In today’s politically charged landscape, racial healing and reparative education are being challenged and threatened more than ever. As REACH Healthcare Foundation and its funding partners navigate the ideological resistance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, one thing remains certain: the Foundation remains steadfast in advancing racial equity and continues to embrace its philanthropic responsibility and commitment to reparative health philanthropy.
In an effort to continue advancing racial equity, the Foundation partnered with the University of Kansas Medical Center, Center for African American Health (CAAH) to launch Building Mainstream Champions (BMC), a six-part educational series that delves into the historical and systemic issues impacting Black Americans. The BMC series took its inspiration from the University of Kansas Medical Center’s six-part educational series titled “How Did We Get Here? A History of Racism and Health Inequities in the United States,” which was developed for medical students and faculty to help them understand the connection between structural racism and health outcomes with the goal of fostering mechanisms that dismantle the effects of racism to improve health outcomes in the community.
“As we customized the series for our grantee partners and community leaders, it was important for us to ensure that the program focused on issues impacting the nonprofit health and human services sector,” said Carla Gibson, Vice President of Programs at REACH. “We aimed to highlight how historical and current systemic racism affects both the physical and mental health of Black people and to identify ways we can collectively promote reparative practices that restore trust and drive positive change in our communities.”
Each month, REACH and the CAAH team hosted two virtual sessions, followed by a more in-depth in-person segment. Sessions focused on topics such as the Atlantic Slave Trade, Jim Crow, Affirmative Action, and DEIB resistance and fostered an environment of open dialogue and reflection. Participants could share their own experiences and insights, creating a collective understanding of how the legacy of these historical injustices continues to shape the health outcomes of Black communities today.
“Reparative education is essential in fostering understanding and support within our communities. Our goal with Building Mainstream Champions was to cultivate advocates from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who may not initially represent the underrepresented communities we serve. By engaging these individuals, we aim to enhance their comprehension of effective engagement with marginalized populations. This involves not only recognizing the unique challenges faced by these communities but also understanding how to better align their organizational practices with inclusive values,” said Nicole Garner, Executive Director of the Center for African American Health.
One of the most attended segments was led by Dr. Sharla Smith, Associate Professor of Population Health, and Dr. Jill Peltzer, Associate Professor of the School of Nursing at the University of Kansas Medical Center. This segment addressed how the lived experience of discrimination, stress, and the allostatic load impacted the health of Black Americans.
One attendee who found the segment to be the most impactful of the series noted how Dr. Sharla used a Jenga tower to vividly illustrate the effects of structural and environmental racism on the body. This analogy demonstrates how various stressors accumulate and worsen for minorities, providing a powerful visual representation of the lived experience of racism.
“It was way more engaging than I anticipated, felt very authentic and easy to understand, but still challenging and deeply educational.”
– BMC Series Participant
“When you come from a place of privilege, it’s easy to overlook the profound effects of racism. True understanding often requires a personal jolt—an experience that awakens your empathy and compels you to act. We all have the power to ignite change, no matter how big or small our actions may be, by allowing ourselves to truly feel and connect with others’ struggles,” said Garner.
This sentiment underscores the importance of confronting these issues head-on and understanding their relevance in our daily lives. By exploring these important topics, the REACH and the CAAH team aimed to empower individuals to advocate for change and promote health equity. This ultimately encourages a deeper engagement with the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and its implications for public health. These gatherings not only educate but also inspire action, helping to bridge the gap between historical awareness and modern-day advocacy.
60% of attendees gained a deeper understanding of intergenerational racism.
Nearly 50% felt more confident identifying and addressing systemic inequities.
The work done through the BMC series highlights the need for consistent dialogue and education on historically marginalized issues, providing a platform for voices that have often been unheard. The urgency for these efforts is evident, especially in today’s politically charged atmosphere where misinformation and divisive narratives threaten to slow the progress toward racial justice. By engaging in reparative education, individuals and organizations can challenge false narratives and foster inclusive communities committed to equity and understanding.
“It’s been impactful for me in righting some wrong knowledge I was brought up with, and it has strengthened my base knowledge and resolve to make change where I see it.”
– BMC Series Participant
Looking forward, the Center for African American Health’s commitment to promoting health equity and addressing the disparities faced by the Black community has led to new programs focused on Black mental health, aiming to enhance education about generational trauma and the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Community engagement will continue to be a fundamental aspect of CAAH’s programmatic efforts as advocates and residents share feedback surrounding health concerns affecting their communities To learn more about the Center for African American Health’s programs and resources, click here.
