My Community: An Honest Apology

I Apologize to My Community
I apologize to my community for the part I have played in helping to develop one of the worst healthcare systems in the world. We live in one of the richest countries in the world, yet we rank 40th in life expectancy. We spend more on healthcare than any other nation—nearly 18% of our GDP—but still see worse outcomes.

A Broken System with Deadly Consequences
Why? Because the system is full of red tape, broken care, and deep-rooted inequities. Things we could prevent—like obesity, poor diets, and substance abuse—are claiming too many lives. If nothing changes, we could lose four years of life expectancy gains by 2050, and over 12 million people could die needlessly.

The Impact on Black Communities
But it hits our communities even harder. Black Americans are dying younger—our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter than White Americans. Our babies are more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday. Black women face pregnancy-related deaths nearly three times higher than White women.

Bias Still Lives in Medicine
These aren’t just numbers. They’re the result of centuries of racism baked into our healthcare system. False ideas about Black bodies still linger. A 2016 study found many White medical students and residents believed harmful myths—like Black people having thicker skin or bleeding less. These biases don’t just stay in classrooms. They shape the care we get every day.

Uncertain Future, Unshaken Commitment
Next year could bring even more challenges. Leadership changes at HHS, Medicare, and the FDA might shift priorities. The CDC has already been told to pull back its public messages. But we’re not giving up.

We Keep Fighting
The African American Wellness Project will keep fighting for us. We’ll push for better care. We’ll speak out against bias. We’ll share the truth—even when it’s hard to hear. And we’ll stand up for the healthier future our families deserve. Because our lives—and our children’s lives—depend on it.