By Buffalo Center for Health Equity
5
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The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.
Ep. 7 This Indigenous Peoples' Day, we are exploring an important perspective from the Seneca Nation on the ongoing struggles for justice and equitable treatment, issues deeply rooted in historical injustices.
Pastor George sits down with Samantha Nephew to discuss Native American affairs in Western New York, including the recent dispute between New York State and the Seneca Nation over casino revenue sharing.
Samantha is an active member of the Seneca Nation of Indians (Deer Clan) serving as an advocate for health equity in Western New York. Instagram @healthcareeducation
Generational Trauma: Its Legacy and ImpactThe podcast also dives into the financial disputes between the Seneca Nation and New York State, specifically around the gaming compact that has fueled ongoing tension:
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Ep. 32 Pastor George Nicholas and Dr. Henry Taylor discuss their plan to transform Buffalo's Black east side. This episode explores the concept of a neighborly community built on principles of solidarity, community governance, shared ownership, cooperative economics, and community wealth.
We must own and control the land on which we are building our community." - Dr. Henry Lewis Taylor
Dr. Henry Taylor is a University at Buffalo faculty expert on urban issues and social, racial and economic justice. He directs the Center for Urban Studies at UB.
With an unwavering commitment to systemic transformation, Dr. Taylor elucidates the principles of creating a prosperous and equitable community framework. He ardently speaks on the imperative of governing at the neighborhood level, advocating for shared ownership, and establishing community wealth over individual wealth.
This episode is a beacon for those seeking actionable insight into catalyzing positive change within Black communities.
GET ACTIVE!
Register for the Event: How to Change the Black Eastside Monday, Feb 26th 6pm at Jacobs School of Medicine, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY
Read the Report Changing the Black East Side: Pilot Initiative Will Tackle Social Determinants of Health - Community Health Equity Research Institute - University at Buffalo
Chapters:
0:00:00 Intro: The challenges of liberating black communities.
0:00:43 Need for black communities to take action and read Dr. Henry Lewis Taylor's report.
0:03:28 Dr. Henry Lewis Taylor discusses the condition of black communities and paths to improvement.
0:04:28 Historical pattern of Black people living in undesirable neighborhoods
0:06:00 Dr. Taylor challenges the narrative that white people don't want to live next to black communities
0:08:20 Community built on solidarity, self-governance, and shared ownership.
0:14:53 Pastor George highlights the existence of homeowner associations in wealthy neighborhoods.
0:16:09 The American way perpetuates disparities and mass incarceration.
0:20:03 The importance of cooperative ownership and community wealth.
0:22:39 The focus on fixing existing rental housing and community control.
0:23:55 The impact of dilapidated housing on health and the need for comprehensive planning.
0:29:30 The undervaluation of land in Black communities and market dynamics.
0:33:58 Job training for community members is essential for neighborhood improvements.
0:36:17 Utilizing creative tools like payments in lieu of taxes to lower costs.
0:38:24 Median household income for black Americans is lower than other racialized groups.
0:39:00 Community conversation on February 26 to discuss the comprehensive plan.
0:41:16 Demonstrating proof of concept and seeking broad support for the plan.
0:43:29 Rejecting the notion that black people cannot control their own destiny.
0:46:16 Invitation to join the conversation at the Jacob School of Medicine.
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Ep. 31 Pastor George Nicholas and Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks discuss the issue of gun violence as a public health concern. They explore the historical roots of gun ownership in America, particularly its connection to the control of Black people, and the disproportionate impact of gun violence on Black youth. They also highlight the need for upcoming community events to address the culture of violence and trauma that perpetuates gun violence.
"The presence of gun laws itself has not proven to be the kind of deterrent in order to keep ourselves safe. It's a cultural thing." - Pastor George Nicholas
Resources:Buffalo Center for Health Equity Events: Men's Health Initiative Monday, February 19, March 4 and 18th.
About the Speakers:
Chapters:
0:00:00 Pastor George Nicholas introduces the topic of gun violence as a public health issue.
0:05:29 Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks promotes the upcoming men's health initiative event.
0:08:18 Analysis of the ineffectiveness of strict gun laws in preventing gun violence.
0:11:05 Revelation of firearms as the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America.
0:13:06 There is gun violence everywhere in America.
0:14:58 Witnessing violence creates trauma, especially for young people.
0:15:37 The presence of firearms enables and empowers violence.
0:16:53 "The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America" by Carol Anderson.
0:17:21 The idea of black people having guns was not in the original documents.
0:18:46 The Negro Act of 1740 restricted the movements and access to firearms for enslaved people.
0:19:20 South Carolina issued monetary rewards for the scalp of an escaping slave.
0:20:10 50% of wealth holders in the 13 colonies owned guns in 1774.
0:21:37 Legislation and punishment were used to control enslaved people.
0:24:00 Massachusetts and New York banning enslaved Africans from possessing guns
0:25:11 The use of the militia to control African and indigenous populations
0:26:59 Comparison of the government's use of the National Guard during civil rights protests
0:30:46 The rise in black gun ownership and the narrative of self-defense
0:32:25 Disproportionate gun violence and deaths among black youth
0:34:46 Desensitization to violence and the influence of street culture
0:35:53 Gilbert Arenas and the consequences of impulsive actions
0:37:23 Creating a community where gun violence is not normalized
0:39:32 President Biden's office of Gun Violence Prevention
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Ep. 30 Guest host Ebony White delves into the depths of community resilience and grassroots advocacy with guest Dion Green. This show promises to unravel the tapestry of a community's struggle for health equity and the individual journeys of empowerment that fuel collective hope and healing.
Dion Green is the founder and CEO of the Fudge Foundation in Dayton, Ohio. Dion shares his personal story of losing his father in the Oregon District mass shooting and the barriers he faced in accessing support from the Victims of Crime Act. He discusses his advocacy work to change legislation and establish resources for those impacted by violent crime. Dion also talks about his run for District 39 of Ohio House of Representatives and how being a survivor of tragedy fuels his agenda to make communities safer.
Resources:
Flourishing Under Distress Given Encouragement (FUDGE) a 501c3 nonprofit that helps survivors through traumatic experiences with resources and support.
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) formula grants are intended to support victim assistance services for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, drunk driving, homicide, and other crimes.
End Gun Violence Event: Thursday, February 29 10am-1pm Erie County Medical Center Smith Auditorium 462 Grider St., Buffalo, NY
Buffalo Center for Health Equity
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Ep. 29 In this episode of Igniting Hope Radio, guest host Ebony White interviews Isiah Gary, the Director of Diversity, Community, and Health Equity at Health Sciences Charter School in Buffalo. Isiah discusses his role in helping students plan for their future careers and promoting health equity within the school. He highlights the importance of Wellness Wednesdays, an initiative that educates the school community about social determinants of health and encourages healthier decision-making. Isaiah also talks about the school's garden program, which provides students with hands-on experience in growing their own food. The episode concludes with a discussion about the Health Ambassadors program and the impact it has had on students' understanding of health and wellness.
Produced by JazzCast Pros
Chapters:
0:00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest speaker, Isiah Gary
0:01:16 Discussing favorite things about Buffalo, including food
0:02:00 Isiah Gary's role as Director of Diversity, Community, and Health Equity
0:03:01 Wellness Wednesday initiative at Health Sciences Charter School
0:04:08 Examples of activities during Wellness Wednesday, such as smoothie program and healthy cooking classes
0:05:12 Impact of the smoothie program on students' eating habits
0:06:36 The school's garden and plans for future involvement
0:08:03 Rewards and challenges of working with students in promoting health and wellness
0:09:49 Challenges of motivating students and accepting limitations
0:10:36 Acknowledging the loss of students and the school community's response
0:11:27 Health Sciences Charter School's strong community connection
0:12:12 Importance of teaching social determinants of health
0:13:49 Impact of Health Ambassadors program on students
0:15:19 Vision for the upcoming school year
0:17:41 Pointers and support for parents and caretakers
0:19:59 Importance of unconditional love for positive youth development
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Ep. 28 The Sensory Garden was created in response to the mass shooting at a Buffalo grocery store on May 14 2022. This is just one of seven Urban Gardens our guest has his green thumb on!
Dwight Lowe, the executive director and founder of Home Beneath Our Feet, joins Ebony White on Igniting Hope Radio to discuss the importance of gardening and providing programming for inner-city children. Dwight shares his inspiration for starting the organization, which stemmed from the lack of programming in his own youth. He believes that by teaching children how to grow their own food, they can develop life skills and a sense of stability. Dwight also emphasizes the importance of knowing where our food comes from and the benefits of eating fresh, live food. He shares his experiences working with youth and building community gardens, highlighting the positive impact it has on both individuals and the community as a whole.
For more info visit on Urban Gardening in Buffalo, NY visit Beneath Our Feet on Facebook
Email [email protected]
Key TakeawaysHosted by Ebony White for Buffalo Center for Health Equity
Produced by JazzCast Pros
0:00:00 Importance of gardening and youth involvement
0:02:11 Introduction of Dwight Lowe, founder of Home Beneath Our Feet
0:03:20 Inspiration behind creating programming for inner-city youth
0:04:52 Impact of after-school programs on community
0:05:37 Priority population: inner-city children dealing with food insecurity
0:07:10 Number of gardens cultivated by Dwight Lowe
0:08:14 Importance of teaching youth about food sources and sustainability
0:09:23 Sensory garden at 1117 Ellicott St and involvement of young children
0:11:07 Teaching youth about entrepreneurship through selling produce
0:12:24 Collaboration with other organizations to support community needs
0:13:24 Importance of giving children tools for prosperity
0:13:35 Children's knowledge about bugs in the garden
0:14:20 Importance of eating live food for better health
0:15:13 Addressing the mindset of "we're going to die anyway"
0:16:19 Encouraging parents to start their own gardens
0:17:31 Balancing outdoor activities with technology
0:18:22 Volunteering opportunities with Home Beneath Our Feet
0:19:29 Neighbors taking care of community gardens
0:21:36 Gardens as a study place and sense of pride
0:22:54 Motivation to create stress-free environments for growth
0:24:18 Dwight Lowe's job is to create platforms for self-improvement.
0:24:27 Contact information for Dwight Lowe.
0:24:55 Conclusion and closing remarks.
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Ep. 27 Tobacco use is a major contributor to the three leading causes of death among African Americans—heart disease, cancer, and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 40,000 Black people die annually from cigarettes annually but on Saturday June 24th the Tobacco Free Erie Niagara Coalition is holding a funeral for "Menthol" celebrating the death of cigarette use. In this episode Stan Martin gives us the story behind the motivation for this event and his mission to work with tobacco users to help them quit the product that, when used as intended, will kill you.
For decades, Big Tobacco marketed menthol cigarettes to African Americans by giving them away in neighborhoods, at festivals and other events. While the use of tobacco products is about equal among Blacks and Whites, African Americans are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes, inhaling the smoke deeper into their lungs and making it more difficult to quit.
About the Guest
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Ep. 26 Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks is on a mission to fill a void in his community by creating a safe space for Black men to engage in conversations about mental, physical, and spiritual health. But with a system designed to benefit from their trauma and struggle, Sherman's journey is anything but easy. Will he be able to break the mold and provide a new path for black men?
"Exposure leads to expansion.
If I can expose brothers to different environments, different conversations,
get them to think thoughts and never thought before,
then I can expand their mind." -Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks
This conversation with Pastor George Nicholas brings to light the staggering health disparities faced by African American men, particularly around mental health and suicide prevention.
Public school systems and the criminal justice system often disproportionately affect Black men, contributing to a range of mental health challenges. Recognizing these systemic issues and acknowledging the role they play in the mental health crisis of the black community is essential in driving positive change.
Sherman has taken it upon himself to bridge the gap between black men and community programs designed to improve mental health and wellness as the Program Manager of the Black Men's Health Initiative at the Buffalo Center for Health Equity. He believes that by creating a culture and community of support, black men can find the resources and connections they need to thrive, ultimately changing the narrative and breaking the cycle of trauma that has persisted for far too long. This passion stems from his upbringing surrounded by strong female role models, who taught him the importance of emotional intelligence and communication.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Investigate the presence of stigma tied to mental health in the Black community and its effects.
Evaluate the gaps in provision of culturally appropriate mental health care for the Black community.
Analyze the systemic factors that intensify the mental health crisis affecting the Black community.
Realize the importance of community connections and protected spaces in fostering Black men's mental health.
RESOURCES
Black Men's Health Initiative www.buffalohealthequity.org
Buffalo Fatherhood Initiative Podcast On YouTube
ABOUT THE GUEST
Sherman D. Webb-Middlebrooks is a full-time black man, public intellectual, and lifelong Buffalo resident with a passion for youth development and community building. He holds a BA in Psychology and American History from D'Youville College, and has extensive experience in education and community outreach.
Sherman is an experienced facilitator, and has a proven track record of delivering high-quality educational programs and activities that address identified programming priorities around DEI, anti-racism, nutrition, health, and wellness. He has worked with several organizations and institutions including the NYS Public Health Fellows & both Cornell's 4H Healthy Community Youth Advocates program and Youth Community Action Network as a key contact in the Buffalo community.
OTHER EPISODES YOU'LL ENJOY
What’s Strong with Black Men? With Stan Martin
”He’s My Brother, Not an Inmate”: How to Help a Loved One Re-enter Society After Incarceration
Buffalo May 14 Massacre: Politically or Racially Motivated? with Dr. Henry Taylor
Mother of Buffalo Mass Shooting Victim Speaks Out and Fights Back |
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Ep. 25 Sade Dozan joins Pastor George to talk about their personal experiences with caring for aging parents and the upcoming event addressing the need for care for the caregivers.
In this episode we explore the following questions:
Should you give up your life to care for elderly parent?
How do you deal with the stress of caring for an elderly parent?
The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in partnership with the Buffalo Center for Health Equity presents “It’s A Family Affair: 3rd Annual Black/African American Caregiver Conference,”
Saturday April 1st from 1pm - 3:30pm at the Frank Merriweather Library 1324 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY
The conference will focus on the unique challenges faced by family caregivers in communities of color. Join us in person or log in via Zoom.
Register at bit.ly/AlzFamConf23 or call 800.272.3900.
Sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York and made possible by a grant from the NYS Dept. of Health.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Sadé Dozan, Chief of Operations & Development, at Caregiving Across Generations is a witness to the power collective voice has in shifting culture and policies surrounding under-resourced communities and marginalized groups.
Sade is a Black Latina millennial and sandwich generation caregiver living in New Jersey. She cares for her mother and father, who are both in their 70s and chronically ill, and her young daughter. As someone with a disability herself, she balances her own care with that of her loved ones and navigates paid leave, child care, aging and disability care—all while working full time."
Other episodes you'll enjoy
A Call For Safe and Equitable Maternal Health with Danise Wilson
Why Inclusion in Medical Science is Critical for Black Communities
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease with Claire Corwin
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Ep. 24 Discover the shocking disparities in health equity revealed by the Erie County Initial Report. Kelly Wofford is the director of the Erie County Department of Health Equity, established by law in 2020. She is responsible for the Health Equity in Erie County: An Initial Disparities Report - This report is intended to serve as a resource for all Erie County residents so that they can better understand the issues and status of health equity and health disparities in Erie County.
Through surveys, targeted outreach and focus groups, Kelly and her team gave a voice to the people who have historically been left out of conversations.
Resources
Office of Health Equity established in Erie County
https://www3.erie.gov/health/health-equity
Office of Health Equity written into Law
https://www3.erie.gov/health/sites/www3.erie.gov.health/files/2023-02/locallawheoffice.pdf
Buffalo Center for Health Equity
257 W. Genesee Street Suite 160
[email protected]
Other episodes you'll enjoy
Black Mamas: A Call For Safe and Equitable Maternal Health with Danise Wilson
Buffalo Massacre: Politically or Racially Motivated? with Dr. Henry Taylor
Food Apartheid on Buffalo’s Eastside with Rita Hubbard-Robinson
About the Guest
With a career centered in health engagement and advocacy, Kelly Marie Wofford began her role as the inaugural director of the Erie County Department Office of Health Equity in late 2021. The Office of Health Equity is a new initiative that focuses on evaluating health disparities and improving health outcomes in Erie County, and building partnerships for programs that help marginalized and diverse populations in Erie County achieve maximum health and wellness.
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The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.
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