Empowering Black America

MARCH 2018 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM

Empowering Black America

Exploring the ways activists are changing

the future for people of color in the United States

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2 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM | IN THIS ISSUE

Though diabetes still disproportionately affects African-Americans, it doesn’t have to change quality of life and doesn’t define the race. Page 6

“Grown-ish” star Yara Shahidi talks about why it’s important to change the conversation about race, diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. Page 5

Editor-in-Chief of “Blavity,” Lilly Workneh, talks about her plans for the future and the role of media in shaping the future of black history. Online

Empowering Black America Through the Vote In November 2016, American voters elected Donald Trump as president. Now, voters must come together during midterm elections to bring the nation forward.

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the gains their ancestors gave their lives to attain.

For the NAACP, there is only one way to respond when forced into a corner — to come out swinging. Now is the time to pivot and look for a chance to throw our biggest punch, which in 2018 is nothing other than our vote.

A nation divided Today there stand two Americas.

One is unrepentant in their push to turn back the clock in ways that exacerbate the current divide. The other is still reeling from an unacceptable loss that now threatens

Encouraging voter turnout African-American participation in the 2012 presidential election of Barack Obama exceeded white voter participation. However, in the election of Donald Trump as president, our voter turnout reached its lowest levels since 2000. In midterm elections, African-American voter turnout is considerably lower than during presidential elections,

or many, November 8, 2016, was more than just election night.

It was the night that millions of Americans confronted the fracture that had begun to divide the country at the start of the election season, which had finally torn the nation into factions of black and white, rich and poor, red and blue, engaged and apathetic.

Derrick Johnson President and CEO, NAACP

and this year we cannot allow that to happen. With all 435 house seats up for reelection and 34 seats up for grabs in the Senate, just a few races can shift the balance of power in Congress.

In America, our vote is currency — and the only way to make democracy work. This is an election you can’t sit out. To paraphrase Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it is an election where if you can’t run, walk and if you can’t walk, crawl. But by any means, vote!

Overcoming the obstacles We know the path is not easy and wrought with obstacles such as voter suppression laws and partisan gerrymandering that make it almost impossible for certain polit-

ical parties to win in some districts.

But as we showed in the most recent elections in Georgia and Alabama, we still can flip the script.

Each day we see new signs of hope and power led by black women, who have always been at the crux of the movement, and new coalitions committed to positive change.

Our activism is a great part of America’s history. We have spoken up, we have marched, we have sat in, and come this November, we will vote. Midterm elections are as important as presidential elections, because that is when we elect those who represent our interests at every level of government. As Frederick Douglass once noted, power concedes nothing. This year, it is through the vote that we triumph. ■

Publisher Jordan Hernandez Business Developer Jourdan Snyder Managing Director Luciana Olson Content and Production Manager Chad Hensley Senior Designer Celia Hazard Designer Marie Coons Copy Editor Kathleen Walsh Production Coordinator Josh Rosman Contributors James Diabri, Barbara Eichorst, Karen Gajeski, Venton Hill-Jones, Derrick Johnson, Naomi Mburu, Danny McCarthy, Cy Richardson, Jesse Tyson All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

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NEWS | MEDIAPLANET | 3

How the 2018 Class of Rhodes Scholars Is Redefining Black America Over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in the number of black students receiving the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, which illustrates an upward trend in academic success for black America.

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Being the “only one” One of the exciting (and terrifying) things about being a minority in STEM is finding myself trailblazing opportunities and experiences. Minorities in higher education, especially in STEM, must deal with the pressure of not only being visually distinct, but simultaneously representing an entire race.

Human nature dictates that people tend to gravitate to those who share something in com-

mon. When you take your first step into a lecture hall where you are the “only one,” this adage truly becomes a reality. At times like this, it is important to remember the common thread that unites you with your classmates: a vested interest in a subject matter. This common thread is what truly propels all groups of people to educational and vocational success.

Going against the grain I spent a summer working at the

of the black perspective. One of the unique aspects of African culture is the emphasis on community and teamwork, which is often lost in Western culture where self-sufficiency is praised and collaboration is often hindered by pride. It is essential that all groups of people understand that progress is not hindered by differences, but rather it is enhanced.

of empowering black America means that black people must actively seek and support future generations to continue to break down barriers and revolutionize the perception of the black American. This means dedicating time each week to cultivating our progeny, whether it be through tutoring, mentoring, coaching, inspiring or simply lending a helping hand. My avenue of choice is the National Society of Black Engineers, where I work each week to provide educational and professional opportunities for elementary through graduate students in my community.

Diversifying the scientific landscape will require minorities who can pursue science to fight for equal representation from an insider standpoint and serve as role models. More educators are needed to bring scientific curriculum and research to areas where such innovation is not fully explored, and political barriers to education must be identified and removed. The black community must strive towards a society where black people can walk into places like CERN, Wall Street or even Congress and both cast off the “only one” persona and be fully acknowledged for their capabilities without having to prove themselves. n

A call to action A highly instrumental aspect

By Naomi Mburu, Rhodes Scholar, University of Maryland

It is essential that all groups of people understand that progress is not hindered by differences, but rather it is enhanced.

PHOTO: MARLAYNA DEMOND ‘11 FOR UMBC

he stagnant percentage of college students identifying as black over the past few years can make it seem as though the race has ceased progressing. However, the gains black America has made in areas typically reserved for the majority shows another picture of their progress.

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It was established from the will of a white supremacist who wanted to further the education of Caucasian males. A decade ago, it was rare for a black student to win a Rhodes Scholarship. In fact, the 2008 class of Rhodes Scholars contained no black students. Now, 114 years after the scholarship began, 10 of the 32 Rhodes Scholars selected for 2018 identify as black. Measures like these reveal a shining avenue of progress for black America.

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which is the world’s leading particle physics laboratory, following my passion for the subject. At CERN, I did not meet another black female or chemical engineer. While I reveled in being an anomaly and providing my unique viewpoint to problem solving, I returned to the states with a burning passion to motivate more diverse students to apply to work at CERN to show the world of particle physics the significance

4 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM | INSIGHT

How to Prepare for Homeownership and Find a Loan that Fits

Karen Gajeski Senior Vice President of Mortgage Banking, Thrivent Federal Credit Union

Get the resources you need to find a home and mortgage that makes sense for your family, lifestyle and budget.

What does the future of homeownership look like for African-Americans?

The success of African-American homeownership hinges on the community’s ability to ask questions and seek help when they need it. The three questions every new homebuyer should ask are: How much can I afford comfortably? What does my credit look like? What’s my budget and my long-term plan?

Both lenders and mortgage counselors do a great job helping new homebuyers talk through those questions and reach meaningful answers.

How can leaders in this industry work to reverse the ideas of the mid-20th century that prohibited blacks from owning homes in the suburbs, a law that still affects the state of black homeownership today?

The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) and the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) both work to regulate fair lending practices across all financial organizations and the emphasis on those two regulations has grown dramatically in the last decade. In addition to these laws, every financial organization can do two big things: Promote proactive education and promote proactive planning.

When is the ideal age to begin saving for a home?

Purchase a home?

The earlier you start saving for any financial goal, the better.

Saving for a home doesn’t have to include setting aside hundreds of dollars each month. It could be as simple as saving $5-10 per month. The most important thing to remember about saving is that it’s not a one-time action. It needs to become a habitual behavior that you build into your life.

Where should those interested in learning more about mortgage loans turn for financial advice and assistance?

Start with a lender or a mortgage counselor. Seeking help from financial professionals doesn’t mean you’re in trouble. It’s a practical step in educating yourself before you make a big decision.

Plus, if you begin your home buying journey with a lender, and then find a realtor, you won’t fall in love with a house that’s outside your price range. Understand your budget and what you can afford first. Then, connect with a realtor to find a property that aligns with the goals you laid out with your lender.

Attainable Homeownership Is the Modern Day Civil Rights Imperative Though the housing market is growing, financial stagnation and residential segregation still create obstacles for people of color.

The National Urban League hopes to combat these problems.

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hile recent headlines tout a soaring housing market, challenges remain for low-income people of color.

Mortgage credit outside of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is scarce, and African-American homeownership rates, which hit a high of 50 percent in 2004, continue to fall and could drop as low as 40 percent soon.

Facing economic challenges Despite its challenges, the African-American community is resilient, and its enormous purchasing power ($1.75 trillion projected) should not be overlooked. However financial stagnation has become concentrated in many communities of color and is fueled by the nation’s persistent residential segregation. Indeed, America’s Latin community shares many of the economic challenges faced

by African Americans. Together, these populations will constitute more than half of all new households over the coming decade.

Even as it declines for African Americans, homeownership will continue to be the number one

wealth-building tool for the typical American family for decades to come. Therefore it is imperative to re-imagine a national housing finance system that supports homeownership growth and expansion in ways that serve the needs of a diverse America. Furthermore, public policy must recognize the enormous damage inflicted on households and communities by its failures.

Many potential borrowers today lost their limited wealth or good credit scores directly as a result of reckless and irresponsible mortgage products that ushered them into foreclosure.

Creating opportunities The National Urban League supports a system that ensures all credit-worthy borrowers can access affordable mortgage credit in ways that protect taxpayers.

The organization values the preservation of an affordable housing mission with inclusive loan products and services and supports upholding fair housing laws and equal treatment for community banks, CDFIs and credit unions.

The National Urban League rec-

ommends focusing comprehensively on the needs, aspirations and capabilities of borrowers as opposed to focusing primarily on the limitations and risk aversion of institutions.

Homeownership will continue to be the number one wealth-building tool for the typical American family.

The National Urban League’s historic mission is to promote healthy, resilient, and equitable communities. Strengthening the financial future of families of color and the communities where they reside through homeownership will continue to dominate the modern-day civil rights imperative. n

By Cy Richardson, SVP Programs, National Urban League

INFLUENCER | MEDIAPLANET | 5

“Black-ish” Star Marsai Martin Tackles Hollywood at Just 13 Years Old

Yara Shahidi Talks Diversity, Sexism & Pride The star of the hit series “Black-ish” and its Freeform spinoff “Grown-ish,” has a lot to say about diversity — especially in Hollywood.

Since its premiere in 2014, the hit comedy series “Black-ish” has received acclaim from both fans and critics for its authentic portrayal of what it means to be a black family in America. Now, with Freeform’s spin-off “Grown-ish,” actress Yara Shahidi hopes her work will continue to normalize diversity on and off-screen.

“It’s about more than changing the conversation,” she tells Mediaplanet in February 2018, just weeks after receiving news that “Grown-ish” had been renewed for a second season. “It’s about being able to normalize these conversations; making people aware and cognizant of them so they no longer seem outlandish or out of the ordinary.”

Marsai Martin chatted with Mediaplanet about black excellence, executive producing her first film and long-term goals.

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arsai Martin, known for her role as Diane Johnson on the Emmy-nominated ABC series “Blackish,” is now turning her attention to behind the camera. She is executive producing and starring in a Universal Pictures comedy film, “Little,” which is based on her own idea. The film sees the 13-year-old actor portray an adult woman who’s given the chance to relive her childhood.

Finding role models Martin takes inspiration from many African-American creators. “I am a huge fan of Donald Glover,” she says, “because he is an award-winning actor, producer, director, comedian, writer, and Grammy-nominated artist who uses all his gifts in the most amazing ways.” Like another one of her idols, Whoopi Goldberg, Martin is aiming for an EGOT.

PHOTO: MARTINA TOLOT

Not so “little” “From a very young age, I was always told that I was an old soul,” Martin tells Mediaplanet, “so the idea of playing an older woman who’s given a second chance at life seemed perfect.”

For her work as Johnson on “Blackish,” created by Kenya Barris, Martin was nominated twice for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. She has also won two NAACP Image Awards. “Having the support of my community is very important to me,” she says. “I am very proud to have been recognized by the NAACP for my work and continue to strive to be a great example of black excellence.”

“I find it empowering to have a platform where young girls can see someone on screen that looks like them,” she explains. Martin hopes that her role as producer can inspire other young women. Over the next decade, she aims to continue producing projects that “employ and empower people of color from various backgrounds and cultures.”

Looking to the future Right now, Martin is still enjoying being a kid by doing things like going to amusement parks and making skits. But in the future, she wants to keep “inspiring and encouraging future generations to achieve their goals and dreams.” n

Exploring diversity on campus The college-set comedy explores the social issues and complexities facing both students and educators today. Off-screen, Shahidi has used her influence to speak out about Hollywood’s racism, sexism and diversity problems.

“I come from a very socially aware family — a family of humanitarians,” she explains. In an interview with “Blavity,” she elaborates, “I talk about this a lot. I like to preface it with diversity is more than just race. Race is a large component of it, but it’s also making sure different sexual identities, different gender identities and different religions are represented.”

Celebrating Black History In light of Black History Month, Shahidi hopes directors will continue using film and television to highlight diversity in a meaningful way. In a panel discussion at the first-ever Freeform Summit, she explained: “There’s so much history that has been left out intentionally that we are now regaining. And I think with that regaining comes a certain pride in oneself and pride in one’s past that we haven’t had, and with that we are armed with the knowledge to carry on.”

By James Diabri

By Danny McCarthy

6 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM | TOPICS

Diabetes Management Starts with Support and Education Diabetes disproportionately affects African-American communities. But by accessing a community of support and certified healthcare professionals, the disease does not have to damage quality of life.

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iabetes is one of the biggest health issues facing African-American communities today. In fact, African-Americans in the United States are 77 percent more likely to have diabetes compared with other communities and are more likely to develop related complications.

The good news is that the African-American community is becoming more educated about the signs and treatment options for diabetes and is engaged with many current initiatives designed to improve and enhance diabetes

care. For those already managing diabetes or caring for a loved one with diabetes, consider the following advice: Accept support There’s no downplaying the role of your healthcare team, including your doctor and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), for ongoing support when it comes to managing diabetes. However, don’t discount the support of your local community and churches. If you are a spiritual person, talk with your fellow parishioners about your life with diabetes, related physi-

cal afflictions, your healing process and the connection between faith and medicine. Often, the empowerment and motivation to move forward comes from your faith and the support of those who share that with you.

Include family Because diabetes is a family condition, family is part of a diabetes treatment plan. The whole family can support a loved one with diabetes by buying healthy foods, providing encouragement and doing things together like walking, swimming or biking. A healthy, active

lifestyle is important for the entire family and everyone benefits from regular exercise, a well-rounded diet and family togetherness.

Keep learning There are many common misconceptions about diabetes. The reality is that when people with diabetes access the education and support they need to prevent complications they can be as happy as those without diabetes. Being diagnosed with diabetes often motivates people to make healthier choices. Remember there are healthcare professionals, like a

CDE, with the specialized expertise who can offer guidance and a customized care plan to fit your needs, lifestyle and frame of mind.

Remember, true diabetes care is not just having a healthy lifestyle, but maintaining a stable home and work environment along with receiving the ongoing support of communities, family and a strong health care team. The more supported and “in charge” you feel, the more motivated you will be to make the right choices for living your best life. n

By Barbara Eichorst, MS, RD, CDE®

SPOTLIGHT | MEDIAPLANET | 7

Fighting HIV Stigma in the South

Hiring Diverse Talent Is Key in the Business World of Today

Especially in the South, stigma against HIV is a major barrier to prevention and treatment of the disease. Two activists at AIDS United in Washington D.C. break down this stigma and how to combat it.

The South brings you good eating, good music and a rich legacy of civil rights movements. Unfortunately, it also brings you higher rates of diabetes, racism, a struggling health care system, alarming rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among African Americans — and HIV stigma. As proud, Southern, black gay men living with HIV, we are all too familiar with the challenges facing those living in the region. We are motivated by our experiences to work as leaders in our communities and steadfast in our commitment to end the HIV epidemic in the United States, particularly in the South.

In order to keep up with the changing world of business, companies must do a better job of recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce at all levels.

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any companies and well-known brands have experienced marketing failure by releasing offensive advertising campaigns. It’s more obvious than ever before that companies must hire diversified professionals who can identify and challenge business decisions that may negatively impact the brand.

Getting a better understanding Companies must begin to dig deep to understand cultural differences among diverse candidates. In this way they may identify qualified professionals who may not look, act or speak like most of the staff or the hiring manager. This is what diversity is all about — establishing an employee pool where diversity of thought and opinion are valued and not dismissed.

Companies who seek to improve their bottom line results through diversity should develop a thorough and executable tal-

ent acquisition strategy. There are talented, diverse candidates, especially at the MBA level, who have the experience and skills to lead and transform teams and organizations. Hiring managers must be willing to move outside of traditional sourcing avenues to find diverse talent. Partnering with professional development organizations whose mission is to advance black professionals is paramount. The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), includes thousands of diverse members who range from young professionals to experienced executives.

Many companies have successfully secured great candidates through this association’s annual Conference and Career Fair, where over 300 leading Fortune 500 companies recruit diverse talent at all levels every year. By whatever method, a company’s talent acquisition strategy should be robust and include onboarding and training roadmaps.

For prospective graduates For the student who is considering attending graduate school, it is important to ensure that they are competitively positioned by using resources while in undergraduate school to determine the best track for career success. It is key to plan for the GMAT well in advance and understand all the resources available to help with test preparation.

Based on a recent study commissioned by Emory University for the NBMBAA, diverse students who excel on the GMAT are better positioned to be attractive to the top tier schools and increase the opportunity for scholarships.

The business case for diversity and inclusion is clear and profitable.

Students and professionals who are continually investing in their education and enhancing their skills will find that they will be prepared to lead profitable organizations and strengthen brands. n

By Jesse Tyson, President and CEO, National Black MBA Association

A personal endeavor For both of us, this work is personal. We saw a need to increase visibility of black gay people living with and affected by HIV and we stepped in to serve. Marvell’s work started in Memphis, building the non-profit Red Door Foundation to provide visibility for black gay men in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Venton launched a community center for young black gay men, United Black Ellument, and founded the non-profit Dallas/Fort Worth Pride Movement to promote unity, self-empowerment, mentorship and positive visibility throughout the Dallas/ Fort Worth LGBTQ+ community of color.

Our work challenges the stereotype of HIV in the South by changing the narrative. HIV is not only a public health issue, but one that requires communities in the South to address critical issues such as health policy, social justice, racism and HIV stigma as a pathway to ending the AIDS epidemic.

Challenging societal taboos HIV stigma in the South is the “elephant in the room” and perhaps the most significant barrier to effective HIV prevention, care and treatment modalities in the region.

There must be strategic and intentional outreach to key institutions, such as faith communities, fraternal organizations and academic institutions, like historically black colleges or universities (HBCUs). These groups can help build our community’s capacity to have affirming conversations about the needs of people living with HIV and how to prevent its transmission, especially among LGBTQ+ black men.

To break down HIV stigma, we must spread the word that HIV treatment works. Not only is HIV treatment saving lives, it allows people to live long and healthy lives. And when someone’s HIV is fully controlled by treatment, they cannot transmit it. Too many people don’t know about these advances. We must break the stigma and start talking about HIV in our living rooms and at our kitchen tables.

We can end this epidemic. But to do so, we must not be afraid to start talking about HIV.

By Venton C. Hill-Jones, Senior Program Manager, AIDS United; Marvell L. Terry II, Program Manager, AIDS United

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