The Diagnosis
Posted by admin in Current Events, Demographics and Statistics on February 8th, 2010
Last week I became another statistic in the African American community. On Saturday I started taking prescribed medications for high blood pressure. A routine check up last December revealed a 150/101 blood pressure (normal is 120/70). My doctor had me lie down on the table and relax a few minutes before taking it again. 150/90. Still too high.
He sent me to the lab for some tests. They showed that in every other category I was healthy – cholesterol great, liver and kidney functions no problems, hormones normal, etc. He gave me a month to try to get it down, to relax.
I went back last week and my initial reading was 190/90. Lie-down-and-relax reading was 180/90. I walked out with two prescriptions, one for a diuretic and the other a “low dose” blood pressure pill. How long do I have to take them? Probably forever.
I’m a 45 year old, African American woman and heart disease is the leading cause of death for me. Two in five African Americans have high blood pressure, one in five Hispanics and one in six Asians (CDC statistics).
My mother, most of my aunts and both of my grandmothers all received a high blood pressure diagnosis at some point in their lives. Obesity, diabetes, high salt/fat diets, smoking and lack of exercise also run in my family. There is a hereditary factor and a race component to heart disease and high blood pressure but somehow I thought I had broken the generational curse.
It doesn’t seem fair. I quit smoking about ten years ago, I exercise five days a week. I eat a whole wheat, low sugar diet. Yet here I am, among the statistics, taking the medications and suffering the consequences. Okay, so it’s not completely my relatives fault. I could lose a few pounds. I could lower the stress in my life by getting eight hours every night. I could go salt free. But still, it doesn’t seem fair.
Wear red in February
I’m not sure how I feel about all of this. Angry. Frustrated. Helpless. Frightened. All of the above and more. Thank you for allowing me to vent. Now on to something constructive.
A reminder: February is American Heart Month. The purpose is to raise funds and awareness about heart disease — which is the number one killer in America. Check out the American Heart Assciation for information on how you can help and learn more about heart health.
Do you know your blood pressure? Does heart disease run in your family? Why do you think heart disease is so prevalent in the African American community? Any suggestions for me as I struggle to accept my new diagnosis? Let’s talk…
Talking about Race: A Marathon, not a Sprint
Posted by admin in Building Bridges, How to talk about race on February 4th, 2010
Cross posting this week with the Kirwan Institute on Race and Ethnicity. See the Race-Talk post here http://www.race-talk.org/?p=2552
Roots Revisited
Posted by admin in Have we overcome?, History, Media, Racism/Discrimination, Videos on February 2nd, 2010
January 23 – January 30, 1977. I was twelve years old and sat on the floor in our living room for eight consecutive evenings to watch Roots. My family watched in silence at the history of our people. I kept asking, “This isn’t real, is it?” My father assured me that it was an accurate account. I went to bed shaken by the horrifying images.
Roots was the most-watched television show in US history at the time. On average, 130 million - almost half the country at the time - saw all or part of the series.
Based on Alex Haley’s book about his African ancestors, the show won nine Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Today history teachers still use it as a representation of slavery in the United States.
Roots began with Kunta Kinte (LeVar Burton), a West African youth captured by slave raiders and shipped to America in the 1700s. The family’s saga continues to the Civil War where Kunte Kinte’s grandson gained emancipation.
I’m going to add Roots to my Netflix queue. I want to watch it again when my son comes home for spring break. I don’t think as a family we’ve watched and talked about the entire series together. Is this a good idea? Some people think these images breed hate and unforgiveness and we should forget the past - or at least not revisit it so brutally. What do you think?
When (if ever) did you see Roots? What emotions did the show evoke for you? Have you shared this movie with your kids? Why or why not? Let’s talk…
In the News!
Posted by admin in Current Events, Demographics and Statistics, How to talk about race, Interracial relationships, Media on January 29th, 2010
This week I’ve been quoted in a couple of articles about race relations in America. Would love your thoughts on both topics. Let’s talk…
Article from the Maryland Indendent about the Diversity Forum http://www.somdnews.com/stories/01272010/indytop171706_32230.shtml
Negro - the other “N” word?
Posted by admin in Current Events, Have we overcome?, History, Media on January 25th, 2010
US Census officials say they added “Negro” to the 2010 US Census because many older black Americans were confused by the options of African-Am./Black and wrote in “Negro.”
Question number nine now provides the following answer choice: “Black, African Am., or Negro.” Many are offended by the inclusion of this word on the Census.
In another story the book Game Change by Mark Halperin and John Heilemann reports on comments made my Harry Reid. “He (Reid) was wowed by Obama’s oratorical gifts and believed that the country was ready to embrace a black presidential candidate, especially one such as Obama – a ‘light-skinned’ African American ‘with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.’ Though Reid apologized and President Obama later forgave his comments, Reid got a lot of criticism for his choice of words.
“Negro” is getting a lot of attention lately.
Last week I listened to Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech.” He used the word Negro repeatedly to describe Black Americans. His message overrode any uncomfortableness with the word and he was such an elegant speaker that I found nothing derogatory about anything he said.
Usually though when I think of the “Negro, images of fire hoses, lynchings, Klan sheets, cross burnings and “Negro Only” signs come to mind. We all know how powerful words are when we attach them to experiences, symbols and images.
What images come to mind when you hear the word Negro? Do you consider it as bad as the “N” word? What do you think of the US Census adding the word? Let’s talk…
Watch “I Have a Dream” Speech
Posted by admin in Building Bridges, History, Videos on January 18th, 2010
Today we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. King was born on January 15th and his legacy certainly lives on in the hearts and minds of many Americans. Take 17 minutes today to listen to his most famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” which he gave on August 28, 1963 in Washington D.C. What thoughts and feelings does this speech evoke in you today? Let’s talk…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUtL_0vAJk
Race-Talk Blog (Recommended Resource)
Posted by admin in Building Bridges, Current Events, How to talk about race, Media on January 14th, 2010
Want to find out what more than thirty authors, advocates, social justice leaders, journalists and researchers have to say about race, gender and equity issues? Check out the Race Talk Blog.
The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity set up this blog and I’m proud to be one of the guest writers for this valuable resource. Use it as a springboard to spark lively discussions about race. Let me know what you think. Let’s talk…
Harry Reid?
Posted by admin in Current Events, How to talk about race, Media on January 11th, 2010
Just wondering what everyone thinks of Harry Reid’s comments and subsequent apology. Don’t know the story, check it out here http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/09/harry-reid-negro-comment-_n_417406.html and post your thoughts. Let’s talk…
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (Recommended movie)
Posted by admin in History, Racism/Discrimination, Videos, segregation on January 7th, 2010
Preview: http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi751566873/
Set during World War II, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (released in 2008) is a movie about two eight year old boys. Bruno is the son of the chief officer at a concentration camp. He develops a friendship with Shmuel, a Jewish boy in the camp. This movie gives a child’s view of the holocaust. I cried while watching it, so make sure you’re in the mood.
After you watch some questions to ponder: Was this an accurate depiction? How do you think Bruno’s father might have changed after the movie? His mother? What feelings did this film evoke in you? What does this film communicate about the innocence of children?
Movie is available from Amazon or watch instantly on Netflix.com
LTAR New Year’s Resolutions
Posted by admin in Building Bridges, Current Events, How to talk about race on January 4th, 2010
Statistics say about 100 million Americans make New Year’s Resolutions each year. Only about 20 percent of us keep them. In fact, most falter within the first three weeks.
Each year I set goals (for some reason I don’t like the word resolution) for my personal and professional life. I thought I’d share some as they relate to Let’s Talk about Race.
1. Talk about Race. My life mission and focus is to communicate the truth in love and teach others to do the same. To that end, in 2010 I plan to continue to spread the word about how to have safe, honest and productive discussions about race. This blog, the book, speaking/teaching engagements and business and community partnerships will assist me in reaching this goal.
2. Work through the criticism. The more popular Let’s Talk about Race gets, the more scrutiny and judgment I encounter. I know this is part of the package, but I wish people would get to know me before assuming the worse. But then there’s the lesson for us all. How many times have I been too quick to judge without knowing all the facts or the heart of the people I’m judging? I want to be patient and understanding to my critics, to be tolerant of those who may be intolerant of me.
3. Keep laughing. People who meet me say my laugh is contagious (or is it outrageous). I spent too many years of my life crying and depressed so now I laugh out loud on a regular basis. The work of race relations, a successful interracial marriage, a writing career, raising a biracial child, etc., is not easy. I made a decision many years ago to enjoy my life and not sweat the small stuff. I try to find the humor in everything and I will keep on laughing in 2010.
4. Broaden my knowledge of other cultures. I’ve traveled most of the 50 states and many countries and spoke in jails, courtrooms, classrooms and churches. I believe learning to appreciate diversity is a proactive endeavor. This year I hope to visit more diverse cultures right here in my own county in Southern Maryland. My role as Co-Chair of the Charles County Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Intergroup Relations will open doors for me to achieve this goal.
5. Listen, listen, listen more. I’m a communicator which means I have to watch my talking to listening ratio. I have some experience on race and diversity but I can learn more by listening to others. I want to know what you think, feel and know about this diverse world we live in. Send me your suggestions, comments and observations. Let me experience your world this year. Won’t you join me in making 2010 a year when all races, colors and cultures can flourish? Let’s talk…
