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 CBHN since 2023. In 2022, we were invited to table with CBHN's LIVE IT UP, Long Beach! health fair. We were introduced to CBHN through our association with the Black Health Equity Collaborative (BHEC), which we are one of the founding members.

What is your current profession? 

Officially, I am a retired Sr. Analyst from the City of Los Angeles, having worked in many capacities that serve the residents of the city. Since 2018, I have served as the President and Executive Director of the Clarissa Manuel Foundation (CMF).

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?

Whereas many orgs and agencies work in silos focusing on one area or another of health, the CMF believes in using a holistic approach to bring the community information, tools, and resources using a broad network of community partners to help the community help itself to be healthier. By taking a holistic approach, we seek to connect the dots of where the community is suffering disparities and to fill the gaps through connection and collaboration with our networks. We believe we are stronger and more effective working together.

Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians? 

The CMF was created as a conduit to connect the African American and BIPOC communities with resources to increase wellness in the community. CBHN provides another conduit in the fabric of our network to connect the community to services and information, while also allowing CMF to connect to others who are working to better the health and wellbeing of the community as well.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

I have always been inspired by the work of philanthropists large and small and especially the activists that selflessly gave their lives to bring change and make life better for the people of the Black diaspora. People like Fannie Lou Hamer, Yvonne Braithwaite-Burke, and Maxine Waters are always foremost in my mind knowing I have benefitted immensely from their activism.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

I think the bravest thing I ever did was to seek my own path as a teenager and get on a bus alone leaving everything and everyone to educate myself and go for my dreams. Only one person knew I was leaving. At that person’s urging, I let my family know I was leaving 5 days before I left.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Always take the high road. It usually looks like the hardest choice but will always provide you with the greatest results.

Question missing from this list: What does your future life look like?

Learning is a lifetime endeavor. I plan to continue my education and expand my outreach to bring resources to people in need.