Elevate: Restoring the mind during a pandemic

Restoring the Mind During a Pandemic

By Kevin Washington, Ph.D.

We are aware of some underlying conditions that leave African American communities with higher COVID-19 deaths than others: more hypertension, diabetes, obesity, asthma. Some blame “reckless lifestyles” of excessive drinking and smoking, but there are other critical factors at play.

African Americans’ mental health is impacted by social, economic and cultural factors such as systemic and institutional racism. Research suggests that 6 percent of Americans are affected by poverty, unemployment and/or food insecurity. Many African Americans live in environments with higher, more frequent violence and criminal activities. It is imperative to note that racism and oppression are among the highest forms of violence that negatively impact African Americans.

These stressors are major contributors to mental health issues, because they cause mental/psychological anguish. Mental health impacts physical health in many ways. If we are to heal the body, then we must address the psychological assaults of racism and oppression—the Zulu call this ukufa kwabantu or metaphysical/spiritual challenges.

For people of Afrikan descent, spirit is essential to existence. Experiences of the Maafa (Afrikan enslavement dynamics) and the Persistence Enslavement Trauma (PEST) have a deleterious effect on the psychospiritual well-being of Black people. We must address the PEST as we seek to facilitate health and wellness within our community. The diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often is applied to describe the condition under which African Americans live, however, it falls short of capturing the dynamics of the Afrikan experience for several reasons:

One, PTSD is generally diagnosed in someone who has experienced a traumatic event in one generation under a limited set of circumstances. The trauma encoun

tered by Afrikan people has lasted for several generations and is ongoing. We see the impact of this trauma with the health/ death marker of Blacks due to COVID-19.

Therefore, another problem with applying PTSD to Afrikan/Black people’s trauma is that PTSD is diagnosed in those who have experienced a traumatic event and are currently not experiencing that specific trauma. Institutional and systemic racism combine to be a psychospiritual disruption to people of Afrikan descent.

Our way to heal is tied to this same worldview of spirit and connectedness. African Americans are communal and enjoy gathering and relating. We could suggest that our social capital is our greatest asset. When we connect with one another, we feel more alive because our value is found within our interconnectivity. The Zulu have a concept called Ubuntu, which speaks to humanity and all of its connectedness. This is a time for us to enhance our social capital by connecting in ways that we haven’t done in a few generations.

Family and community rituals are moments where bonding can occur between family and community members. Healing of severed relationships with self and others can take place in the context of ritual. African Americans must elevate the essence of self and a spiritual/physical journey through meaningful cultural rituals. Contrary to distorted historical misinformation, African Americans love deeply.

How?

• Celebrate African American holidays and ancestors—even if virtual. Consider family strengths and highlight lessons of resilience and divine intellect; • Plan family and ancestral celebrations of those who have passed. African Americans come from a great and mighty people and must pay forward that greatness to make the world better; • Fortify spirit with prayer, meditation, exercise, healthy food consumption, and optimal rest. Engage in activities that will bring about ease rather than dis-ease to the mind, body and soul. Have positive conversations and eat life-affirming foods. Make fruits and vegetables 50 percent of diets and restore the body; • Celebrate family and community while acknowledging others’ positive impact. Call, text or write those family members and express how life has been changed for the good.

The healing we seek begins with one person at a time via one ritual at a time. Let the healing begin.

RICH BLACK

MAY/JUNE 2020

Dear ONYX Magazine Family,

During this difficult time in our world, ONYX Magazine is grateful to have such a steadfast community of readers, advertisers and other supporters like you. This COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything our community has ever faced, but we are strong and we will get through this together.

We salute the front line and essential workers, our first and last responders. Your commitment to our safety is aweinspiring and we are praying for you. We pay tribute to our local leaders across Florida and our nation who, in this critical time, have homed in on safety of all residents. Please continue to heed their advice and keep your families well. We also want to acknowledge our talented team of writers and staff, people who are continuing to work hard to fuel the ONYX Magazine engine.

ONYX Magazine is doing its part to ensure that you and your families continue to receive information about how our communities are being impacted by the COVID-19 threat. Please monitor our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) for local and global stories about how our world is faring in this crisis. Also, visit our website for up-to-date COVID-19 information provided by the World Health Organization; and peruse the many wonderful stories that uplift and inform you.

Inside this issue, there are several stories that explain how the global health threat is impacting the Black community and what we are doing as a community to address it. From showing you ways to keep your business afloat, to staying healthy while you practice social distancing, we have all for you. For your reading pleasure, we take you on a journey with Jonathan Blount, one of the founders of ESSENCE Magazine. The formidable Black women’s publication celebrates 50 years and Blount tells us how it all got started.

Like each of you, we feel the pinch of uncertainty. However, we believe it is only for this season and we as a people will endure. Be careful and prayerful—stay healthy and safe. As always, ONYX Magazine is here to bring you stories that entertain, inspire and informs. We look forward to being here for you for years to come.

Sincerely

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rich Black

MANAGING EDITOR

D. Shenell Reed, M.B.A.

EXECUTIVE STRATEGIST

Lena Graham-Morris

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Maria Barnes

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Gayle Andrews Laura Dorsey Marianne Eggleston Sharon Fletcher Jones

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Jason Jones

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Matt deJager

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amanda Abrams Donna Cox Patricia Brown Denis Laura Dorsey Marianne Eggleston Valeda Flewellyn Sharon Fletcher Jones Rita Men Yasser Moosa Deidre “Dee” Parker Robert Reid-Cleveland Trina Ryan Michelle Tincher Kevin Washington, Ph.D. Chauncia Willis

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Milad B. Fakurian Neal Jones

ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Deidre Parker, Chair Michelle Tatom, Immediate Past Chair

Dick Batchelor Bob Berryhill Dr. Lavon Bracy Bryon Brooks Marva Brown Johnson Hon. Mable Butler Yolanda Cash Jackson Dr. Cynthia Chestnut James Clark John Crossman Gary Hartfield Barbara Hartley Tony Hill Alma Horne Rodney Hurst Ann Jenkins Connie Kinnard Larry Lee, Jr.

FOUNDERS

Brenda March Nancy Port Schwalb Margaret J. Thompson Gail Thomas-DeWitt Hon. Alan Williams Carla Williams Dr. Samuel Wright Lady Dhyana Ziegler

Lester and Lillian Seays

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