On October 5th, the late comedian Bernie Mac would have turned 66 years old. Bernie Mac passed away in 2008 from complications related to Sarcoidosis, an auto-immune disease that causes inflammation in the lungs, skin or lymph nodes. It disproportionally affects African Americans. On this episode of Urban Wellness NOW! Cynthia Brooks speaks to Kathryn Washington, who serves on the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Awareness' Women of Color and ACTe Now! Patient Committees.

Cynthia speaks to Elisha Greenwell, the founder of Black Joy Parade, a non-profit based in Oakland, CA that celebrates the Black experience and community's contribution to history and culture. It's signature event is a parade during Black History month, but the organization has other positive and joyful events throughout the year.

When we think of wellness in urban communities, safety from neighborhood violence, as well as law enforcement violence must be included. Black Lives Matter was formed to save Black lives from racist violence, including unwarranted police violence, and hold law enforcement accountable for Black people whose lives were taken prematurely as a result of racist acts from both police and from other citizens. Black Lives Matter is now 10 years old. In this episode, Cynthia speaks to Dr. Melina Abdullah, the Director of BLM Los Angeles, and BLM-Grassroots.

Dr Sebi was a renowned herbalist and healer who promoted a plant based diet
and developed a variety of nutritional supplements. Some of his high
profile clientele were Michael Jackson, Eddie Murphy, John Travolta and
Teddy Pendergrass. Dr Sebi passed away a few years ago but his son, Abdul
Bowman is carrying on his legacy, and Cynthia speaks to him about that in
this episode. Plus, Sonya Adams of Celebrating a Vision non profit talks
about her incredible mission to provide cancer survivors a
once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Today we're discussing healthy habits with special guests Dr. Brooks & Stacye Branche'.

African Americans are 60% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than white Americans. Additionally, Black Americans are more likely to develop complications from diabetes, including kidney disease, eye damage and limb amputations. Getting a diagnosis of diabetes can be scary, but the condition is manageable, you've just got to get educated on the disease.

On this episode of Urban Wellness NOW! Cynthia speaks to Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, about why so many Black people have diabetes and how her organization is trying to help. Then, Edna Griggs, a Houston health advocate talks with Cynthia about having type 2 diabetes and has great advice for others with the disease, as well as friends and loved ones of folks with diabetes.

Improving health and wellness in the black community.