Latest news with #BlackAmericans'
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Colorado bill that would establish standards for Black history education passes House
DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado House on Wednesday passed a bill that would establish standards for Black history and culture studies in the state. The sponsor of HB25-1149, Colorado Springs Democratic Rep. Regina English, said this bill is meant to give Colorado students a full understanding of Black Americans' contributions throughout the history of the U.S. The bill also comes as the Trump administration launches targeted rollbacks of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in educational institutions across the country, with which Colorado has decidedly not complied. Colorado's K-12 education department will not comply with Trump Administration's DEI order The bill passed the House 45-20 and will now move to the state Senate for consideration. 'Black history is American history, and without a Comprehensive Black history curriculum in our public schools, students aren't receiving the full scope of achievements and contributions of Black Americans. We can help our students achieve a well-rounded education by developing and standardizing a comprehensive Black history curriculum in Colorado's public schools. From politics to engineering, Black Americans' contributions to society are vast. This bill helps ensure that students learn about the influential Black leaders who changed the course of history and our nation.' Rep. Regina English Under HB25-1149, Black historical and cultural studies are defined as 'an interdisciplinary program of elementary through secondary academic study that represents Black historical experiences through truthful, inclusive, complex narratives that connect with contemporary realities and highlights the innovations and cultural contributions of Black people in Colorado, America, and the world.' National Park Service restores original Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad webpage The bill would create a Black historical and cultural studies advisory committee in the Department of Education to recommend standards and materials that advance appropriate and comprehensive instruction of factual accounts of Black Americans' struggles and contributions across all fields. The bill requires the state board of education to adopt the standards on or before July 1, 2026, and school districts to incorporate those standards for schools starting in or after July 2028. President Donald Trump has recently taken aim at institutions focused on Black history, including the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture, saying in an executive order that the museum as a whole is engaging in a 'concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation's history.' Critics see Trump attacks on the 'Black Smithsonian' as an effort to sanitize racism in US history Instead of celebrating an 'unparalleled legacy of advancing liberty, individual rights, and human happiness,' the order argues that a 'corrosive … divisive, race-centered ideology' has 'reconstructed' the nation 'as inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed.' It instructs Vice President JD Vance to review all properties, programs and presentations to prohibit programs that 'degrade shared American values' or 'divide Americans based on race.' The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Excellence Was On Display, As The Council For Urban Professionals Builds Pipeline To Power
Never underestimate the impact of positive voices. As some of America's biggest and most recognizable companies, CEOs and boards of directors continue to fold and pivot away from investing in the power that lies within America's multicultural workforces, nonprofit groups are continuing to inspire, elevate and empower them. One of those organizations is the Council for Urban Professionals (CUP). This month, in the heart of midtown in New York City, under the vision of empowering the modern workforce in a changing world, CUP hosted a half-day experiential, cross-industry event to bring together over 400 registered mid-career professionals and inspiring senior thought leaders from all backgrounds in a town hall format. Their annual Pipeline to Power Summit focused on both the challenges and opportunities to deliver excellence in today's corporate environment. While the solutions may be academic in some cases, others—such as networking with like-minded professionals seeking to accelerate their careers—may be the key to unlocking that spark of imagination to proactively create a roadmap for their next steps. Held in the heart of midtown in NYC, CUPs 7th Annual Pipeline to Power Summit showcased the steps ... More needed to be taken by executives to overcome the recent attacks on DEI Pictured: Melissa Fenton | Executive Director, CUP, Angelina Darrisaw | CEO, C-Suite Coach, Maryam Banikarim | Co-Founder, MaryamB + NYCNext, James Francis | Founder, Artificial Integrity, Sam Lalanne | Managing Director and Chief Diversity Officer, Morgan Stanley It's no secret that America's demographics are evolving. Building a bridge to be inclusive of these new, exciting voices allows companies to overcome what has become an historic blind spot with these consumers. Addressing this blind spot encompasses messaging, marketing and elevating their importance within business and the economy at large. How big is this blind spot? Over $6 trillion domestically. It is estimated that Black Americans' spending power sits between $1.4 trillion and $1.8 trillion annually, a powerful economic bloc that's comparable to the gross domestic products of Mexico, Canada and Italy. Latinos' purchasing power in the U.S. reached $3.4 trillion in 2021 and grew over two times faster than non-Latino counterparts. Asian Americans, with $1.3 trillion in buying power, have a median household income of $104,646, well above the average income in the U.S. This demographic has grown 314% over the past two decades, becoming the fastest-growing of all ethnicity groups. Tapping into these consumer markets is not only smart, but also necessary for robust corporate bottom lines. An added bonus is that the collective intelligence, insights and skillsets of diverse populations provide opportunities for employers to strengthen their workforce head counts. Over 400 people gathered in the heart of midtown Manhattan to network to continue your career growth More and more professionals are seeking to increase their business knowledge and potentially pivot their careers. Networking is crucial for both of these goals, particularly career advancement, with so many people seeking new career opportunities, whether with their current employer or elsewhere. According to a LinkedIn survey, 54% of Americans say they plan to look for a new position this year. Why is this number so high? In 2024, many people who said they were looking for a role didn't find one, so they're still in the market today. CUP was born in 2007, to support the career progression of talented professionals nationwide, focusing on New York City and Los Angeles and more recently Martha's Vineyard. Today they serve nearly 20,000 professionals, of which, over 500 have graduated from their Fellows Program. Founded by Tarrus Richardson, CEO of IMB Partners, CUP's mission is to inspire, elevate and empower the next generation of business and civic leaders, by working with corporate partners - 75 and counting - and striving to connect more with individuals in finance, law and tech among other groups. Tarrus Richardson, Founder of CUP, alongside Michael A. Persaud, who serves as CUP Chairman of the ... More Board. 'In addition to our skill-building programs, we curate groups for cutting-edge conversations through our Forums and Summits." said Melissa Fenton, executive director of CUP "Ultimately, we recognize merit-based talent and individuals who are committed to giving back to others, and also recognize veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country.' Or, as Michael A. Persaud, who serves as the organization's board chair, and portfolio manager, global sports and entertainment associate director at Morgan Stanley puts it, 'CUP's core value proposition is to shine a light on the excellence and high performance of a group sometimes overlooked within the five industries we serve: finance, law, media/entertainment, tech and sports. We're providing pathways for them to connect the appropriate dots for further success.' In conversation: Melissa Fenton, Executive Director of CUP and Tiffany Dufu, President Tory Burch ... More Foundation. As the future of work evolves, engaging with CUP could be the game-changer for talent and businesses. Due to the organizations' ability to cross-pollinate across industries and fields, both public and private, they may prove to be the best path forward for job seekers looking to make a change. Their next Summit will take place in August in Martha's Vineyard where discussions on entrepreneurship, financial planning for ownership opportunities and investment strategies, will thrive. "At a time when DEI has been reduced by so many to refer only to race and sexual orientation, It's important to emphasize that it also means, contributing various perspectives, neurodiversity and disability, cultural and generational differences, and much more." stated Ms. Fenton
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Older Black people die at higher rates than their white peers. Here's why aging is a greater risk for Black Americans.
For older Black people in America, the golden years often come with a harsh reality: They are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, be sicker in old age, and die younger than their white counterparts. In 2018, Black Americans' average life expectancy was 74.7 years, four years less than the overall average of 78.7. However, a drop in life expectancy during the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated racial disparities among mortality rates: Black people were expected to live 70.8 years, compared with 76.4 years for white people and 77.7 years for Hispanic people, according to 2021 provisional data. Black Americans were also 20% more likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure and 1.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults, according to 2025 data from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. They also tend to have worse outcomes and higher mortality rates for cancers, including lung and prostate cancer. Recent data from the CDC shows older Black populations die from stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, and sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to an infection) at significantly higher rates than their white peers. Research has shown that Black people encounter worse health outcomes as they age due to a lifetime of unequal access to health care, healthy food, safe housing, and economic opportunities. These nonmedical factors influencing health and well-being are known as social determinants of health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Social determinants of health often amplify with age. "We are living in bodies that have to endure multiple harms that attack us throughout the life course," Dr. Jessica Owens-Young, associate professor of health studies at American University, told Stacker. "When we finally reach the age of being a senior, all of those experiences can lead to entering seniorhood or eldership—those golden years—with a body and with experiences that have been weathered." QMedic analyzed data from the CDC and spoke with experts to take a hard look at the reality of aging as a Black person in America. The harms experienced by Black people are well documented: The majority (75%) of Black adults say they've experienced racial discrimination either regularly or occasionally, according to Pew Research Center. Black Americans are statistically more likely than whites to have experienced the death of an immediate family member before midlife, an often overlooked source of stress and trauma. These types of consistent physical and psychological stressors contribute to what's known as the allostatic load, or chronic stress that accumulates in the body, which exacerbates numerous health issues, including poor appetite or overeating, frequent headaches and stomachaches, and alcohol and substance abuse issues—all of which are more common among Black Americans. For older Black people, this means that the natural effects of aging are accelerated. The additional "wear and tear" is a phenomenon known as "weathering," first introduced by public health researcher Dr. Arline Geronimus. It illustrates how, for older Black people, prolonged exposure to stress and adversity can accelerate the aging process, leading to the earlier onset of chronic health issues. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic and elsewhere found that Black Americans had a biological age nearly 12 years older on average than their chronological age. In comparison, their white counterparts had an average biological age that was 10 years younger than their actual age. In other words, Black Americans weather 6.1 years faster than their white counterparts. Medical experts note that social determinants include policies that determine or limit access to housing, education, and economic opportunities, all critical to long-term health. For example, redlining, a practice where lenders assess financial risk based on property values and a property owner's race and ethnicity, continues to harm communities of color more than 50 after the 1968 Fair Housing Act made redlining illegal, according to the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health. ZIP codes corresponding to formerly redlined neighborhoods were shown to have higher rates of COVID-19, according to a study from the IZA Institute of Labor Economics. Formerly lower-grade D neighborhoods, which had higher portions of non-white residents, were close to nearly twice the density of oil and gas wells compared to higher-grade A neighborhoods. Women's reproductive health was also affected with more associations to low birth weight and preterm births in these historically redlined areas. "Systemic barriers and misdiagnoses are rampant, even with resources; without an advocate, navigating the health care network can be nearly impossible," Dr. Ryon Cobb, a professor of social work at Rutgers University, told Stacker. Many Black people live in health care deserts, according to Cobb, where they do not have access to information or even doctors with the expertise to provide treatment. The intersection of ageism and systemic racism compounds is often called a "double disadvantage" for older Black people, according to the American Geriatrics Society. This means navigating a health care system that often overlooks their specific needs, from implicit biases in diagnostic practices to underrepresentation in clinical trials. Reliable transportation, an often overlooked barrier, plays a significant role in health disparities, especially among older Black populations. Urban Institute data from 2022 found that 8% of Black adults missed or delayed medical care due to transportation issues, compared to 4% of white adults. Another major compounding factor is inadequate health insurance coverage. Black beneficiaries comprise just under 11% (6 million) of the U.S. Medicare population, though they account for a disproportionate number in some states. In Mississippi, for instance, Black beneficiaries account for 31% of total Medicare recipients, and in Washington, D.C., that number surges to 63%. Notably, Black Americans have a lower life expectancy after age 65 than their white or Hispanic counterparts. The importance of transportation was recognized in 2021, when transportation services for nonemergencies were included on a list of mandatory benefits for people with Medicaid who lack reliable modes of travel. A growing number of Medicare Advantage plans now include this benefit. Historical discriminatory practices within the medical system have also been well-documented throughout history, and this legacy also plays a role. Some 7 in 10 Black Americans say they've received unfair treatment by the health care system, and over half (55%) say they distrust it. Black adults are more likely than whites to report they have to be careful about their appearance to be treated fairly by health practitioners, and that a health care provider has refused them prescription pain medication they thought they needed, according to 2024 KFF data. These types of negative experiences and unfair treatment contribute to a persistent lack of confidence in the system. This can heighten mistrust and discourage seeking preventative care, according to a 2024 qualitative study of 25 Black patients discharged from emergency room departments published in JAMA Health Forum. Study participants reported experiencing dismissiveness and a lack of confidence in their health literacy, making them hesitant to seek medical attention. That, in turn, can exacerbate existing conditions and delay diagnoses. As one study participant put it, "seeking health care for a Black person is a roll of a dice all the time. [There will never] be a moment at this time in [the US] that a person of color [is] like, 'Oh, I'll just go to the doctor.' No, it'll be…'Okay, what doctor am I going to? Is it bad enough that they'll treat my condition [seriously], or should I wait until it's bad enough that they have to?' That's a terrible way to live, and that's how we live. We show up in the emergency room because everything else gets dismissed…so it gets bad enough that [there's] no other choice until we have to get treated…it's terrible." Chronic kidney disease, for example, often goes undiagnosed among Black communities, according to Cobb. Yet Black Americans are more likely to progress to end-stage kidney disease: Without tailored interventions that address both systemic racism and ageism, these health disparities can continue to widen, posing the same risk to future generations. Grassroots organizations nationwide can be crucial for empowering older Black populations to take control of their health. "Fundamentally, we must return to our ancestral tradition of treating aging as a collective rite of passage and not as an individual test of mettle," Carlene Davis, co-founder of Sistahs Aging with Grace & Elegance, told Stacker. In California, the California Black Women's Health Project collaborates with Sistahs Aging with Grace & Elegance to host "Celebrating the Aging Journey" seminars, which support Black women in planning for long, healthy, and financially secure lives while also providing resources for caretakers of older people. Healthier Black Elders Center in Detroit works to reduce health disparities through research and education. HBEC offers health education workshops and screenings and maintains a Participant Resource Pool to encourage research participation among older Black adults. Its goal is to increase the representation of older Black adults in research, as this demographic has historically had a low participation rate. In communities across the country, companies like Uber Health have partnered with health care organizations to offer rides to medical appointments for older people. The partnership aims to reduce missed appointments, allow for more consistent care, and, ultimately, improve health outcomes. On a national level, the Diverse Elders Coalition represents older people throughout the country: American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Hawaiians, Black Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, and LGBTQ+ Americans. The coalition advocates for policies that improve aging outcomes for racially and ethnically diverse communities, addressing health disparities, economic security, and culturally competent care. The National Caucus and Center on Black Aging also offers a health and wellness program that provides virtual events and newsletters tailored to older Black Americans. While the numbers are discouraging for older Black adults, efforts underway that center Black health also offer a glimmer of hope. "Black seniors fare better when they have Black or culturally competent and responsive health care providers. And far too often that is not the case," Davis said. Research from the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute confirms this, and recommends that providers and organizations implement culturally competent practices to enhance the quality of care. These practices include offering interpreter services, recruiting and retaining diverse staff, and providing training in cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills. A 2020 study of low-income patients with heart failure who lived on the South Side of Chicago published in the journal Critical Pathways in Cardiology found that those who received weekly visits from a community health worker had a 75% decrease in emergency visits due to heart failure and an 89% decrease in heart failure-related readmissions, as well as a significant reduction in costs related to the disease. The importance of culturally competent care extends beyond community programs. A 2022 study of 1,618 U.S. counties published in JAMA Network Open found that every 10% increase in Black primary care representation was associated with a higher life expectancy of about 31 days. Higher representation levels were also associated with lower death rates due to any cause and even lowered the mortality rate disparities between Black and white patients. Over time, higher mortality rates coupled with excess deaths among the Black population have accumulated. In a study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health, 80 million years of potential life were lost among Black Americans over the course of two decades. Those are years, and lives, that they won't get back. Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Janina Lawrence. This story originally appeared on QMedic and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Black Gen-Zs Remember Where They Were When Trayvon Martin Was Killed 13 Years Ago
The story of Trayvon Martin sends chills up Black Americans' spines, especially on the 13th anniversary of his death (Feb. 26, 2012). And when George Zimmerman was acquitted of killing the then-17 year old, no one would have known the verdict would give birth to the Black Lives Matter movement, an international revolution. Shane Cameron grew up just hours away from where Martin was killed in Sanford, Fla. Cameron was in elementary school when Martin's killing broke national news. 'I was very upset,' he told The Root. 'It's given me a general anxiety about certain situations— especially when I'm somewhere like Florida.' As a Black boy growing up in Broward County, Cameron said his parents made sure he was aware of the case and others like it. 'They kind of taught me to be aware of how unfortunately, situations like [Martin's] are very common,' he said. 'While a lot of people know about what happened with Trayvon Martin, there's a lot of cases very similar to that. They just don't get the same kind of news coverage.' Martin's death began to hit closer to home for Phoenix Williams after he was targeted while riding a Detroit school bus in 2015. Then, a group of white students called Williams the n-word at least 20 times, his mother told Detroit Free Press. Ten years later, Williams revealed to The Root another hurtful attack he experienced that day. 'One of the things the white boys had called me was Trayvon Martin,' Williams told The Root. 'That's when I feel like I grew a very large distrust for people of that background.' Williams was only 10 when Martin was targeted holding a bag of skittles and an Arizona tea. 'To go through that at 10 and then to be 13, 14 years old and to be called Trayvon Martin as like a slur? It was like 'man I could be him.'' Located just one state away from Florida, Jada Wilson was an eighth grader during the 2012 incident. Still, she remembers the complexities of being raised in Metro Atlanta— a liberal city in a conservative state. She said it was difficult for her southern community to explain what exactly was going on. 'Everyone was definitely alert and understanding of what the situation was [but] just not what to do about it,' Wilson told The Root. 'Or how to go forward with what we were witnessing and what this meant for our community.' A year later, Zimmerman went to trial as the entire country held it's breath while a Florida jury deliberated. Ultimately, he was acquitted in July 2013 citing the state's 'Stand Ground Ground' law. News of the verdict shook the nation sending thousands to the streets to protest. Now in 2025, Wilson says we haven't made much progress. 'I believe we've regressed,' Wilson said. 'It is still a fight to get everyone on the same team or just willing to fight because of the false hope— because of the disappointment in believing that America will never change.' But for the Georgia native, that doesn't mean the work stops. 'It's about doing what's in your power to shape at least your community to be a safe space for our people,' she continued. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Black History Month events in Baton Rouge: See when, where
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Black History Month in February celebrates Black Americans' contributions to the country and within local communities. In Baton Rouge, several events are hosted with live music, food and a focus on Black culture. Some events invite people to have discussions and tell stories. Here's what to know about Black History Month events in the Baton Rouge area. People are invited to attend and participate in this open mic night event with spoken word, poetry, music and storytelling. When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. Where: Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 4000 Gus Young Ave. Honoring Black History: Stories from in, near Baton Rouge and Louisiana The founder of Chicken Shack Joe Delpit will be honored at this event for his impact on the community. Deborah Watts, president of the Emmett Till Foundation and cousin of Emmett Till, will give a keynote speech. Click here to RSVP. When: Noon Saturday, Feb. 22. Where: Boudreaux Catering, 2647 Government St. Mama SaBa is a Louisiana storyteller who will be at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Carver Branch. She tells stories through song and dance for all ages. When: Noon Saturday, Feb. 22 Where: Carver library branch, 720 Terrace Ave. This free Black History Month event features food, music and culture. The lineup includes SU Gold N Bluez, Kenny Neal and the Michael Foster Project. When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Where: Galvez Plaza, 238 North Blvd. The Baton Rouge Alliance for Students is hosting this event focusing on affirming education as a fundamental civil right. When: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26. Where: Independence Park Theatre, 7800 Independence Blvd. Black History Month: See museums, visit Black-owned businesses in downtown Baton Rouge 2 students arrested for allegedly plotting 'mass casualty attack' at Houston school, FBI says Black History Month events in Baton Rouge: See when, where Black & Decker sues Stanley cup maker over use of name Red Stick Mom creates guide to help families find summer camps around Baton Rouge Vice President JD Vance kicks off CPAC Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
