The Silent Killer: Heart Health in the Immigrant Community
Introduction: The “New World” Diet February is American Heart Month. While we often focus on infectious diseases (malaria, HIV) when talking about Africa, the biggest killer of African immigrants in the US is Non-Communicable Disease—specifically Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Heart Disease. Why? Because migration changes the body. The Stress Factor: “The Immigrant Heart” It […]
The Griot in the Living Room: Why Oral History Matters for Black History Month
Introduction: When an Elder Dies, a Library Burns There is an African proverb: “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” We are in the middle of Black History Month. Often, we look to books and documentaries for history. But for the African immigrant community, our history is sitting in the living […]
8,000 Miles of Love: The Reality of Marriage in the Immigration Wait
Introduction: The Empty Seat at Dinner This Valentine’s Day, restaurants across America will be full of couples. But for thousands of asylum seekers and refugees, the seat across from them will be empty. Their spouse is 8,000 miles away—in a camp in Kenya, a village in Uganda, or hiding in a safe house. This is […]