ideas, and thoughts about racism and the chaos of living Black in predominantly white spaces. My goals are Black liberation and dismantling all forms of oppression.
Bold | Unfiltered | Unapologetic.
Ama-Robin’s Uncommon Conversations on Substack
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