How Black is Black?

Join Chéree and Merkeb as they unpack the complexities of holiday giving, generosity, and social expectations. In this candid conversation, they explore how acts of giving can sometimes turn into judgment—especially for those receiving support—and how double standards often impact marginalized communities. Sharing personal stories and reflecting on the pressures of consumerism, the importance of intentionality, and the value of non-material gifts like time and shared experiences.

In this episode we explore how workplaces can better support staff facing food insecurity and other basic-needs challenges. We discuss the difference between being "hangry" and genuinely struggling to access food, emphasizing that employment does not guarantee food security. Drawing from personal stories, highlighting how common these experiences are—often quietly carried even by people working multiple jobs.

Chéree Thomas and Merkeb Yohannes get real in this episode—laughing, venting, and reflecting on what it means to stay grounded when life gets chaotic. It’s candid, funny, and full of heart—the kind of conversation that feels like catching up with your favorite people after a long week.

Merkeb and Cheree, co-executive directors at the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, discuss the intersection of being Black, dealing with illness, and facing domestic violence. They emphasize the importance of addressing these issues with practical solutions rather than just acknowledging the problems. They highlight that domestic violence involves tactics beyond physical abuse, such as economic, emotional, and psychological abuse. They stress the need for workplaces to support