By John-Michael Lawrence Medical research shows that a plant-based diet reduces the need for medication, reduces the need for health care, prevents chronic ailments (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood ailments, prostate cancer, etc.) that disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color because of poor diet and lack of health care. Animal protein […]
Tag: Communities of color
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Baltimore County’s redistricting must reflect all of us
By Senator Charles E. Sydnor III (D-Baltimore County- District 44), Sharonda Dillard-Huffman and Peta N. Richkus On Aug. 17, the Greater Baltimore Urban League hosted an urgent discussion on Baltimore County’s redistricting. The message was clear: fair process, fair maps and fair representation. Bill 55-25—the County Council’s proposed plan—delivers none of these. Instead, Bill 55-25 […]
Posted inCommentary
Commentary: Cuts to Minority Business Development Agency leaves 3 staff
A recent executive order aimed at reducing government functions has significantly cut staffing and funding for key federal programs like the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, despite their proven success in fostering minority-owned businesses and revitalizing underserved communities. Critics, including bipartisan senators and Rep. Maxine Waters, argue these cuts undermine economic equity and squander public-private models that yield substantial returns and job creation.
Posted inCommentary
Beyond the diversity, equity and inclusion backlash: Addressing root causes to advance equity in every industry
As legal and political challenges dismantle race-conscious diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, institutions are pivoting to strategies that address economic and systemic barriers, achieving similar equity goals without triggering legal scrutiny. By focusing on income-based policies, mentorship programs, and access to education and healthcare, organizations can continue promoting diversity and opportunity while adapting to the evolving landscape of equity efforts.
Posted inCommentary
The ‘State of Our Air’ is not equal, but it can be
Black communities are disproportionately exposed to air pollution due to a long legacy of environmental injustice, and the EPA must set stronger national limits on ozone pollution to improve health and save lives.
Posted inCommentary, Opinion, OPINION
Commentary: Tackling the affordable housing crisis in Baltimore County
By Ryan Coleman, randallstownnaacp@gmail.com Our county is in the midst of a worsening affordable housing crisis. Baltimore County renters are now paying more than 30 percent of their income on rent—the highest cost-burden level in at least 20 years. Over the last three years, single-family home prices have skyrocketed by 40 percent—reaching historic highs and […]
Posted inCommentary
This Black History Month fight for the freedom to learn
By Svante Myrick A little over a year ago, the College Board unveiled its long-awaited draft AP African American Studies curriculum. What happened next was sad — and all too predictable. Florida officials, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), howled. They claimed the course “lacks educational value” and violated state laws against teaching about race […]
Posted inPOLITICS
Activists who engage with voters of color are looking for messages that will resonate in 2024
BY Ayanna Alexander and Gary FieldsThe Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — This year’s elections in Louisiana didn’t go the way that voting rights advocate Ashley Shelton had hoped, with the far-right conservative attorney general replacing a term-limited Democratic governor and consolidating Republican control in the state. Turnout was just 37 percent, despite the efforts of […]