Espresso Talk Today Senior Content Analyst, Hans Hyppolite, provides us with a special report of the five most important events in 2020 for African Americans.

What is your perspective? Choose wisely. Perspective is your window to the world. It determines your thoughts, behavior, and ultimately life experience. In this first wellness show of the year, Robin discusses the importance of determining perspective and knowing whether it is helping or hurting you.

Habari Gani! Imani!

Join Robin, Hans, Ben, Marlene, Mel, and Wayne--yes, the Espresso Talk Today Team!-- to celebrate the seventh and final day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on faith (Imani in Swahili). This is an extra special day! Happy New Year!

Habari Gani! Kuumba!

Join Wayne and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the sixth day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on creativity (Kuumba in Swahili). This is an extra special day!

Habari Gani! Nia!

Join Mel and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the fifth day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on purpose (Nia in Swahili).

Habari Gani! Ujamaa!

Join Marlene and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the fourth day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on cooperative economics (Ujamaa in Swahili).

Habari Gani! Ujima!

Join Hans and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the third day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on collective work and responsibility (Ujima in Swahili).

Habari gani! Kujichagulia!

Join Ben and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the second day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on Self Determination (Kujichagulia in Swahili).

Habari Gani! Umoja!

Join Robin and the Espresso Talk Today Team to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa. Today, we focus on Unity (Umoja in Swahili).

In this special episode on Christmas Day, Ben reads a Christmas story by Leo Tolstoy. The story is called Papa Panov's Special Christmas. Why did we choose a story by Tolstoy?

The media is one of the most powerful forces in a free and democratic country. It can shape opinions, promote ideas, and influence how people think--in positive and negative ways. Studies show that most white people don't have contact with people of other races so all their views of Black people are developed from the media.

In this special and unique episode, Elder Mel reads a short story by Langston Hughes called, "One Christmas Eve." This story is written in a genre that is not widely known: the African American holiday story.

Interracial relationships are more common but still not fully accepted by society and families. Some people face violence, isolation, and scorn. Yet interracial relationships have existed in the United States since the country was founded but they have faced special difficulties, particularly relations between Black and White people.

This uncommon wellness show focuses on the importance of knowing and practicing your culture. This can be very difficult during the COVID pandemic when our traditions are reduced because of social distancing and other important restrictions to stay safe. Yet we can learn and practice our culture and traditions.

This pandemic holiday season demands that families find new activities that are fun and safe. Watching classic holiday movies is a long tradition. But have you ever watched African American holiday films? Or read Black holiday stories? Grab an eggnog espresso and get ready for a great discussion!

This 2020 holiday season will be different. We have to accept that fact. The COVID-19 pandemic could prevent people from safely enjoying their holiday traditions, which often involve meeting with family and friends, shopping in crowded stores, and enjoying holiday festivals.

The 2020 presidential election between incumbent President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden was the most hotly contested election in a generation. The stakes were high. Very high. And it was inevitably close. Margins were tight. So how did Joe Biden secure his victory?

Veteran's Day in America or Armistice Day in Europe is devoted to honoring all of those who have served the country in war or peace. All soldiers should be recognized for their service and the special challenges that they faced. African American soldiers have faced enemies abroad and at home. Yet their service and courage are often overlooked or downplayed. Not on Espresso Talk Today!