Thursday, April 7, 2022

ETT is laser focused on health. Mental health. Physical health. Emotional health. Spiritual health. Community health. Black health. Every day should be health day. We should think about and care for our health. Every. Single. Day. Yet this is not possible for all people. Poverty, houselessness, racism, discrimination, illness, and other factors are obstacles to achieving and maintaining optimal health. Black people face serious obstacles to health, including access to health and practitioner discrimination and bias. Racism has been declared a public health crisis yet many health care practitioners refuse to consider this crisis when dealing with individual Black patients or communities. On this day, let’s do what we can to care for our health. But let’s also commit to helping others who may need additional assistance or compassion. Health is a human right, but it is often reserved for wealthy, educated, western societies and individuals. The Covid pandemic made it clear that “we are not all in this together.” On this World Health Day, here are ways that you can help make World Health Day a success for all people and for the planet.

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Do you love this planet? Here is a great way to show your love for Mother Earth! 

Every year, at 8:30 pm on the last Saturday of March, supporters in over 190 countries and territories unite, taking action on and raising awareness of the issues facing our one home. But Earth Hour is more than just an hour for Earth - it's a movement for our own futures, for the benefit of people and planet. And it's not only a symbol of solidarity - it's a catalyst for change, harnessing the power of the crowd. 

This is a great hour that makes a difference for the planet and for everyone who participates in—and celebrates—this hour.  Think candlelight dinners, spending time with friends, reconnecting with nature, and so many more ways. Want more ideas? Click here!  

Monday, March 21, 2022

Poetry moves the heart and, frankly, just says what needs to be said and heard! Poets are essential members of every community. Black poets are also great story tellers and social activists. Today we honor their work and legacy. Listen to Gran’Daddy Junebug recite “sto-etry” by great poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872 – 1906). Also, watch National Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, recite her iconic poem, The Hill We Climb. Have you heard the great poetry of Tupac Shakur? Listen here! Do you write poetry? We would love to read it! Send it to us at team@espressotalktoday.com.

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Storytelling is a true art! Storytelling has roots deeply based in African culture as a means of teaching and entertaining. Storytelling also brings the community together. Elders tell stories to the young. Parents tell stories to their children. Children tell stories to each other. It is a wonderful way for families to connect and for communities to support and uplift each other. Griots (master storytellers) are revered in African culture for their skills and wisdom. This tradition has been brought to America too. We have many great African American storytellers! The Espresso Talk Today team honors Black storytellers today for keeping this great tradition alive and for passing on the skill and history to the next generations. Our stories must be remembered and told! Click here to listen to Master Storyteller Gran’ Daddy Junebug recite “sto-etry” by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Click here for a great discussion and iconic stories by Master storyteller, Mama Edie. We honor you today and every day!

Friday, March 4, 2022

National Sons Day on March 4th honours the sons of the world and those who raise them.

Around the world, slightly more sons are born than daughters. Both bring joy to families. When it comes to our children, our rambunctious sons grow into adulthood. Some are soft-spoken and gentle. Others with a spark of curiosity fill every hour with questions, some unanswerable.

Sons hold a very special place in Black families. As children, they captivate us with their curiosity, energy, and uniqueness. As they grow into teenagers, we feel their strength, support, and protection. In adulthood, Black sons grow into husbands, fathers, uncles, and mentors. But they are always sons. They face special difficulties because society does not always show the value for Black men and boys. But Black families recognize and acknowledge our sons and their value and importance in our lives.

Whether your son is living on the planet or living with the ancestors, let’s honour the special love, wisdom, and strength that our sons have brought into our life.

Special Poem Reading for Black Sons

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Teenage life has its laughter and joys. But it also has difficulties and challenges. Many teens experience mental health difficulties during this time of transition to adulthood. Often,

these difficulties are not recognized or acknowledged. And teens can suffer mental health problems, leading to diminished school performance, reduced happiness or fulfillment, or even

suicide. Black teens face additional challenges as they deal with systemic racism, stereotyping, adultification, over-surveillance, reduced life opportunities, and police violence. These traumas are not acknowledged and can lead to depression, anxiety, and suicide.

This month—and every month—let’s give unconditional support to teens as they navigate their challenging life journeys. Let’s also recognize when a teen is struggling or suffering and give them the support, therapy/counselling, or medication that they might need. Also, teens need our unconditional love, support, and attention every single day.

Black Youth Mental Health and Racism

Black Teens are Less Likely to get Mental Health Treatment than White Teens — problems in the system.

African American Therapists

Therapy for Black Girls

Sunday, February 13, 2022

February 13 is known as Black Love Day. It was founded, in 1993, by Ayo Handy-Kendi (also known as Mama Ayo) as an alternative holiday for African Americans to celebrate and love one another at a time of year when love is already in the air because of Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is considered a Eurocentric holiday, which packages romance and “I love offerings” around Hallmark cards and boxes of Godiva. It is another commercially focused holiday, which does not fully resonate with many African Americans.

Like Kwanzaa, many African Americans are focusing on celebrating holidays that have cultural and spiritual relevance as well as avoiding Eurocentric holidays that idolize colonialism, white superiority, and sometimes even genocide. Yet, Black Love Day is not simply a rejection of Valentine’s Day. It is an affirmation of Black love, culture, and ritual. It was initiated to put an end to self-hatred among Black people, stop the violence, end racism, and increase peace—while offering an Africa-centered, spiritually-influenced holiday.

Black Love Day is also called Akoma Day. The Akoma is an ancient African Adinkra (Ghana) symbol of divine love and unity. The Akoma was “appropriated” for Valentine’s Day and is commonly called the “heart” today.

Black love day is a day of atonement, reconciliation, and celebration.

The holiday is based on five tenets:

1. Love toward the creator,

2. Love for self,

3. Love for the family,

4. Love for and within the Black community, and

5. Love for Black people.

The idea is to apply these tenets throughout the entire year in one’s daily life but also to pay special homage to the idea of Black love on Feb. 13. People of other races and ethnicities can work on their behaviour and racial attitudes toward Black people and demonstrate “love in action” to African Americans.

“We encourage people on this day to do something very simple—just demonstrate love for 24 hours, and celebrate and atone, offer forgiveness to ourselves and to others, and to accept the very important tenets,” Ayo Handy-Kendi, the founder and director of the African

American Holiday Association (AAHA).

Black Couples talk about Black Love Day.

Black Love Books. Show love to your Black Bookseller

Black Love Day: A How-to Guide

Discover African American Holidays!

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Time To Talk Day brings the nation together to start talking and breaking the silence around mental health issues and problems.

Espresso Talk Today is committed to protecting and improving the mental health of Black Americans. Taking time to talk and listen to friends and family about mental health can save a life.

Sixteen percent (4.8 million) of Black and African American people reported having a mental illness, and 22.4 percent of those (1.1 million people) reported a serious mental illness over the past year. Serious mental illness (SMI) rose among all ages of Black and African American people between 2008 and 2018. Yet stigma, cultural biases, and financial access remain obstacles to Black Americans getting the mental health assistance needed.

Too often, people who experience a mental health problem are also expected to take the lead on talking about mental health in the wider sense. Time To Talk Day encourages everyone to talk about mental health.

Since Time to Talk Day first launched in 2014, it has sparked millions of conversations in schools, homes, workplaces, in the media and online. Let’s talk about it.

Families, friends, and communities need to work together to support those with mental health difficulties so they can get the care needed and live their best and fulfilled lives. Talking is a great way to start. Take time today to ask, listen, and connect with someone in your life. It’s time to talk about mental health matters.

https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/time-to-talk-day-2022/

 Great resource to find Black therapist.

Great Video on Black Mental Health Matters

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Reading is fun. Reading is fundamental. Reading opens one’s eyes and mind. The great abolitionist, orator, and philosopher, Frederick Douglass said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

 During slavery, an enslaved person was severely punished for learning to read. Today, schools are failing to teach Black children to learn to read and to develop of love of reading. Black people are also under-represented in contemporary literature, particularly books for children and teens.

 On this day, let’s read! Let’s read together, alone, or both. Grab a Black-written book and read. You will be “forever free.”  This is also a great opportunity to support a Black-owned bookstore!

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

The National Day of Racial Healing is a time to contemplate our shared values and create the blueprint together for #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism. Launched in 2017, it is an opportunity to bring ALL people together in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world.

 Join us for essential conversations and activities on racial healing, equity, and justice. Events are happening around the United States.

Bring racial healing to your community

Start the dialogue on racial healing in your community by using our conversation guide and additional resources.

 DOWNLOAD THE ACTION KIT

 DOWNLOAD THE CONVERSATION GUIDE

 Learn how to create and engage in racial healing conversations

Inspire your peers and community to take meaningful action.

DOWNLOAD THE STUDENT ACTION KIT

Spark conversation and change with your students

Inspire your students to stand up for racial equity and speak out against racism.

DOWNLOAD THE EDUCATOR ACTION KIT

Get the word out in your community and invest in racial healing

Engage your community and peer funders and support racial healing.

DOWNLOAD THE PHILANTHROPY ACTION KIT

Be a hub for conversations about racial healing

Create space for conversations about racial healing, equity and transformation in your community.

DOWNLOAD THE LIBRARY ACTION KIT

Illuminate a path for racial healing in your organization

Find ideas to connect the spirit of faith to the heart of racial equity.

DOWNLOAD THE AMBASSADOR ACTION KIT

Lead your organization down the path of racial healing

Advocate for racial healing within your organization and sector and engage colleagues and co-workers in conversations about racial equity and transformation.

DOWNLOAD THE BUSINESS, CORPORATE & FINANCIAL LEADERS ACTION KIT

DOWNLOAD THE BUSINESS CASE FOR RACIAL EQUITY

Learn about the ways that racism impacts health

Break down barriers to health equity and build a more equitable workforce in the field.

DOWNLOAD THE HEALTH EQUITY ACTION KIT

 Let’s work together for racial healing today and every day!

Monday, January 17, 2022

Martin Luther King Day is observed every year on the third Monday of January — on January 17 this year. King was an influential civil rights leader — best known for his work on racial equality and ending racial segregation in the United States. Dr. King also worked tirelessly to end poverty, support workers’ rights, and for economic equality.

His life and achievements are remembered and celebrated on this day. Martin Luther King Day was first observed in 1986 but was not recognized in all 50 states (in the United States) until 2000.

Excellent books written about Dr. King are A Testament of Hope and The Radical King.

Iconic books written by Dr. King include: Why We Can’t Wait and Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?

Everyone should read Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail.

Let’s remember a few quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Friday, October 15, 2021

This year National Mammography Day lands on October 15. Occurring every third Friday of October, National Mammography Day is a cousin to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Both are committed to women’s self-care but this day is set aside specifically to encourage women to take the time to make an appointment. Early detection means early treatment and could make the difference between life and death. 

To arrange for a free mammogram near you, click HERE.

Monday, October 11, 2021

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October, on October 11 this year, to honor the cultures and histories of the Native American people. The day is centered around reflecting on their tribal roots and the tragic stories that hurt but strengthened their communities.

For the Native Americans and other people of color, Columbus Day is an offensive holiday that glorified a history of rape, torture, and genocide. Indigenous Peoples’ Day draws attention to the pain, trauma, and broken promises that were “covered up” by the celebration of Columbus Day.

Black people can—and should—stand together with the native peoples of the Americas. We have a shared history and common experience with European colonialism and genocide—both in Africa and the United States. We can show our support for native people and their history and show our rejection of Western colonialism that decimated our cultures and destroyed our people. Today, 14 U.S. states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Here are great ideas for celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Only 1 in 3 Black Americans receives the mental health care that they need. People often do not give the same importance to mental health as they do to caring for their physical health. Stigmas persist. Misunderstanding is rife. Discrimination is ever-present. Systemic racism is one cause of mental stress and a cause of the obstacles that prevent Black Americans from getting the help that they need for their mental health. Depression and anxiety are very common and can be debilitating. These illnesses are often invisible to others. Yet they are real and dangerous. Everyone should take steps to protect their mental health and well-being. And we should reach out to help others who are struggling.  It is also helpful to find a culturally competent therapist.  Each Mind Matters is an excellent resource for African Americans to address mental health issues and locate a culturally qualified therapist. Mental health is important. You are not alone.

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Education has always been important in the Black community and teachers are on the front lines of this movement. In the past, many Black children had Black teachers. Today, Black teachers (particularly Black male teachers) are less common. This has a direct effect on the learning abilities and self-esteem and confidence of Black children. Studies show that Black students learn better with Black teachers. Studies also show that Black teachers have higher expectations of Black students than White teachers. Black students need Black teachers.  Check out Every Child Needs a Black Teacher Project. Black teachers must be supported and cherished as they often act as “surrogate parents” as well as advisors, counsellors, and educators.

International Teachers Day, World Teachers Day is held yearly on October 5. Since its set up in 1994, the day celebrates the marking of the ” teaching in Freedom” in 1996. Last year the theme was “Engaging Teachers”. It is observed all over the world over since 1994 after the UNESCO Recommendation concerning Teachers. Let us protect (wear a mask!) and support Black teachers and educators as they tirelessly and selflessly work to educate our children. Teaching is a powerful form of activism and we should support them as they help adult-learners and children work towards a better future.

Monday, October 4, 2021

Black children face special challenges and attacks on their health. Faced with poverty, food deserts, inadequate educational opportunities, and health disparities, many Black children suffer from health problems that can affect every aspect of their lives. National Child Health Day is on the first Monday of every October where we show our support of children’s health, family, and those that work hard to help them. Family income is a major factor in the health of children both physically and mentally. Systemic racism is another major factor that affects the health of Black children. Racial disparities in health care are also a major problem. Children from households below the poverty line have a higher obesity rate than those above it, and with the epidemic not slowing down, it’s clear that there’s more that we need to do. You can support your child’s health by encouraging a healthy diet, exercise, family time, and good mental health practices. However, some health determinants are beyond the control of individuals and families who work hard to care for their children. Local, state, and federal governments must be committed to supporting the health of all children. Fighting systemic racism is another important step in protecting the health of every Black child. It takes a (loving, supportive, anti-racist) village to raise a healthy Black child.

Friday, October 1, 2021

The Elders are very important in Black families! Whether as aging parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or friends, the Elders serve an important role in our families and the community. Many Black Elders were on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement, African and Caribbean anti-colonial movements, and other society-changing efforts. They have great stories, guidance, and hope to share with us. Yet many Black Elders are still suffering from systemic racism-related problems like poor housing, health disparities, poverty, and physical and mental health problems. The pandemic has deepened the problems of lasting inequality.

According to the Administration on Aging, the Black or African American older population was 3.2 million in 2008 and is projected to grow to over 9.9 million by 2050. In 2008, African Americans made up 8.3% of the older population. By 2050, the percentage of the older population that is African American is projected to account for 11% of the older population.

Celebrated annually on October 1st International Day of Older Persons was passed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 14, 1990, who declared October 1st to be the International Day of Older Persons. The day is special for the elders around the world.

Let’s take time today (and every day) to show our appreciation for the elders by spending time with them, telling them how much we appreciate them, helping them with household chores, shopping, or gardening, and just showing our love and respect for their presence in our lives. Today (and every day), let’s honor their stories, history, and contributions. Because of them, we are. Click here for a great resource about Black Elders.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most common cause of death globally. An estimated

17 million people die from CVD every year. Coronary heart disease or strokes were the

major causes of these deaths. A common misconception about CVD is that it impacts more

people in developed countries who are more reliant on technology and lead sedentary

lifestyles. But more than 80% of the deaths occur in middle-income and low-income

countries. 

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer for all Americans, and stroke is also a leading cause of death.

As frightening as those statistics are the risks of getting those diseases are even higher for

African-Americans.

The good news is, African-Americans can improve their odds of preventing and beating

these diseases by understanding the risks and taking steps to address them. Many people

are not aware that systemic racism is one of the major causes of early death and mortality

among African Americans from heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes. It is a

public health crisis that each African American must address. Read get more information

here and here. Espresso Talk Today has two important podcasts on racism as a public health

crisis and how systemic racism affects Black health.

Friday, September 24, 2021

Have you heard of John Henryism? It posits that African Americans suffer health effects from striving for success in a racist society and system. Heart attacks. Hypertension. Early death. We recently discussed the details of John Henryism in a fascinating and enlightening podcast with its founder, Professor Sherman James. The good professor returns to discuss how to identify John Henryism and whether it is affecting your life and health. Professor James discusses the questionnaire that he personally developed and how to interpret its results. This is a startling episode that you don’t want to miss!

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Peace is possible. Throughout history, most societies have lived in peace most of the time.

Today, we are much less likely to die in war than our parents or grandparents. Since the

establishment of the United Nations and the creation of the Charter of the United Nations,

governments are obligated not to use force against others unless they are acting in self-

defense or have been authorized by the UN Security Council to proceed.

Life is better in a world where peace exists and, today, we look to those who have been

peacemakers and peacekeepers to learn what we can each do individually to make the

world a more peaceful place. Find ways that you can contribute to world peace.

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Grandparents are important members in African American families! They often serve as

substitute parents when birth parents are working, unwell, or, sadly, deceased or

incarcerated. Grandparents are also mentors, caregivers, and friends. Going back to our

African roots, the elders are often great sources of wisdom, guidance, and comfort to

younger family members. The role of grandparents in Black families is unmistakable. Do

something special for your grandparents today! Read here for great ideas.