We are pleased to share this important symposium with you. We encourage you to watch the videos below and share your reflections here. Thank you!
This three-part series examines how racism and health literacy interact to impact health equity. Session I explores racism’s effect on the health literacy of Black patients, caregivers and communities. Session II highlights and amplifies anti-racist health literacy practices. Session III features a powerful story of Black healing and provides tools to help participants change the narrative.
Racism & Health Literacy is a part of Say Ah!’s call for a racially just health care system, and an end to the discriminatory health literacy and health communication practices that often leave Black patients and caregivers unseen, unheard and unhealed.
Session I: In the Beginning was the Word: Racism is rarely discussed in health communication, and yet it is an important determinant of health. This session examines the ways racism and health literacy interact to impact health equity. Speakers include: Janet Ohene-Frempong, Dr. Kirkland Vaughans, Dr. Robert Fullilove and Say Ah! Board member Dr.Tyree Oredein.
Session II: Anti-Racist Health Literacy in Action: This panel provides insight from the field, highlighting best practices and identifying key challenges in ensuring health promotion is anti-racist. Panelists represent organizations and programs, including Girltrek, AlohaCare’s Native Hawaiian Cultural Liaison, New York City’s Sexual and Reproductive Justice Community Engagement Group, New York City’s Fatherhood Initiative, and Community Service Society of New York’s Community Health Advocates.
Session III: Changing the Narrative: While the national discourse on health disparities shines a much-needed light on race-based health inequities, it also reinforces a racist narrative. This narrative must change. Learn how to be a part of that change at our final evening – a night of storytelling, narrative competency and rally for civic engagement. Storytellers include Say Ah! Board member, literacy scholar and author Valerie Williams-Sanchez, Narrative Medicine educator and third year medical student Marcus Mosley, and Say Ah!’s Narrative Competency lead Oluwatomisin Sontan. Click here to watch the Zoom recording.
You can also change the narrative now by registering to vote here or here and making a plan to vote in the upcoming election!