TMHS 416: The Most Overlooked Racial Health Disparity In Our World Today

“Race and racism are a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can’t just be on people of color to deal with it. It’s up to all of us—Black, white, everyone—no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out. It starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own. It ends with justice, compassion, and empathy that manifests in our lives and on our streets. I pray that we all have the strength for that journey, just as I pray for the souls and the families of those who were taken from us.” – Michelle Obama 

Long-standing, deep-seated racial inequities are being uncovered in every aspect of American life. Not only do many western illnesses (and even the pandemic) disproportionately affect Black people, but now we’re seeing a widespread public outcry about racism in our criminal justice system. If you’re at all familiar with The Model Health Show, you know my tendency to dig into the numbers, look at the data, and find the root cause of any issue.

That’s what we’re going to dive into on today’s show. You’re going to gain a deeper understanding of systemic racism, racial profiling, and the disproportionate rates in which violence, poverty, homicide, and police brutality affect the Black community. I hope you will come into this episode with an open mind, and I also ask for your compassion as I share deeply personal and hurtful experiences. 

I invite you to view these current events through my perspective and the culmination of my experiences as a Black man in America. I also want to encourage you to be part of the change—offering specific action steps you can take in your heart, your home, and your community. 

In this episode you’ll discover:

Where I come from, and how my early exposure to violence influenced me. What the second most influential factor in the lower lifespan of black men is. Why we need to start viewing violence as an epidemic of public health.  How our life experiences shape our viewpoints and outcomes. The experience that led me to always seek out truth.  How being involved in a desegregation program affected me.  An example of how societal norms can change in just one generation. My experiences being racially profiled by the police and other authority figures. The core issue that our society needs to address.  Why I believe racial injustice is still an undercurrent in our society.  The importance of recognizing your own cognitive biases. History of Black Wall Street.  How education and exposure can facilitate deep change.  The link between poverty and violence, and what you can do to help.  What qualified immunity is, and why we need to speak up about it. The qualities and training that I believe should be mandatory for police officers.  How to leverage your vote to create systemic change.  What you need to know about prosecutor-police relationships. How to use your voice as a force for compassion, equality, and love. 

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Thrivemarket.com/modelhealth ⇐ get a $20 shopping credit with a new membership! Organifi.com/Model ⇐ Use the coupon code model for 20% off! The World Is Facing Great Challenges with Dr. Michael Beckwith – Episode 415 Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell When They See Us on Netflix 

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