Distrust & Disparities: Dismantling Black Health Disparities

In this episode we discuss environmental racism and Black families. We cover Gordon Plaza, a New Orleans housing development specifically built for Black first time home buyers. The residents were not told that their dream homes were built on top of a landfill saturated with toxins harmful to their health.    And we highlight the Residents of Gordon Plaza, a community organization fighting back ag...

Content Warning: We discuss child abuse allegations and briefly mention suicide (22:50-23:05) in this episode, listener discretion is advised.    In this episode we discuss how systems meant to protect children are traumatizing black families. We cover Syesha Mercado’s story, a black mother whose child was taken from her after trying to receive help with transitioning him from breastfeeding.   And...

In this episode we discuss Black midwives and Margaret Charles Smith’s story. She was a distinguished Alabama midwife who delivered over 3,500 babies and never lost a single mother during childbirth.    And we highlight the National Black Midwives Alliance (NBMA), an organization that advocates for legislative actions that address disparities in maternal healthcare that disproportionately impact B...

In this episode we discuss conservatorships and specifically how they are used for people with dementia. We cover Nichelle Nichols’ story, the groundbreaking African American actress known for her role in Star Trek. We delve into how people have prayed upon her vulnerability due to her dementia and the debate around her conservatorship.    And we highlight the ACTS 2 Caregiver Project which is a f...

In this episode we discuss kidney disease and how it disproportionately affects African Americans. We cover Nichole Jefferson’s story, a black woman who was unable to get on the kidney transplant list due to a diagnostic kidney test that overestimates Black people’s kidney function compared to non-Blacks.   And we highlight the Northwestern Medicine African American Transplant Access Program (AATA...

In this episode we continue our discussion of the notorious Tuskegee Syphilis Study, a horrendous example of medical exploitation inflicted upon African Americans. We cover how and why the study ended and its legacy. And we highlight PushBlack, a non-profit media organization that is dedicated to raising up Black voices. Visit the PushBlack website and follow them on Instagram , FaceBook , and Twi...

In this episode we discuss the notorious Tuskegee Syphilis Study, a horrendous example of medical exploitation inflicted upon African Americans. And we highlight the United Negro College Fund that works to help underrepresented students become highly-qualified college graduates. Visit the United Negro College Fund’s website to learn about their mission, donate to the organization, or to share with...

In this episode we discuss Black maternal mortality and Kira Johnson, a Black mother who died from a preventable hemorrhage after the birth of her second child. And we highlight 4Kira4Moms, the maternal health advocacy organization created by Kira’s husband Charles Johnson. Visit the 4Kira4Moms website to learn about their mission, donate to the organization, sign petitions, or even share your own...

In this episode we discuss Dr. Susan Moore’s tragic battle with COVID-19. She is a Black doctor who took to social media to expose a hospital's racially biased treatment she received as a patient. And we highlight Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, an immunologist who was one of the scientists who helped develop the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19. Follow Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett on Instagram and Twitter for COVID-...

This is part two of our marginalized women and Brazilian butt lifts discussion. In this episode we continue our discussion about the dangers of the popular Brazilian butt lift cosmetic surgery procedure. We cover the stories of the victims of a notorious Miami clinic that performs many BBLs.  And we highlight The Body Is Not An Apology, a movement started by Sonya Renee Taylor committed to cultiva...

This is part one of our marginalized women and Brazilian butt lifts discussion.  In this episode we discuss the dangers of the popular Brazilian butt lift plastic surgery procedure. We cover a notorious Miami clinic that performs many BBLs, with some devastating results and the doctor who owns and operates this clinic, even though they are not a board certified plastic surgeon.  And we highlight P...

This is part two of our cervical cancer and Henrietta Lacks discussion. In this episode we continue the discussion of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cells have made an enormous contribution to medicine and science. We talk about the complex distrust her family has of the medical system and their fight to control her story and her cells.  And we highlight organizations created by the Lacks fa...

This is part one of our cervical cancer and Henrietta Lacks discussion.  In this episode we discuss Henrietta Lacks’ story and the disparity that remains in the diagnosis of and death from cervical cancer, especially in Black women. Henrietta Lacks is a Black woman who died of cervical cancer in 1951 but her cells have lived on and have made enormous contributions to medicine and science.  And we...

In this episode we discuss breast cancer and Black women. We cover Ericka Hart’s (pronouns: she/they) story, a queer Black femme who was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer at 28. And we highlight Touch: The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, an advocacy organization founded by Ricki Fairley, a triple negative breast cancer survivor. To learn more about Ericka Hart’s story, please visit their websit...

In this episode we discuss domestic violence and Black women. We cover Marissa Alexander’s story, a Black woman sentenced to 20 years in prison for protecting herself from her abusive estranged ex-husband. And we highlight Survived & Punished, a coalition working to free criminalized and incarcerated survivors. To learn more about Marissa Alexander and her story please visit her website . Visi...

Distrust & Disparities discusses cases of current and historical medical injustices within the American healthcare system that have led to deep rooted distrust within Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. We get into how we can overcome this systemic mistreatment, advocate for ourselves, and close the gap on poor health outcomes and disparities. Host Jasmyn Moore, registered nurse...