Black people have always valued knowledge—through books, through songs, through music, and even through memory. In this fireside reflection, Ama-Robin explores why reading has always been a form of resistance and an expression of joy, why storytelling matters, the importance of music, drumming, dance, and other forms of communication and repositories of knowledge. Most importantly, she discusses how we can reclaim literacy without centering whiteness.

In this powerful fireside chat, Ama-Robin reflects on the deep connection between Black identity and literacy—from surviving enslavement to resisting erasure in today’s classrooms.

✨ Featuring reflections on:

• Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

• The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton

• The Miseducation of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson

• “Grandma’s Hands” by Bill Withers

• Ancient African knowledge systems, oral traditions, and storytelling

• The continued power of Black bookstores and community wisdom

🎧 Topics include:

• Why Black literacy is liberation

• Why storytelling has always been a valid, powerful form of knowledge

• How we preserve memory in books, music, rhythm, and ritual

• How we can reclaim literacy without centering whiteness

📍 Recorded in honor of our beloved ancestors—and Doug Lofton, whose spirit lives in every story shared.

🖤 Stay curious. Stay rooted. Stay free.

In this story, we will step inside a Black-owned bookstore. Feel the warmth. Hear the conversations. Smell the books and the spice of chai in the air. This isn’t just a shop—it’s a sanctuary, a meeting place, a revolution in the making. In this story-driven episode, I take you inside a Black bookstore where knowledge is resistance, elders share wisdom, and a single quote can change everything.

Let’s explore what makes Black bookstores more than bookstores—they are home.

Hujambo community, and welcome to Espresso Talk today.

Today I'll be guiding you through a heartfelt reflection as we close out Black History Month. We'll start by grounding ourselves in the wisdom of our ancestors and celebrating the lessons, stories, and triumphs we've explored this month. Dr. Carter G. Woodson's vision for Black History Month serves as a reminder of the power in knowing our history.

Asante sana for being on this journey with me.

Let’s continue to honor, celebrate, and make Black history every day 🌍🕯️.

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