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There is a Name for This: John Henryism
What happens when survival turns into constant striving?
In this episode of There's a Name for This, Ama-Robin explores John Henryism — a term developed by Sherman James to describe the high-effort coping many Black people use to survive, succeed, overcome barriers, and prove themselves in systems built on chronic pressure and inequality.
Drawing from the folk legend of John Henry, this episode reflects on the emotional, physical, and spiritual cost of constantly pushing harder, striving longer, and living at full strain to "beat the machine."
Ama-Robin shares personal reflections on…
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