How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN? 

I’ve been a member of CBHN for about two years. I’m a long-time advocate for one-payer universal healthcare and racial and disability equity in healthcare. I was drawn to CBHN because I believe we need to include all groups working in the healthcare space in the fight for an improved healthcare system.

A one-payer universal system would benefit everyone in the US and would make healthcare more equitable, but it won’t necessarily solve the problems of racism, sexism, ableism, and homophobia in healthcare. The work that CBHN and other groups do in fighting discrimination and bias are important for transforming healthcare.

What is your current profession? 

I am the Communications Manager for Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, which advocates for making Sacramento a safe, healthy and fun place to cycle, especially the areas of Sacramento that have been neglected with regard to good cycling infrastructure and that have been subjected to climate injustice. I also volunteer with One Payer States and National Nurses United on healthcare.

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

Systemic racism, implicit bias and lack of access to good health care facilities in lower income neighborhoods. Black women especially are still often discriminated against by doctors and nurses which puts their health and well-being at risk.

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

In my work advocating for safe cycling, we try to focus on underserved neighborhoods so that people in those neighborhoods can cycle safely, improve their health with exercise, and improve the air quality by replacing short car trips with bike trips. With CBHN, I try to attend webinars that keep me informed about the health of Black Californians.

 What inspires you to keep doing the work you do? 

I believe that to have a healthy, happy society, we need to lift up everyone. I would like to see a society where everyone has access to free, high quality healthcare. My ancestors worked for an improved healthcare system and I would like to see this happen before I die.

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

My late husband and I adopted a blind 12-year-old girl from China who had never been to school due to her disability. It was difficult at first but she’s doing great now.

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

To really listen to people’s concerns and keep an open mind without prejudging.