How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN?
I have been a member of the CA Black Health Network for a year. While working in the space of Health Equity in OC, I was encouraged by the rich body of work from the Black Health Network. After attending a couple webinars, it was an easy decision to join.
What is your current profession?
I am blessed to be the Executive Director of Operations at Second Baptist Church and HEAAL (Health Equity for African American’s League. In addition to managing operations at the oldest Black Church in Orange County, I am responsible for leading community engagement efforts.
From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?
I see two barriers. The first is the systemic racism that has permeated our health system has some people blind to the issues and others bury their heads in the sand rather that speaking up. We want to ensure that the steps that can be taken are acted upon and not placated to. The other barrier is a lack of self-empowerment. Fortunately, I see more Black people taking charge of their health, incorporating healthy habits, exploring holistic resources that have served our communities for 1,000’s of years and monitoring critical health markers such as blood pressure and A1C.
Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians?
We conducted the 1st statistically significant survey that was created by Blacks, administered to Blacks who live, work, and /or worship in Orange County to uncover the social determinants of health affecting us. The results concluded that we need:1. Access to culturally sensitive mental health care providers 2. Access to affordable Healthcare and Nutrition 3. Affordable Housing and 4. Addressing discrimination in our Healthcare system.
What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?
The intrinsic value of knowing we are making Orange County a healthier place for Blacks to thrive is my greatest reward. There are some committed providers who not only want to hear what we have to say but make meaningful changes in the way they service our population.
What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
The bravest thing in this work I’ve done is stand before the board of supervisors and advocate that they approve a resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis in Orange County. Speaking truth to power in the midst of racist community members yelling in the chamber.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
There is an understanding amongst policy makers that “If you are not in the data, you don’t exist”. Many reports from health agencies somehow don’t have data on Black people in their reports. They claim we don’t participate in surveys and assume we don’t have issues. Our survey provided them with the empirical quantitative and qualitative data to address this multi-pronged issue of inequities in underserved communities and how they hinder us from thriving.
Question missing from this list:
Remember that our ancestors have fought the same fight and are cheering us on to continue. We can’t give up and remember who is on our side. This is social justice work and the church belongs in the forefront as a trusted voice who advocates for justice and equity.