The Struggle for Health Equity in Black America
From slavery and Jim Crow to the modern era, Black health outcomes have been shaped by structural racism and neglect. This longform essay traces the history of health inequities, explores present-day disparities, and highlights solutions for the future.
Historical Context
Enslaved Africans were denied medical care, and experiments like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study further eroded trust in the healthcare system.
Current Challenges
- Black maternal mortality rates remain a national crisis.
- Chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension disproportionately affect Black communities.
- Mental health care remains underfunded and stigmatized.
Path Forward
Solutions must combine policy reform, community-based health initiatives, and addressing social determinants of health such as housing, education, and income.
Health equity is not charity — it is justice.
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