This Is the Year: The Black Community Takes Charge of Better Health

To my family, my friends, and my community, I want to speak to you from the heart. For far too long, we have allowed a narrative to exist that the Black community is unhealthy, broken, or behind when it comes to wellness. It’s time we put an end to that way of thinking.

Our goal, and I truly believe this is achievable if we move together, is to become one of the healthiest communities in the world and to lead by example. That vision alone should inspire us to start moving, eating better, and taking our health seriously—not just for ourselves, but for our children and future generations.

According to multiple health reports, compared to their white counterparts, African Americans are at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, asthma, influenza, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, and certain cancers. The American Cancer Society has also stated that for most cancers, African Americans have the highest death rates and the shortest survival times.

These facts are not meant to scare us, but to awaken us. When we look at the history of redlining and food deserts in our communities, we can clearly see how unhealthy, cheap, and highly processed foods were pushed into our neighborhoods while access to fresh, nutritious options was limited.

Once we lost the science of agriculture and food preparation, fast food and convenience became the norm. These foods are often loaded with preservatives, toxic sugars, excessive salts, dyes, soy, gluten, and chemicals that slowly damage the body and weaken the immune system over time.

But family, it does not have to be this way. With discipline, consistency, and the will to want better, we can turn this around. Overeating and constant snacking actually cost more than buying healthier foods. When we snack all day, we are constantly going back to the store, spending more money and taxing our bodies. Breaking our eating patterns down to two solid meals a day can dramatically improve digestion and overall health.

Over time, some may even choose to explore fasting or reducing to one meal a day, which can become achievable with patience and structure. Preparing large pots of vegetable-rich soups is another powerful option, as is eating a diet focused on fish, greens, quinoa, and other nutrient-dense foods. Quinoa is high in protein and extremely versatile, and adding hemp seeds or flax seeds to smoothies is a simple way to boost nutrition without complexity.

Taking our health seriously also means understanding that cooking is not difficult, and food preparation should be admired, not avoided. Preparing meals is a form of discipline and self-respect. Relying on the microwave is not the same as truly cooking and nourishing the body. When we clean up our diet and support the body properly, we reduce disease. Exercise plays a major role in this as well. Simple walking is a great place to start. We don’t have to begin at the finish line. Start small, grow big. Walks can turn into jogs, and jogs can eventually turn into long-distance goals. There is nothing wrong with aiming high.

For those who have access to a gym and don’t know where to begin, the elliptical machine is one of the best options available. If using a treadmill, placing it on a slight incline and walking at a comfortable pace activates muscle groups throughout the body, strengthens the core, and improves endurance without overwhelming the joints. These small adjustments make a big difference over time.

It’s also important to say that we should not rely too heavily on supplements. Just because a supplement is popular does not mean it replaces the work. There is no magic pill. Supplements can support a healthy lifestyle, but they cannot do the work for us. The work requires movement, discipline, and consistency. Health is earned through daily choices, not shortcuts.

In closing, I want us to take an honest inventory of our habits and make a decision today to do better. This is not about perfection, judgment, or comparison. It’s about unity, accountability, and love for our people. This is your brother, striving to be better and inviting you to walk this health journey together. If we commit to this collectively, we can change the narrative, restore our strength, and show the world what it looks like when a community decides to heal together.