The Bees reflect on the lessons we've taken away from our guests and the inspiring stories they've shared with us this season. As we enter the holiday season and the new year, we give thanks for everyone who has chosen to be part of our community.

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The Bees review our final BOTM for this season and the year, "Arrow of God" by Chinua Achebe. In this novel, a prequel to the classic work "Things Fall Apart", we are taken back to 1920's Nigeria under British colonial rule. We discuss the culture and traditions of the Igbo society where the story takes place, and the impacts of colonization and Christianity on traditional authority structures.

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This week The Bees discuss the concept of 'Black Tax,' a term that refers to the financial support that Black professionals provide to their families and communities. We extend this definition to include financial support that immigrants send back to their families in their countries of origin; we discuss the perception versus reality of life as an immigrant in America in this context.

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The Bees react to the results of the American presidential elections, discuss voter demographics, and what we can expect from the incoming administration.

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The Bees discuss the upcoming U.S. election on November 5th. We talk about what's at stake in this election, and why we believe down ballot races and propositions are just as important as the presidential race. We reflect on our first times voting as newly naturalized American citizens, and some things we would change about the U.S. democratic process.

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The Bees review our book of the month for October, "The Crown Of Thorns" by Linus Asong. This Cameroonian classic is set in a fictional village shortly after independence. Our discussion touches on themes such as the ethics of the acquisition and display of African artifacts in Western museums, the dynamics between official government authorities and traditional rulers post-colonization, and the evolution of native cultural practices and social norms.

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The Bees are joined by Anna Foncha and Dr. Nina Lum, in a moving and important conversation about cervical cancer. Anna shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery, the emotions and grief that she navigated, and how the experience ultimately brought her closer to herself and God. She reflects on the importance of support from family and friends during treatment.

Dr. Lum helps us understand how cervical cancer develops in the body, some risk factors and disparities across populations, and guidelines for screening. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, and offers some tools and resources for people who may be uninsured or otherwise in need of financial assistance.

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The Bees are joined by Flo Ngala, highly acclaimed African-American photographer and photojournalist. Flo shares her journey from picking up a camera for the first time in middle school to photographing celebrities like Cardi B, and joining V.P. Kamala Harris on a campaign tour. She discusses the experience of being raised by immigrant parents, her connection to her Cameroonian and Nigerian roots, and aspirations for the future.

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