Queen V

Note: This was originally posted on my personal website on September 28, 2015, but I moved it here. Goal: To visit/live in 30 countries by the time I'm 30 years old . This post will be updated as I visit new countries! Update December 2019: 1 year  and 9 months to visit 8 more countries! Here are the countries I've been to, in the order that I lived in or visited them: Wales England Zambia America Mexico Turks & Caicos The Gambia France Costa Rica Rwanda Uganda Senegal South Africa Tanzania United Arab Emirates Kenya Kingdom of Eswatini Ethiopia Zimbabwe Germany Ghana Lesotho

Note: This was originally published on my personal website on September 24, 2016,  but moved here. We are angry. We are scared. We are sad. We are hurt. -The murders of black people by police officers. -Black face photos circulating around the world. -White elitist coaches telling black athletes who take a knee during the national country to leave America. -Black people being called messy and unkempt for wearing  locs while Marc Jacobs' models are praised for them. -Donald Trump telling  black people that they have 'nothing to lose' by voting for him because our circumstances are 'so poor.' -A white police officer lies about being shot by a black man. These are just a few of the headlines that sink the hearts of black people and our allies every week. These are just a few of the headlines that are now the norm in America. These are just a few of the headlines that make me question our safety in America. These are just a few of the headlines that make me

Note: I wrote this post months ago, while still in school. I've finally decided to post it. I think I have read only one research publication (in the context of the U.S.A) where the black and/or African-American group in the publication had a positive or better health outcome than the comparison groups (usually non-hispanic whites). Considering the amount of public health research that has been conducted, and the fact that I have not read every publication in the world, I obviously have a gap in knowledge, but when you think of the general information and health care trends- it's just very...well..depressing. As health outcomes are directly influenced by systems, wealth, privilege, and resources, the trends aren't surprising, but just discouraging. Despite the gains there is still a huge disparity. I am seeking out all and any research that has my people on top- a positive trajectory for black/african americans or any such improvements in all areas of health.  Feel fr