Distrust & Disparities: Dismantling Black Health Disparities

Environmental Racism & Black Communities - Gordon Plaza

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 against environmental racism and working with The New Orleans Peoples’ Assembly to demand a fully funded relocation to move off of the toxic soil where their homes were built. Visit the Gordon Plaza website to learn more about the history of Gordon Plaza and to support their cause by signing and sharing the petition to relocate residents.  If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Audio ClipGordon Plaza, New Orleans Press Conference 1/31/2022 by Critical Visualization and Media Lab ResourcesGordon Plaza was sold as a dream for Black home buyers. It was a toxic nightmare. by Darryl Fears 'We’re just waiting to die': the black residents living on top of a toxic landfill site by Lauren Zanolli The New Orleans Peoples’ Assembly Listen Better by Pod Save the People with DeRay

Child Welfare & Black Families - Syesha Mercado’s Story

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 we highlight the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, an organization working to address the Black maternal health inequalities by changing policy, cultivating research, shifting culture, and advancing care for Black mamas. Visit the Black Mamas Matter website to learn more about their advocacy efforts and to support their amazing work. If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Audio ClipAmerican Idol’s Syesha Mercado Talks Regaining Custody of Newborn Daughter by BNC News ResourcesSyesha Mercado regains custody of her son after seven-month battle by Jay Handelman Bad medicine: Critics say powerful pediatrician too quick to diagnose child abuse, traumatizing families by Daphne Chen THEY TOOK OUR BABY AGAIN Instagram Video by Syesha

Black Midwives - Margaret Charles Smith’s Story

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 Black birthing people. Visit the NBMA website to learn more about their advocacy efforts and to support their amazing work. If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Audio ClipMiss Margaret - PREVIEW by Documentary Educational Resources ResourcesMargaret Charles Smith (1906-2004) by Alabama’s Women Hall of Fame Margaret Charles Smith - An Extraordinary Midwife by Amy Weig Pickering  Constructing the Modern American Midwife: White Supremacy and White Feminism Collide by P. Mimi Niles and Michelle Drew Black Midwifery’s Complex History by Dominique Tobbell

Dementia & Conservatorships - Nichelle Nichols’ Story

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 faith-based, skills-building and support program designed to meet the needs of distressed family caregivers of older adults with dementia.  Visit the ACTS 2 Caregiver Project website to learn more about the project, sign up for caregiver sessions, or donate to support their work. If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. ResourcesInside the heartbreaking conservatorship battle of a ‘Star Trek’ legend by Makeda Easter Nichelle Nichols' Friends Speak Out After Son Sells Star's Home amid Conservatorship Battle by Gabrielle Duncan, Emily Strohm, and Aurelie Corinthios What is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis by NIH: National Institute of Aging Data shows racial disparities in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis between Black and white research study participants by NIH: National Institute of Aging ‘Star Trek’ Star Nichelle Nichols Diagnosed with Dementia by TMZ

Kidney Disease & African Americans - Nichole Jefferson’s Story

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 (AATAP), which works to address the disparity in access to transplantation experienced by the Black community. Visit the AATAP website to learn more about how the program helps Black people navigate complex diagnoses and the transplantation process. If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Audio ClipCan a formula be racist? She says one put her health at risk by Athena Jones, Jessi Esparza, and Natalia V. Osipova Resources How a clinical tool meant to predict kidney function could be hurting Black patients by Sojourner Ahébée Black or 'Other'? Doctors may be relying on race to make decisions about your health by Jacque Smith and Cassies Spodak Black K.A.R.E. Kidney Awareness, Resources, and Education by Baxter

Medical Exploitation & Black Men - Tuskegee Syphilis Study Part 2

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 Twitter to support their work, donate, and purchase merchandise. You can also check out their podcast, Black History Year.If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Audio Clip Apology to Survivors of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment by clintonlibrary42ResourcesMedical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical experimentation on Black Americans from the Colonial Times to the Present by Harriet A. WashingtonAbout the USPHS Syphilis Study by Tuskegee UniversityThe Tuskegee Experiment: Crash Course Black American History #29 by CrashCourse

Medical Exploitation & Black Men - Tuskegee Syphilis Study Part 1

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 a college student. If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Audio ClipThe Tuskegee Experiment (1990) by the Historical Memory Recovery ChannelResourcesMedical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical experimentation on Black Americans from the Colonial Times to the Present by Harriet A. WashingtonAbout the USPHS Syphilis Study by Tuskegee UniversityThe Tuskegee Experiment: Crash Course Black American History #29 by CrashCourse

Maternal Mortality & Black Women - Kira Johnson’s Story

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 story. Follow them on Instagram and Twitter.If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Audio ClipCharles Johnson shares the tragic story of his wife Kira’s death hours after giving birth by 4Kira4MomsResourcesTo Prevent Women from Dying in Childbirth, First Stop Blaming Them by Monica R. McLemore and Valentina D’EfilippoCharles Johnson’s Loss Launched a Maternal Health Revolution by Kristi PahrAmerican Birth Story: The Changing Face of Birth in America by Parents EditorsKira Johnson, Cedars-Sinai Los Angeles by Consumer Watchdog

COVID-19 & Black Women - Dr. Susan Moore’s Story

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-19 updates and to see the amazing work she is doing in the field of immunology. If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Audio ClipDr. Moore’s Facebook video documenting her experience Resources Black doctor Dies of Covid-19 After Complaining of Racist Treatment by John EligonBlack doctor dies of COVID after alleging hospital mistreatmenta: ‘This is how Black people get killed’ by Bill HutchinsonHospital CEO’s response to Black doctor’s COVID-19 death prompts backlash by Bill HutchinsonReview ID’s Racism During Care of Black Doctor Who Died of COVID by Veronica HackethalKizzmekia S Corbett Academic Profile by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Marginalized Women & Brazilian Butt Lifts Part 2

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 cultivating global radical self-love and bodily empowerment.Visit The Body Is Not An Apology website to learn more about their mission, join their inclusive movement, and to love your body today unapologetically.If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.ResourcesThis business helped transform Miami into a national plastic surgery destination. Eight women died. by Michael Sallah and Maria PerezYoung mothers, blue-collar clerks, all promised life-changing plastic surgeries - and died. by Michael Sallah and Maria PerezThe deadly Miami plastic surgery clinics, all owned by the same man, that killed EIGHT women after aggressively marketing half-priced services by DailyMail.com ReporterI'm a plastic surgeon who won't perform Brazilian Butt Lifts. They're deadly. by Arthur W. Perry