One City. One Atlanta - The Atlanta Voice
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
www.theatlantavoice.com • Vol. 56 Issue 48 • FREE
INSIDE
THE ATLANTA APRIL 8, 2022
Black Women &
Alopecia: What
Is It, What Can
Be Done About It
Page 11
METRO Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice
One City. One Atlanta | Page 2
General overall view of
the Westin Peachtree
Atlanta hotel and
the Skyview Atlanta
ferris wheel with the
downtown skyline as a
backdrop.. (Kirby Lee
via AP)
2 April 8 - 15, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
METRO
TODAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
Source: accuweather.com
59º | 37º 58º | 39º 73º | 51º 74º | 57º 75º | 59º 79º | 64º 74º | 51º
Windy with Clouds and sun; Sunny and Mostly Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Humid with a
a shower windy, cool warmer strong t-storm
around Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivers his first State of the City Address at the Georgia World Congress Center on Monday, April 4, 2022. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice)
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens promotes “One
City, One Atlanta” in State of City Address
BY ITORO UMONTUEN the Atlanta delegation underneath the Gold Dome. Recently, plishments. “Wells Fargo, in partnership with Enterprise
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens addressed business lead- the Atlanta Police Department is building a second Zone 2 Community Partners, is committing $1.3 million to fund at
ers, stakeholders, community leaders and members of his Precinct on West Paces Ferry Road which will be dedicated to least one thousand units. Invest Atlanta has secured financ-
cabinet during Monday morning’s State of the City Address. fighting crime in Buckhead. ing to support nearly 400 units. Just two weeks ago we broke
Dickens focused on Atlanta’s safety, transportation, and An overarching theme in Dickens’s speech was the fact At- ground on the Skyline Apartments which will bring 250 af-
quality of life during his 40-minute speech. lanta is one of the more desirable cities to live in the United fordable units to the Peoplestown neighborhood.”
Crime was a major focal point during Dickens’s speech. He States. He announced initiatives to improve the city’s green According to the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank and their
discussed his public safety measures in an effort to curb vio- spaces, endorsed a transportation SPLOST package, so- summaries of 2020 U.S. Census data, 49% of Atlanta renters
lent crimes in Atlanta. called “TSPLOST 2.0,” to fund repair sidewalks, bridges and are cost-burdened, which means a household pays more than
“We are on track to bring on 250 officers within the cal- roadways. He said a public improvement bond would yield 30% of its income toward housing expenses. 84% of Atlanta
endar year,” Dickens said. “You see, recruitment efforts are millions for capital projects. households exactly spend 30.01% to 50% of their income on
yielding more applications, and for the first time ever APD “Taken together, that’s $750 million toward improvements housing expenses.
partnered with Lenox Square Mall to host a recruitment across this city,” Dickens said. While addressing the quality of life, Dickens believes
event there.” According to the Zillow Home Value Index, home values Atlanta should be the best place to raise children. He an-
Dickens also said the Atlanta Police Department has closed have risen 20% across America and 29% in Metro Atlanta nounced the launch of the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship fund
72% of the city’s homicide cases by arrest to date. from February 2021 to February 2022. Plus, the cost of rent and the Mayor’s Internship Program.
Additionally, Dickens said Atlanta’s unity was threatened in Atlanta has increased 20% during the same time period. “I want our kids to see our government up close and maybe
by an effort to de-annex Buckhead. However, he was pleased Dickens says his administration will create or preserve even see a future for themselves in it,” Dickens said.
with senior leadership inside the Georgia State Capitol to 20,000 units of affordable housing over the next eight years Dickens also has a plan to employ 3,000 of Atlanta’s teen-
head off Buckhead City CEO Bill White’s secession effort be- which will be overseen by the Affordable Housing Strike agers in a summer employment program.
fore the legislature reached the business end of the calendar. Force—a one-stop shop to oversee all the city’s affordable “One City with One bright future,” Dickens said. “A city of
“Thankfully, the move to carve out a portion of our city is housing needs. safe, healthy, connected neighborhoods with an expansive
off the table for now, Dickens said. “If I have it my way it will “JP Morgan Chase has committed $2.5 million over three culture of equity, empowering upward mobility and full par-
remain that way forever.” years to the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partners ticipation for all residents, embracing youth development,
Dickens in his first ninety days has had a cordial relation- to help the dreams of home ownership become a reality for and an innovative, dependable government moving Atlanta
ship with Lt. Governor Duncan, House Speaker Ralston and people of color,” Dickens said as he highlighted those accom- forward. Together.”
www.theatlantavoice.com April 8 - 15, 2022 3 STATE Georgia Legislature passes sweeping Mental Health Reform Bill BY ITORO UMONTUEN “This can occasionally be a frustrating The Atlanta Voice place to work,” Au continued. “Sometimes Georgia lawmakers quickly passed House the changes we want to see and that our pa- Bill 1013, the Mental Health Parity Act, tients need don’t happen as fast as we would which is designed to overhaul the state’s like, or at the scale we would hope for. It’s not underdeveloped mental health services sys- every day that we get to walk out of this room tem. Speaker of the House, David Ralston, feeling like we move the ball on something presented the bill in January. The bill passed really important. It’s not every day in this in the Senate 54-0 and in the House, 166-0. chamber that we have a chance to make such Upon passage, both chambers erupted in ap- a clear difference in the lives and health of plause. the people in the state.” “Hope won,” House Speaker David The Mental Health Parity Act requires in- Ralston, who spearheaded the measure, told surers to cover behavioral health problems the House as members gave him a standing on a level equal to that of physical ailments. ovation after the vote. “Countless Georgians The changes made to the final bill in the Sen- will know that we have heard their despair ate created exceptions to health plans that and frustration. We have set Georgia on a don’t offer behavioral benefits. path to lifting up and reforming a failed Georgia House Speaker, David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, introduces omnibus legislation The legislation also mandates insurers to mental health care system.” from the State Capitiol that will reform the state's mental health system on Wednesday, spend 85 percent of the dollars they get in The bill was fast-tracked after it passed the January 26, 2022 in Atlanta. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice) premiums on medical care and quality im- Senate Health and Human Services Commit- provements. According to a report by the tee Monday afternoon. The omnibus bill was mental health providers, courts and law en- state in America, indicating that adults have U.S. Office of the Inspector General, Georgia co-sponsored by Rep. Todd Jones, R-Cum- forcement in dealing with people in crisis. higher prevalence of mental illness and low- did not previously have a mandate to hit a ming, and Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, D-De- “Few of you will ever cast a vote as conse- er rates of access to care. Simply stated, the specific target for spending on patient care. catur. quential as your vote to pass House Bill 1013, levels of access and care for physical illness The bill is expected to take effect July 1st. The legislation is designed to increase and today it was you who gave hope to many, and mental illness in Georgia are not given “This is a great day for Georgia and today’s client access to care, ensure mental health many Georgians,” Ralston added. the same funding and respect. passage of this House Bill 1013 represents parity for providers and clients, strengthen “Georgia is taking on mental health re- “At present, Georgia ranks last in the coun- our state’s commitment to removing obsta- workforce development initiatives, expand form,’’ said Sen. Brian Strickland, a Mc- try when it comes to access to mental health cles that many Georgians face when assess- transparency and accountability for con- Donough Republican, in presenting the bill care. Only 39% of Georgians with mental ing their mental health care,” Lt. Gov. Geoff sumers, and enhance resources and tools for to the Senate. “We heard from people around health issues have access to the treatment Duncan said. “I want to thank the Senate frontline responders and communities. this state,’’ he said. “We heard many stories they need,” said State Senator, Dr. Michelle Health and Human Services Committee, the The Senate added incentives for the train- from people that moved us.” Au, D-Johns Creek, a practicing anesthesi- Senate sponsor for diligently working to ad- ing of mental health professionals, and fa- According to a study by Mental Health ologist. Au possesses an advanced degree in vance this legislation because it wasn’t easy.” cilitates grants for collaborations between America, Georgia is ranked the 7th worst public health.
4 April 8 - 15, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
FOUNDED
May 11, 1966
FOUNDER/EDITOR
Ed Clayton
Immortalis Memoria
VOICES "Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing
can be changed until it is faced."
PUBLISHER/EDITOR — JAMES BALDWIN
J. Lowell Ware
From ‘Beg and Borrow to Bury’, to Creating
Immortalis Memoria
The Atlanta Voice honors
the life of J. Lowell Ware.
PUBLISHER
Janis Ware
jlware@theatlantavoice.com
Black Wealth: The True
 Power of Insurance
PRESIDENT/
GENERAL MANAGER
A new initiative to create $500 billion in generational wealth through
James A. Washington life insurance could foster financial stability for Black families.
T
jaws@theatlantavoice.com
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT he concept was the white community, as the hard-working parents and over the last 10 years since
TO PUBLISHER easy, but the many white families have leaders of our Black families. launching the campaign.
Chia Suggs challenges were purchased life insurance as As part of the effort, the With over $1 billion delivered
csuggs@theatlantavoice.com
many — to re- a financial tool to replace in- Black agents discussed the back to Black families as some
CHIEF BRAND OFFICER
position life come, to obtain investment concept of what a “Black life of those insured individuals
Dawn Montgomery
dmontgomery@theatlantavoice.com insurance in a way to create guarantees and tax advantag- is worth.” Not by material have passed away, the vision
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS millions of dollars individu- es, and to leave financial lega- possessions or their job title, for wealth creation has clear-
Martel Sharpe ally for Black families and bil- cy gifts to future generations but by the future income that ly been coming to fruition.
msharpe@theatlantavoice.com lions collectively for the Black and organizations they love. that individual would gener- In fact, we have created a lot
MANAGING EDITOR, PRINT EUGENE MITCHELL community. The life insurance industry ate from the work that they of millionaire Black families,
Craig Brown
Since John Merrick started pays out tens of billions of did. where many of them had lit-
cbrown@theatlantavoice.com
EDITOR AT LARGE the Black-owned North Car- dollars every year by way of For example, a father mak- tle wealth before. And this
Stan Washington olina Mutual Life Insurance inheritance, thereby creating ing $50,000 a year for the was not by chance, or from a
swashington@theatlantavoice.com Company in 1898, the Black generational wealth for white next 20 years was seen as a winning lottery ticket, but be-
REPORT FOR AMERICA CORPS community has typically families. This resulting di- million-dollar asset to his cause someone in those fami-
MEMBER, EDUCATION REPORTER thought of life insurance as vide and disconnect from the family ($50,000 X 20 = $1 mil- lies sat down with one of our
Madeline Thigpen
burial insurance — solely to Black community has been lion). And if he were to pass agents to put a financial plan
mthigpen@theatlantavoice.com
cover the cost of a funeral. cited as a major current con- away unexpectedly from an in place to create a legacy and
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER
Bria Suggs Initially started as a benefit tributing factor to the racial accident or due to a disease inheritance for those that
bsuggs@theatlantavoice.com for struggling Black families, wealth gap in America. like COVID-19, his life insur- they love.
MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL these burial policies became In seeking to change this ance policy would replace his My leadership team and I
Itoro Umontuen a cash cow for large white- disparity, and potentially lost income and could be in- are now on a new mission to
iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com
owned companies as they close the widening racial vested, or leveraged, to prop- help even more Black fam-
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA
took over the industrial insur- wealth gap in America in erly provide for his family. ilies follow the strategies of
Alexis Grace
agrace@theatlantavoice.com ance or ‘burial policy’ market. just one generation, a Black From those policy proceeds, the wealth campaign to cre-
DIRECTOR OF VISUALS These burial policies were agent-led movement was his family would be able to ate financial stability, eco-
Trarell Torrence purchased for a few dollars a born at New York Life Insur- pay off the home mortgage, nomic opportunity, and mul-
t.torrence@theatlantavoice.com week, and the premiums were ance Company in 2011. Built supplement his spouse’s re- tigenerational wealth. We are
collected by an agent walking around a unifying vision, tirement, and even pay for enrolling more Black agents
ADVERTISING, SALES door-to-door. However, many which turned into a mis- the college tuition of his chil- and financial advisors from
& CIRCULATION of these policies did not pay- sion, and then a movement, dren, etc. across the insurance indus-
ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR out more than $1,000 each, these enlightened agents- After 6 ½ years, the New try to expand and amplify the
Chia Suggs even if the insured had paid of-change sought to insure York Life agents crossed the successes of our former cam-
advertising@theatlantavoice.com
far more into the policy. The 200,000 Black families with $50 billion milestone of life paign with us.
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Terry Milliner lack of money subsequent- at least $250,000 of life in- insurance placed and main- With a new goal to create
SALES ly received by the families surance, to collectively cre- tained for Black families. $500 billion for Black fam-
R.D.W. Jackson resulted in some having to ate $50 billion of protection Many tributes and recogni- ilies, we are continuing to
rdwadman@gmail.com scramble, and at times need- and tax-free future income tions took place for the ac- reposition and leverage the
SUBMISSIONS ing to beg and borrow for the (200,000 X $250,000 = $50 complishment, including power of life insurance to
newsroom@theatlantavoice.com remaining funds to pay for billion). articles written in the Black build wealth, transform Black
the funeral. This same situa- Calling it the $50 Billion press stating that 50 years communities, and close the
CONTACT INFORMATION tion played out for countless Empowerment Plan, a key after the passing of the Civil racial wealth gap.
633 Pryor Street, S.W.
Black families over many component in the reposition- Rights Act, this group of 1,500 Eugene Mitchell is the
Atlanta, GA 30312
years, and a general sense of ing of the life insurance prod- Black agents had now created founder and principal of E.
Office: 404-524-6426
Fax: 404-527-5464 distrust by the Black commu- uct for the Black community $50 billion of financial pro- Mitchell Consulting Group
nity, and ill-feeling toward was to convey its use — like tection and future income for for Financial Literacy and
life insurance companies and a traditional car or home in- our next generation. Financial Services. He is
their stated benefits of the surance policy. This meant it As the proud founder and also a speaker and author of
products they provide was should be purchased with the former manager of this $50B the book, Closing the Racial
created. intention to protect the “true Plan, I am most excited about Wealth Gap—7 Untold Rules
In contrast, a far differ- replacement value” of the the outcomes and communi- for Black Prosperity and Leg-
ent perspective is held by item insured — in this case, ty impact we have witnessed acy.
www.theatlantavoice.com April 8 - 15, 2022 5
LOCAL
The Village Market and Atlanta BeltLine establish
BeltLine storefronts for Black-owned businesses
STAFF REPORT
can stay in the communities where ally from spring to the end of No-
Atlanta BeltLine, Inc and The they have always been – sharing vember. The commercial spaces are
Village Market announced that the in economic prosperity,” says Dr. being implemented by Atelier 7 LLC
companies will be joining forces to Lakeysha Hallmon, Founder and Arhitects, a Black-owned architec-
launch BeltLine MarketPlace on Fri- CEO of The Village Market. tural design firm and leading local
day, April 1. This pilot program will “The Kendeda Fund is honored expert specializing in shipping con-
provide new, affordable commer- to support the Beltline MarketPlace tainer, modular systems, and pre-
cial opportunities for up to six local, program, a public-private partner- fab building systems for bespoke
Black-owned businesses with store- ship that holds huge potential for mixed-use, residential, and adaptive
fronts directly on the multi-use trail expanding opportunities for Black reuse projects.
as part of ABI’s first small business business in Atlanta,” said Tene Tray- Taking into account lessons
incubator. According to a release, lor. “Too often, accessing the capital learned from the pilot, BeltLine
this pilot program will connect com- needed to secure retail space can be MarketPlace anticipates growing in
munities like never before, powered an insurmountable barrier for small scope to include businesses of all
by a $750,000 grant from the Kende- A gift bag emblazoned with the words, "Support is a Verb" and a candle business owners. If our investment backgrounds and more locations
da Fund. Architecturally-designed, by Sophie Rose are displayed outside of Atlanta's Ponce City Market can lower those barriers for Black around the Atlanta BeltLine loop.
artistic shipping containers and pos- on Friday, February 12, 2021. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta entrepreneurs even a little, then it Dedicated funding from the Kende-
sible food trucks will pop-up in two Voice) will have made a difference.” Ac- da Fund will enable scaling as part of
locations along the Westside and local business can grow and flourish businesses are valued at $58,085 cording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor the grant. As the program is scaled,
Eastside Trails as part of this pilot around the 22-mile loop,” says Clyde compared to Latinx businesses Statistics, roughly half of small busi- it will become an opportunity for
program, giving entrepreneurs di- Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta at $457,877 and white businesses nesses succeed in the past five years. entrepreneurs to gain immediate ac-
rect access to the Atlanta BeltLine’s BeltLine, Inc. “Providing access to at $658,264. Additionally, 92% of Studies have shown that some of the cess to BeltLine foot traffic to launch
roughly two million annual visitors. the well-traveled BeltLine corridor Black-owned firms reported expe- biggest barriers to success for Black a new product; for existing business-
In addition to providing fully is one avenue to connect businesses riencing financial challenges since entrepreneurs are access to capital, es to test new products and services;
built-out commercial spaces at an af- with new economic opportunities.” COVID-19 and only 43% received all resources, and expertise; access to for southside and westside business-
fordable rate, ABI is committed to a Through living its signature PPP funding requested, compared to customers; and rising lease rates. es to gain new markets and aware-
unique partnership with The Village phrase, “Support is a Verb,” The Vil- 79% of white-owned firms, accord- BeltLine MarketPlace is removing ness on the eastside for their brands;
Market to provide the entrepreneurs lage Market connects Black-owned ing to the Federal Reserve Bank. these barriers by absorbing the cost and for residents on the southside
full wrap-around services before, businesses to dedicated community “This collaboration ensures eco- of building out the space, by locating and westside to have access to new
during, and after the inaugural sea- partners, like ABI, as a way to tack- nomic mobility, accessibility, and a businesses directly on the Atlanta amenities in their communities.
son from late spring/early summer le racial wealth gap issues. BeltLine progressive way forward as the Belt- BeltLine, and providing affordable Applications for the BeltLine Mar-
to November 2022. “With new fund- MarketPlace is one strategy targeted Line begins to nurture relationships lease rates that are below market. ketPlace are now open. Interested
ing, ABI is developing and advanc- towards closing the wealth gap be- with local, independently owned, Potential businesses could in- businesses should apply at www.
ing commercial affordability strate- tween Black-owned businesses and Black-owned businesses that have clude retail, soft goods, food-based, beltline.org/marketplace. Applica-
gies aimed at stabilizing, preserving, other minority- and white-owned been displaced due to the surge in or arts-centered ventures. They will tions are due April 15, 2022 with the
and creating affordable spaces so businesses. According to the Pros- commercial rents. It’s imperative operate out of the containers or on opening of the pilot program antic-
that Black-owned, legacy, small, and perity Now report, Atlanta’s Black that local, Black-owned businesses an adjacent food truck pad season- ipated in late spring/early summer.
STATE
State Lawmakers Consider a Slew of Bills during the session’s last day
ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia lawmakers and 32.6 cents per gallon for diesel. Sus-
faced multiple key decisions on the final pending collections could subtract more
scheduled day of their 40-day 2022 ses- than $400 million from road building. The
sion. governor plans to use part of last year's
At the last hour legislators approved a surplus to replace the money.
$30.2 billion state budget, cut the state’s GUNS IN PUBLIC: Senate Bill 319 would
income rate that eliminates $1 billion out abolish Georgia's requirement for a back-
of the state coffers, but once again sports ground check and license to carry a hand-
betting in Georgia died under the golden gun in public. Republicans say it infringes
dome. on Second Amendment gun rights for peo-
Some key proposals have already ple to have to apply for a permit and pay a
passed, including a mental health reform fee, usually about $75.
measure, a loosening of gun laws and a PARENT BILL OF RIGHTS: House Bill
bill letting parents opt their children out 1178 would put into one law a number of
of school mask mandates. Other measures parental rights that already exist, includ-
appear dead, including a bill that would House members throw up paper at the conclusion of the legislative session in the House ing saying parents have the right to review
raise penalties for illegal acts during pro- Chamber on Sine Die, the last day of the General Assembly at the Georgia State Capitol in all classroom materials.
tests and an attempt to regulate social me- Atlanta on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. (Branden Camp/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) MASKS IN SCHOOLS: Senate Bill 514,
dia. But bills can come back to life on the health and substance abuse treatment in stead of arresting them for a crime. already signed into law, will allow parents
General Assembly's last day. the same way they pay for other health GAS TAX HOLIDAY: House Bill 304, to exclude their children from mask man-
PASSED care. The measure also allows a police of- signed into law, suspended the state's mo- dates.
MENTAL HEALTH: House Bill 1013 ficer to take someone for evaluation after tor fuel taxes through May 31, including a
aims to force insurers to pay for mental getting permission from a physician, in- levy of 29.1 cents per gallon for gasoline See JUMP on page 6
6 April 8 - 15, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
STATE
Transgender sports ban passes at the eleventh hour
BY ITORO UMONTUEN
The Atlanta Voice for pushing news legislation that
D
adds human trafficking to the
ay 40 of the Georgia list of serious violent and sexual
legislative session offenses that require a superior
sees a flurry of activ- court judge to grant bail.
ity as bills attempt However, what Kemp did not
final passage before say Monday was his support for
midnight. However, at eleventh the parental bill of rights, fairness
hour inside the Georgia House of in school sports and for the leg-
Representatives, House Bill 1084 islature to “address obscene ma-
was originally designed to pro- terials online and in our school
vide additional oversight to high libraries.”
school sports. Representative Will The legislature, which is con-
Wade presented the bill at the late trolled by the Republican Party,
hour promising this was a sim- largely delivered on Kemp’s prom-
ple change that would be an easy ises during this legislative ses-
vote. sion. However, Speaker Ralston
However, language introduced was quick to inform reporters that
by the State Senate included the the state itself cannot enforce the
transgender sports ban, forbid- transgender ban.
ding the participation of trans- “I think that’s a determina-
gender boys in girls sports passed tion that GHSA needs to make in
by a 98-71 margin. However, consultation with the member
the legislation does not prevent schools,” Ralston said.
girls that identify as non-binary Ralston’s relationship with
from competing in boys sporting Governor Kemp appears to be a
events. Protester hold signs as University of Pennsylvania transgender athlete Lia Thomas competes in the 200 free- strong after a period which he
The bill now heads to Governor style finals at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships Friday, March 18, 2022, at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. saw the Governor get attacked by
Brian Kemp’s desk for his signa- Thomas finished tied for fifth place. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
members of the GOP underneath
ture. the Gold Dome and outside of the
State Rep. Matthew Wilson, Georgians, transgender youth because that’ll be a GHSA deter- nor Kemp addressed the House state.
D-Brookhaven, quickly voiced that it sets us up to be at the mination,” House Speaker David and touted the agenda he set out “I think sometimes there has
his opposition saying the Repub- wrong side of history and moral- Ralston, R-Blue Ridge. “And while to establish eighty-one days ago there’s some growing pains in that
licans slid the transgender sports ity. But also, on the wrong end of I’m going to communicate to during his State of the State Ad- relationship,” Ralston explained.
ban into the text of the legislation. litigation.” them that I don’t want them tar- dress. “But look, this governor has taken
“Passing this bill would be in- State Rep. Park Cannon, im- geted, and I hope that that’s not Kemp said the House agreed a lot of abuse, and we know where
consistent with the theme the mediately asked for the House to the case.” to an additional Georgia State it’s come from, and he’s kept on
House adopted this session, reconsider the passage of the bill. Expect for House Bill 1084 to Trooper class of seventy-five ca- going and, you know, he’s gov-
which is promoting mental health The motion to reconsider the bill be litigated in the Georgia courts dets, and pay raises for those erning. He’s not just out here, you
for Georgians,” Wilson said. “This failed. sooner rather than later. in state law enforcement. Plus, know, speech-making, and you
bill targets the most vulnerable “Well, we’re not targeting them Earlier in the evening, Gover- Kemp patted himself on the back know, I kind of admire that.”
JUMP male from playing on the boys teams. lems such as odors. ate Bill 393 sought to prohibit social me-
SCHOOL RECESS: House Bill 1283 ___ dia platforms from removing or censoring
Continued from page 5
would require daily recess for all public FAILED content.
school children in grades K-5. FELONY BAIL: Senate Bill 504 would ABORTION: Senate Bill 456 would re-
INCOME TAX CUT: The House and Sen- VACCINE MANDATES: Senate Bill 345 require cash bail for a judge to release quire a woman to get an in-person exam
ate reached an agreement on a tax cut in would prevent state agencies and local from jail anyone charged with any felony. from a physician before the doctor could
House Bill 1437. The bill calls for a 4.99% governments from requiring COVID-19 GAMBLING: Senate Resolution 135 prescribe her abortion pills, and bar deliv-
rate over a number of years, keeping cur- vaccines. would legalize all forms of gambling in- ery of abortion pills by mail without such
rent deductions. CRITICAL RACE THEORY: House Bill cluding sports betting, horse racing and an exam.
LAWMAKER PENSIONS: Lawmakers 1084 would ban the teaching of certain ra- casinos, if voters approved a constitution- LAWMAKER PAY: Pay for Georgia's 180
pensions would increase by about 40% cial concepts that Republicans say are di- al amendment. Senate Bill 142 would reg- House members and 56 senators would
under House Bill 824. visive. Opponents say the measure would ulate sports betting rise to 50% of the state median household
VOTING: The General Assembly ap- frighten teachers away from an honest PROTESTS: Senate Bill 171 would have income, up to about $30,000, if voters ap-
proved Senate Bill 441 that allows for the classroom discussion of race in history required a permit for any assembly, in- proved a constitutional amendment pro-
Georgia Bureau Investigation to start elec- and the present. creases criminal penalties for protests, posed by House Resolution 842.
tion fraud inquiries without an invitation. SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDITS: House makes it a felony to block a highway or MEDICAL MARIJUANA: House Bill
It sets aside $580,000 in the budget for Bill 517 would increase the tax credits deface a monument, lets people sue local 1425 would change how licenses are grant-
four GBI agents to investigate fraud com- available for private school scholarship governments if protests turn violent, and ed under the state's medical marijuana
plaints. organizations from $100 million to $200 makes it legal for someone to run over program in an attempt to jump-start a li-
TRANSGENDER ATHLETES: Trans- million someone else while fleeing a protest if the censing process tied into knots by legal
gender boys would be banned from play- RIGHT TO FARM: House Bill 1150 would person fleeing believed their life was in challenges.
ing on the girls school sports teams but it enhance protections for farmers against danger.
wouldn’t prevent those identifying as fe- nuisance lawsuits by neighbors over prob- SOCIAL MEDIA REGULATION: Sen-
www.theatlantavoice.com April 8 - 15, 2022 7
HEALTH
Protecting our mothers: why Black maternal mortality is on the rise
BY BRIA SUGGS
The Atlanta Voice Atlanta in 1983. To this day, it is
A
still the only national nonprofit
ccording to a Center created by Black women to protect
for Disease Control and advance the wellness of Black
(CDC) report, the women and girls.
number of women According to Senior Program Di-
who died during rector Shana Davis, “Black women
pregnancy or shortly after birth are disproportionately impacted
significantly increased during the by risk factors related to pregnan-
first year of the coronavirus pan- cy, such as hypertension or gesta-
demic. The report is based on data tional diabetes, but these factors
from the National Vital Statistics are made worse by the compound-
System. ed stress of racial discrimination,
The World Health Organization lower quality health care, climate
(WHO) defines a maternal death as change, and COVID-19.”
“the death of a woman while preg- Davis believes that there is
nant or within 42 days of termi- plenty of research that proves rac-
nation of pregnancy, irrespective ism and disparities in America’s
of the duration and the site of the healthcare system and that more
pregnancy, from any cause related action needs to be taken.
Black Americans make up roughly 12.4% of the population, yet Black women are three times as likely to die
to or aggravated by the pregnancy The BWHI is collaborating with
during pregnancy or shortly after birth than their White counterparts.
or its management, but not from the All of Us Research Program to
accidental or incidental causes.” abortion-related deaths indicates option of self-managed abortions highest maternal mortality rate help create more equity in health
The maternal mortality rate is how crucial access to safe and legal via medication. when compared to other devel- research. Through the program,
the number of maternal deaths abortions were crucial. The study found that a total oped countries. they hope to increase represen-
per 100,000 live births. In 2020, “The larger effects for racial and abortion ban could increase preg- A 2020 report suggests that the tation in medical data to ensure
the maternal mortality rate was ethnic minorities could be due to nancy-related deaths by increas- U.S’s overrepresentation of Obste- that treatments are created that
23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births economic disadvantages,” Michael ing exposure to the risks of carry- trician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) work for those from diverse back-
compared with a rate of 20.1 in Pesko, associate professor in Geor- ing a pregnancy to term because in maternal care could be one of grounds, and that the understand-
2019. Specifically for Black wom- gia State’s economics department wanted abortions are denied. the reasons for the country’s high ing of health better reflects the
en, the maternal mortality rate in and health economist said. “These In the first year in which all maternal mortality rate. In other diverse population the medical
2020 was 55.3 deaths per 100,000 groups may have had less financial abortions in the United States countries, midwives outnumber industry serves.
live births. ability to travel to states or other In her experience working close-
Black Americans make up countries allowing abortions. Al- ly with Black maternal health, Da-
roughly 12.4% of the population, ternatively, a number of states al- vis believes that there are several
yet Black women are three times as lowed abortions in cases where the solutions available to decrease the
likely to die during pregnancy or mother’s health was at risk prior to number of Black women who die
shortly after birth than their White Roe v. Wade, and non-white wom- during pregnancy or shortly after
counterparts. en may have had less regular ac- the birth of their child such as in-
A February New York Times ar- cess with the healthcare system to creased access to quality health in-
ticle suggests that the rise in the identify problematic pregnancies surance, diversifying the medical
maternal mortality rate is direct- and receive consent for abortions field to include doulas and mid-
ly related to the global pandemic. from physicians.” wives, and policies for parental
Pregnancy can put women at risk Within the past couple of years, leave.
for intensive care if infected with several states across the country Davis also has an idea that could
the coronavirus and vaccines were have tried to pass laws that would hold medical professionals ac-
not available for most of 2020. ban abortions at six weeks ges- countable for implicit bias and
Black Americans have suffered tation or earlier. An example in racism.
disproportionately during the Georgia would be House Bill 481 “List discrimination or racism
pandemic, with higher death rates in 2019. as a cause for wrongful death and
and hospitalizations when com- These laws are often controver- outline clear consequences for
pared to white Americans. Despite sial and spark debates across the hospitals and health systems,”
PHOTO CREDIT:ISTOCK/SEVENTYFOUR
this, racial disparities in maternal political spectrum, often focused Davis said. “The development of
mortality predate the pandemic. on deaths that could be a result of are denied, the estimated annu- OB-GYNs and primary care plays programs identifying and treat-
It’s a complex issue with multiple having unsafe abortions. A recent al number of pregnancy-related a central role in the health system. ing social disparities and other
causes. study published by Demography deaths would increase from 675 The report states that although conditions that increase maternal
Connecting state abortion laws analyzes how a federal abortion to 724 (7% increase), and in subse- a large share of maternal deaths mortality risks are needed for hy-
to maternal mortality ban could impact maternal health. quent years to 815 (21% increase). occur post-birth, the U.S. is the pertension, diabetes, and obesity.”
Georgia State University re- The study only considers deaths Black people would experience only country that does not guar- There’s not much that the av-
searchers reviewed health records from being pregnant or giving the greatest increase in pregnan- antee access to provider home erage person can do to tackle
from the 1960s and 1970s and birth, estimates of deaths due to cy-related deaths, with a 12% in- visits or paid parental leave in maternal mortality on their own.
found that the state-level legal- unsafe abortions would be in addi- crease in the first year and a 33% the postpartum period. The WHO However, to Davis, voting for can-
ization of abortions produced a tion to the results. The researcher increase in subsequent years. recommends midwives as an evi- didates who support maternal
30-40% decline in non-white ma- did not include deaths from un- How America compares globally dence-based approach to reducing health and educating oneself on
ternal mortality in a recent paper. safe abortions in the study since Most maternal deaths are pre- maternal mortality. maternal health and becoming an
The impact of legal abortions in it is statistically riskier to carry ventable, yet the maternal mortal- At the local level advocate are a couple of ways that
reducing minority maternal mor- a pregnancy to term than get an ity rate in the United States contin- The Black Women’s Health Im- an individual can reduce maternal
tality rates through declines in abortion and also because of the ues to increase. America has the perative (BWHI) was founded in mortality
8 April 8 - 15, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
EDUCATION
Black Students Experiencing Racism on
Campus Lack Mental Health Support
BY MELBA NEWSOME
Kaiser Health News experiences are associated with
issues such as depression, anxi-
Black students at predominant- ety, and difficulty concentrating or
ly white colleges are speaking out sleeping.”
about the racial hostility they’ve A UCLA study published
experienced. But they aren’t get- in the journal Pediatrics in 2021
ting the mental health help they shows that the problems aren’t nec-
need on campus. essarily transitory. Young adults
Three years ago, Lauren who experience discrimination are
Bryant was walking across Appa- at higher risk for both short- and
lachian State University’s campus long-term behavioral and mental
with several other Black students health problems that are exacerbat-
when they were verbally assaulted ed with each new incident.
with a racist tirade. For a variety of reasons,
“This guy in a pickup students of color are not getting the
truck stopped at the light, rolled kind and amount of help they need.
down his window, and just started A recent University of North Caro-
calling us a bunch of N-words,” she lina-Chapel Hill study of first-year
recalled. PHOTO CREDIT:ISTOCK/GAUDILAB college students found that Black
It wasn’t the only time students had the highest increase
Bryant has had an experience like to 2021, the Southern Poverty Law dents has consequences that go and employment. in rates of depression. However, a
this at the overwhelmingly white Center identified 1,341 incidents of well beyond feeling uncomfort- Racist incidents can take study in the Journal of Adolescent
campus in Boone, a town in one of white supremacist pamphleteering able. A growing body of research a toll on students’ overall health Health found that treatment use is
North Carolina’s most conservative on college campuses. The Anti-Def- has documented the detrimental and well-being, undermine their lower among students of color rel-
regions. Whether it’s the ubiquity amation League recorded around health effects of both interpersonal self-confidence, and affect aca- ative to white students, even when
of Confederate flags, Ku Klux Klan 630 incidents of white supremacist and structural racism. The Centers demic performance, said Dr. An- controlling for other variables.
members handing out literature, propaganda being distributed on for Disease Control and Preven- nelle Primm, senior medical direc- This is consistent with a
or a parade of pickup trucks flying campuses in 2019. tion notes that centuries of racism tor for the Steve Fund, a nonprofit 2020 report from the Steve Fund
flags in support of President Don- Black students at predom- have had a profound and negative focused on supporting the mental that said students of color are less
ald Trump, she believes they’re all inantly white institutions report impact on the mental and physi- health of young people of color. likely than their white peers to seek
intended to signal that students of everything from instances of thin- cal health of people of color. The “These kinds of feelings mental health treatment even though
color are unwelcome there. ly veiled racism, homophobia, and American Public Health Associa- go hand in hand with students at white and Black students experience
College campuses are a sexism to outright racial hostility tion calls racism a barrier to health predominantly white institutions, mental health issues at the same rate.
microcosm of racial strife happen- and intimidation. equity and a social determinant of where they may feel isolated or like
ing across the nation. From 2018 Experiencing such inci- health akin to housing, education, they don’t belong,” she said. “The See MENTAL on page 11
EDUCATION
CAU Chosen to Pilot New UNCF and Deloitte Digital Program
BY MADELINE THIGPEN
Report for America creases in adoption we need to be for the problems schools are facing
C
thinking about how we provide that with the pandemic. Instead he de-
lark Atlanta University alternative in an online environ- scribed it as a reimagination of on-
is one of nine HBCU’s to ment,” said Young. line education focused on the needs
partner with the United Out of 37 institutions that were of Black students.
Negro College Fund and invited, nine were selected for the HBCUv will offer asynchronous
Deloitte Digital who will planning phase and three (includ- and synchronous learning so stu-
develop and pilot the new HBCUv ing CAU) will pilot the program dents can tailor their schedule
program. according to Valora Richardson, around their lifestyle.
Students who are enrolled at one Director, Digital Solutions and In- “We need to solve for the real-life
of the partner schools will be able to novations at UNCF. challenges of student engagement,
take credit-bearing courses at any “UNCF and Deloitte Digital are program retention, degree attain-
of the participating schools starting joined at the hip on this project,” ment, and career advancement,”
in 2023. added Young. He said the teams said Young.
Nathan Young, Senior Manager, meet daily and are very intention- UNCF defined one goal of the
Deloitte Consulting LLP and Head PHOTO CREDIT: BRIA SUGGS/THE ATLANTA al about including the 9 partner program as connecting Black tal-
of Strategy, Ethos at Deloitte Digital vis Christian College, Johnson C. dents have an online space built schools in their plans. ent, and ultimately becoming a
said the program can help HBCUs Smith University, Lane College, around their needs where they can “HBCUv is intended to be a plat- platform that will be open to all HB-
expand their reach. The nine part- Shaw University and Talladega show up and be their authentic form designed for HBCUs, by HB- CUs. HBCUv will make it possible
ner schools are Benedict College, College which have over combined selves. Just as HBCU campuses of- CUs” He said. for students at schools on opposite
Claflin University, Clark Atlanta 8,000 students. fer an important alternative to PWI Young made it clear that they do sides of the country to learn togeth-
University, Dillard University, Jar- “It's important… that Black stu- campuses, as online education in- not see this program as a solution er and to learn from one another
www.theatlantavoice.com April 8 - 15, 2022 9
EDUCATION
Agnes Jones Students Awarded ‘Spirit of Greenpower Award’
BY MADELINE THIGPEN
they made sure to discuss with the
Report for America
students why their Greenpower
The M. Agnes Jones ‘Rapid Rac- car is more sustainable than a go-
ers’ won the Spirit of Greenpower kart or gasoline powered car.
Award at the Greenpower Compe- The majority of the Rapid Rac-
tition in LaGrange, Ga. for work- ers are older students because in
ing through adversity, supporting order to drive the car they must be
fellow competitors and holding at least nine-years-old.
themselves to a high standard. However, McGhee said, after
The elementary school seven speaking with some of the other
student team was the first and only teams at the competition they’re
Atlanta Public School to compete going to start including the young-
in the competition against schools er 3rd graders and some 2nd grad-
from across the state. ers as time keepers or members of
The school’s Instructional Tech- the pit crew.
nology Specialist, Shayla McGhee “It’s something that allows them
said that even though the Rapid to be on the team and learn, but
Racers placed tenth overall, the not necessarily drive the car,” she
students are already talking about said.
improvements and ways they can The team has already begun
get better for next year's competi- preparing for their next competi-
tion. tion which will be in Alabama on
“It was all a learning experience, April 30
The Rapid Racers pose with their Spirit of Greenpower Award. Students: Alaya Seats, Justin Haynes, Elijah Bur-
but now they want to redesign “We’re going to work on how
roughs, Jade Wright, Isis Thomas, Taylor Rucker and Oniya Thomas. Coaches: Shayla McGhee, Jarvis Blackshear,
their car,” McGhee said. they can better their times so they
Mikaela Zimmerman and Sharon Tuck. (Photo courtesy of redefinED Atlanta)
In addition to the kit that the can win more heats,” she said.
students use to build their car, the are learning in the classroom. and how the car works and moves, In addition to the STEAM com- The Rapid Racers were able to
Greenpower project also comes “They’re talking about force and that applies to a lot of the stan- ponent, McGhee added that the enter this competition after being
with a curriculum that McGhee motion, energy, circuitry— all of dards that the students are learn- students are learning about team- awarded a grant from RedefinED
said directly ties into what the kids these things that go into the car ing about in class,” she added. work and cooperation. She said Atlanta.
10 April 8 - 15, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
ENVIRONMENT
Climate change is making
seasonal allergies worse
LET’S GET SOCIAL!
connect with us
WEBSITE
TWITTER
PHOTO CREDIT: ISTOCK/INNOVATEDCAPTURES
BY BRIA SUGGS health by increasing pollen concen- from allergies for six months can im- INSTAGRAM
I
The Atlanta Voice trations and lengthening pollen sea- pact the quality of life of her patients.
t’s that time of the year again sons and exposure times. She also recommends that those who
where runny noses, nasal con- Temperature and precipitation al- have asthma are careful during the
gestion and sneezing are con- ter daily pollen emission by 35-40% pollen season because of how pollen
stant. and increase the annual total pollen can trigger asthma symptoms. “Sev-
Spring time can be tough for emission by 16–40%. Increasing car- enty percent of people who suffer
residents of Atlanta, the city in a for- bon dioxide in the atmosphere may from asthma actually have an allergic
est, who suffer from alergies. If you increase pollen production up to trigger to pollen,” Gardner said.
think your allergies are getting worse
every year, that’s because they are.
200% by the end of the century.
Higher pollen counts and longer
“So it's not just nasal symptoms
we will hear about when we see these
TIKTOK
Pollen-induced respiratory allergies pollen seasons are two factors that longer pollen seasons. We'll also hear
are a worldwide health concern that can increase the likelihood of sea- about people starting to suffer from
affects up to 30% of the world pop- sonal allergies. Scientists estimate more asthma symptoms, which in
ulation, resulting in large economic that the Southeastern United States turn can lead to an increased rate of
loss because of medical expendi- are likely to be more impacted by the hospitalizations, urgent care visits,
tures, missed work and school days, climate’s effect on pollen. and so on.” For those looking to best
and early deaths. “Typically, we see an increase in protect themselves from the pollen
Because of climate change, pollen pollen counts in mid-February,” Er- season, Gardner highly recommends YOUTUBE
counts will be higher and the allergy inn Gardner, a physician at Atlanta seeing a certified allergist.
season will last longer in the years to Allergy & Asthma, said. “And here “Not only can medications be rec-
come. As the planet’s temperature in Atlanta, those pollen counts will ommended to prevent symptoms
rises and carbon dioxide concentra- remain elevated until late May or from occurring, there's also immu-
tions increase, a new study published June.” notherapy or basically allergy shots,”
in Nature Communications suggests “It's actually thought that these Gardner said. “That's a little bit dif-
by the year 2100, pollen season could changes are going to be more pro- ferent [because] medications typi-
start as many as 20 days earlier and nounced in the Southeast simply be- cally work right away to help control
last 20 days longer. According to a
2021 study, climate change could
cause we already have warmer win-
ters,” Gardner said. “We already have
symptoms, but allergy immunother-
apy actually helps desensitize you
FACEBOOK
trigger shifts in airborne pollen relatively early pollen seasons. So to what you're allergic to. So, your
loads, which could have major respi- with climate change and the increase symptoms decrease and then you're
ratory health consequences for aller- in temperatures, we may see winters not as dependent on medication.
gies and asthma. that are even shorter and we're gon- That's nice simply because it's more Also visit our website to subscribe to our newsletter!
Pollen concentrations are often na see spring seasons that start even so a long-term solution to allergies
highly temperature-sensitive, cli- earlier.” as opposed to just medicating each
mate change caused by humans Longer pollen seasons are a con- year.”
could substantially harm respiratory cern of Gardner’s because sufferingwww.theatlantavoice.com April 8 - 15, 2022 11
HEALTH
Black Women & Alopecia: What Is It, What Can Be Done About It
Many Black women experience alopecia, and about a third of women will suffer some form of hair loss in their lives.
BY RESHONDA TATE disease that causes hair loss, in ear- ing alopecia areata in their lifetime be a little bit more difficult for me
F
Houston Defender ly 20s. than white women. to hide, so I thought I’d just share it
or years, Kim Roxie has “I was shedding and finding bald Jada shines a light so y’all not asking any questions —
been helping women en- spots in certain areas. I went to a The recent fiasco at the Oscars but you know, mama’s going to put
hance their beauty. The dermatologist that didn’t look like has shined a light on the debilitat- some rhinestones in there, and I’m
Houston native has gar- me, and he didn’t help,” she said. “I ing disease that, each year, affects going to make me a little crown.”
nered national acclaim tried castor oil, growth serums, all so many women. Actor Will Smith Pinkett Smith is among the nota-
as a makeup artist with her compa- different kind of things, and noth- has had a front row seat to his wife, ble women of color who have broken
ny Lamik Beauty. But throughout ing helped. Then I went to a Black Jada Pinkett Smith’s, battle with al- their silence about hair loss, includ-
her successful career, she was har- female dermatologist, and she con- opecia since 2018. Pinkett Smith has ing Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass.,
boring a secret: she didn’t always firmed that I had two different kinds been vocal about the diagnosis, em- who revealed she had alopecia in
feel beautiful because alopecia had of alopecia.” bracing the challenges of the con- 2020. The Massachusetts Democrat
robbed her of her crown. Roxie recommends a good sup- dition and publicly displaying evi- said she felt compelled to go public to
“As a young girl, I had beautiful port system for anyone dealing with dence of hair loss with confidence free herself of the shame of her condi-
naturally curly hair and I hated my hair loss. and candor. tion and provide true transparency to
hair because I grew up during a time “I’m in a hair loss support group. She even released a video on In- all the people empowered by her hair
where straight hair was in. And so We get on zoom and we talk about stagram to talk about a new patch style.
PHOTO CREDIT: ISTOCK/INNO-
I did everything to get those waves our hair loss, and I can be so trans- of baldness caused by alopecia. “I felt naked, exposed, vulnerable.
VATEDCAPTURES
out my head – perms, weaves and I parent.” The video, which has over 2 mil- I felt embarrassed. I felt ashamed.
discovered I’d put so much tension A common problem to Harvard Medical School. And a lion views, shows a smiling Pinkett I felt betrayed,” Pressley said. “And
on my scalp and edges. I just abused Like Roxie, many women of color peer-reviewed study published in Smith acknowledging the discovery. then I also felt that I was participating
my hair,” Roxie said. experience alopecia. About a third 2018 found that Black and Hispanic “Look at this line right here,” Pin- in a cultural betrayal because of all
The 38-year-old mother was diag- of women will suffer some form of women in the U.S. have a “signifi- kett Smith, 50, said as she pointed
nosed with alopecia, a degenerative hair loss in their lives, according cantly greater” chance of develop- to her scalp. “Now this is going to See ALOPECIA on page 12
MENTAL have been raised to ‘put it in God’s hands’ or ity resulted from Black people’s lack of ini- Black Studies building. A student at the State
Continued from page 8 may be told that they could overcome these tiative, not the nation’s failure to atone for University of New York’s College of Environ-
feelings if they prayed hard enough,” Primm historical wrongs. mental Science and Forestry posted a video
College campuses are having trou- said. “Certainly, prayer and religious activity “He kept saying extremely offen- showing two men firing guns at a tree as one
ble recruiting enough therapists to meet the are important and helpful for mental health, sive things like ‘They should just work hard- yells, “This is what we do to n——.”
mental health needs of students overall. And but sometimes you may need some addition- er’ or ‘They should try to better their lives In the wake of George Floyd’s mur-
few predominantly white colleges employ al support.” and educate themselves,’” Williams recalled. der in 2020, Appalachian State student orga-
counselors and mental health professionals Black students account for nearly “At one point, he made some comment about nizations spoke out and led protests against
who are representative of the racial, ethnic, 4% of the more than 18,000 undergraduates lynching. Once he said that, I just got up and what they deemed as the oppression and
and cultural diversity of the students. at Appalachian State, and Black residents left.” trauma that Black and other students of col-
This can be problematic for pa- make up fewer than 3% of Boone’s popula- Williams was especially disturbed or routinely encountered. Marches through
tients of color in any setting who doubt white tion. Bryant, the programming chair for the by what she saw as the professor’s encour- campus, into downtown Boone, and to the
counselors can provide culturally competent university’s Black Student Association, be- agement. “Rather than saying, ‘You’re mak- Watauga County courthouse drew condem-
care, which acknowledges a patient’s heri- lieves that having a university with so few ing the students of color feel unsafe and nation and threats of arrests.
tage, beliefs, and values. Black people— in a town where Black resi- unwelcome,’ she kept saying, ‘Elaborate on But the backlash and vitriol often
When Daisha Williams spoke to a dents are even scarcer — emboldens those that.’” directed at students who engage in social jus-
white counselor outside of campus about be- who commit racist acts. Although institutions cannot con- tice activism can take its own mental health
ing alienated from her mother’s side of the Bryant was well aware of the de- trol or eliminate these occurrences, they toll. The work is often all-consuming. “It gets
family for being biracial, her pain was trivi- mographics of the school and the region be- bear responsibility for how they respond. challenging,” Bryant said. “We shouldn’t
alized: “She was, like, ‘Sorry that happened. fore she arrived. But during a campus tour, When asked about what happened to Wil- have to advocate against things that should
That sucks. They really missed out.’ And that university representatives assured prospec- liams and Bryant, Appalachian State Associ- never have happened in the first place.”
was it.” tive students that they valued diversity and ate Vice Chancellor Megan Hayes called the Ebony McGee, an associate pro-
The history of racism in the fields would ensure that Black and other students incidents “abhorrent” and said the univer- fessor of diversity and STEM education at
of psychology and psychiatry makes many of color felt as if they belonged. sity “is committed to fostering an inclusive, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennes-
Black people leery of seeking help. Last year, “We were under the impression safe and supportive environment for all stu- see, cautions students to jealously guard
the American Psychiatric Association apolo- that they would make sure we are support- dents, faculty, and staff.” their emotional well-being. “The best way
gized for the organization’s “appalling past ed, but the reality of how things really are Still, such incidents continue to students can protect their mental health is
actions” and pledged to institute “anti-racist changed that dynamic,” she said. “We did happen nationwide. A white Georgia South- realize that they can’t change the system,”
practices.” Months later, the American Psy- not expect the amount of fight we’d have to ern University student gave a class presen- McGee said. “The best way you can support
chological Association issued its own apolo- contribute towards things that might affect tation on white replacement theory, which racial activism is to get your degree, because
gy. our education.” has been linked to white supremacist ideol- then you’ll have greater power and a greater
But even a Black counselor may not And sometimes the racism the ogy. When Black students complained, the voice within your community.”
be enough to overcome reluctance. In a joint students face is more subtle than hurled university defended the presentation as free KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a na-
survey conducted by the Steve Fund and the epithets but still deeply unsettling. In 2017, speech. tional newsroom that produces in-depth
United Negro College Fund, 45% of students Williams said, she eagerly anticipated dis- At Rhodes College in Memphis, journalism about health issues. Together
at historically Black colleges and universities cussing Ta-Nehisi Coates’ essay “The Case Tennessee, pro-Nazi postings were directed with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is
said they would not speak to a mental health for Reparations” in one of her Appalachian at Black students and a banana was taped to one of the three major operating programs
professional if they were in crisis. State classes, but the conversation soon be- the dorm room door of two Black male stu- at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an
Primm said a student’s background came upsetting. A white student asserted dents. At Northern Illinois University, the endowed nonprofit organization providing
and belief system may be a factor. “They may that any residual economic or social inequal- N-word was spray-painted on the Center for information on health issues to the nation.You can also read
