[Douglas_Burnett]

in reply to: From Separate to Equal and The 1619 Project #793

d). It is not undenounced to anyone that chronic illnesses plague Black communities at an alarming rate. Much of this can be associated to poor eating habits, but it is important to note that unhealthy eating habits are derived from a form of systematic oppression. The media and, at times the health care industry make an attempt to equate the illness the Black community experiences via chronic illness with a poor diet. It is vitally important to note that Black people’s food is just as unhealthy or even healthy as any other race. Certainly, the food may be different, but the health benefits of them, whether good or bad are synonyms amongst many ethnic groups, but the media and society make a special attempt to note that our ethnic cuisine is nearly the most unhealthy. Many eating habits of Blacks are derived from historical roots of slavery. At most times slaves were essentially given the left overs from the live stock and poultry; therefore they received poor cuts of meat and scraps from the poultry. This particular eating habit lasted for nearly hundreds of years; as long as slavery was prevalent. As we catapult into todays society we still indulge in some of those same eating habits which has led to chronic illnesses like, asthma, diabetes, and obesity. Coupled with the harsh reality of the unprecedented terms of food disparities within Black communities; often times low-income or poverty stricken areas. Many succumb to the horrid circumstances of food desserts; where there are no outlets or nearby resources to obtain healthy food. Much of the aforementioned can be equated to systematic racism; which essentially creates a continuous cycle of oppression and sickness. This harsh reality is quiet astonishing and assures me of my desires to be an advocate for topics like this. A significant amount of lives have been lost because of the health disparities; a result of systematic racism has led to this atrocity.

Resource Link: https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Research/HealthCareFinancingReview/Downloads/00Summerpg75.pdf

e). AS mentioned in the previous post, systematic racism is the harsh reality of much of the plight of Blacks, especially due to health issues. I am quite certain that class and wealth contribute to equity within the health industry. It is inexpressibly hard to gather the appropriate emotions to explain how heart broken I am to witness us a race be disadvangted in a conutry that we literally built from the ground up. As it regards finances in the Black community; we have an enormous buying power, but only occupy a quite small fraction of the ownership class. Good credit and access to the appropriate resources permits one with keen resources especially related to health care. The cash advance facilities located in low-income areas that are particular occupied by Blacks only set us back and place us in unprecedented amounts of debt which leads to poor credit.

[Douglas_Burnett]

in reply to: From Separate to Equal and The 1619 Project #771

The 1619 Project

As it relates to my aforementioned post, the same sentiments apply.

Again, it is inexpressibly hard to explain through a simple discussion post. I must commend The New York Times Magazine for creating such a document that speaks to Blacks and America. To be quite frank I feel both angered and encouraged. I am angered by the fact that America has “prided” itself on being a free country yet their citizens, specifically Black people and other minorities are disproportionally disadvantaged on a daily basis and has continued to be for centuries. This country was literally built on the backs of Black Americans. This may seem absurd to some, but in some aspects Black people are still in bondage and it appears as if we are reverting back in time. I believe modern Black American needs thinkers like W.E.B. Dubois to educate Blacks on how we are being treated. Not all of us are aware. The 1619 Project not only can educate Black people, but all people.

I am happy that this organization took the time to highlight the historical significance of Black people in America.

[Douglas_Burnett]

in reply to: From Separate to Equal and The 1619 Project #770

From Separate to Equal Video Response

I would be remiss if I did not commend this organization for selecting two impactful sources, via video and text, to impose much needed knowledge and competence for my peers and I.

It is inexpressibly hard to depict my true reaction and emotions to this amazing documentary, due to the fact that an abundance of thoughts and emotions flood my mind when I draw myself to ponder on content. Being that no one has the true time to read what could be nearly pages long; I will attempt to succinctly depict my true reaction and emotions in a paragraph or more. To start, I must say assert that I was quite motivated and encouraged by my ancestors and their tireless efforts to create equity within a health care system that was not tailored to suit their true needs. Until now, I was never quite aware of the depth of African-Americans involvement within the healthcare industry of Kansas City, Missouri. What momentous pride I felt as I witnessed renowned physicians like, Dr. Edward Perry who defied odds like never before and transcended to gain admittance into Chicago School of Medicine. Although he was faced with opposition every day while learning, he remained steadfast and never lost sight of his goal. This reminded me of the wise saying, “you can achieve whatever you put your mind to”, Dr. Perry was a living testament to this. As an African-American male, I am faced with constant opposition on a daily basis, but I will be mindful to remind myself of the testament Dr. Perry embodied to encourage myself.

It is my earnest desire, especially in times like now, that Blacks mobilize and fight with a zealous heart to ensure the system of America that was not created for us to dwell equally in, and ensure that it does. The encouraging testaments of our ancestors should be utilized as a guide to trail blaze the path they placed before us. I am immensely proud that Mr. Bluford is a Black man who is using his keen ability to educate young Black students like myself and my fellow peers of the Bluford Healthcare Leadership Institute, both past and present, on how to be zealous advocates for our people as they are faced with horrid healthcare disparities. I am forever grateful for this opportunity.

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