By the Washington Informer
The House of Representatives and Senate organized a powerful Briefing on Wednesday, Nov. 29th, to discuss systemic racism & racial justice! Speakers provided their expertise & personal experiences to shed light on how systemic racism perpetuates inequalities. Also discussed were policy changes & systemic reforms to support an equitable & inclusive society. Our executive director, Dr. Gail C. Christopher, attended the briefing, and we thank her for her significant contributions to the conversation.
By Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN
The average life expectancy of Native Americans has dropped significantly in recent years. Graduates of University of North Dakota’s new doctoral program in Indigenous health are working to reduce disparities and create better health outcomes for Native communities. Their efforts are invaluable to ensure everyone can live longer and healthier lives.
By: Kristine L. Rhodes, MPH, Abigail Echo-Hawk, MA, Jordan P. Lewis, PhD, MSW, Vanesscia L. Cresci, MSW, MPA, Delight E. Satter, MPH & Denise A. Dillard, PhD, Sage Journals
As the first scientists on the American continents, the research pursuits of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples used a variety of methods for understanding and responding to complex environmental factors for the wellbeing of their communities. Because of colonialism and attempts to eradicate tribal cultures, most of this knowledge has been stolen or lost. This has been detrimental to the health and wellbeing of American Indian and Alaska Native people.
Today’s public health data systems do not reflect or serve the needs of tribal peoples and prevent tribes from assessing health risks and trends, tracking illnesses, and making data-informed decisions.
Understanding and respecting American Indian and Alaska Native data equity is a crucial piece of health equity. In a new article in Public Health Reports, American Indian and Alaska Native public health data experts share what needs to be done to make this a reality.
November 14, 2023
U.S. ORGANIZATIONS FOCUSED ON HUMANITIES, CIVICS, AND PUBLIC HEALTH INSPIRED BY NATIONAL POLL SHOWING AMERICANS OPEN TO OVERCOMING DIVISIVENESS
NCHE Poll Finds Public Embracing Racial Healing & Fairness
WASHINGTON – Organizations advancing racial and health equity and civic engagement are inspired by a national poll finding a strong appetite for unity in communities across the country despite intense divisions. The poll found that a significant majority take pride in their American identity, and two in three (67%) say they are hopeful Americans can work through differences and find lasting common ground in the future.
The inaugural Heart of America Annual Survey, sponsored by the National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE), also found that Americans across the political spectrum, including 3 in 4 Republicans, say promoting diversity in the workplace and educating our children on the history of racism is important for racial healing.
“Americans feel transformative leadership brings Americans together with a sense of shared purpose and encourages us to engage with each other on a personal level. Americans express a desire for deepening our understanding of the diversity of Americans’ lived experiences and believe our leaders have an important role to play in bridging divides,” the Benenson Strategy Group wrote in their summary of the comprehensive poll.
On behalf of NCHE, the Benenson Strategy Group, a respected research firm, conducted 1304 online interviews from June 16-24, 2023. All respondents were 18 years old or older and included oversamples of young voters and voters of color to ensure adequate representation within the survey. The margin of error at the 95% confidence level was ±2.60 percentage points.
Dr. Gail C. Christopher, NCHE’s executive director, said the poll results demonstrate the hateful, divisive rhetoric frequently presented by some media, politicians, and public figures does not accurately represent the feelings of most Americans. “Our poll captures the actual environment in the country, and the poll responses strongly indicated that the narrative we hear so much over the airwaves is a false narrative. It’s wrong,” Dr. Christopher said. “Our poll relays the true voice of the broad American public.”
Further, Dr. Christopher warned that today’s communication technology is elevating and amplifying the voices of the few, creating an impression that dissension is more widespread than is accurate. “We are living in an echo chamber,” she said. “For our country to heal, we need to elevate the voices of the many. The voices of people who want democracy to work and for our nation to heal. Those are the people represented in the poll. The media should take on more responsibility in capturing the voices of the many, the people who aren’t looking to tear our nation apart.”
Georges C. Benjamin, MD, American Public Health Association Executive Director, agreed that too much attention is placed on differences among Americans and not enough on the common threads that can unite the country.
“While we focus on differences, this survey reinforces my belief, and that of most Americans, that we can and want to work together for racial healing and equity,” he said. “APHA, NCHE, and countless local organizations across the country are uniting people in this goal.
Phoebe Stein, President of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, said the poll results confirm that healing is possible at the community level.
“As the Federation supports the nation’s humanities councils to strengthen the civic, cultural, and social fabric of our nation through the humanities, I am hearted to see the results of this survey that tell us healing begins in the community: The path forward starts with empathy, respect, and relationship building,” said Stein.
Doug Linkhart, President of the National Civic League, said: “I was pleased to see the results of this survey. It confirms what we hear from people around the country, which is that there is more that unites us than divides us and that, despite the publicity given to conflict, most people want racial healing, equity, and unity.”
Dr. Christopher said NCHE will remain at the forefront, helping lift the voices for racial healing and unity.
“This is the nation’s path forward,” she said. “This will be an annual poll so we can consistently demonstrate that there is way more good in America than is being represented. The authentic narrative is that of a nation that wants and will do better. Equity and fairness are achievable. We need to amplify those thoughts and beliefs.”
(For broadcast or print interviews with Dr. Christopher, please contact Michael Frisby at [email protected] or 202-625-4328.)
Download a PDF version of the Press Release: Here
Reparative climate policy is needed that minimizes the impacts of climate change in ways that recognize how they are connected to a history of unjust & racially discriminatory policies.
By Hannah Stephens, Manann Donoghoe, and Andre M. Perry, Brookings
Check out the recent article by Word in Black, “To Improve Our Health, Change Our Story,” which features Dr. Gail C. Christopher and her work to change the narrative surrounding race in America to improve the health outcomes of Black people.
By Joseph Williams
Check out the recent article by Washington Informer that features NCHE’s Poll “Heart of America Annual Survey: A Call for Unity and the Power of Racial Healing!”
By WI Web Staff, Washington Informer
The Tulsa Massacre of 1921 is an undeniable reminder of the persistent racism and systemic oppression that has existed for far too long. It’s time to pay attention, recognize the need for reparations, and ensure justice is served.
By Wesley Lowery, The Washington Post
“Hispanic Heritage Month remains relevant, valuable, and important. By raising awareness about Latino achievements, it promotes greater understanding among all Americans. And that is certainly worthy of celebration.”
By Raul A. Reyes, The Messenger