Heart disease still the leading cause of U.S. deaths
By Jennifer Porter Gore Word In Black
Advances in medical treatment for cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death in the U.S., have helped patients live longer. But a new report finds that risk factors that lead to heart disease are still so prevalent that, on average, someone dies from heart disease or stroke every 33 seconds.
Increased rates of high blood pressure, obesity and other chronic health issues are helping maintain cardiovascular disease as leading causes of death among Americans, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update.
Dr. Keith Churchwell, M.D., president of the American Heart Association, said it’s going to be difficult to lower the numbers of heart disease and stroke fatalities because key factors are heading in the wrong direction.
“Nearly 2,500 people in the U.S. die from cardiovascular disease every day. Those are alarming statistics to me – and they should be alarming for all of us, because it’s likely many among those whom we lose will be our friends and loved ones,” Churchwell said in a statement.
“Too many people are dying”
“Those are alarming statistics to me – and they should be alarming for all of us, because it’s likely many among those whom we lose will be our friends and loved ones,” said Churchwell, an associate clinical professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, and an adjunct associate professor of medicine at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Too many people are dying from heart disease and from stroke which remains the fifth-leading cause of death,” he said. “Together, they kill more people than all cancers and accidental deaths — the number-two and number-three causes of death — combined.”
The data isn’t encouraging. In 2020, approximately 41.9 percent of U.S. adults were obese, 6.7 percent had high blood pressure, and 14.1 percent had diabetes, according to the report. Unless these trends change, hypertension and obesity will affect more than 180 million U.S. adults by 2050 and more than 80 million Americans will have diabetes.
Dr. Dhruv S. Kazi, an associate professor at Harvard University Medical School, said the diagnosis of heart disease isn’t necessarily a death sentence.
“[It] is important to acknowledge that, although cardiovascular
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disease affects us all, it doesn’t affect us all equally,” said Kazi, AHA’s vice-chair of the advisory writing group that completed the organization’s 2024 presidential advisories on heart disease and stroke. “For instance, there is wide variation in the prevalence of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure by sex and race/ethnicity.”
“Too many people are dying from heart disease and from stroke which remains the fifth-leading cause of death.”
For example, Black women had the highest rate of high blood pressure at just over 58 percent compared to the lowest rate of 35 percent among Hispanic women. Black women also had the highest rate of obesity at around 58 percent, compared to the lowest rate of 14.5 percent among Asian women.
Meanwhile, Hispanic men had the highest rate of diabetes at 14 percent compared to the lowest rate of just under 8 percent among White women.
Black men were found to have higher rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke than White men.
But Black men have lower rates of high cholesterol than
of these disease factors.
Risk factors are linked
America’s children haven’t been spared: the AHA report found that 40 percent of children have an unhealthy weight, and one in five children and adolescents have been diagnosed with obesity. While Latino children have the highest levels of obesity, Black children have the highest rates of hypertension and diabetes of any racial demographic.
AHA also found increased rates of kidney disease among Americans over the past decade.
“The reason this is important is that, first, cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to kidney disease,” said Dr. Seth S. Martin, a cardiologist and professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore.
“Second, the risk factors of these diseases are closely interrelated,” said Martin, chair of AHA’s statistical update writing committee. The risk factors include high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes – all health conditions that are rising substantially across the U.S. and the world.”
The report found a significant increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Medicare beneficiaries, who are predominantly older than age 65. The rate of kidney disease rose from 9.2 percent in 2011 to 14.2 percent in 2021.
“The disparities in risk and outcomes call for tailored interventions among high-risk populations,” Kazi said. “Simply discovering breakthrough therapies isn’t going to be enough – we have to ensure that these therapies are accessible and affordable to people who need them most.”
This article was originally published by Word In Black.
What to do in the days, weeks and months after a stroke
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com
Cardiovascular diseases encompass a range of disorders that can negatively impact the heart and blood vessels, including heart disease and stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “in the United States in 2022, 1 in 6 deaths (17.5 percent) from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke.” The CDC also reports that every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke,” which is the “leading cause of serious long-term disability.”
The Mayo Clinic describes a stroke as an event that “occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to brain cells dying within minutes.”
After experiencing a first stroke, individuals face a significantly heightened risk of major cardiac events. Research published in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) journal, “Stroke,” found that “after experiencing a first stroke, the risk of having a major heart incident— such as a heart attack, heart failure, or cardiovascular death—within 30 days was 25 times higher in women and 23 times higher in men.”
The AHA also reports that “even one year post-stroke, both men and women continue to face twice the risk of a major cardiac event compared to individuals without a history of stroke.”
These statistics underscore the critical importance of cardiovascular health and the need for ongoing awareness and preventive measures during American Heart Month and beyond.
In the Black community, education is even more crucial.
This week, the AFRO spoke with Dr. Emma Nally, an attending physician at MedStar’s National Rehabilitation Hospital, who focuses on brain injury and stroke. Read below to learn more about what a person should do in the time immediately following a stroke.
AFRO: Can you tell me the top two things that you should be doing in the weeks and months after a cardiovascular event?
Dr. Emma Nally: I work primarily on the Brain Injury Unit and take care of people, oftentimes after they have a stroke, which is a cardiovascular event. After having a stroke, rehabilitation is very important.
We try to get physical, occupational and –if needed– speech therapy involved within 24 hours. After that first 24 hours, [we’re] trying to get people moving as much as we can. Then, generally, once they’re stabilized, immediately after their stroke, they’ll come over to the Rehabilitation Hospital, where we do intensive physical, occupational speech therapy. They get at least three hours a day, and it’s important to do these interventions early, because a lot of motor recovery happens within the first three months after a stroke. We try to capitalize on that in the intensive inpatient setting, especially in more severe strokes. Immediately after the stroke, having intensive therapies is important. Studies have shown that aerobic activity is really important. At National Rehabilitation Hospital, we have a high intensity training program where we tailor our therapy towards specific heart rate goals– making sure we’re getting that aerobic activity. Rather than doing traditional therapy methods of – for example – practicing one movement over and over again, we’re getting our patients on treadmills. They’re in harnesses to keep them to keep them up and we’re focusing on getting that heart rate up. That’s been translating into better outcomes for our patients.
AFRO: Where does the pool come in when it comes to recovery from a cardiovascular event?
EM: Aquatic therapy can be extremely beneficial, especially since it takes away the need for gravity. There are a few things that happen sort of immediately after stroke, but pool therapy would be something you do a little bit later. Oftentimes, after a stroke, it’s hard to control the bowel and bladder. And in order to do pool therapy, a lot of places do require you to have that continence.
In the inpatient rehabilitation unit we work hard towards getting continence back, [rejuvenating] that neuroplasticity to control things as simple as bowel movements. It’s very common after a stroke to lose control of the bowels, and it’s one thing we prioritize. I typically recommend pool therapy after the first six months.
AFRO: Are there specific foods that help the recovery process?
EM: We [need to know] what each person’s co-morbidities are. If someone has a new history of cardiac disease, typically a low sodium diet is important. If there’s a history of diabetes, you want to make sure to monitor carbohydrate intake. For the vast majority of patients, I find that the Mediterranean diet is easy to follow because it helps keep the balance of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol.
If your cholesterol levels are balanced, that can help prevent future strokes.
I counsel my patients with the 80/20 rule. We’re human beings. We’re naturally driven to intake carbohydrates. But, if we can keep healthy choices in 80 percent of our diet, that allows for some indulgences in the other 20 percent of our diet. I find that my patients are usually able to meet that balance and have realistic goals.
AFRO: How important is time when it comes to recovery?
EM: We try to capitalize on intensive therapies and within that first three months. After that, we still see progressions up to six months and even after six months. I still see patients years after the stroke come to my clinic and they’ve made improvements. Stroke recovery is lifelong, and people continue to have gains years after their strokes,
White men. Black women were found to have similar patterns
Unsplash/ Hush Naidoo Jade
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is a leading cause of death for African Americans.
Matters of the Heart
In honor of American Heart Month, this edition of the AFRO explores both the physical and emotional factors that impact one of the body’s most vital organs—the heart.
Love, marriage and the evolution of dating
February is the perfect time to spotlight the hearts that beat with pride in the Black community. From cardiovascular health to Black love–we discuss it all in this edition. With this in mind, I think now is the perfect time to revisit the intro of my book, “No Ordinary Hookup,” to understand why real love– not just “hook ups–” are more needed than ever.
The rise of “hook ups,” a form of casual sex, has been described by evolutionary biologist, Justin Garcia, as a “cultural revolution” that had its beginnings in the 1920s. Technological advancements such as the automobile and movie theaters brought young couples out of their parents’ homes and away from their watchful eyes, giving young people more freedom and more opportunity for sexual activity.
With the loosening sexual morals that came with the sexual revolution in the 1960s, sex became uncoupled from relationships and non-marital sex became more socially accepted. Some scholars, including Garcia, have found that while dating has not disappeared, it has decreased as hook up culture has become more common. By the mid-1990s, hook ups were an accepted form of relating among sexually active adults, especially on college campuses.
One hundred years ago, young people also had a desire to “hook up,” but the connotation was completely different than it is today. A hook up
Frances “Toni” Draper is author of “No Ordinary Hookup,” a book detailing the relationship between her grandparents, longtime AFRO Publisher Dr. Carl J. Murphy and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. co-founder Vashti Turley Murphy. This week, she speaks on the change in the cultural view of relationships in the Black community via the intro to her book.
was not about casual sex, but was the precursor to a lifetime commitment—a “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinances; and thereto I pledge thee my faith”--kind of commitment. And, in preparation for this lifetime commitment, this “dating” period was called a courtship. One online dictionary defines “courtship” as “a period during which a couple develops a romantic relationship, especially with a view to marriage.”
In 1911, my grandparents, Carl Murphy and Lula Vashti Turley (known by her middle name) “hooked up” at Howard
University in Washington, D.C. – he, the German professor, and she, the German student; he, born in 1889, and she, five years earlier; he the faithful member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and she one of the 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; she, the D.C. school teacher, and he, the editor of the AFRO-American Newspaper founded by his father in 1892; she, the only survivor of her immediate family who all died from a plague, he one of ten children—five boys and five girls. It wasn’t until
after she graduated from Howard in 1914 that she invited the young professor “to call.” But this was no ordinary hook up! It was a courtship extraordinaire—a relationship based on a strong faith in God, on who they were as individuals, as well as on who they hoped to become as a couple. Their letters cover a seven-month period (Feb. 1915 - Sept. 1915) and discuss a variety of topics such as religion, literature, theater, politics, social justice, civil rights, music and of course, love. There are some gaps in
the dates of the letters so the reader is invited to let your imagination (especially your romantic side) fill in the blanks.
Carl James Greenbury Murphy and Lula Vashti Turley were married on Tuesday, June 20, 1916. They were married for 43 years, until her death on March 17, 1960.
The issue of marriage stability and sustainability is one of particular interest to me. As a member of the clergy, I am often called upon to perform weddings, yet, I also receive many calls from couples whose marriages are in trouble. Unfortunately, too many couples spend more time on wedding preparations than they do on preparing for healthy, stable, long-lasting and satisfying marriages. As a result, I have spent more than 30 years researching, teaching and advising on the value of premarital counseling as a necessary precursor to marriage. In doing so, I reflect not only on the theoretical or the theological (while both are important), but also on the practical and historical.
I vividly remember the weekly trips to my grandparents’ home in Morgan Park and how wonderful it was to see them interact with each other.
My own parents were divorced, so my brother, sister and I did not have a father in the home. We were around a lot of other married couples, but none were like our grandparents. While our grandparents seldom hugged or kissed publicly, even amongst family, they had a deep and abiding respect for each other. My five-foot, two-inch tall grandfather, by all accounts, could be a tyrant, but you could always count
on him to respond “yes, dear” when my grandmother softly reminded him that while he was in charge of the AFRO, she was in charge of the house. Their marriage was an extension of their courtship. As a married couple, they continued to read and passionately discuss a variety of books, listen to good music (grandfather was a huge fan of German operas), and fellowship with people of all races and cultures. They also loved and cherished family time, as well as family ties. Building a long-lasting, trusting relationship was important. So was attending church at St. James Episcopal as a family and serving their community. Their courtship and marriage served as one of the frameworks for my doctoral thesis, “Relationship Theology: A Model for Producing Healthy Marriages in the African American Context.” I am convinced that what happens before couples say “I do” determines the quality and length of their marriage. Even though Carl and Vashti Murphy “courted” and married over 100 years ago, the principles that they embraced are still relevant today. It was no ordinary hook up! Author’s Note: For the most part, the letters are transcribed exactly as written in an attempt to maintain the authentic spelling and grammar of the early 1900’s. In addition, the reader will note that their salutations quickly progressed from “Dear Mr. Murphy, Dear Miss Turley” to “Dear Vashti, Dear Carl”-- from an intellectual courtship to an intimate declaration of love.
Matters of the heart: Remembering the life and legacy of Johnnie Mae Quince Gay
By Alexis Taylor AFRO Managing Editor
The official record says Johnnie Mae Quince Gay died Aug. 2, 1972 of “cardio respiratory failure,” a “massive brain haemorrhage [sic]” and hypertension. But the oral history says it was possibly another matter of the heart that took my grandmother’s life.
Born in Verbena, Chilton, Ala. on Aug. 30, 1930, Gay didn’t let humble beginnings stop her.
She was a member of the Women’s Army Corps as a clerk typist and served in the Korean War during a time where women fought to be more than cooks, homemakers and maids.
The act of enlisting in the Army, still in the shadow of Jim Crow, speaks loud and clear that she had a type of fearlessness only found in the bravest women of her day. Gay had heart. She had courage…but her love life was nothing to brag about.
The story passed down to me says one day a young Johnnie Mae Quince sat on a train, heart torn between engagement offers from a “Mr. Peoples” (possibly Peeples) and William Henry Gay. If she got off the train at her stop, she knew Mr. Peoples would be waiting. At the last moment, she stood up. But for some reason, the train did not stop. The last moment passed. Unbeknownst to her, this one moment in time would change the course of her life. Johnnie Mae took the train’s failure to stop as a sign to take William Henry up on his offer. A Norfolk, Va. marriage license says the two became one on
June 17, 1957.
What followed was not a picture of wedded bliss. Seven children later, Johnnie Mae Quince Gay began to experience health challenges related to her cardiovascular health.
On an August night, just weeks away from her 42nd birthday, she returned home from a long-term rehabilitation clinic. She had suffered a stroke and, according to my mother, had finally been well enough to return home. Her doctors didn’t know “home” was the worst place for her.
My mother, the seven-year-old girl who went on to become a nurse of three decades (and counting), remembers the fight that took place between the two veterans. My aunt remembers her mother being rushed by ambulance for another cardiovascular event. The death certificate shows a heart, finally giving out.
Some say I shouldn’t write about this. No one wants to read about it. But the truth is, I think more people should understand that matters of the heart- both physically, romantically and otherwise– truly do hold the power of life and death. And Black stories always deserve to be told.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “in the
United States in 2022, 1 in 6 deaths (17.5 percent) from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke.” The Office of Minority Health reports that “in 2023, Black or African American adults were 20 percent more likely to have diagnosed hypertension (high blood pressure) than non-Hispanic White adults.”
This American Heart Month, I have become hyperaware that between the COVID-19 pandemic and a career change that requires less physical movement, my lifestyle and lack of a real exercise routine in the past five years has set me on the wrong path when it comes to cardiovascular health.
Though we never met, the life of Johnnie Mae Quince Gay also reminds me to take care of my heart in other ways. The CDC reports that “over 61 million women and 53 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.” While it was labeled as
cardiovascular disease, the backstory to my grandmother’s death has been a reminder to never settle in love. To live boldly, with the courage to care for my own heart in every way possible. This means having open and honest communication with my loved ones and fostering relationships that don’t stress me out and raise my blood pressure!
This edition of the AFRO touches on heart health and the many types of love that abound during American Heart Month and the many celebrations related to Valentine’s Day.
While we speak to the importance of understanding the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease, we also speak on the power of Black love and healthy connection with others, no matter the relationship.
The stories collected here, like that of Johnnie Mae Quince Gay, are meant to be a reminder that Black bodies–and the hearts that beat inside them– absolutely matter. Happy reading!
Photo courtesy of Find a Grave
The grave of Johnnie Mae Quince Gay is marked in Norfolk, Va.’s Calvary Cemetery.
AFRO photo / Alexis Taylor
Alexis Taylor serves as AFRO managing editor. This week, she discusses the importance of taking care of the heart in every way.
Courtesy photo
A member of the Women’s Army Corps during the Korean War, Johnnie Mae Quince Gay was born in Verbena, Ala. on Aug. 30, 1930 and died Aug. 2, 1972. She enlisted on July 20, 1951 and served as a clerk typist. At the time of her discharge on May 31, 1957 she was a specialist second class
By Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper AFRO CEO and Publisher
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo AFRO CEO and Publisher
Five books to read this year on the remarkable Dr. Vivien Thomas
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com
Dr. Vivien Thomas (1910-1985) was an AfricanAmerican surgical technician and pioneering figure in medical history whose contributions to the field of heart surgery made an indelible impact. Despite no formal medical training, Thomas developed groundbreaking techniques that saved countless lives. His hard work and ability to excel in the medical field led him to work alongside Dr. Alfred Blalock at both Vanderbilt University and Johns Hopkins University. Though his name is often left out, Thomas helped create the “Blalock-Taussig Shunt,” which is sometimes referred to as the “ Blalock-Thomas-Taussig Shunt.” The surgical
of
This astounding autobiography chronicles Dr. Vivien Thomas’ journey on the road to Baltimore in his own words. The book explores Thomas’ early life, his struggles with racism and the challenges he faced working in an era that did not afford many opportunities for African Americans in the medical field. Due to its reflective and often serious nature, this book is best suited for adult readers who can appreciate the historical context and the weight of Thomas’ contributions to medicine.
By Jessie B. Gladden
This book consists of an interview with Vivien Thomas, conducted by Anne C. Hoey. While the book provides valuable insight into Thomas’s pioneering work, the technical language and focus on medical procedures make it more suitable for adult readers. The book presents a nuanced view of Thomas’ career, making it a great resource for those interested in medical history and the fight for racial equality in the workplace.
Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas
By Gwendolyn Hooks
This Black History Month, introduce the work of Dr. Vivien Thomas to young children with a book sure to inspire young minds. Through Dr. Thomas’ journey, children learn about the power of determination. With its simple prose and engaging illustrations, this book shows how one person can make a big difference.
Man: Vivien Thomas, AfricanAmerican Heart Surgery Pioneer (Genius at Work! Great Inventor Biographies)
By Edwin Brit Wyckoff
Though the book, “Heart Man,” presents Dr. Vivien Thomas’ life as part of a series of biographies aimed at young readers, it is informative enough for adults as well. Its simple language and engaging narrative make it a good fit for readers aged 10 and up. It presents Thomas as both a scientist and a hero who overcame significant barriers, and is ideal for introducing young readers to the concept of pioneering work in medicine and the fight for racial equality.
procedure became a critical treatment for children with congenital heart defects, particularly those with “blue baby syndrome.”
According to information released by the Morehouse College School of Medicine, Thomas hailed from New Iberia, La., where he was born on Aug. 29, 1910. Eventually, his family moved to Tennessee. There, Thomas set his sights on becoming a doctor.
“Working as an orderly in a private infirmary to raise money for college, he enrolled as a premedical student at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial College,” reports Morehouse. “The bank crash that year wiped out his life’s savings, forcing him to drop out of school. In 1930, he took a position at Vanderbilt University as a laboratory assistant with Alfred Blalock. Thomas’ abilities as a surgical assistant and research associate were of the highest quality, and when Blalock moved to Johns Hopkins in 1941 he asked Thomas to accompany him.”
Thomas accepted the offer to work on Blalock’s surgical team – and he was not just standing around to observe. Thomas not only developed new procedures, but went on to train other surgeons at Johns Hopkins looking to conduct heart and lung surgeries.
By 1976, Johns Hopkins had welcomed Thomas to join the medical school faculty and presented him with a degree of Honorary Doctor of Laws. Still today medical professionals around the world still benefit from his dare to dream big and create innovative solutions to the challenges of cardiovascular defects and disease.
By Jan Pottker
This book details Dr. Vivien Thomas’ origins in Nashville, Tenn. and puts an emphasis on the racial strain he experienced before he was welcomed into the medical world. Pick up a copy of this book today to explore how the medical giant overcame each obstacle, while making monumental contributions to the practice of surgery.
Photo courtesy of the AFRO Archives
Still today Dr. Vivien Thomas is an inspiration to surgeons and medical professionals of all races and creeds.
Photo courtesy of the AFRO Archives
Shown here, an article in the AFRO Archives, celebrating the honorary degree bestowed upon Dr. Vivien Thomas in May 1976.
Partners
the Heart: Vivien Thomas Autobiography
By Dr. Vivien Thomas
A Chat with Vivien Thomas
Vivien Thomas: The Man Who Overcame Racism to Save Millions of Lives
Heart
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Matters of the Heart
Loss is often heavy on the heart
“Grieving does not mean we are sad and down all the time. My mother always told me to ‘Pray and press on.’ I know if I don’t grieve, it will be waiting for me.”
By Reginald Williams Special to the AFRO
For three days Courtney Owens wore a heart monitor. She experienced elevated blood pressure. Her head began to throb, and her chest had tightened. But this wasn’t a heart attack. The symptoms her body presented weren’t the result of a fatty diet or a lack of movement. In fact, she was just duking it out with grief.
“I felt my heart flutter to the point where I was lightheaded. I thought I was having a heart attack,” said Owens.
The unexpected death of Owens’ mother on Dec. 18, 2024, sent her into an emotional spiral.
“Grief has impacted my heart in a major way,” explained the gifted poet. “I felt despair and a feeling of heaviness. The day I found my mother eternally sleeping, I felt my heart shatter into millions of pieces. It was an instant rush, and I felt out of my body.”
And then came another loss. Still grieving her mother, Owens’ father passed on Valentine’s Day 2025. In a matter of months, she had lost the two people responsible for giving her life.
Grief, according to the National Institutes of Health, “is the natural
emotional response to a loss, encompassing feelings of sadness, anger, guilt and despair, often experienced after a death or other significant loss.”
Grief is as individual as is a fingerprint. Most people experience it differently.
For Dr. Negleatha Johnson, processing grief came at the cost of all of her energy.
Traumatized by her sister’s death, grief drove Dr. Negleatha Johnson to a point where all she could do was sleep.
“I was so traumatized after [my sister] died, I couldn’t stay awake,” maintained Johnson. “The manifestation of grief for me was incredible fatigue. I had a level of fatigue I had never experienced before. I came to realize, in part, that being exhausted was my grief.”
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), losing a close friend or family member can cause “emotional and psychological” challenges.
For Jacqueline Bouvier Jones, who is currently grieving the March 2024 death of her mother, grief has led to frequent crying spells. But this is not her first fight with grief. Jones said that she still cries from time to time at the death of her father, who died in 1993.
“I cry just about every day, but I
event, your body produces hormones and proteins such as adrenaline and noradrenaline that are meant to help cope with the stress. The heart muscle can be overwhelmed by a massive amount of adrenaline that is suddenly produced in response to stress,” reports Ilan Wittstein, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Advanced Heart Failure Fellowship, in a broken heart syndrome fact sheet dispersed by the institution. “Excess adrenaline can cause narrowing of the small arteries that supply the heart with blood, causing a temporary decrease in blood flow to the heart.”
Studies have shown that grief, especially during the time after an immediate loss, potentially increases the risk of heart attacks. And that’s not all. Medical experts maintain that grief can rewire the brain.
don’t stay there and allow depression to take over me,” explained Jones, who maintains that grief gave her more of a reason to seek God’s face. “Grieving does not mean we are sad and down all the time. My mother always told me to ‘Pray and press on.’ I know if I don’t grieve, it will be waiting for me.”
Johnson said grief will patiently wait– it is in no rush, for those who would rather put it off for another day, month or year.
“Grief has to have its say,” explained Johnson. “For me to try and fight grief means it will just meet me later down the road.”
More often, grief is spoken in terms of the death of a loved one. However, the loss of a job or experiencing a divorce can be just as traumatic. That’s because a separation in career or a marked change in one’s love life can also be considered “a death.”
Married for 15 years, J. Dewayne
Garnett wasn’t as “unhappy” in his marriage as his former wife believed they both were. According to Garnett, his wife initiated divorce proceedings because she believed they had been unhappy for a long time. His separation and eventual divorce left him in a vulnerable emotional space.
“Divorce is a form of death, a death of a relationship, of shared dreams, of a future once envisioned together,” explains Garnett. “And like any death, it demands time, patience and the space to grieve.
While grief comes with its own emotional challenges, acute stress driven by grief can –at times– be unforgiving. According to information released by Johns Hopkins Medicine, “broken heart syndrome, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or takotsubo syndrome, occurs when a person experiences sudden acute stress that can rapidly weaken the heart muscle.”
“When you experience a stressful
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), a 2014 study by JAMA Internal Medical “showed that within 30 days of their partner’s death, people ages 60 and older had more than twice the risk of a stroke or heart attack compared to people who hadn’t suffered such a loss.”
Owens has no plans on going anywhere anytime soon, but the pain of losing her mother and then her father has proven to be a battle like no other fought in her lifetime.
“My mother and I had the most beautiful relationship,” said Owens. “We did everything together. She was a part of my everyday life.”
Given the history of heart disease in Owens’ family and how her mom passed, Owen’s doctors thought that it would be safe to monitor her heart.
After it all, they found nothing abnormal…just the effects of a broken heart.
Unsplash / Kristina Tripkovic
Though it may cause significant emotional and even physical pain, grieving the loss of a friend, family member or even a job is a natural part of life.
Matters of the Heart
In honor of American Heart Month, this edition of the AFRO explores both the physical and emotional factors that impact one of the body’s most vital organs—the heart.
Top reasons to consider heart health as an expecting or new mom
By Andrea Stevens AFRO Staff Writer astevens@afro.com
In 2023, 491,494 Black women gave birth, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). Becoming a mother brings joy and excitement, from caring for a newborn to dressing them in adorable outfits. But one crucial aspect of motherhood that often goes overlooked is the health of a new mother’s heart.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), “During pregnancy, your heart works harder than usual to pump blood to you and your baby. Sometimes, the extra stress exposes risks to your heart health that were present before you became pregnant.” For this reason, Black women are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, with “pre-existing health conditions elevating the likelihood,” reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Experts from the NHLBI warn that “The stress can also cause new problems to emerge during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or preeclampsia (high
blood pressure with signs of damage to another organ system, such as the kidneys). These problems can arise during pregnancy, labor and delivery—and even up to a year after your child is born.” Furthermore, even if a Black woman avoids preeclampsia during pregnancy, there are still risks of developing postpartum preeclampsia, which can increase the chance of cardiovascular disease later in life, according to the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Though studies on this condition are ongoing, and data is still being collected, statistics show that pregnant women suffer disproportionately when it comes to preeclampsia.
Authors of the report, “Racial Disparities in Cardiovascular Complications with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension in the United States,” published by the National Institutes of Health, “Black women had higher odds for preeclampsia independent of underlying comorbidities, and had the highest rates for several complications,” including more peripartum cardiomyopathy, heart failure, acute renal failure and arrhythmias per 100,000 deliveries.
“We take care of everybody else. We’ve got to take care of ourselves. It’s not selfish. Self-care is not selfish.”
Another cardiovascular condition that can affect pregnant women is peripartum cardiomyopathy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “This rare disorder involves the heart muscle weakening and enlarging during the last month of pregnancy or within the first few months after delivery, leading to reduced blood flow and potential heart failure.” Symptoms may include fatigue, swelling of the legs and feet, and shortness of breath. “Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this condition.”
As a community, it is essential to raise awareness about the risks that heart diseases pose to new and expecting Black mothers. By doing so, we can ensure that the excitement of motherhood—whether it’s changing diapers or celebrating milestones— outshines the looming threat of heart health complications.
Experts at NHLBI say women are at increased risk of heart disease when they exhibit the following behaviors or conditions:
Little no physical activity
• Overweight or obese
• Drinking alcohol
• Smoking
• Use of opioids or drugs
• Pre- existing heart disease
• Are 40 or older Knowledge is power– especially in the doctor’s office– according to medical professionals with the NHLBI. Expecting and new mothers should not be afraid to ask their doctor questions. Read below to see what questions pregnant women and new moms can ask to assess their risk for heart disease and ways to prevent it. Are my blood pressure numbers normal?
What can I do to lower my risks for problems during pregnancy?
• Is there a test I can have to rule out a serious problem?
• Am I at risk for developing problems during or after pregnancy?
• If I am at risk, will this affect my prenatal care or birthing plan?
• What should I be aware of after delivery?
Will any heart health problems during this pregnancy affect future pregnancies?
If I have health problems during pregnancy, will that affect my baby, and how does that affect my heart health in the future?
• At what point should I consider going to the emergency room or calling 9-1-1?
Understanding the risks of cardiovascular disease during and after pregnancy is crucial. Make sure conversations are had with a doctor to fully understand risk, as each body is different. If you’re not already pregnant, develop healthy heart habits now and watch for the warning signs during and after pregnancy.
After recovering from heart failure related to pregnancy, she went on to game show glory
As academic director for Duke University’s corporate education business, Cheryl Stokes traveled the globe. Doing so while four months pregnant meant enduring more discomfort than usual.
While returning home from a work trip, she felt a few contractions. But she was more concerned about her mother, Myrtle Bell, who was recovering from a stroke after already dealing with congestive heart failure.
Still, Cheryl went to the doctor, who ordered her to immediately go on bed rest.
Cheryl thought the doctor was overreacting. She knew she was overweight and, at 39 years old, hers was considered a high-risk geriatric pregnancy. But she had never had any major health problems.
Now, though, her blood pressure was trending upward, putting her at risk of preeclampsia. It’s a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication related to high blood pressure that increases the likelihood of heart problems, particularly in women with obesity.
Cheryl accepted being off her feet. She could continue working, though – right?
“You need to settle down,” the doctor told her. “You can be on bed rest at home and not work, or you can be in the hospital.”
For the remaining months of her pregnancy, Cheryl obliged, indulging in her love of game shows at home in Wake Forest, North Carolina. She even applied to be a contestant on several.
Cheryl’s obstetrician scheduled for her labor to be induced in the same hospital where her mother was being treated. On that day, the baby wouldn’t budge. After 24 hours of labor, and with her blood pressure skyrocketing, she delivered the baby by
Preston Joshua, who his family calls P. Joshua, was born healthy. Cheryl’s mother was wheeled over from the rehabilitation unit to see her newborn grandson before Cheryl went home, exhausted, with the baby the next day.
Since it was her first child, Cheryl didn’t know how she was supposed to feel. It made sense to be so tired after a C-section and to have trouble getting up and down the stairs. But her skin was pale. And her sister-in-law, Sheila Foxx, could hear Cheryl breathing in the kitchen all the way from the den.
“That is not normal,” Foxx told her. “Something’s wrong. Call your doctor.”
Her husband, Preston, rushed Cheryl to the hospital. Tests showed her heart function had dropped to 25 percent, meaning that she was in congestive heart failure. The cause was peripartum cardiomyopathy, a rare condition in which the heart muscle weakens during or right after pregnancy. Her doctor suspected a contributing factor was preeclampsia.
No one in the family had heard of peripartum cardiomyopathy. When they heard the term “heart failure,” they
thought of Cheryl’s mother, not this new mother.
“Congestive heart failure?
You’ve got to be kidding,” Preston said of what he thought at the time. “This young lady here?”
Cheryl spent several days in the hospital. In the calm moments, she marveled at the fact she was taking the same medication – and the same dose of it – as her mother.
Doctors also put her on a diuretic to help her shed excess fluid. Overnight, Cheryl lost about 30 pounds in water weight.
The first several months back home were difficult.
Cheryl was told she couldn’t lift anything heavier than 5 pounds. That meant not picking up P. Joshua, even while trying to nurse him.
Actually, nursing was a concern, too. Her cardiologist couldn’t guarantee that the medications would be safe for P. Joshua and told her he would monitor things closely. After a few months, her blood pressure was brought under control. She was allowed to go back to work. She was able to start exercising. And when the baby was five months old, she was well enough to appear on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”
She won $50,000. Now, 19 years later, P. Joshua is in college, and Cheryl and Preston are helping to raise Preston’s 16-yearold grandson.
Cheryl, 57, is the CEO of a leadership development business that helps large companies develop inclusive leadership pipelines. She continues controlling her blood pressure with the help of medicine, though she’s proud to note that it requires a lower dose. It’s likely a byproduct of watching her diet and exercising more regularly. She’s down about 125 pounds since her ordeal.
She’s also been on more game shows. She won another $50,000 on “Wheel of Fortune” and competed on “The Chase.”
Cheryl also has a better understanding of what happened. Age was not the only risk factor in her pregnancy. Her weight at the time and her family history of high blood pressure and diabetes were bigger red flags than she realized. That’s why she now uses her experience to encourage women, particularly women of various racial and ethnic backgrounds, to take better care of themselves.
Research has shown that Black women have a disproportionately higher risk of uncontrolled high blood pressure, which can complicate pregnancy.
“It made it even more important to me to share my story so that other women, particularly women of color, could see that,” Cheryl said. “We take care of everybody else. We’ve got to take care of ourselves.
“It’s not selfish. Self-care is not selfish.”
This article was originally published by American Heart Association News as part of its Stories From the Heart series, which chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.
cesarean section.
By Albert Stumm American Heart Association News
Cheryl Stokes had a type of heart failure related to pregnancy called peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Stokes
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Stokes
Cheryl Stokes is now CEO of a consulting firm that helps large companies develop more diverse leadership.
Cheryl Stokes (left) in 2005 with her mother, Myrtle Bell.
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Stokes
The Stokes family in 2022, from left: Preston, P. Joshua, Cheryl and Jaylen.
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Stokes
Heart health is important for all, but it is especially crucial for Black women who are bringing new life into the world.
Unsplash / Mustafa Omar
Matters of the Heart
In honor of American Heart Month, this edition of the AFRO explores both the physical and emotional factors that impact one of the body’s most vital organs—the heart.
Blood clot awareness group to tour Southern Black churches
blood clots face long-term health complications, including paralysis or brain damage.
A little more than two years ago, I awoke to an ordinary day. I did the usual morning tasks before starting my day as managing editor of the AFRO: I responded to emails, returned phone calls. Everything was fine, until it wasn’t: I suddenly passed out.
Fortunately, I was at home and wasn’t alone. My husband and my adult daughter were there with me. When I came to, I was just as shocked as my family. The only unusual feeling I’d experienced that day was extreme exhaustion. It didn’t seem serious.
At the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Hospital’s emergency department, however, doctors repeatedly asked me about shortness of breath and chest pain. They told me I had a pulmonary embolism — blood clots in both lungs. Then, they drove home how serious it was..
“Usually,” they said, “when we see patients with lungs like yours, they’re already dead.”
Each year, an estimated 100,000 people die from complications from a blood clot, including heart attack or a stroke. An additional 900,000 people who survive
Black Americans are particularly at risk: we have up to a 60% higher incidence of blood clots, and mortality from them, than white people. The condition remains a leading cause of Black maternal mortality in this country.
To address this crisis, the National Blood Clot Alliance is launching a six-city bus tour, spreading the gospel of blood clot awareness at churches in the South.
Alliance members will teach their host congregations ways to prevent blood clots, how to identify the warning signs and the steps they should take to manage the condition.
“It is well known that Black Americans face significantly higher rates of blood clot incidence and mortality, yet information about blood clots is not reaching our communities,” Arshell Brooks Harris, an NBCA board member, said in a statement announcing the tour. “We are taking awareness directly to the people and providing the information they need to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
According to the American Heart Association, a blood clot, or thrombus, happens when blood flow through
the body slows in an area, allowing blood to collect and congeal. The clot builds, then breaks free and moves through the bloodstream until it lodges in a narrow passageway.
The clot, called an embolus, blocks blood flow, starving vital organs, tissue or limbs of oxygen. An embolus in a coronary artery can cause a heart attack; in a cerebral artery, it can cause a stroke.
Each year NBCA serves more than 3 million people with blood clot-related information, resources, and support. Sadly, Harris knows about the subject from experience: her daughter, Leschel Brooks, died from blood clots.
“Nobody should be dying from blood clots, given how preventable they are,” she said.
The bus tour, which will kick off Blood Clot Awareness Month in March, will make stops at churches in Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Houston, Memphis and New Orleans.
Shirley Bondon, executive director of the Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis, says the tour is a significant step forward in bringing attention to the issue and potentially saving lives.
“We look forward to partnering with the National Blood Clot Alliance and raising awareness about blood clots in the Black community in Memphis,” she says. ”Knowledge is power, and with information, we can reduce both the incidence and mortality of those impacted by blood clots in the Black community.”
Bondon and others believe the bus tour can be a godsend for everyone, not just church members. The church events are open to residents of surrounding communities, and churches can still register to be hosts for the tour.
As for me, I’m doing much better — doctors believe it was a fluke condition and not a chronic illness. After 6 months of taking blood thinners, I am clot-free. I’m thankful to be alive and glad it hasn’t affected my lifestyle. Passing out, it seems, was a wake-up call.
For more information about NBCA visit www. stoptheclot.org.
This article was originally published by Word In Black.
A thrombus, or blood clot, can develop in the legs or other parts of the body at any time. A blood clot can travel throughout the body and can be fatal. Black people are at particular risk: the incidence of clots is up to 60 percent higher than in Whites.
“It is well known that Black Americans face significantly higher rates of blood clot incidence and mortality, yet information about blood clots is not reaching our communities.”
Photo courtesy of the National Blood Clot Alliance
By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word In Black
Photo courtesy of the National Blood Clot Alliance
Courtesy photo
After her own medical emergency, former AFRO Managing Editor, Rev. Dorothy Boulware, encourages all to learn the signs and symptoms of blood clots.
Matters of the Heart
In honor of American Heart Month, this edition of the AFRO explores both the physical and emotional factors that impact one of the body’s most vital organs—the heart.
Legislation aims to bridge heart health disparities and improve outcomes for all
By
In a significant move to enhance cardiovascular health across the United States, Congress has enacted several key pieces of legislation aimed at bolstering research, prevention and access to care. These laws are poised to benefit marginalized communities, particularly low-income populations, people of color and women, who have historically faced disparities in heart health outcomes.
One notable law is the HEARTS Act of 2024, championed by Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.-6). This legislation establishes a federal grant program to equip schools and childcare centers with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and provide CPR training. The goal is to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in young
people by ensuring that educational institutions are prepared for cardiac emergencies.
Upon the bill’s passage, Congressman Pallone stated that “too many young people” are dying from cardiac arrest.
“The HEARTS Act will raise awareness about the causes of sudden cardiac arrest and ensure schools are more prepared to deal with cardiac emergencies so we can save lives,” he said in a statement.
For marginalized communities, the HEARTS Act is particularly impactful. Black and Hispanic individuals experience higher rates of heart disease and often face barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. By promoting educational initiatives and making AEDs more accessible in schools, this law aims to address these inequities, ensuring that underserved communities have better access to emergency cardiac care.
Another significant piece of legislation is the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024, introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.-12) and Sen. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). This bipartisan law reauthorizes funding for critical research and public health initiatives focused on congenital heart disease (CHD). It allocates resources to the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate the causes, prevention, and treatment of CHD.
Representative Bilirakis emphasized the importance of the act, noting that he has become familiar with the struggles patients with congenital heart disease and their families face.
“Our legislation will bring us one step closer to enhancing better treatment options and improving outcomes for all patients suffering with this condition,” he said.
Leah Evangelista, chief
public
affairs and brand officer of the Children’s Hospital Association praised the legislation.
“Identifying congenital heart defects as early as possible and ensuring children receive the very best care is critical to saving lives and improving outcomes for children,” she said in a statement.
For low-income families and communities of color, the cost of CHD treatment can be prohibitive and access to specialized care is often limited. This reauthorization helps ensure continued federal funding for research and expands outreach programs that educate families on CHD management, offering hope to those who might otherwise struggle to afford or access necessary medical services.
These legislative efforts aim to push forward inclusive heart health policies. Marginalized communities, particularly Black and Hispanic individuals,
Lawmakers are aiming to address heart health disparities by funding research and taking action to improve access to care. The goal is to reach underserved communities and improve cardiovascular outcomes for all Americans.
low-income populations, and women, experience higher rates of heart disease and often face systemic barriers to care. These barriers include lack of health insurance, fewer healthcare facilities in their neighborhoods, and implicit bias in the medical system. Funding for research, education, and preventive care initiatives in these laws aims to improve heart health outcomes in underserved populations. The legislation also works to close the gap in health equity by ensuring life-saving tools, such as AEDs, medical training, and advanced research, are accessible to those who need them most.
As Congress continues to address heart health disparities, bipartisan efforts focus on expanding access to affordable healthcare services, increasing funding for community-based heart health programs, and ensuring that research reflects the unique needs of diverse populations. These legislative actions are contributing to a more inclusive approach to combating heart disease, improving cardiovascular health outcomes for all Americans, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.
Young athlete had mild medical issues– his autopsy showed he died from an enlarged heart
By American Heart Association News
Jaden Blackwell fell in love with football at age 5. That same year, a pediatrician heard a swishing sound in Jaden’s chest. It was a heart murmur.
With no heart-related symptoms, and mild asthma his only other health issue, Jaden was cleared to play sports. His pediatric cardiologist said they’d keep tabs on the murmur with annual checkups to make sure Jaden didn’t get worse.
Over the next few years, he played in local football leagues near his home in Atlanta. He was the youngest of six kids, and his parents and siblings, including Chandra, Travius, Keidra and Shelsey, cheered him on from the bleachers. Jaden and his mother, Beverly Blackwell, were especially close. Jaden was also close with Shelsey. Eleven years older, she had heart issues, too. She was born with a small hole in her heart that ended up closing on its own. And she had a heart murmur.
The day Shelsey left for college, her packed bags and boxes piled by the door, Jaden burst into tears. “Don’t go!” he said. Shelsey reassured 7-year-old Jaden she’d be home every weekend to visit and that she’d still cheer him on at games.
Freshman year of high school, Jaden joined the varsity football team as a defensive lineman. He forged close friendships with his teammates, and especially with five other teens. Classmates called the boys the “Sack Pack” for their strength.
“Jaden wasn’t a very big guy, but he was extremely strong and talented,” said his high school offensive line coach Jon Biggs. “He took down bigger opponents with ease. He was a leader from day one, and he got that respect from his teammates and coaches.”
Jaden never missed a practice, despite the grueling schedule: every morning at 5 for workouts, and then three hours on the field after school each day.
Partway through high school, Jaden’s cardiologist noticed an especially slow heartbeat. Further testing showed he had atrioventricular heart block, a heart rhythm
disorder that causes the heart to beat slower than it should.
Additional tests showed Jaden’s heart was also large. Jaden was nervous his doctor would tell him to stop playing football. However, his heart block was considered mild, and his enlarged heart wasn’t causing any issues, so he didn’t need treatment. Much to Jaden’s relief, his doctor cleared him to keep playing. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Jaden missed a few checkups with his cardiologist to avoid risking Beverly’s health, as she had diabetes.
As his senior year began, Jaden started feeling more tired on the
field. Enough that his love of the game fizzled. He declined college football offers. Instead, he graduated high school in 2021 with plans to become a barber.
In the meantime, Jaden got a job at a factory that made car parts. Soon after graduation, he went on a trip to Tennessee with a friend. On the way home, he texted Beverly that he had a terrible headache. In fact, he’d been having headaches for a few weeks. The next week, he and the friend left town again, this time for Miami. And, again, Jaden texted Beverly that his head was throbbing. She suggested he take pain medicine and drink plenty of water. They scheduled a cardiologist
appointment for the following week.
A few days after Jaden got home from Florida, Beverly went down the hall to his room to see why he wasn’t awake yet. Normally, Shelsey would have seen Jaden in the morning. She’d moved nearby after college and stopped by the house every day. That morning, she was busy or running late and didn’t pop into her brother’s room.
As Beverly approached Jayden’s door, she knocked, then girded herself for Jaden’s usual trick – to be hidden when she walked in, then jump out at her.
But Beverly found Jaden lying in bed. His nose was bleeding. She called 911. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him, but they couldn’t. Beverly lost her son on June 8, 2022, at age 19.
Jaden’s autopsy concluded he died from an enlarged heart.
Beverly, who’s 65, has an enlarged heart, too. Heart disease runs in her family. She shares Jaden’s story to help other families.
“I really encourage parents to get thorough and consistent checkups for their children with heart problems,” said Beverly, a retired special education educator. “You have to be very, very careful.”
After Jaden’s death, his high school football team, the Newton County Rams, held a moment of silence for him and dedicated the season to Jaden. In comments after Jaden’s funeral, friends and community members remembered Jaden as someone with a joyful heart, the friend you wanted to have, and a sweet and respectful young man who always had a smile on his face. One said, “What a joy he was to all.”
Keyshawn Blackstock, Jaden’s longtime friend, teammate and offensive lineman for the University of Arkansas, chose to wear Jaden’s high school number, 54. Beverly takes some solace in the fact that Jaden’s spirit lives on through Blackstock. That and her message to parents help to give her purpose.
“Get your kids checked, get yourself checked,” Beverly said. “When that heart is stopped, that’s it.”
This article was originally published by American Heart Association News as part of its Stories From the Heart series, which chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.
Photo courtesy of the Blackwell Family
Jaden Blackwell, who is remembered for his warm smile and time on the football field, died at age 19 from an enlarged heart.
Photo courtesy of the Blackwell Family Jaden Blackwell was diagnosed at age five with a heart murmur that was not causing symptoms. He was cleared to play sports when he was a child.
Photo courtesy of the Blackwell Family Jaden Blackwell graduated from high school in 2021 and had plans to become a barber.
Photo courtesy of the Blackwell Family
Shown here, Jaden Blackwell (right) at a football game with his mom, Beverly.
Ashlee Banks Special to the AFRO
Photo courtesy of FDA
Matters of the Heart
Best ways to advocate for your heart health
By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S., especially for Black Americans who have a higher risk of dying from the disease than their White counterparts, according to UChicago Medicine.
“Roughly 60 percent of Black American adults have some form of cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Karla Robinson, a board-certified family physician. “This includes high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure and coronary artery disease. We are much more likely to die from these conditions than our White counterparts. It’s very important that we understand the importance of heart health and recognize the signs.”
Still, heart disease can be prevented. Taking charge of and advocating for heart health is important for improving an individual’s heart health. The following contains several ways Black Americans can start or better advocate for themselves in the doctor’s office.
Interview and establish a relationship with your doctor
When visiting a doctor for the first time Dr. Jarrett Manning, owner and dentist at JLM Dental Studio, suggests people interview their doctor.
“You’re getting to know the doctor and how they operate. In return, the doctor is trying to get to know you better,” said Manning. “In order to advocate for your health, the doctor needs to sit down and have conversations with you about what’s going on.”
Manning emphasized that it takes time to have these conversations.
Manning said people should focus on ensuring their doctor is the right fit during that initial session. She suggested an array of questions Black Americans could ask their doctors when interviewing them.
“What is the plan if this is a positive or a negative result?” she said. “Where do I go from here? Were they listening to me? Is this a good fit?”
Manning also recommended building a network of people to help Black Americans advocate for themselves in the doctor’s office.
“Have a strong support system,” said Manning. “We all can’t go through life by ourselves. Building a network
“Roughly 60 percent of Black American adults have some form of cardiovascular disease. We are much more likely to die from these conditions than our White counterparts.”
of people, individuals, whether a family support group or advocacy organization…those are the strong allies that can help strengthen your voice.”
Dr. Bayo Curry-Wynchell, medical director at Urgent Care Clinics at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, suggested taking “someone with you when you go to the clinic. I encourage my patients to bring someone with them.
I’m okay with them having a friend on the phone.”
Make sure you educate yourself
“I believe that the more you know, the more you can do something about it,” said Curry-Wynchell. “The knowledge part is powerful.”
Several of the doctors said you should “know your numbers.”
“Know what normal blood
pressure is, know your blood pressure and the blood pressure you are working toward,” said Dr. Tochukwu “Tochi” Okwuosa, professor of medicine and cardiology at Rush University Medical Center.
Doctors said Black Americans should document every issue and conversation with
their doctor and keep up with their medical records.
Doctors said it’s never too early to begin taking charge of your heart health.
“There’s so many silent conditions that can happen to you even at a young age,” said Curry-Wynchell.
“There’s this thought that, ‘once I get older I have to take care of my health.’ We know that Black Americans already have a short lifespan [compared to our counterparts]. Whatever you can do to invest in your health at the earliest age is so important.”
ensure that all of the hard work you’ve put into your
is sustained as your legacy for years to come. As a local bank ourselves, we love to see that in this community.
let’s get you to your next financial destination.
Courtesy photo
Dr. Jarrett manning is the owner of her own business, the JLM Dental Studio.
Courtesy photo
Dr. Tochukwu “Tochi” Okwuosa is a professor of medicine and cardiology at Rush University Medical Center.
Courtesy photo
Bayo Curry-Winchell serves as medical director of the Urgent Care Clinics at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center.
Courtesy photo
Dr. Karla Robinson is a board-certified family physician with nearly two decades of expertise in clinical care, administration and medical education.
AFRO Trivia
Healing hearts, changing history: Innovators in cardiovascular medicine
By AFRO Staff
Match the Trailblazer! These groundbreaking doctors and researchers revolutionized heart medicine through innovation, advocacy and life-saving procedures. Can you connect each pioneer to their achievements? Draw a line from the photo to the correct description and test your knowledge of these medical legends!
1. A trailblazing surgeon who made history in 1893 by performing one of the first-ever successful open-heart surgeries. Their contributions helped shape modern cardiac surgery and opened doors for African Americans in medicine.
2. A dedicated professor of medicine at Howard University for 37 years, this individual shaped the future of countless medical students. For 14 of those years, they led the department of medicine, leaving a lasting impact on the institution and the field.
3. With no formal medical degree, this medical professional defied the odds to become a surgical innovator. Their pioneering work on the Blalock-Taussig shunt revolutionized treatment for “blue baby syndrome,” saving countless lives and changing the future of pediatric cardiology.
4. Recognizing the urgent need for equity in cardiovascular care, this doctor founded the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) in 1974. Their lifelong mission has been to address racial disparities in heart health and increase diversity in the field.
5. A visionary in blood preservation, this innovator’s groundbreaking work on plasma storage and large-scale blood banking transformed medical care during World War II, saving countless lives and revolutionizing transfusion medicine.
6. A trailblazer in cardiology, this doctor became the first African-American woman to serve as president of the Association of Black Cardiologists. As Chief of Cardiology at Morehouse School of Medicine, she continues to mentor and inspire future physicians.
7. In 1943, this doctor shattered barriers as the first woman— and first African-American woman—to perform open-heart surgery. A gifted surgeon and medical researcher, her work advanced both medicine and opportunities for women in the field.
Protect your heart: Key facts and life-saving tips for cardiovascular health
By AFRO Staff
Understanding these key concepts can help individuals take proactive steps toward heart health. Monitoring key health indicators can help individuals stay informed about their heart health.
ACROSS
3. You may be having a heart attack if these _____ present: Chest discomfort; pain or discomfort in the arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw and stomach; shortness of breath; breaking out in a cold sweat; nausea (especially in women); rapid or irregular heartbeat, feeling unusually tired or lightheaded.
5. The technical term for “high blood pressure.”
6. Changing diet, adding regular exercise and getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep are all ______ changes that can improve an adult’s quality of life.
7. These blood vessels carry oxygen-poor blood to your heart.
10. The term “ ____ system” refers to the heart and blood vessels.
DOWN
1. __ surgery is used when a vein or artery is closed or blocked and a person needs a secondary connection to allow for normal blood flow.
2. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are two types of _____.
4. When it comes to heart disease, women tend to be ________ more than men, regardless of race and other factors.
8. There are four ______ that open and close to make sure blood flows in the correct direction.
9. These blood vessels distribute oxygen-rich blood to your entire body.
10. This life saving technique can be learned and used in an emergency situation where a person’s heart has stopped beating.
Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association
Photo courtesy of American College of Cardiology
Photo courtesy of the National Academy of Sciences
Photo courtesy of the Association of Black Cardiologists
Photo courtesy of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Photo courtesy of Morehouse School of Medicine
Photo courtesy of New York Medical College
Please see answers to the AFRO Trivia on page B7
Please see answers to the AFRO Trivia on page B7
John Beauregard Johnson
Richard Allen Williams
Myra Adele Logan
Daniel Hale Williams
Elizabeth Ofili
Charles R. Drew
Vivien Theodore Thomas
The AFRO Trivia page was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
Single in the City Matters of the heart: The long haul
As a single woman navigating the dating scene and searching for my person, I’ll be the first to admit—I don’t have the answers when it comes to making love last. Dating in today’s world is an adventure filled with highs, lows and moments that make you question everything you thought you knew about love. But one thing I do know is that lasting love is possible, and I wanted to hear firsthand from couples who have built strong marriages over time.
What keeps them going? How do they handle challenges? And more importantly, how do they keep the spark alive after years together?
Recently, my own love life has taken an exciting turn. I am now exclusively dating someone, and let me tell you—he is intentional, has an incredible sense of humor, and truly sees me. He values every layer of me from the inside out, making me feel deeply understood and cherished. It’s early, but it’s promising, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m with someone who genuinely aligns with what I’ve been searching for.
So, with newfound hope in my heart, I reached out to three couples, married one, two and three decades. They have committed to “the long haul.” Their love stories are filled with wisdom, laughter, and a whole lot of perseverance. Their insight not only gave me hope, but provided solid tips on how to find, secure and keep the love of your life. Here’s what they had to say:
David and Tonya Baña (Married Nov. 12, 2011)
David Baña believes that shared goals maketough times easier.
“When you and your partner are committed to building each other up, challenges become part of the journey,” he said. “Problems feel smaller when you know you’re facing them together as a team.”
Tonya kept her advice simple yet powerful: “Apologize. Apologize often and do it immediately.”
And the key to keeping their relationship vibrant? For David, it’s vulnerability. “A lot of
people think mystery is the secret, but I think it’s the opposite. When you’re completely open with each other—flaws and all—it builds a deep, intimate connection that keeps the spark alive.”
Tonya, on the other hand, swears by laughter. “It’s really hard to stay mad at someone who makes you laugh out loud.”
Johnnie and Dr. Karsonya Whitehead (Married Oct. 2, 1999)
For Johnnie, keeping their marriage strong boils down to putting God first. “We pray to-
gether every day to make sure we’re grounded and moving forward together,” he said. Kaye echoed that commitment: “We made a promise when we got married to work hard at loving each other and growing together. We truly like each other and enjoy spending time together.”
Johnnie and Kaye also stressed the importance of laughter and grace. “Even in difficult moments, we can take a breath and laugh,” Johnnie said. Kaye added, “We give each other space to be human, to make mistakes, and to grow. Growth is hard, but it’s easier when you know the person beside you protects your heart.”
And what about the spark? “It’s always there,” they both agreed. They prioritize small acts of love—whether it’s going on long walks, watching each other’s favorite shows, or simply making coffee in the morning. “When we were dating, he always reached for my hand,” Kaye reminisced. Johnnie smiled and added, “And I do it now.”
Carmen and Charmagne Mann (Married May 25, 1991)
When asked about navigating tough times, Carmen and Charmagne emphasized three keys: commitment, conviction, and communication. “Commitment keeps you honest. Conviction keeps you trustworthy. Communication keeps love alive unconditionally,” they shared. According to them, these are the master keys to a marriage, and it’s the couple’s responsibil-
ity to protect them.
Charmagne added, “It sounds cliché, but communication is definitely key. Ask questions, don’t assume anything. Don’t bottle up your feelings—words have power, and once they’re spoken, they can’t be taken back.” They also believe that faith plays a crucial role in their union: “A marriage should involve three—husband, wife, and God.”
As for keeping the spark alive? “Planning dates and making time for each other is still exciting after 33 years.” Their story proves that intention and effort can keep love fresh, no matter how many years go by.
Timeless Love Lessons
After speaking with these couples, a few key themes stood out. Whether you are single, in a relationship, or reflecting on past love, here are three timeless love lessons that can help you build lasting connections:
1. Prioritize Communication – Speak openly, listen actively, and never assume you know what your partner is thinking. Words have power—use them wisely.
2. Make Love a Daily Choice – Love is not just a feeling; it’s an action. Show up for your partner, work through the tough times together, and choose each other every day.
3. Keep Joy at the Center – Whether it’s laughter, inside jokes, or small acts of kindness, never underestimate the power of joy in a relationship. Love should feel like home. Love isn’t just about passion and romance—it’s about perseverance, choosing each other daily, and embracing both the highs and the lows. The couples I spoke with have shown that lasting love requires effort, faith, and the ability to laugh together even in difficult moments.
For those still searching, don’t lose hope. Love is out there, and when it’s right, it won’t feel forced. It will be intentional, enduring, and built to stand the test of time. And for those who have found it, nurture it, protect it, and never take it for granted.
Because real love—the kind that weathers storms, grows stronger with time, and brings joy through the years—is always worth the long haul.
The Obikes: What’s the secret to Black love and longevity
By Aswad Walker
Norma “Raawiya” Thomas and Angela “Mayasa” CeZar Obike began their committed 34-years-andcounting life journey long before U.S. courts gave them permission. And that’s just like them– neither Raawiyah nor Mayasa are the “sit around and wait for someone else’s okay” type.
Though Raawiya is an artist to the core and Mayasa is strictly business, this right-brain, left-brain couple is a match made in heaven. At the same time, this pair makes heaven out of their match, and they do so with artistic creativity and businesslike precision.
“I think the friendship was what was so essential…”
The fact that they have far surpassed the average length of time together for Black couples (roughly 15.5 years) is a telltale sign that they are doing something right.
Still, the Obikes readily admit they, like all couples in a committed relationship, have faced their ups and downs. But they have found ways to push through challenging moments with enough love in their hearts for each other that they continue to choose their union daily.
In celebration of Black love, the Defender interviewed Black couples who have been together for at least
25 years to find out what works and what doesn’t when the goal is staying together. Are there secrets we need to know?
The Obikes shared lessons they have learned along their journey that just may help other couples seeking an “Always and Forever” relationship.
From honeymoon phase to lifelong union
All couples experience the bliss of that honeymoon phase. But Black love longevity requires the relationship to progress beyond the “everything’s wonderful” newness.
For the Obikes, Raawiya said what facilitated their transition was the fact that “life happened.” “One of the things I can remem-
ber is my daughter got sick at school and I was teaching out in Fort Bend ISD, so I needed someone to pick her up and take her home, and Mayasa did that,” recalled Raawiya. “I think from there, our time together just kind of started to increase. And, what happens a lot of times in relationships such as ours, she was moving out of her apartment, so I invited her to move into my house. There’s kind of an old saying in same-gender relationships, especially where there are females. You meet and then here comes a U-Haul truck because we have this thing of moving in together very quickly.”
“I don’t know if it was quickly. I actually think it was a few months,” responded Mayasa, adding her take on couples transitioning from new-
ness to permanence.
“I think the friendship was what was so essential. I think that probably everybody who knew us a little were like, ‘Okay, something’s going on. But it was really a solid friendship.”
Pre-relationship advice you wish you had received
For Mayasa, naming the prerelationship advice she wishes she would have received was easy.
“Oh my God. Do not marry an artist. The first time I saw Norma/ Raawiya, when you looked at her, you saw, ‘Oh, she’s an artist,’” shared Mayasa, who said when her partner is in that artist space, it’s allconsuming.
“She had some red-framed glasses with one arm on them. She had on these mismatch earrings, feathers and something. But all I could see when I looked at her were her beautiful eyes, and I was like, ‘Oh my God. Eyes of fire.’ But the thing about artists, they love their work, and when they get into their space, nothing else matters.”
“Nothing else matters. The house looks horrible. There’s props everywhere. Things that I value and cherish are now in a play or production that somebody’s wearing. I’m like, ‘Wait a minute. That belongs to my grandmother.’ To be with an artist, you have to be a certain kind of a person. Because if you are not, it’s just not gonna work. You going to feel like you have no value in it. But that was one of the things that did attract me to her in the beginning, was that she was so creative.”
Raawiya added: “Just to clarify, I did not put anything of your grand-
All photos courtesy
mother’s on the stage.”
“Yes, you did,” Mayasa responded, laughing.
Hardest relationship lesson to learn
For Raawiya, who admittedly can get totally consumed in her work, a challenging relationship success lesson to learn was being intentionally present for your partner.
“I can live in my own world and not come out until I am personally ready to come out and socialize,” said Raawiya, an educator, playwright, actress, and author. “For example, [our dining room table] is where I work 12 hours a day, and I could stay here, but when you [Mayasa] come in from work, I could say, ‘Hey, I’m going to be in this a while.’ But I have sense enough to know I’m in a relationship. She just came in from work, so I’m getting ready to move over here to the other part of the house so that we can interact and she can tell me the 99 million things that she’s gonna tell me about what’s going on at that job that I don’t give a hill of beans about, but I’m gonna listen. And vice versa, whatever has happened in my world, I’m gonna share that with her,” shared Raawiya.
“Then, we go check into social media. We’re gonna try to pretend to watch Gunsmoke. Matt Dylan is our boyfriend. He puts us to bed every night. But I had to say to myself, ‘Black woman, you are in a relationship. You have to make an effort to come out of your little cloister and be in that relationship and be present.’”
This article was originally published by Defender Network.
Ericka Alston Buck Special to the AFRO
Courtesy photo
Norma “Raawiya” Thomas (left) and Angela “Mayasa” CeZar Obike, are proud of the love they have nurtured over time.
David and Tonya Baña
Johnnie and Dr. Karsonya Whitehead
Carmen and Charmagne Mann
Black marriage on the decline? These pastors have another opinion
By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word In Black
With a few weeks left of winter and springtime just around the corner, Valentine’s Day is a time when thoughts often turn to love and romance. If recent trends in the Black community are to be believed, however, what often follows — marriage — is on the rocks.
Consider: the marriage rate for all Americans is around 50 percent, but the matrimonial rate for Black people is about 30 percent. That means roughly 60 percent of Black men and women, including members of the millennial generation, have never jumped the broom.
But there is one place where marriage among Black people is thriving: the church. A new generation of married pastors is not only setting an example for their congregants but also offering advice, lessons, and a tried-and-true philosophy to help newly married couples: consider yourselves partners or teammates, not lovers or rivals.
A marriage champion
Dr. Derren Thompson, lead pastor of Conquerors Church in Edgewood, Maryland, is bullish on marriage, and his schedule reflects it.
“I have three [this year] that were planned last year, and I just got one for 2026,” says Thompson. “I usually perform seven to 10 weddings a year.”
Perhaps more impressive is the fact that most of those ceremonies tend to take place outside of his congregation — because most of the Conquerors Church members are already married.
Marriage as a partnership
Pastor Corey Cunningham, lead pastor of The Inspiration Church in Dayton, Ohio, says the key to making marriage work is to ditch antiquated notions that marriage is a power struggle between individuals.
“A common struggle in marriage is conflict, but we’ve learned that husbands and wives aren’t opposing teams, fighting against each other,” says Cunningham, who runs the church with his wife, Stephanie Cunningham. “We’re on the same team, fighting together and for each other, because when only one wins, both lose.”
While the marriage rate for Black people is roughly 20 points below Whites, there are indicators that it is on the rebound in the Black community. In 2023, for example, there were 5.18 million Black married-couple households living in the U.S. That’s a significant increase from 1990, when there were 3.57 million Black married-couple homes nationwide. Still, there are historic, cultural and economic headwinds for Black marriage
Signs of a rebound in black marriage rates
In 1970, for example, 35.6 percent of Black men and 27.7 percent of Black women were never married, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2020, however, those percentages had jumped to 51.4 percent for Black men and 47.5 percent for Black women. Echoes of slavery, as well as poverty, relatively lower economic attainment and high incarceration rates
among Black men are all factors in keeping the Black marriage rate low compared with Whites.
Yet Cunningham and Thompson both say they believe marriage has gotten a bad rap among older generations, and they’ve seen younger couples more receptive to giving it a try. But they both make sure the couples know they may have to change how they think about the institution.
Thompson says marriages often suffer because couples don’t think of each other as partners. They often hold on to archaic notions and practices, he says, rather than setting their own standards and practices — something he understands first-hand.
‘I was a trip!’
In 1988 Thompson met his now-wife Chalon Thompson in church. He served as a youth minister and she assisted them. After one session the young couple bypassed premarital counseling, but the church marriage counselors gave them their blessings. They married in 1997. But like a sixth grader promoted to high school, however, the couple soon realized they were unprepared for the challenges that came their way.
Derren Thompson tells part of their story on his website. Although Chalon “has had my back from Day One,” he describes himself as “selfish and arrogant” and he “had an attitude. I would not speak to her for days and would not respond to pager messages. I was a trip!!!”
So they sought help from another couple whose marriage was steady and strong. From it, the Thompsons learned how to strengthen their own marriage and found a collective knack for helping others. And they co-authored a book, “Redefined Love: Discovering Love’s True Essence.”
What makes a successful marriage?
When asked what signals a couple can be successful, Thompson eagerly responded.
“The biggest thing I look for is their energy. Many of
them will come to the table and they’re just like, look, we really want to do this. We’re interested in this, but we struggle here,” Thompson says. “I love it when people come to the table that way, ready to work. I often want to hear about those things that excite them and drive them.”
But Thompson says he also appreciates blunt honesty, particularly from men.
“When they come to the table saying, ‘Look, this is where I’ve been. This is what I’ve done. I’m horrible at this. I probably won’t be the best at this. And I need some help,’. I’m just like, ‘Yes!’” Thompson says. “Especially when men come to the table this way.”
Positivity and perseverance
With a positive attitude and willingness to put in the work, “there’s nothing that can’t be accomplished,” Thompson says. His own marriage is proof.
”We hadn’t thought of each other as partners, and many couples don’t. The scripture says, How can two walk together unless they be agreed? We learned to ask each other to support us as partners in whatever we did.”
Potential couples are excited when they find the Thompsons have been married so long because they don’t often see that kind of longevity.
And we tell them, we listen, but we don’t judge. That’s especially important for the men because the entire world judges Black men in every area.
“It’s so important to address the issues, whatever they might be. It’s not as if they’re just going to disappear after premarital counseling, or even after the wedding,” Thompson says. “There’s going to be some sprinkles of some stuff that resembles what it was they were trying to run away from. So the issue is to equip them to handle them when they resurface.”
article was originally
Fierce love: A bold path that can heal the world
By Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis
Got Joy?
I know — you’re thinking, “What?”
I can’t even begin to put to paper the horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach as we watch the assault on our democracy and on the world, an assault launched by our sitting president and his leadership team. Yes, it is Project 2025, and yes, it is more than that. It is outrageous, and I hope each one of us will do what we can — where we can and whenever we can — to comfort those who hurt and to wrap our arms around the vulnerable. And put this number on speed dial! Call Congress and share what you are feeling, witnessing and hoping at 202-224-3121. In a talk with one of my colleagues today, Rev. Natalie Renee Perkins, I was reminded of the ways the simple things in our lives can provide us with sustenance and joy even in these hot mess times. Walking her dog — Treble Clef Perkins — in the cold and slushy wetness, breathing deeply and filling her lungs with cold air, and a little rain on her nose made her feel joyful to be alive on the planet. The journey of life matters, she said, not just the destination, and she has made a beautiful life for herself.
Hearing her joy — a spontaneous sharing in a quick phone call — I found myself recounting my own joy. Listening to music to put myself to sleep last night, delighting in the jazz and show tunes that made me want to make a living on Broadway (no, I did not
that joy, love, to make it through. We could feel guilty about the joy, or we could welcome it when it comes and hold onto the taste and texture of it. We can curate the ways it shows up so we can access it more often.
In my book, “Fierce Love,” I wrote a chapter on joy. Chapter eight in this book of nine spiritual practices of fierce love is “Find Joy Purposefully It is the Water of Life I was inspired by the poet Rumi, who wrote, “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”
I write: “The world can be a hard place, and our problems can feel daunting. It’s often impossible to laugh or smile with so much horror in the news. But identifying and amplifying things that give you joy will sustain you during the times you’re weighed down by life’s injustices — those aimed at you or at others. Joy is fuel for fierce love.”
GOODNESS! Every taste made me thank God for scallops and for chefs and for taste buds and for a friend who loves me enough to listen to me ooh and aah like a child with a lollipop. The conversation was joy, the connection was joy, the longevity of our friendship — the things we know about each other — was joy, and did I mention the scallops were simply divine?
What is it for you, love? Biting into a grape and following that with a piece of sharp cheddar cheese? Watching your children play? Playing with your adult friends on the dance floor? Is it sitting in a bathtub soaking, or walking in the cold and loving how your body moves. Is it doing work on any number of the tough issues we are facing and feeling the satisfaction of making a difference?
get to do that); excitement at getting back to my husband today after a few days apart; the memory of our romping around with grandchildren last weekend. I am furious about the state of our union. And yet, my communities, my friendships, my beloveds, and my work bring me so much joy. We need
Rev. Natalie’s staff meets on Thursdays to look over the week. What is feeding you, they ask? What are you hungry for? I love that audit, that scan of emotional content. I wonder if you and I could do a daily scan. What gave me joy today? If the answer is nothing, that’s just what it is. But if there is something there — by being mindful of it, we appreciate it and know how to source joy more fully next time.
I was at dinner this week with a friend.
I like this restaurant because it is close to our WeWork office and because the food is delicious. There was a special — three scallops on roasted potatoes with a little something green and a sweet chili sauce. Oh. My.
Don’t get stuck on happiness versus joy. Feel into what I mean by joy. That feeling of freedom, of bounce-back, of contentment, of wonder. Joy is a reservoir of goodness that makes you rock back and forth and hug yourself. It makes you tilt your head back in a full-throated laugh of just hum. Sometimes it’s just peace way deep down in your belly. Mother Teresa said joy is strength.
Whatever is your joy…get some. Pay attention to the source and visit it often; you need it, and you deserve it! Why? Because you are awesome and wonderful, made in the image of the Holy. That’s why!
This
published by Word In Black.
Nappy.co/ Pixabay
Black marriage is on the decline as church leaders work hard to change how people think about marriage.
Photo courtesy of Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis
Dr. Jacqui Lewis is senior minister and minister for vision, worship and the arts at the Middle Collegiate Church. This week, she speaks on how it’s more important than ever to embrace and spread love and joy, given the current assault on democracy and human rights.
From the AFRO Archives
Love connections and valentines
By AFRO Staff
In matters of the heart, the AFRO has you covered. From meeting to marriage the publication has always made an
effort to encourage and celebrate Black love. With the “Lonesome Hearts” column, Black people could search near and far for their soulmates. The AFRO routinely printed en-
Revisiting the past to revive love
By Amber Campbell-Wheeler
Charities
On the brisk evening of Feb. 13, several women and a few men gathered inside Baltimore’s Stem and Vine, a verdant plant and wine shop located at 326 North Charles Street, in hopes of finding connections of all kinds during this season of love. The event, a mixer and networking session, was centered around Afro Charities’ series, “Re-Reading the News.” This ongoing conversation program was inspired by the AFRO Archives’ “Lonesome Hearts” column, which first debuted in July 1933.
gagement and marriage announcements, but that wasn’t all. In addition, family ties and friendships were also put on record.
Check out the photographs, articles and
letters below from the AFRO Archives, courtesy of Afro Charities, to get an understanding of love in the Black community of the 1930s, ‘40s, ‘50s and 70s.
Feb. 1938
Judging from the smile Miss Pauline Johnson of Baltimore has as she reads a Valentine’s verse, the letter is surely from an admirer. Miss Johnson is the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Clarence Johnson and a senior at Morgan College.
Through the creative endeavors of managing editor William N. Jones and switchboard operator Susan Hearns Clark—under the pen name “Albertine Ashe”—the “Lonesome Hearts: An Exchange for the Lovelorn” section in the AFRO-American Newspaper impacted over 71,000 readers by 1947. Each week, hundreds of letters poured in from subscribers across the country, all seeking guidance from Miss Albertine on how to form meaningful connections.
Fast forward to today, and the need for genuine bonds remains everpresent. Recognizing this, the Afro Charities team saw an opportunity to bring back the Lonesome Hearts experience—but with a modern twist. Instead of traditional letters sent by post, they created a Google Form where anyone with the link could submit a digital “letter” while keeping the historic tradition of pen names and subject lines.
One particularly charming letter came from “Love-Love,” a “competitive and fun-loving 36-year-old woman looking for tennis and billiards
May 1946
partners of all ages and genders,” signing off with the tagline “Playful Competition.”
As submissions poured in, it became clear that love was the ultimate goal for 63.6 percent of writers.
Meanwhile, 36.4 percent sought friendship or weren’t entirely sure what they were looking for.
Guests arrived dressed in a spectrum of colors, from vibrant reds to sleek blacks and crisp whites. They were greeted with heart-shaped lollipops, blank name tags, and the chance to sip on the signature Albertine martini.
Among those in attendance were “Love-Love,” “Cosmopolitan,” and “Lovergirl98.”
The evening opened with a reading from a past
Feb. 1942
Miss Mabel Bailey of 1403 Lakeview Avenue, Richmond and her nine-month- old daughter, Barbara Ann, are displaying that oldfashioned love.
June 1957
Afro
Martin Luther King Jr. speaks with the AFRO about the courtship of wife, Coretta Scott King (not shown), and their future plans.
This month, consider what all types of love bring to your life
By Devi Shastri
February is for lovers — but you don’t need a romantic soulmate to celebrate the month of love.
The month is a chance to consider just how rich, diverse and beneficial every form of love is in the human experience, whether it comes from your family, friends, pets, neighbors or community.
Three experts shared how to nurture love in all its forms at a time when loneliness is an “ epidemic,” politics are divisive and turning to technology is often easier than real-life social interactions.
You need more than just the love of your life
Romantic love — a deep, intimate partnership with another person or persons — is a valuable part of life. But experts say it’s good to remember that we need to have several sources of connection.
“Especially as we get older, we recognize that no one relationship is going to provide us with everything,” said Mikaela Frissell, a social worker for UT Health Austin.
Love isn’t something that can easily be pinned down with a single definition or behavior, either.
As a verb, love has two things at play, according to epidemiologist Tyler VanderWeele, who directs Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program. It can be both or either “unitive” — meaning you desire and want to be with the person or thing you love — or “contributive,” meaning you want to contribute to the good of your beloved.
The experts also said an expanded definition and view of love opens up the possibilities toward whom and what you can direct these “unitive” and “contributive” feelings.
The connection between love, loneliness and health
In 2023, then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared loneliness a public health epidemic.
Murthy’s report said half of Americans
have experienced loneliness and that it poses health risks as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The research also found that people with poor social relationships had higher risk of stroke and heart disease, and that isolation raises a person’s chance of depression, anxiety and dementia.
Love’s strong social connections, bonding and support are linked to better health, because it allows the brain to signal to the body that you are safe and take your nervous system out of “fight or flight,” Frissell said. Research shows being with loved ones can lower blood pressure, stress hormones, reduce inflammation — even help you sleep and better manage pain.
The ongoing Harvard Study of Adult De-
velopment, which is the underpinning of the book “The Good Life,” showed the value of relationships across a lifetime.
Anthony Chambers, a psychologist and chief academic officer at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, said one of the Harvard study’s findings was people who were happiest in their relationships at 50 were the healthiest mentally and physically at 80.
“The conclusion? Building meaningful and satisfying relationships is key to our health and well-being,” said Chambers, who worked on the study early in his career.
How can I nurture love?
Simply put, intentionally seek out in-person connections, experts said.
What’s not so simple is planning things with other people. It may be uncomfortable to sift through calendars to find a date for dinner with a busy friend or to call your sibling who doesn’t have much to talk about. Perhaps it’ll be awkward to strike up a conversation with the elderly neighbor you haven’t met or join a softball team.
Acknowledge and interrogate the fears or assumptions that keep you from reaching out in those moments, Frissell said.
There is also doing good things for other people — even if you don’t know them that well. Frissell challenges clients to compliment someone every day and be open to accepting one in return. The benefits of receiving and giving love are the same, she said.
VanderWeele recommends an exercise he practices: Choose one day a week, for six weeks, to do five acts of kindness. It forces you to plan and prioritize kindness intentionally, just like any other daily task, he said.
Love can build resilience
This month, experts encourage you to think beyond one-on-one relationships and reflect on your community and world. Having a commitment to a cause or group builds mental resilience, they added.
“We all seek to be understood and validated, especially during difficult times. And relationships are arguably the most important context for emotional healing,” Chambers said. “When the world around us can seem to be in chaos or we’re feeling alone, relationships provide the opportunity for us to feel validated.”
VanderWeele also said it’s important to have even “love of enemy” — people who we don’t agree with or are in opposition to us.
“The extent to which we love others shapes the society we live in,” he said.
This article was originally published by the Associated Press. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
New doc features older Black gay women farming Harriet Tubman’s ancestral lands
By Nadine Matthews
In a recent interview, filmmaker Charlyn Griffith-Oro of the short documentary “The Aunties” told the Amsterdam News, “This film came out of my observations of the aunties over the last almost decade. They expressed wanting to leave behind the legacy that they have [stated] explicitly, but also in their actions, in their awareness, and in their presence.”
The former educator and her wife, Jeannine Kayembe-Oro, codirected and co-edited “The Aunties,” which features elder mentors, friends, and fellow farmers and climate activists Paulette Greene and Donna Dear, a married couple who met in 1974.
“I made the film to offer them as a possibility model; not just for the LGBTQIA community, but for anyone [who’s] imagining resisting enslavement, resisting confinement, and open to exploring their freedom,” Griffin-Oro said.
The film started streaming on YouTube on Feb. 17 as part of the Black Public Media (BPM) online series AfroPoP Digital Shorts. It was originally supposed to be just a clip for social media, but “I [said], there’s no way I can edit 15 hours of footage down to two minutes and do it justice,” Griffin-Oro recalled.
The film was executive-produced by the Center for Cultural Power and its distribution is supported by the Queer Women of Color in Media Arts Project.
The historical symbolism of the film is front and center. It opens with a card with an excerpt from an 1854 letter Harriet Tubman wrote to her brothers. Mt. Pleasant Acres Farms,
a 111-acre farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is where Dear and Greene have lived since 1994. The land was part of a 2,167-acre plantation and is said to have been where Harriet Tubman’s family lived, and a putative stop on the Underground Railroad. The Witness Tree — a tulip poplar — that was said to have been where the escaping enslaved people rested before embarking on the journey to the north, is on the land.
The land’s overwhelming significance isn’t lost on Griffin-Oro. “This is something that Aunt Paulette and Aunt Donna often talk about,” she said. “Harriet brought people out of enslavement. She did not necessarily
take them to freedom. In that reframing of the work that Harriet did, it restores more of Harriet’s humanity.”
Griffin-Oro stressed that Tubman’s work should not be considered as complete. “Right now, people are contending with historically what was required of figures like [Tubman], but as Paulette says in the film, there are everyday people who never stopped,” Griffin-Oro said. “We need to be aware that the reason that we have had certain access and mobility has always come at the expense of those who have carried the torch for the maintenance of and the re-contextualizing of all of those things.”
Griffin-Oro and Kayembe-Oro
“I hope that our film is able to bring people joy in the witness of the aunties and their love and their individual personhood.”
met these aunties through their work as farmers and environmental activists. Over the years, the relationship has deepened, with the aunties becoming close friends and mentors.
“Over the last five years, we’ve been spending a lot more time ‘two on two’ with them. We’re really enjoying the deepening of friendships with them. They’re our besties. They’re our elders, — aunties for sure. They’re family. They’re also definitely our friends.”
Flora visually dominates “The Aunties,” which won an award from the Ubuntu Climate Initiative. There are panoramic views of endless fields of greenery — the camera “climbs” mountainous trees and towering corn stalks, and closely examines grapes, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes on the vine.
“The Aunties” also shows Dear and Greene seated side by side on wing chairs as if on thrones, wearing matching white coveralls and cowrie shell-framed sunglasses. In narration, Dear recounts their meeting in January 1974. Greene recalls knowing immediately that Dear “needed a spirit like mine.” They are shown
cradling each other’s arms, wedding rings prominently displayed.
There is no escaping that “The Aunties” is also Dear and Greene’s odds-defying, enduring love story. Said Griffin-Oro, “They enjoy art and food. They are connected to the land and to creature and kin. They are honest, they are kind. They don’t waste time being saccharine if the moment calls for a bit of bitter medicine. They’ve touched adversity. They’ve dealt with loss; they continue to deal with loss. I think apart from that, they just love each other so much. They are so committed to each other.”
Griffin-Oro hopes people will come away from “The Aunties” inspired and moved. “I hope that our film is able to bring people joy in the witness of the aunties and their love and their individual personhood,” she said. “I hope that it touches a place for any viewer, where they might have pain or maybe confusion or curiosity about what it means to live at the intersection of Black womanhood, being gay, being a land steward, being concerned about legacies like Harriet Tubman and the legacies of one’s own family. I hope that it touches and heals.”
“AfroPoP Digital Shorts” is an offshoot of BPM’s award-winning documentary and narrative series about life, art, culture, history, and more throughout the African Diaspora AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange.
For more information, visit https://blackpublicmedia.org/afropop/
This article was originally published by New York Amsterdam News
Beverly Price photo
The new documentary, “The Aunties” features the love and work of spouses, farmers, climate activists Donna Dear (left) and Paulette Greene.
Unsplash / Saiph Muhammad
This month is the perfect time of year to explore all types of love- not just the kind in the romantic department. Friendships, relationships with family members and even self care can all be included in the month of love.
The Jiles: What’s the secret to love longevity–even in the golden years?
By Aswad Walker Defender Network
It’s hard to find a segment of Black Houston that hasn’t heard of or been impacted by the works of Jodie Jiles and his wife, Defender Network publisher and owner Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles.
Although the couple has a powerful public presence individually and collectively, they keep their private lives private.
So, imagine the surprise of the Defender when both members of this ever-busy power couple agreed to be interviewed for the “What’s the secret to Black love longevity” series.
There is scarcely a board in all of Black America that one or both are not on. And even as busy as Jodie is, he consistently calls out his wife for being a workaholic. Yet, the duo regularly makes time for faith and family. And now, too, they are sharing their advice on how to keep Black love growing.
Hardest relationship lesson to learn
Though the Jiles possess the unique experience of “meeting for the first time” twice (yes, you read that right), their story offers experiences that have the power to speak to all.
This includes relationship lessons that were not easy for them to learn.
“The hardest relationshipstrengthening lesson that I had to learn, and I learned it over time, as Sonny said, we have two boys 13 months apart,” said Jodie. “Sonny came from a complete family. Her mom, her dad, her sister, her brother and herself, and her grandmother down the street. Therefore, they were all under the same roof. They had family reunions. They gathered as a family. They had a ranch where they would go to get together. They would go to Galveston as a family. They’d make trips as a family and they were a family unit.
“I came from living with my mom for a while, living with my grandmother for a longer
while, with my dad working in Beaumont. So, we were not under the same roof. Sonny had a clear understanding of family. I did not. Because I didn’t have a clear understanding of family, Sonny’s expectation was here. My expectation was when my boys were born, I said they would never be without their daddy. But I didn’t have the experiences of a whole family. Therefore, my expectations were really high because I was doing 100 percent percent of what I did not receive. But I’m only doing 50 percent of what Sonny received. Therefore, that was really difficult for her because I wasn’t doing what she experienced when she grew up and I was doing more than I experienced when I grew up. So, we had to get to a happy medium.”
Actions taken to preserve the relationship through challenges
Like all couples, the Jiles faced multiple challenges along
Learn More About Vibrant Senior Living!
Courtesy photo
Jodie and Sonny Jiles balance love, deep commitment, resilience and unity — all while prioritizing work, family and faith in their senior years.
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the way to “forever.” Here’s how they persevered.
“My mom ended up moving with us the last four years of her life because she broke her ankle, flipped herself out of bed, and all of a sudden life changed for us. Jodie was a good husband because he accepted her into our home. She stayed on the first floor. We changed our whole house around, a hospital bed, lift ramps, everything to adapt to my mom being there. And I’ll always appreciate him for that,” shared Sonny.
Jodie didn’t have to reflect long to answer this inquiry.
“I would say the roughest and the toughest bump is real simple, and it exists today. Sonny hadn’t stopped working all the time. Real simple. A friend of mine told me, ‘Just let her have her independence. That’s what she does.’ So, I’ve kind of backed off, but I also know the negative side of working all the time. And I visit with her and talk to her about it, but she lives and breathes the Defender 24/7, and that’s not good. So, it’s an issue and something we are constantly dealing with,” he said.
Sonny interjected: “The Defender was with me before Jodie was with me. So that’s like my first child or my baby. I am learning at this stage of my life, that part
of my new direction–I don’t even call ’em resolutions– is that I’m gonna spend more time with friends, family and self. My therapist says, “flip it.” It should be self, family and friends. But the idea is not to work as much; to understand that the part you want to remember is what you had with family. So, I’m trying to do better at that. But I enjoy what I do. I enjoy my work, I enjoy my staff, I enjoy the community. All of that is a part of me.”
Things your partner does that make you feel appreciated
Though Jodie and Sonny are all about business, each possesses a “touchy-feely” element that allows them to share their mutual appreciation for each other.
“You know, this is what we both do. Sometimes, she does it more than me. Sonny will write notes and her notes are so touching. They reflect back and they reflect in the middle and they reflect current time. And it’s kind of like an appreciation note of me as a husband. And I do the same. Not as often and not as frequently, but I do it on Valentine’s and other occasions. Sometimes I’ll just do it, but Sonny will just do it, and it really makes you stop, reflect, and appreciate,” said Jodie.
“Mine are more of, you are in
Now’s your time to enjoy it all. In our diverse and inviting Life Plan community, surround yourself with people you’ll like and social opportunities you’ll love. Settle into a home amongst nature, supported by a continuum of care for every age and ability. At Broadmead, you’ll be able to focus on a lifestyle you truly enjoy!
Walgreens and you see a card and it’s like, okay, I’m gonna take this card. I’m gonna write a note and I’m gonna put it under Jodie’s pillow, or I’m gonna put it in his briefcase and he’ll find it. Things like that. Jodie, on those holidays, will write a book in the card. So, it kind of balances out to some degree. I think the other way Jodie shows that he values and appreciates me is he does the dishes. He washes clothes. He picks up stuff from the cleaners. Earlier in our marriage, I used to say to him, ‘I need a wife.’ He’s definitely my husband, but he has taken on some of those non-traditional responsibilities,” said Sonny.
This article was originally published by Defender Network.
Photo courtesy of Adrianne Walker
Shown here, Jodie (left) and Sonceria ‘Sonny’ Messiah Jiles, giving tips on how to make Black love last through the decades.
Love connections and valentines
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Feb. 1965
law student at North Carolina College, is in a dilemma here, with two Valentine candies and three pretty coeds.
Revisiting the past
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AFRO article, setting the tone for a thoughtful discussion led by Nichole Hill, an award-winning audio showrunner and podcast creator, alongside Deyane Moses, director of programs for Afro Charities. The conversation explored how the AFRO Archives connect modern Black communities with the lives and experiences of their ancestors.
Savannah Wood, executive director of Afro Charities, noted how women, time and again, prove to be at the forefront of fostering intimacy and connection. As the night progressed, attendees exchanged Instagrams, emails and business cards, while others captured the moment with pictures, videos, and gentle sways to the Lonesome Hearts playlist.
By the event’s end, one thing was clear—the Afro Charities team had succeeded in creating a space where real-life connections blossomed from an online call to action. With this success in mind, the organization looks forward to growing and expanding the Lonesome Hearts series in the future.
courtesy of Afro
Deyane Moses (left), director of programs for Afro Charities, and Nichole Hill, an award-winning podcast creator, discuss the AFRO’s “Lonesome Hearts” column during an installment of the Afro Charities’ series, “Re-Reading the News.”
Mar. 1947
A
in medicine.
2. John Beauregard Johnson – A dedicated professor of medicine at Howard University for 37 years, Johnson shaped the future of countless medical students. For 14 of those years, he led the department of medicine, leaving a lasting impact on the institution and the field.
3. Vivien Theodore Thomas – With no formal medical degree, Thomas defied the odds to become a surgical innovator. His pioneering work on the Blalock-Taussig shunt revolutionized treatment for “blue baby syndrome,” saving countless lives and changing the future of pediatric cardiology.
– Recognizing the urgent need for equity
Allen
Feb. 1957
Radiant couple Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jenkins display happiness and contentment as they leave St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey where they were married Jan. 19, 1957 by Rev. Louis Hunton Berry, rector. The bride is the former Miss Jennie Millard, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. James Millard, of 170 S. 10th St., Newark.
in cardiovascular care, Dr. Williams founded the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) in 1974. His lifelong mission has been to address racial disparities in heart health and increase diversity in the field.
5. Charles R. Drew – A visionary in blood preservation, Drew’s groundbreaking work on plasma storage and large-scale blood banking transformed medical care during World War II, saving countless lives and revolutionizing transfusion medicine.
6. Elizabeth Ofili – A trailblazer in cardiology, Dr. Ofili became the first African-American woman to serve as president of the Association of Black Cardiologists. As Chief of Cardiology at Morehouse School of Medicine, she continues to mentor and inspire future physicians.
7. Myra Adele Logan – In 1943, Logan shattered barriers as the first woman—and first African-American woman—to perform open-heart surgery. A gifted surgeon and medical researcher, her work advanced both medicine and opportunities for women in the field.
1. Daniel Hale Williams –
trailblazing surgeon who made history in 1893 by performing one of the first-ever successful open-heart surgeries. Dr. Daniel Willliams’ contributions helped shape modern cardiac surgery and opened doors for African Americans
4. Richard
Williams
Photo
Charities
Frank Ballance,
The charmers, left to right, are Miss Blaine J. Hardy of Enfield, N. C., Floria Davis of Wilson, N.C, and Jeanne Cheek of Halifax, N. C.
ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000068 MARIE B. GRANT Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs DENNIS COLLINS, whose address is 1303 QUINCY ST NW, WASH DC 20011 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARIE B. GRANT who died on OCTOBER 22, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 14, 2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before AUGUST 14, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: FEBRUARY 14, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily Washington Law Reporter AFRO American Newspapers
DENNIS COLLINS
Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY REGISTER OF WILLS 02/14, 02/21, 02/28/25
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PROBATE DIVISION
ADMINISTRATION NO. 2025ADM000028
SYLVESTER JOHNSON AKA SYLVESTER JOHNSON SR. Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs
LATASHA MOSLEY whose address is 2481 MCCURDY WAY, DECATUR, GA 30033 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SYLVESTER JOHNSON AKA SYLVESTER JOHNSON SR. who died on NOVEMBER 18, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance In this proceeding. Objections to such, appointment shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before AUGUST 14, 2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before AUGUST 14, 2025 or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: FEBRUARY 14, 2025 Name of newspaper and/or periodical: Daily
BOARD OF LIQUOR LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR BALTIMORE CITY NOTICE - FEBRUARY 2025
Petitions have been filed by the following applicants for licenses to sell alcoholic beverages at the premises set opposite their respective names. The real property for these applications will be posted on or about February 17, 2025. Written protests concerning any application will be accepted until and including the time of the hearing. Public hearings may be scheduled on or after March 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM in City Hall; 100 N. Holliday Street, Room 215, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Please visit llb.baltimorecity.gov under the link for & Hearing Schedules & for confirmation of the date, time, and place for all matters being heard by the Board.
1. CLASS “B” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE
Applicant: Pharos Marine, LLC T/a Oasis Marina at Lighthouse PointGrace Pilet Jacobsen
Petition: Transfer of ownership with continuation of outdoor table service, requesting delivery of alcoholic beverages
Premises: 2711 Boston Street 21224
(City Council District: 1st; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: Kings Korner Market, LLC T/a Ki - Andre Matthews
Petition: New restaurant license
Premises: 1713 E. Federal Street 21213
(City Council District: 12th; State Legislative District: 45th)
2. CLASS “BD7” BEER, WINE & LIQUOR LICENSE
Applicant: Union Centro Americana, LLC T/a La Isla - Iris Yaneth Argueta Marquez Petition: Transfer of ownership
Premises: 3230 E. Fairmount Avenue 21224
(City Council District: 1st; State Legislative District: 46th)
Applicant: The Den at Wilson’s, LLC T/a The Den - Clarence M. Scheers, Sr.
Petition: Transfer of ownership
Premises:
ANNOUNCEMENT REQUEST FOR BIDS
On or after February 17, 2025, Plans and Specifications may be obtained from the Anne Arundel County Web Page at the following address: https://www.aacounty.org/departments/central- services/ purchasing/P.O.R.T./bids/index.html . Bids will be received until time/date shown below, please submit your bid electronically via the PORT. Bids received after the date and time set will be rejected.
Due by 1:30 p.m. Local Time, Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Project: P588414 – Crownsville Wastewater Treatment Plant Decommissioning Phase 1
Sonication No.: CAP25000254
Contact: Chris Biggerstaff – 410-222-3191
Baltimore City (“HABC”) will issue a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for interested and qualified security companies to submit proposals to provide guard services at various HABC properties. PROPOSALS WILL BE DUE no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, March 21, 2025.
A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., which will be scheduled as a virtual meeting.
The entire RFP can be viewed and downloaded by visiting https://habc. bonfirehub.com/projects on or after Monday, February 24, 2025.
Questions regarding the RFP should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated below and must include the reference: HABC RFP Number B-2032-25.
Housing Authority of Baltimore City Division of Fiscal Operations, Procurement Department 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 414 Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Attention: Mary Kate Gagliardi, Senior Buyer Tel: 410-396-3105 mary.gagliardi@habc.org
Questions regarding the RFP should be directed in writing to the address and individual indicated above and must include the reference: HABC RFP Number B-2032-25.
