State of the Black Family
2008

Theme:
Health and the Black Community

Introduction
by Anita S. Lane, Executive Editor

Welcome to the 3rd Annual State of the Black Family Online Forum. Our topic this year is Health and the Black community--or to put it more directly--the Black Health Crisis.

Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines crisis as: "a condition of instability or danger, as in social, economic, political, or international affairs, leading to a decisive change."

Yes, based on what I've read and observed, I do believe that the Black American community is experiencing a health crisis on every level--spiritual, emotional and physical. But I also believe that our current crisis can lead to decisive change: change in how we address our hurt and anger; change in how we eat; change in how we view ourselves; change in how we treat our bodies and one another. Yes, we are in crisis. But we can change.

During the State of the Black Family 2008 in February, we’'ll take a look at health on three levels—spiritual, physical and emotional—and we begin by addressing our emotional health with a discussion about the book, Black Pain:  It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting, by Terrie M. Williams. 

Black Pain is a ground-breaking new book that I believe will revolutionize the Black community.  Its no secret that we’re in crisis and our symptoms are glaringly apparent for everyone to see.  What is in question, however, is the root of our crisis, what to do about it and where to start.  Black Pain addresses these issues will clarity and conviction.   Black Pain shares the stories of Terrie, and many others—both male and female.  Black Pain addresses how we as black people have a legacy of unresolved pain and trauma that’s been passed down from generation to generation.  It’s not addressed, therefore it’s repressed.  Our emotions turn inward and depression sets in.

Without professional help or prescribed medication, we attempt to self-medicate to numb the pain.  In many Black communities therapy is taboo and very often inaccessible.  This results in us “acting out” and often manifests itself in drug and alcohol addiction, overeating, crime, gambling, promiscuous sex, compulsive shopping, violence and suicide.

Ultimately, we can get the help we need to acknowledge and heal from the pain and trauma we’ve experienced.    Our spiritual connection with God, the help of loved ones and friends, talk therapy, exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep and when needed—
medication, are the ingredients to helping us become the whole individuals God intends for us.

Terrie’s book helps us to see each other differently—with our masks off.  I believe this book will help us to stop hatin’ and start having compassion for one another just as Jesus did when he went through the cities preaching.  The Amplified Version of Matthew 9:36 tells us that Jesus was moved with “pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.  Then Jesus told his disciples to pray that God would thrust out laborers into the harvest to minister to them.  May you and I be those laborers—to listen, serve and uplift one another.

The reality is, although we may look “put together” on the outside,  it doesn’t mean that we’re not hurting.  As the subitile of Terrie’s book so aptly puts it, “It just looks like we’re not hurting.”

It’s time to talk about what’s hurting us and begin the healing process. 

Please…purchase the book.  Read the book.  Do what it recommends.  I know we’ll all be changed for the better.

Anita

Audio Files

Featured Guest: Terrie M. Williams, Author
"Black Pain: It Only Looks Like We're Not Hurting"

Panelist: Dr. Dan Collins, Author
"The Trauma Zone "

Panelist: Makeisha Lee, Author
"Why Black People Can't Lose Weight: The Psychology, The Challenge, and the Solution to Overall Wellness"