Espresso Talk Today is celebrating Juneteenth! We have an original short story about a young freed Black woman and a true narrative by a young freed Black woman. This is the 156 anniversary of the freeing of the enslaved population of Texas. Let's acknowledge and celebrate this historic day. And remember that there is still lots of work to do. No one is free until we all are free. No one is equal until we all are equal. Happy Juneteenth!

Tony Lip in The Green Book. Aibileen Clark in The Help. Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Rudyard Kipling's poem, The White Man's Burden. The problem of the “White saviour” is persistent and growing in western culture. The term “white saviourism” refers to an idea in which a white person, or white culture, rescues Black people from their own situation. This has been witnessed in western culture from slavery and colonialism to the present "White liberal" day. It is prevalent in many different settings. From books and movies to charitable organizations and foreign policies and even our friends, the image of the White savior saving Black people is a persistent theme and feeling in western culture. In this podcast show, Ben and Marlene will discuss the issue of White saviourism. They will define and identify the “White saviour” in various settings. They will also discuss the effects of White saviourism in Black and White communities. Join the convo!

Americans love Paris. The food. The art. The language. Black Americans also love Paris--for different reasons. The freedom. The equality. The experience of living in a "colorblind" society. This led many Black Americans to settle in Paris. James Baldwin. Chester Himes. Beauford Delaney. Josephine Baker. Jazz musicians. Artists. Military servicemen. Black Americans were looking for a "home" where they could live without the pervasive racism and violence in America. For many, Paris became this new home. The Espresso Talk Today team discusses the Black American presence and influence in Paris with Monique Wells who founded Entrée to Black Paris tours, which conducts tours of Paris focusing on the Black American and Black diasporan presence in the City of Lights. Join the team to learn the surprising and untold stories of Black Americans in Paris. Forget the Eiffel Tower. See the café where America's greatest Black writers would gather in Paris!

Robert E. Lee Memorial Statue (Richmond, VA). Edmund Pettus Bridge (Selma, AL). Confederate Soldiers & Sailors Obelisk (Birmingham, AL). Buffalo Bill Cultural Center (Kansas). Columbus Day holiday. Gone with the Wind. What do these have in common? They remember the history of White Americans. However, many people—particularly people of color—are denouncing these public remembrances for their idealization of slavery, segregation, genocide, mass rape, and other atrocities. Other people respond that their history or heritage is under attack and that their stories are not fully acknowledged. Who is right? Can we respond in a way that acknowledges the full--and often ugly--history? The Espresso Talk Today team approaches these difficult questions and gives their opinions about what should be done about these historical sites. Join us in this lively discussion about White supremacy hidden in plain sight. There are no right or wrong answers--just opinions here! Grab your espresso…

African Americans are a large voting bloc. But how much political power do we really have? And how effectively do we use our power? In this episode, we examine this mythical monolithic Black voting bloc. Join us as we compare Black voting power after the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, consider how we can more effectively use our voting power, and disagree on whether we should refuse to vote as a means of protest. Lots of issues from defunding police to environmental justice to Palestinian rights are discussed. It gets fierce. But it gets us ahead. Join us for this dynamic and uncommon conversation.

What were the Buffalo Soldiers? Why were they called "Buffalo Soldiers"? What was their role in fighting for America? Why haven't we heard of them? This episode will answer all of your questions about these brave Black soldiers! You will learn who the Buffalo Soldiers were and how they fought in the wars of western expansion. Yet they faced racism, racial violence, and numerous difficulties on their way to becoming feared and respected western legends. The Espresso Talk Today team interviews a docent from the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum--and a direct descendant of a Buffalo Soldier!--who will also teach us about the contributions of African American soldiers in every major American war. Grab an espresso and be prepared to be surprised and enlightened by a true historian, soldier, and storyteller, respectfully known as Trooper Charles Williams.

Do you need a will? What is probate? Can I avoid making a will or going through the probate process? What is a trust? What about taxes? Great questions. The lawyers in this episode discuss these and other important questions about wills, trusts, probate, taxes, and even fraud! Many people don't think about making a will or they don't know why they might need one. They might not know what other legal instrument is better suited for them. Join attorneys, Barry and Mel as well as dynamic paralegal Janice to learn more about these important issues. You need this information! *Remember that estate planning is different in every state.

Muhammed Ali. Wilma Rudolph. Colin Kaepernick. All of these African Americans were great athletes. But they were also great activists fighting for racial and social justice. Many people forget the important contributions made by Black athlete activists. Yet they have had an incredible impact on highlighting racial and social injustices--and changing the world.

The lawnmower. The key chain. The gas mask. The video security system. The modern traffic signal. These were invented by African Americans. And there is so much more!

How can you support Black economic empowerment? The easiest yet most powerful way is to buy from Black businesses. Invest in Black businesses. Donate. Collaborate. And always buy Black first!

Black Wall Street. Madame C.J. Walker. BET. OWN. Vista Equity Partners. Black Americans have always worked for economic power and independence. There have been notable successes--and many obstacles.

An "uncommon" monthly news perspective show that reflects on events and their effects in the Black community. Join March host, Ben Koponen, in this show about March news events.

The ETT Team has a lively inter-generational discussion on the existence and effects of Black stereotyping in the media. Whew! From King Kong through YouTube, we discuss the differing social and emotional effects of early and modern Black stereotypes. Everything was on the table for discussion.

Stereotypes exist in every part of society. Modern movies and television shows are not immune to this problem. It's frustrating. It's persistent. It's inexcusable. And today we call it out.

Black lawyers have always been a strong and influential part of the Black community. But they have problems too. Mel and Barry--both attorneys--discuss the struggles faced by Black lawyers.

Everyone has a goal to reach. Everyone has a dream. In this unique episode, the Espresso Talk Today team presents a proven and surefire plan for achieving your goals--in 3 simple steps!

In 1954, the Supreme Court invalidated school segregation in the famous Brown v. Board of Education case. In this special episode, the ETT Team performs a play showing the real struggle to desegregate the public schools.

Sixty years makes a difference. Or does it? The period from 1960 to 2020 was a turbulent time in the United States. What has really changed?

What percentage of American cowboys were Black? What famous Black singer is "unforgettable"? Join the ETT Team for a fun and educational game show-style quiz on Black History!