Day 1 | Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference (ALC):

I began the day at a powerful panel on Amyloidosis, a disease that disproportionately impacts Black communities, affecting 1 in 25 Black Americans. Amyloidosis occurs when proteins build up on soft organ tissue, weakening the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. Much of the discussion focused on the TTR genetic form, though the AL form was also highlighted.

I feel even more connected to the African diaspora globally and think my mere presence and dialogue shifted things in people and myself. Our connections are deep, and we need to continue to deepen them. To see the shoutouts to Haiti in Senegal at Goree Island and the Renaissance monument felt so deeply personal. We of the African diaspora are limitless; we are miracles, and I am even more dedicated to the upliftment of my people. The fact that we exist despite all that has been done to us, the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, Indian Ocean Slave Trade, Genocides such as in Congo, casualties from resistance from invasion across the continent, and exploitation that exists today. From Jamaica to The United States, our lives are so important and meaningful.

Acknowledging our power and privilege is acknowledging that we have to be uncomfortable and give something up. Is anyone willing to give anything up? What are you willing to sacrifice for community, for the collective, for the whole? In the words of bell hooks, are we willing to ask ourselves, “What would love do?” in each and every moment (hooks, 1999). I do not think most white people in this country are really ready to do the work that they say they are willing to do, and why, as people of color, are we subject to do it for them?

To hold multiple truths means to be real, it means to be honest. It means that there is no Black or White or Left or Right or even center. So much is moving around us, it means we are looking.

“We have a common enemy. We have this in common: We have a common oppressor, a common exploiter, and a common discriminator. But once we all realize that we have this common enemy, then we unite on the basis of what we have in common. And what we have foremost in common is that enemy — the white man. He’s an enemy to all of us. I know some of you all think that some of them aren’t enemies. Time will tell.” - Malcolm X

Rest is an act of reclaiming our worth from this system. A realization that we are complete beings, worthy of joy, relaxation, and leisure, without any work title attached to our names. As I navigate my journey of self-discovery, prioritizing well-being, and forging connections across borders, I am reminded of the power of pausing. Of listening. Of simply being.

As an individual, I find myself deeply intertwined with the health equity work I am committed to. It’s not just a profession but a personal mission, an extension of who I am and where I come from. It's a tool through which I navigate my life and the lives of those around me. Even when the system threatens to silence my voice, I remain steadfast. Because if I, embedded within the system, find it daunting to navigate, I shudder to think how those on the outside must feel.

By empowering communities to actively participate in shaping their healthcare experiences, healthcare organizations can pave the way for better health outcomes and improved overall well-being.

The mentality we or our parents had when immigrating to this country is a privilege, as they were not fully aware of the gruesomeness of American slavery and Jim Crow and saw this country as a land of opportunity like many immigrants do.

I couldn't help but reflect on the fact that our youth are forced to confront the harsh realities of systemic oppression and racism at such a young age. Our experiences are vastly different from those of our white counterparts who are able to explore a wide range of topics and interests without having to constantly be aware of the color of their skin.

My time in India was a reminder that we must continually strive to challenge our own assumptions and biases and be open to the richness and complexity of the world around us.

It is crucial to challenge the negative stereotypes surrounding Voodoo and recognize it as a legitimate religion. We must question why certain religions are portrayed negatively and understand the cultural and historical significance of Voodoo.