The Association for the Study of African American History and Life (ASAHL) has selected this annual theme to focus on how American healthcare has often underserved the African-American community:
The theme for 2022 focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.
In order to foster good health and wellness Black people have embarked on self-determination, mutual aid and social support initiatives to build hospitals, medical and nursing schools (i.e. Meharry Medical College, Howard University College of Medicine, Provident Hospital and Training School, Morehouse School of Medicine, etc.) and community clinics. Clinics were established by individuals, grassroots organizations and mutual aid societies, such as the African Union Society, National Association of Colored Women and Black Panther Party, to provide spaces for Black people to counter the economic and health disparities and discrimination that are found at mainstream institutions. These disparities and anti-Blackness led to communities developing phrases such as “When white folks catch a cold, Black folks get pneumonia.” Initiatives to help decrease disparities have centered several outcomes, including having more diverse practitioners and representation in all segments of the medical and health programs including such as the Ronald E. McNair Scholars. Even the impact of popular culture texts like Doc McStuffins cannot be dismissed...
Mindful of Sister Audre Lorde’s words, we are doing more to move forward holistically for the betterment of ourselves, our bodies, our relationships, our communities, and our planet. We are determined to create a platform that shines a light on the multiple facets of Black health and wellness through education and activism. There is much to uncover, amplify, question, and correct...
Check out these links to learn more about historical and contemporary issues on black health and wellness:
- Chiff.com: Black History Month 2022: Black Health and Wellness
- African American Wellness Project
- Detroit Free Press: Health and race disparities in America have deep roots: A brief timeline
- CDC: African American Health
- AFPA: 12 Black American Health and Wellness Pioneers
- Everyday Health: #BlackHealthFacts and Statistics: A Knowledge Movement
- The Century Foundation: Racism, Inequality, and Health Care for African Americans
- AARP: African Americans More Likely to Have High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, CDC Says
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