(Akiit.com) In March, we focused our attention to celebrate women’s history month; one of many worthy of national observance. While we have certainly made many important strides over the past decades, there is cause for concern due to the current state of our health as women of color.

We hear about all the major degenerative diseases that claim the lives of so many of us, but not enough about the underlying issues that predispose us to them in the first place. By the way we live, the way we eat, and the way we handle stress we give ourselves disease one day at a time. This cycle in part or as a whole has caused our health breakdown.

Due emphasis must be placed on the fact that health is determined by three factors (excluding accidents):

1) internal stress which leads to lack of energy, dehydration, lack of oxygen, shut down of body functions and lowered immune systems.

2) toxemia caused by diet, environmental toxins which can lead to obesity and other degenerative diseases.

3) acidosis caused by malnutrition, stress and nutritional deficiencies.
 

These are the main contributors for health breakdowns, but two of which only account for 10% of overall health. Stress is at the root accounting for 90% of all illnesses.

Research shows that 40% of all heart attacks are preceded by a psychologically stressful event. According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the number one cause of death for African American women. In addition, severe organ problems, (especially kidneys) are more common in black and Hispanic women than any other race.

Cardiologist Dr. Richard Williams of the Journal for Gender Specific Medicine states that African American women with coronary artery (heart disease) have a higher mortality/ morbidity rate than African American men and white women under the age of 55. In the age group of 25-44, black women have up to 2.5 times the risk for coronary heart disease than that of white women. It has even been well-documented that the top two risk factors for these diseases is smoking and obesity in black women.

Clearly, you can see how this destruction and degeneration is so rampant in our community. A bad diet along with the stress only compounds this cycle of health breakdown. Consider the disproportionate rates of obesity that is quite often caused by stress, as we tend to eat when we are overwhelmed, frustrated or unhappy. This, in turn, causes, our digestive systems to shut down.

Obesity is also associated with the prevalence of type II diabetes which is a risk factor for heart disease. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, there are 16 million diabetics in America and half are women.

We should also note that black women have an earlier onset of obesity than our white counterparts as well as the fact that studies show that black women retain more weight post-partum than white women.

Given these various correlations, imagine if more focus and resources were spent on trying to treat the whole person to counteract and prevent disease, as opposed to ignoring underlying issues that ultimately is the root cause and disease being the effect!

So What Can Be Done?

Amongst black women, the word ’strong’ is very often synonymous with ‘black woman’. However we must be balanced in our thinking enough to understand that at times we still need to ask for help and get the support we need to minimize damaging stress in our lives. Connect with the sisterhood that is available to us instead of reaching for unhealthy foods that lead to obesity and related illnesses.

We must eliminate harmful stress, avoid toxemia of all kinds, and build our bodies up to protect against acidosis which occurs when there is ongoing stress and nutritional deficiencies. When we are fully aware of the risks to our health, what is needed next is action with a sense of urgency not procrastination. When you begin to cleanse your body of impurities and feed it good nutrition, you essentially take proper care of your body and in turn your body will take care of you. The way we can accomplish these can be summed up in three words: CLEANSE, REVITALIZE, REPLENISH for the sake of our mind, body and soul!
 

By Makeisha Lee

 Reviewed by Kam Williams

(Akiit.com) “This book endeavors to piece together the broken utterances of 20 women into a seamless painting of understanding which is representative of Black women of the 19th Century… It is an examination of how the unique position of the African-American woman provides her with the ability to dissect the ills of society, and also offers her distinctive insight for positive transformation…

The broken utterances of each of these 20 women serve to make their personal journeys a universal expression of the tripartite and egalitarian nature of gender, race, and class concerns for all Black women in the past and present. They began the erasure of the blue-lined boundaries that society imposed upon them, and boldly opened an exhibition space in which their collective offspring would continue to create.”

For too long, the unique perspective of the African-American female has languished in the shadows of intellectual thought. During the Civil Rights Era, sisters tended to be relegated to support rather than lead roles. Thus the Movement was marked by both machismo and an unchallenged patriarchy, as exhibited by revered icons like Student Non Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) Chairman Stokely Carmichael and Black Panther Spokesperson Eldridge Cleaver. 

When Carmichael was confronted during a SNCC conference by black women concerned about their roles and what they saw as sexism, he abruptly ended the discussion by stating, “The only position for women in the movement is prone.“ Cleaver, a convicted rapist, was worse, for he implemented a philosophy termed “Pussy Power” whereby the Panthers pimped out their women for the cause.

In her autobiography, ex-Panther Elaine Brown admits to selling her body to wealthy white men to help support the Party financially. And she has come to regret that a woman asserting herself in the organization was ostracized as a pariah.

Given that prevailing attitude of the previous generation, it should come as no surprise that African-American culture might have devolved into the miasma of misogyny reflected in the explosion of thugs and gangstas in evidence today. However, this sorry state of affairs doesn’t reflect the fact that there are now and have always been many intelligent African-American females inclined to weigh-in on the issues of the day without compromising their dignity.

I have digressed by way of introduction only in order to emphasize the significance of Broken Utterances: A Selected Anthology of 19th Century Black Women’s Social Thought. For this groundbreaking book, edited and illustrated by Michelle Diane Wright, lays the groundwork for an appreciation of a score of visionary sisters who were ready to lead their people over a hundred years ago.

Although a combination of racism, sexism and classism might have meant that most of these brilliant thinkers went unrecognized by mainstream history books, fortunately they left behind speeches, articles and journals which the author has unearthed and culled through to distill into an informative text of considerable significance.  

For in discussions of prominent black women of the 19th Century, generally, only Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth come to mind. And while those two icons were certainly among the leading activists of the era, they were by no means the only ones speaking out eloquently and forcefully on the culture and politic climate.

There was also, for example, Maria W. Stewart (1803-1879), a contemporary of insurrectionist David Walker, earnestly advocating the abolition of slavery. She informs whites that “Our souls are fired with the same love of liberty and independence with which your souls are fired,” adding that she is not out for revenge because, “too much of your blood flows in our veins, and too much of your color is in our skins, for us not to possess your spirits.”

In another chapter, Sarah Mapps Douglass (1805-1882) complains about the use of the insulting term “Negro” in reference to African-Americans. Though born free in Philadelphia, she relates how she came to care about the plight of fellow blacks yet enslaved after someone tried to kidnap her in order to sell her as chattel.

Ann Plato (born 1824) emphasizes education in her essays, saying, “This appears to be the great source from which nations have become civilized, industrious, respectable and happy.” Sojourner Truth (1797-1883), observing the privileged position enjoyed by white women in society insists, “Look at me! Ain’t I a woman?”

Sara Parker Remond (1826-1894) focuses on the wholesale rape of black women and the implicit simultaneous psychosis of the white male in an 1859 speech where she observes that, “there are 800,000 mulattoes… and these are constantly sold by their parents.” And we learn that the fiercely independent Harriet Tubman (1820-1913) left her Uncle Tom of a husband’s black ass behind, even though he threatened to inform massa of her plans to escape. 

These and so many other searing narratives combine to make Broken Utterances not merely a fascinating read, but a seminal contribution to the field of black feminist intellectual thinking. As such, all of African-Americana owes a debt of gratitude to Michelle Diane Wright for her admirable, exhaustive, encyclopedic efforts to elevate these brave, sisters, even if belatedly, to their rightful place as very important voices in the black struggle for freedom.    

Reviewed by Idrissa Uqdah 

(Akiit.com) The Seduction of Mr. Bradley by Chicago author Minnie E. Miller tells a very different kind of love story, a love story complicated by preferences.  These particular preferences are not always understood or accepted by society and that is where it gets complicated.

Bill Bradley a bisexual man falls in love with Jina Cook, a straight woman.  Mr. Bradley had no intention of falling for Jina, but he was seduced by her good looks, her sensuality and her honesty and innocence.  He was also drawn in by the simplicity of her love.  Jina had no idea that Bill was bisexual.  He knew that once she found out, that he could lose her forever.  Would Jina trust his love enough to believe that he could change?  Bill was not so sure. 

The Seduction of Mr. Bradley is a relationship novel.  The twist is that this work of fiction  explores the complexity of bisexuality from a man’s point of view without pages and pages of illicit sex and lust.  The sex scenes in this novel are done tastefully.  Miller was more interested in putting a human face on men who are attracted to both women and other men,.  The author did not sensationalize the subject; but sought, it seemed, to explain who these men are.  These men have been hated, despised and misunderstood while so many men who have been discovered on the “down low” have come out of the closet.  Bill Bradley’s story is being played out all over this country, in more instances than we know or imagine.  Finally someone tells the story in a way that brings truth and reality to the forefront. It’s a story told with compassion.

I found that I could not dislike Mr. Bradley; although I truly disliked his lifestyle.  His character was just like any other African American male who worked hard at getting to the top of his game as a public relations professional. He was kind, gentle and caring.  Bill was good people.  He opened his own PR firm with the help of his older lover and mentor, Ted Grassley whom he was linked with until he met and fell in love with Jina Cook, a client who hired him to promote her book.  Bill’s struggle to find the true desires of his heart is explored in this novel.  It is a story that makes you re-think your opinions on alternative lifestyles. 

Set in Chicago, the author took great care to detail the setting well.  You could just picture the places that the characters visited, the structure of the buildings, the surroundings in their living spaces and landmark spots in the Windy City.  Miller also gave you secondary characters that you came to like and care about.  Bill’s best friend and confidante, Samara and her Aunt Mamie, another one of Bill clients, were well developed characters who added to the storyline.   

How Bill and Jina dealt with his differences and how a family secret from her past contributed to Jina’s reaction to Bill’s sexuality brings the book to an unexpected ending.  I really liked The Seduction of Mr. Bradley and I would recommend this book to those who would enjoy a love story, a love story this is full of  humanity and truth.

(Akiit.com) Some singers take two-year breaks between albums. Rihanna is working on her third disc, just two years after releasing her first.

“It’s a nonstop pace, very speedily, and Def Jam does not play, that’s all I can tell you,” she joked of her record label in an interview with Akiit.com. “We just keep going and going it’s fun, we make sure that we have fun while we do it.”

The hits are likely to keep coming and coming for the 19-year-old Barbados beauty, who has had success with “S.O.S.,” “Unfaithful” and “Break It Off.” Her new single, “Umbrella,” was due out Thursday, the first song from her upcoming, not-yet-titled album, set for release June 5.

“It shows such growth for her as an artist,” Def Jam President Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, told the AP. “If you listen to the lyrics to that song, you know the depth and how far she’s come.”

Jay-Z delivers the opening salvo on the dramatic song, about the strength of a relationship.

Rihanna said the song can be about a romantic or platonic relationship.

“`Umbrella’ is a serious song, a relationship song. … It’s different, and that’s what I love about it,” she said. “People are not going to expect a song like that from me.”

The singer made her debut with island-flavored dance groove “Pon de Replay” in 2005, from her debut album, “Music of the Sun.” Less than a year later, she released “A Girl Like Me,” a platinum success that broadened her mainstream appeal.

Artists usually don’t release another album so quickly, especially when they’re having success with their current one. But Island Def Jam Chairman Antonio “LA” Reid said Rihanna’s upcoming album, which features labelmate Ne-Yo and a song written by Justin Timberlake, is being released this summer because the label feels it’s that good.

“In the past, Rihanna has made really great singles. This time, Rihanna has not only made really great singles, but a great album,” he told AP. “We want people to hear it now and experience it now.”

But fans may be surprised by what they hear.

“My sound has changed,” Rihanna said. “It’s a lot edgier than the rest of the stuff that anyone has heard from me before. I’m singing about different things, it’s a lot sexier.”

She also considers the album more adult, reflecting the quick growth she’s had to do in her short time in the spotlight.

“This business really helps you to find out who you are, and how strong you are,” she said. “You need strength and determination with all the negativity coming at you sometimes … I’ve grown a lot.”

Part of the negativity Rihanna has faced involved talk of an alleged affair with mentor Jay-Z. Rihanna said the rumor was upsetting but she’s learned not to let the gossip mill get her down.

“At first I was like, `Ha ha, it’s funny,’” she said. “Now I just ignore it and I’m numb to it. … You cannot stop people from saying what they want to say.”

       Do people realize how rare this is?

      (Akiit.com) On March 8th of this year I wrote in my column, The Saga Continues, an op-ed piece called Is Virginia’s apology for slavery significant and how could it affect the national debate.

      Though written with a select audience in mind, the selection caught the attention of conservative talk radio host Ron Smith of WBAL-AM in Baltimore, Maryland.  The gentleman’s producer subsequently contacted me and arranged to have me on his show. 

      Despite what my wife occasionally tells me, I guess I do make some sense to some folks some of the time.  Though his views were in large part contrary to my own, Mr. Smith was very complimentary of my work and allowed me to get a word in edge wise.  Which was cool because I expected to be blitzed Rush Limbaugh-style. 

      Some White folks called in and were very genuine in the questions they asked and respected my answers and I am very gracious for Mr. Smith for giving me the opportunity.  This was a pleasant surprise to be certain.  But it was the Black callers who were buggin!

     On Tuesday, March 27, Mr. Smith had me on his show for a second time to discuss the issue.  I fully expected the Black callers to be all in on Maryland being the second state in this great Union to apologize for slavery.  Afterwards I realized the only thing I should expect is death and taxes. Ron Smith, while having no problem with the idea of an apology in itself, said he felt all the apologizing was dredging up bad blood and could cause slavery to fade from the natural debate by cheapening it to a certain extent if the apology is made federal.  I of course vehemently disagree, but it’s his show. (shrug)  The fact that an individual of his political conviction would give one such as me a platform did shatter some myths I had long harbored regarding the right. 

     One commonality between the two interview sessions was the view some of the African-American listeners of the show had toward the idea of apologizing for slavery.  Several callers, one especially so, were upset over the idea of apologizing for slavery and not for the Jim Crow Laws and the pain and humiliation caused by them.  The callers, as if speaking in a single voice, stated that slavery was not the issue for them.  Jim Crow is!  They stated that they and many of their loved ones had lived and suffered through it, and not slavery.  They could remember Jim Crow, but could not remember slavery because they were not alive. 

     I felt where the individuals were coming from, but I also feel this viewpoint is childish at best, and downright selfish at its worst.  You mean to say because slavery did not personally happen to YOU that it doesn’t matter?  In addition, it leads right into what every right winger in country says when the idea of reparations is brought up.  Ok everybody, say it with me now “I didn’t have anything to do with slavery.  I wasn’t even alive!”  The generations that suffered through the horrendous Jim Crow apparatus can thank slavery for its inception, but some how the African American callers to the Ron Smith Show missed this.  Again, if it were not for the institution of slavery there would never have been a single Jim Crow Law!

     Upon some deep thought on the matter I realized something that troubled me deeply when realized.  If the callers on the show are any indicator then, Lord help me, some African Americans feel that slavery actually did us a favor by bringing us to this prosperous country.  “No,” I thought, but it’s true.  Some people do not care about an apology for slavery because it was the vehicle by which the vast majority of our ancestors arrived in this country.  But does that mean it should be excused?  Surely not y’all!  It appears as though we’re putting the horse before the carriage here. 

     Each time these individuals called into the show Ron, doing what talk radio hosts do, expertly steered individuals toward his viewpoint on Jim Crow by inserting a word or two into some callers’ stream of speech as they were trying to make their point.  Amazingly, each caller would take the word as his or her own thought and continue. 

      Another thought occured to me as well. One I did not have time to explore during the conversation.  It seems as though the pains suffered under Jim Crow were done to Black Americans, while slavery was done to African Slaves.  This, coupled with Jim Crow not being that far gone, appears to be the catalyst for this line of thinking. 

      So what now?  Do we ask for an apology for Jim Crow as well?  How redundant would that be?  But guess what?  An apology for Jim Crow would get similar resistance from the White majority and create division within the Black community as well. 

      The callers, though genuine, were a shock to me.  How could we forget our great, greats were treated like dogs!  “Oh, I ain’t no African.  I was disgraced in Selma!”  Is the gist of what they were saying.  That saddened me a great deal.  I woke my 6 month old son from his nap and gave him a big hug to just to make myself feel better and to put things back in perspective.  “We are so split on everything,” I said aloud.  He cooed and just starred at me.  We’re split as Americans, as Blacks and even as families. 

      But I must add that discourse is part of the democratic process and this is allegedly the world’s most successful democracy.  I know of no other because I have lived in no other.  But at times all the chatter seems to be for naught even though I know the dialectic in democracies moves toward a positive end, but damn!  Now I know why Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader.  I feel like sometimes people do not know what’s good for them and need to be forced to comply.  That sentence is probably the most un-American phrase I have ever written.  But whether it be good or bad I really wish we would unite on something. I’m just sayin’ though, how could a Black person really disagree with an apology for slavery?  Chances are you are not getting anything else.

By Ricardo Hazell