Alvin Poussaint

In his book, co-written with Dr. Bill Cosby, and in his presentation, Dr. Poussaint shares his vision for strengthening America by addressing the crisis of people frozen in feelings of low self-esteem, abandonment, fearfulness, sadness, and frustration. By addressing these issues and providing tools to deal with them, Dr. Poussaint helps empower people to make the daunting transition from victims to victors, helping them to become purposeful and effective citizens, actively engaged in shaping the lives of their children, caring for their physical and emotional health, and encouraging their families toward higher educational achievement.

Many studies show that a significant number of children who are exposed to violence either by witnessing constant community violence, being victims of violence perpetrated by parents or others, or being exposed to domestic violence may develop stress disorders including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and conduct disorders. Such children are likely to perform less well in school and to be at a higher risk of committing violence against others. However, for a high percentage of children exposed to violence these disturbances do not occur and many show the resilience to successfully cope with a degree of psychological and physical abuse. These are children who, by dint of temperament and strong love and nurturing in their early years, develop a strong sense of self and an ability to feel a sense of control over their environment that enables them to bounce back from adversity. Children's resilience is always enhanced when there is a strong, loving and caring adult in the environment.

Research demonstrates that media violence, particularly television and the movies, influences the values, attitudes and behavior of children. Children directly imitate behaviors seen on television; for instance, if they see a great deal of aggression they imitate it in their own play and interactions. In television and the movies, conflict is too often resolved through the use of violence rather than through peaceful means such as discussion, negotiation and mediation.

The continuing health care disparities among African Americans and other ethnic minorities in relation to white Americans are part of the legacy of a segregated health care system (which some called medical apartheid) existing in the United States until the mid-1960s. Segregated health facilities in the South were responsible for a "separate but equal" system that meant blacks received inferior care or no care at all. They were also abused and exploited for research without regard to protecting their lives and well-being. There are numerous examples from the past, including the infamous Tuskegee study, which illustrate the egregious and toxic nature of racism in American medicine. Blacks often put their lives at risk when they entered a segregated facility or were denied care altogether even in emergency situations. Because of these horrid experiences, a deep distrust developed in African American and other minorities that made them reluctant to seek health care, particularly when equal access was denied.

It is welcome that the government has come to recognize these disparities and the need to close the health care gap between African Americans and whites. Both in the burdens of death and illness, African Americans experience disparities which lessen their quality of life and life expectancy. There are disparities in infant mortality, life expectancy, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, stroke, homicide, and mental health. Addressing these disparities must include improving health care access, innovative health education programs, and addressing the social ills associated with poverty. The federal government has now taken on the disparities issue and is trying to empower people to adopt healthier lifestyles and improve public health initiatives. Many medical schools and hospitals around the country have put health care disparities high on their agendas in an effort to find effective solutions that ultimately will benefit large and neglected segments of our population.