Espresso Talk Today Robin Lofton and Frederick Douglas Lofton

Join Ama-Robin and Mel on a powerful episode of Espresso Talk Today, where today's brew is rich with insight and empowerment. Diving deep into the Every Day Discrimination Scale (EDDS), this episode tackles the often-overlooked yet deeply impactful issue of workplace discrimination and harassment.
Discover how subtle, daily acts of discrimination shape our professional environments and personal well-being. Through vivid real-life examples, Ama-Robin and Mel explore each question of the EDDS, shedding light on the invisible forces at play in workspaces.
Tune in for an empowering discussion that not only exposes hidden injustices but also reinforces the importance of self-care and community support. Whether you're sipping coffee or seeking courage, this episode promises to equip you with the tools to both recognize and combat workplace discrimination.
Don't just listen—join our community and walk the walk with us in this transformative journey. 
To find the Everyday Discrimination Scale, click here.
Recommended Self-care steps:
Here are some specific self-care steps against the health effects of workplace discrimination and harassment:
Meditate: Spend a few minutes each day meditating to calm your mind and reduce stress.
Exercise Regularly: Get that body moving! Exercise is a great stress reliever and mood booster.
Eat Well: Fuel your body with nourishing foods. A healthy diet can support your overall well-being.
Stay Connected: Don't isolate yourself. Reach out to friends and family for support and connection.
Talk About It: Share your experiences with people you trust. Talking can help you process and heal.

Join us in a thought-provoking episode as we delve into the unique journey of identifying and living by core values as Black folks. Racism, a pervasive force, often acts as a formidable obstacle, diverting our focus and energy from our guiding principles. Through powerful anecdotes and insightful analysis, we explore how racism can disrupt our alignment with core values, making it a challenging endeavor.
Yet, amidst adversity, there's empowerment. Discover how embracing core values serves as a source of strength, resilience, and liberation against the effects of racism. From practical steps to navigating internalized oppression, we discuss strategies for identifying and committing to our core values in a world that often seeks to diminish our worth. Tune in to learn how we can navigate this intricate journey, finding empowerment and authenticity even with the chaos of living Black in predominantly white spaces.
 



Five Activities to support Black people living by core values:
Reflective Journaling: Set aside dedicated time for introspection and journaling. Reflect on past experiences, moments of joy, and instances where you felt most fulfilled. Identify recurring themes and values that resonate with you deeply.
Community Dialogue Circles: Engage in open and honest conversations with trusted friends, family members, or community members. Share personal stories, challenges, and aspirations. Listen to others' experiences and perspectives to gain insight into your own values and beliefs.
Guided Meditation or Visualization: Practice mindfulness techniques that encourage deep relaxation and visualization. Imagine yourself living in alignment with your core values, embodying strength, resilience, and authenticity. Visualize overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals with confidence and clarity.
Affirmations and Mantras: Develop affirmations or mantras that affirm your core values and empower you to overcome challenges. Repeat these affirmations daily, either silently or aloud, to reinforce positive beliefs and intentions.
Cultural Exploration: Explore Black history, culture, and heritage to gain a deeper understanding of your roots and identity. Connect with stories of resilience, courage, and empowerment from Black leaders and trailblazers who embody core values such as justice, equality, and community.

At Espresso Talk Today, empowerment is at the heart of everything we do. In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of core values—the guiding principles that shape our decisions and actions.
Knowing your core values is more than just an introspective exercise—it's a tool for empowerment. It empowers you to reduce stress, set meaningful goals, and live a life that aligns with your true essence.
Join us as we explore the profound impact of core values and how they can lead you toward a more fulfilling and empowered life.
This is the episode that you didn't know that you needed!
Bonus Content!
You can find a list of core values here!
Are you living by your core values? Take the 10-question quiz here.

Join Ama-Robin and Mel as they interview Demiesha Dennis, founder of Brown Girl Outdoor World. Dive into Demiesha's inspiring journey from self-taught fly-fisher to advocate for Black women in nature.
We discuss: 
1. The challenges faced by women of color in outdoor spaces, from racial profiling to lack of representation. 
2. How Black Girl Outdoor World is reshaping the narrative on who belongs outdoors and fostering inclusivity through education and community. 
3. The transformative power of nature as a form of Black empowerment and liberation.
Tune in to hear firsthand accounts and insights from women who are defying stereotypes and embracing the beauty of the natural world.
Get more information about Brown Girl Outdoor World here.
This is Black empowerment at its finest. Join us!
 
Five Affirmations for Black women in nature:
I belong in nature.  My presence in the outdoors is a powerful act of reclaiming my space and heritage.
I am strong, resilient, and capable. I navigate outdoor spaces with confidence and grace.
I honor the wisdom and resilience of my ancestors who have connected with the land for generations. Their legacy empowers me to embrace my heritage and thrive in outdoor environments.
I am worthy of safety, respect, and dignity in all outdoor spaces. I assert my boundaries and stand up against hatred and discrimination, knowing that I deserve to feel safe and valued.
I trust in my intuition and inner wisdom to guide me through any challenges I may encounter in outdoor spaces. I am resourceful, adaptable, and capable of overcoming obstacles with grace and determination.

Today, we bravely dive into the topic of managing racial trauma. We are uniquely guided by Professor William A. Smith's framework of trauma-informed care: the 4Rs. By realizing, recognizing, responding, and resisting, we can navigate the complexities of racial trauma and foster healing within ourselves and our communities. Join us on our journey of diving into each R and exploring actionable--and effective!--steps for healing and empowerment. 
The 4Rs of Trauma Care:
Realize the nature of systemic racism. Recognize the symptoms of racial trauma. Respond to the symptoms of racial trauma. Resist racial re-traumatization. Five Self-care Activities to Manage Racial Trauma:
Take time to check in with yourself regularly and assess your mental and physical well-being.
Be attentive to changes in your mood, behavior, and physical health.
Foster open communication with trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals about your experiences.
Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other self-care techniques to manage stress and promote emotional well-being.
Seek out supportive communities and spaces where you feel empowered and validated.
 
 

Racial stress is a fact of life for most Black Americans. We suffer its physical and mental effects daily at work, at school, in public spaces, anywhere or anytime. Headaches. Hypertension. Insomnia. Anxiety. Depression. These are a few of the symptoms of racial stress, or Racial Battle Fatigue. We have learned about Racial Battle Fatigue from its founder, Professor William A. Smith, a psychologist from the University of Utah. By popular demand, we are addressing five statements by Professor Smith about racial stress. These "Uncomfortable Truths" are difficult to hear but important to know. Join us for this uncommon conversation as we dive deep into racial stress, racism, and white supremacist systems that are damaging Black health!
Five Self-care Activities that fight racial stress and trauma:
Mindful Reflection and Journaling: Take time each day to reflect on your experiences with racial stress and write them down in a journal. Reflect on how these experiences made you feel and any physical sensations you noticed. Then, practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to help release tension and promote relaxation.
Community Connection and Support: Seek out supportive communities of fellow Black individuals who understand and empathize with your experiences of racial stress. Engage in open and honest conversations about your shared experiences, and offer support and validation to one another. This sense of belonging and solidarity can provide immense comfort and strength in navigating racial battle fatigue.
Creative Expression and Healing Arts: Explore creative outlets such as art, music, dance, or writing as a means of expressing and processing your emotions surrounding racial stress. Engage in activities that bring you joy and allow you to connect with your cultural heritage and identity. Whether it's painting a picture, composing a song, or practicing traditional African dance, creative expression can be a powerful tool for healing and self-care in the face of racial battle fatigue.
Nature Connection and Grounding Exercises: Spend time outdoors in natural settings such as parks, forests, or gardens to reconnect with nature and ground yourself. Take leisurely walks, practice mindfulness amidst the sights and sounds of nature, or simply sit and soak in the healing energy of the environment. Engage your senses by noticing the colors, textures, and scents around you, allowing yourself to find peace and rejuvenation in nature's embrace.
Boundary Setting and Self-Advocacy Practices: Practice setting clear boundaries in your personal and professional life to protect your mental and emotional well-being from the impact of racial stress. Communicate assertively with others about your needs and limits, and advocate for yourself in situations where you feel marginalized or discriminated against. This may involve asserting your rights, speaking up against injustice, or seeking support from allies and advocates. By prioritizing self-care and self-advocacy, you empower yourself to navigate the challenges of racial battle fatigue with resilience and dignity.