Telligen’s Post

Juneteenth, Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. And while today is a day to celebrate, it's also a day to remember the work still to be done because the fight for freedom and equality extends to healthcare. Disparities in migraine and headache care for Black Americans exist at all levels; from diagnosis to treatment. And because Black Americans are underrepresented in clinical trials, there are significant knowledge gaps in understanding how diseases, treatments, and preventive measures perform across different populations. We can and must do better and that's why we're passionate about passing the NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act. Learn more about the bill here: https://lnkd.in/evy3vTtn

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth, symbolizing the end of slavery and serving as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black communities throughout our country’s history. In particular, take time today to check out this article from JDFR and learn about the contributions of African Americans to American healthcare: https://ow.ly/4eI650S2v04

As you reflect on the importance of Juneteenth and its impact on the American history, take this time to honor the past, appreciate the present, and aspire to have a better future. This is a day to remember, celebrate, and continue the fight for freedom and equality. Let’s honor the freedom and resilience of the Black community, pay tribute to those who championed equality, recognize the advancements achieved, and pledge to continue striving for a fair and inclusive society. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Juneteenth and events that are happening in Boston, check out this link: https://lnkd.in/ez_g9cU4.  

Just read an insightful article about the challenges and solutions in increasing the number of Black physicians. As a Black male gastroenterologist, I see firsthand the importance of having doctors who reflect the communities we serve. Beyond addressing health disparities, more Black doctors enhance trust, empathy, and relatability in patient care across all backgrounds. Supporting diversity in medicine is crucial for building a more equitable and effective healthcare system. We can do better https://lnkd.in/e_uGVjbG

This Black History Month, we're highlighting influential Black voices and organizations who have made an impact on health equity and policy. In an October 2023 article, Shekinah A. Fashaw-Walters and coauthor propose a racism-conscious approach to policy making and health care practices that addresses racism and advances health care. Read the full article: https://hubs.la/Q02jWwCC0

My full summary of the research piece, "Attending to the Adversity of Racism Against Young Black Children," by lheoma Iruka and team is available below. The authors (Iruka et al., 2021) highlight the myriad of overlapping ways in which White supremacy disadvantages Black children and their families and asks us to look critically at ways we can support the inherent brilliance and excellence of Black children and families. The authors advocate for policy making in three areas: preservation of Black children’s identities and cultures, protection of Black children and their families, and the promotion of Black children and their families’ health, wealth, and development, (Iruka et al., 2021). https://lnkd.in/gTJAMRjR

Educating and empowering Black minds is crucial for economic development and nation-building 🇿🇦. By providing relevant education and opportunities, we promote a skilled workforce, foster innovation, and enhance overall productivity. 📊 Empowering Black individuals also addresses historical inequalities, promoting social cohesion and sustainable development for the entire nation 🤲🏾.

Unspoken truths, untold stories, and unrecognized contributions. This #BlackHistoryMonth, let's celebrate the resilience and strength of the Black community. Remembering our past to shape a better future for all. #BlackHistoryMonth #CelebratingBlackHistory #BlackHistoryFacts #BlackHistoryIsHistory #HonoringBlackLeaders #BlackExcellence #BlackCultureMatters #BlackHistoryPride

Today, we commemorate the history of Black slaves freed in Texas by Union troops more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.   Juneteenth is celebrated as a marker of the end of slavery; however, we acknowledge that its oppressive legacy lives on. Racism embedded in our housing, criminal justice, education, employment, and other systems continues to have wide ranging impacts on Black Americans. Today Black households make up only 19% of our general population in Dallas and Collin counties yet represent a staggering 57% of our unhoused population because of these systemic inequities.   Today and every day, the ongoing fight for racial equity is front of mind for all of us at the All-Neighbors Coalition. As a system we have committed to being intentional and proactive in ensuring that we, ourselves, are not perpetuating these inequities. We've set a shared vision for advancing racial equity and must continue taking action to identify and carefully address these disparities. As we spend today celebrating the holiday, we also take this opportunity to reflect and renew our commitment to this work.

It has been 36 years since Laurence Fishburne urged young Black minds to engage in critical thinking through his powerful performance as "Dap" in Spike Lee's film, "School Daze." Reflecting on this message today, I am reminded of its enduring relevance. For the past 16 years, my sister Kachelle Zachery and I have devoted ourselves to building WATZS Productions, LLC. Our journey started long before that—as young girls captivated by the transformative narrative of "School Daze," a film we watched repeatedly. Now, as adults dedicated to media production, we draw inspiration from it as we chart our company's course. Our purpose-driven media house is committed to ambitious goals with the intent of establishing a lasting legacy for future generations. Recently, while conducting research for WATZS Productions' inaugural docu-series, I encountered an alarming statistic reported by Prosperity Now and the Institute for Policy Studies: the median wealth of Black Americans is projected to fall to zero by 2053! This stark prediction underscores an urgent call to action! As leaders within the media landscape, Kachelle and I are resolute in our mission to educate and empower the Black American community. We believe it is imperative that we invest not only in ourselves but also in our communities and collective knowledge. By doing so over these next 29 years, we can effect meaningful change for future generations.