By V.S. Santoni KFF, a nonprofit health policy research, polling, and news organization, released its 2023 Survey on Racism, Discrimination, and Health. This extensive survey, comprising responses from over 6,000 adults, reveals the profound impacts of racism and discrimination on various facets of American life, particularly in health care. KFF, which rebranded in 2023 to reduce confusion with Kaiser Permanente, serves as an independent source of information on national health issues. Their latest survey aims to document the prevalence and impact of racism and discrimination, providing a comprehensive look into these issues across different racial and ethnic groups.…
Author: V.S. Santoni
By V.S. Santoni DeFord Bailey, an African American harmonica virtuoso, holds a special place in American music history as one of the pioneering stars of the Grand Ole Opry. Born on Dec. 14, 1899, in Smith County, Tennessee, Bailey’s early life was marked by a bout with polio at age three, which left him physically frail but endowed with an indomitable spirit. This illness confined him indoors, where he began to hone his musical talents, playing the harmonica to mimic the sounds of the world outside his window. Bailey’s harmonica prowess was unparalleled, characterized by his ability to…
By V.S. Santoni Preston Taylor, an influential African American businessman, philanthropist, and community leader, left an indelible mark on Nashville, Tennessee, and the broader African American community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into slavery in 1849 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Taylor’s life journey was characterized by resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of African Americans. After gaining his freedom, Taylor moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked various jobs, including as a janitor and steamboat worker. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to establish a successful funeral business, in which his…
By V.S. Santoni Z. Alexander Looby, a distinguished attorney and civil rights activist, played a pivotal role in the struggle for racial equality during the mid-20th century. Born in Antigua in 1899, Looby immigrated to the United States in 1914, later becoming a formidable force in the legal battles against segregation and racial injustice in the American South. Looby’s journey to prominence began with his education. After graduating from Howard University in 1922, he earned a law degree from Columbia University in 1925. Settling in Nashville, Tennessee, he quickly emerged as a leading figure in the local civil…
By V.S. Santoni World Sickle Cell Day, observed annually on June 19, aims to raise global awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic disorder that affects millions worldwide, predominantly those of African descent. This day emphasizes the importance of education, early diagnosis, and treatment to improve the quality of life for individuals living with SCD. In alignment with World Sickle Cell Day and National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has released three new resources addressing the civil rights of students with SCD, epilepsy, and cancer. These resources…
By V.S. Santoni Pauli Murray, a pioneering figure in civil rights and gender equality, left an indelible mark on American history through tireless advocacy and profound intellectual contributions. Born on Nov. 20, 1910, in Baltimore, Maryland, Murray’s life was characterized by a relentless pursuit of justice and a commitment to challenging systemic inequalities. Murray’s early experiences with racial and gender discrimination fueled her determination to fight for equal rights. She moved to New York City to attend Hunter College, where she graduated in 1933. Her activism began to take shape during these years, as she became involved in efforts…
By V.S. Santoni June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to understanding post-traumatic stress disorder and its effects on individuals. Once thought to primarily affect war veterans, PTSD is now recognized as a condition that can impact anyone following a traumatic experience. For Black Americans, this trauma often stems from the pervasive effects of racism, adding a unique dimension to their mental health struggles. PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a chronic mental health condition triggered by exposure to a traumatic event, whether a single incident or recurring situations. Symptoms include intrusive thoughts, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, significant mood…
By V.S. Santoni In a report issued by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services last Friday, significant gains have been made in reducing the uninsured rate in minority communities. These advancements are largely due to the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to enhance access to affordable, high-quality health care, particularly in underserved regions. The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits have further reduced the cost of marketplace plans, making health insurance more accessible. Millions of lower- and middle-income Black families enrolled in health insurance marketplaces have seen their premiums lowered or eliminated. HHS also announced a $500 million investment in Navigators,…
By V.S. Santoni June marks Men’s Health Month, a crucial time to spotlight the health disparities faced by Black men in the United States. Black men suffer worse health outcomes than any other racial group in America, with the lowest life expectancy and the highest death rates from specific causes compared to other racial and ethnic groups. More than 17 million Black men in the U.S. face significant health challenges. Statistically, Black men live seven years less than men of other racial groups and have higher death rates for all leading causes of death compared to Black women. They experience…
By V.S. Santoni The United States faces a sobering reality: it boasts the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations. Within this statistic lies a harsh truth — racial disparities persist, with Black women disproportionately affected. The consequences of these disparities extend beyond physical health, permeating into the realm of mental well-being, particularly concerning postpartum depression (PPD). Approximately 700 women succumb to pregnancy or childbirth-related complications annually in the U.S., with Black women three to four times more likely to experience such tragedies compared to their White counterparts. The acknowledgment of these disparities is crucial, as it underscores the need…