A few years ago I was held at gunpoint in SE DC by a law enforcement officer. I was there actually shooting a film and my co-star and I were bumrushed by police because they mistook him for a “suspect.” They came at our car guns raised and I knew if I breathed the wrong way, I could’ve been another hashtag and would have never had the chance to realize my calling as a healer.
The violence has to stop. But beyond stopping the executions and the trauma and stress that ensues; we must also dismantle ALL of the racist institutions and laws that prop racism up and allow it thrive. In the health space there’s work to be done.
The U.S. Dietary guidelines are racist and promote consumption of dairy knowing that 75% or more African Americans are lactose intolerant. I’m seeing black clients every day who are now struggling with a diagnosis because of early and continuous dairy consumption. These must be updated & amended.
Access to fresh, quality food that has been historically denied to neighborhoods because of redlining needs to be restored. Increasing the # of food markets and decreasing liquor stores and fast food in black neighborhoods is key. Community gardens, food shares, or other projects could be a great start.
Access must be granted to African Americans of all income brackets to quality care by practitioners who ACTUALLY CARE about and promote their well-being. I have clients from these underserved populations on my roster and I find I am often contending with doctors who respond to their cries for help with dismissal, poor advice, or more prescriptions.
As we fight the power to ensure that the racist systems in place are dismantled; lets not forget to start a wellness revolution in our own kitchens. We cannot fight a winning battle with minds and bodies contaminated by processed dead foods. -XO
Photo @iam_simoneashlei_ | Outfit @ujuumedia