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!

Thugs. Criminals. Angry. Dangerous. These are common stereotypes of African Americans. Stereotypes are pervasive in society. Everyone harbours stereotypes about other groups. Are they all harmful?

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.

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.

Friendships can be complicated. 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, and anti-LGBTQ-ism take prejudice to a different and possibly dangerous level. Handling a racist "friend" is a difficult situation. It can create hostility or even a teachable moment about the perils of racism.

What does self-determination mean to you? What things threaten your right to self-determination? For people of color around the world, the right to self-determination is supreme yet has been undermined by colonialism, systemic racism, and economic inequality. Many Black and Brown people have fought--some successfully, others unsuccessfully--for their right to self-determination.

Systemic racism is widely recognized and is (finally) being fought and dismantled. Around the world, people are protesting against racism and racial violence. Education is one important area in which racism is recognized and also being attacked. Leading the movement against racism in educational systems are students of color who are feeling empowered to fight for an education that acknowledges and supports them. This has led to examining educational curricula, questioning who decides the boundaries of knowledge, and critiquing power systems that maintain white supremacy. In this unique discussion, Robin and Ben question how to decolonize educational systems.

Since George Floyd's murder, Black Lives Matter has received a lot of attention from many sources: media, politicians, athletes, and ordinary people. And it is (finally!) receiving a lot of understanding from the White community. But Black Lives Matter did not just emerge on the scene following Mr. Floyd's horrific murder. It actually formed in 2013 following the murder of 17-year old Trayvon Martin by a self-proclaimed and armed community volunteer in Florida who labeled him as a thug. Black Lives Matter has since been organizing, marching, protesting, and working tirelessly since that time to make the world understand that Black lives are threatened every day. No Black life is safe.

We are celebrating Pride Month. Pride Month is so important because it acknowledges huge change for the LGBT+ community, as well as the wider societal implications. This is positive and powerful. Yet the LGBT+ community still faces discrimination, hate, and violence. And the Black LGBT+ community experiences these problems at a higher rate but with less access to legal recourse and support.

Gratitude can be taught and learned in different ways. "The Hunter and the Antelope" is a fable from Nigeria in which different animals teach the importance of gratitude to a crocodile. The fable is presented by Elder Mellanese in honor of Juneteenth. But the story is interesting and important throughout the year!