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African Americans have had a dynamic history in the United States. In less than a
hundred years, they have seen the abolition of slavery, gained educations in both
historically black and white universities, fought to defend—and seen recognized—
their civil rights, begun entering into middle-class America, and become pioneers
in music, politics, science, and the arts. And when the United States entered into
the twenty-first century, the American people elected the first African American
U.S. president to not only a first, but then a second, term in office. In light of all
the obstacles that have been faced by African Americans over the years, no other
group seems to have progressed so swiftly while overcoming so many legal and
institutionalized challenges.
But even with all of the progress African Americans have made, they still face
many risks that threaten the entire race or place segments in jeopardy. Some of these
risks are generational, vestiges of slavery and the institutionalized discrimination
that followed slavery’s abolition. For example, blacks in general are at greater risks
of contracting ailments such as diabetes and hypertension—and after blacks have
contracted these diseases, they are then more likely to experience complications
to those conditions that lead to disabilities and even death. These ailments are the
result of generations of blacks’ eating diets high in fats, sugars, and fried foods, a
culture of eating that existed during and after slavery. Much of African American
culture is based on “soul food” and other unhealthy eating habits that are often
worsened by an inability to access fresh fruits and vegetables among those living in
areas high in poverty. Hypertension has also become a generational disorder, partly
resulting from centuries of discrimination and resultant stressors, including lack of
equal employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Coupling hypertension
with poor nutrition, it is no wonder that African Americans face such severe health
issues, including increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
Other risks arise from socioeconomic disparities that still exist for many Afri-
can Americans. Poverty has become such an issue for African Americans that for
many it has become an institutionalized condition. The centuries being denied
fair employment opportunities, closed off from shared educational opportunities,
given disparate access to adequate housing, and generally oppressed are a leading
cause of the differences in income and wealth experienced by blacks in the United
Introduction
