Igniting Hope for Health Equity JazzCast Pros Network

Ep. 32 Pastor George Nicholas and Dr. Henry Taylor discuss their plan to transform Buffalo's Black east side. This episode explores the concept of a neighborly community built on principles of solidarity, community governance, shared ownership, cooperative economics, and community wealth.
We must own and control the land on which we are building our community." - Dr. Henry Lewis Taylor
Dr. Henry Taylor is a University at Buffalo faculty expert on urban issues and social, racial and economic justice. He directs the Center for Urban Studies at UB.
With an unwavering commitment to systemic transformation, Dr. Taylor elucidates the principles of creating a prosperous and equitable community framework. He ardently speaks on the imperative of governing at the neighborhood level, advocating for shared ownership, and establishing community wealth over individual wealth.
This episode is a beacon for those seeking actionable insight into catalyzing positive change within Black communities.
GET ACTIVE!
Register for the Event: How to Change the Black Eastside Monday, Feb 26th 6pm at Jacobs School of Medicine, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY
Read the Report Changing the Black East Side: Pilot Initiative Will Tackle Social Determinants of Health - Community Health Equity Research Institute - University at Buffalo

End Gun Violence Event: Thursday, February 29 10am-1pm Erie County Medical Center Smith Auditorium 462 Grider St., Buffalo, NY

Key Episode Takeaways:


Shared Community Governance: Dr. Taylor emphasizes the significance of collective action and self-determination within neighborhoods through elected local bodies that represent community interests.


Comprehensive Planning: Effective transformation necessitates identifying issues and systematically addressing them in unity, ensuring all community members are involved in decision-making.


Ownership of Land: Securing control over the land on which communities are built is paramount to fortifying neighborhoods against exploitative market dynamics and gentrification.


Economic Self-Sufficiency: The development of cooperative businesses and social enterprises enables communities to retain economic resources and foster community wealth.


Health Equity and Infrastructure: The fixture of existing housing conditions is a pathway to addressing health disparities endemic within the black community on Buffalo's East Side.


Chapters:
0:00:00 Intro: The challenges of liberating black communities.
0:00:43 Need for black communities to take action and read Dr. Henry Lewis Taylor's report.
0:03:28 Dr. Henry Lewis Taylor discusses the condition of black communities and paths to improvement.
0:04:28 Historical pattern of Black people living in undesirable neighborhoods
0:06:00 Dr. Taylor challenges the narrative that white people don't want to live next to black communities
0:08:20 Community built on solidarity, self-governance, and shared ownership.
0:14:53 Pastor George highlights the existence of homeowner associations in wealthy neighborhoods.
0:16:09 The American way perpetuates disparities and mass incarceration.
0:20:03 The importance of cooperative ownership and community wealth.
0:22:39 The focus on fixing existing rental housing and community control.
0:23:55 The impact of dilapidated housing on health and the need for comprehensive planning.
0:29:30 The undervaluation of land in Black communities and market dynamics.
0:33:58 Job training for community members is essential for neighborhood improvements.
0:36:17 Utilizing creative tools like payments in lieu of taxes to lower costs.
0:38:24 Median household income for black Americans is lower than other racialized groups.
0:39:00 Community conversation on February 26 to discuss the comprehensive plan.
0:41:16 Demonstrating proof of concept and seeking broad support for the plan.
0:43:29 Rejecting the notion that black people cannot control their own destiny.
0:46:16 Invitation to join the conversation at the Jacob School of Medicine.
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Ep. 31 Pastor George Nicholas and Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks discuss the issue of gun violence as a public health concern. They explore the historical roots of gun ownership in America, particularly its connection to the control of Black people, and the disproportionate impact of gun violence on Black youth. They also highlight the need for upcoming community events to address the culture of violence and trauma that perpetuates gun violence.
"The presence of gun laws itself has not proven to be the kind of deterrent in order to keep ourselves safe. It's a cultural thing." - Pastor George Nicholas
Resources:
Buffalo Center for Health Equity Events: Men's Health Initiative Monday, February 19, March 4 and 18th.

How to Change the Black Eastside (Featuring Dr. Henry Taylor) Monday, Feb 26th


End Gun Violence Event: Thursday, February 29 10am-1pm Erie County Medical Center Smith Auditorium 462 Grider St., Buffalo, NY

Book by Carol Anderson: The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America



Key Takeaways:

Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America, with black youth being disproportionately affected.

America has a unique gun culture, with more guns than people, and a significant portion of gun ownership is concentrated among white men.

The historical context of gun ownership in America reveals a legacy of using firearms to control and oppress black people and indigenous communities.

Framing gun violence as a public health issue allows for a deeper understanding of the root causes and the development of comprehensive solutions.

Addressing the trauma and desensitization to violence is crucial in breaking the cycle of gun violence and creating safer communities.


About the Speakers:

Pastor George Nicholas is the host of the Igniting Hope podcast and the Executive Director of the Buffalo Center for Health Equity. He is dedicated to eliminating race-based health disparities and addressing the root causes of gun violence in communities.

Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks is the Manager of the Men's Health Initiative at the Buffalo Center for Health Equity. He works closely with young people and men in the community, providing support groups and resources to promote personal and financial growth.


Chapters:
0:00:00 Pastor George Nicholas introduces the topic of gun violence as a public health issue.
0:05:29 Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks promotes the upcoming men's health initiative event.
0:08:18 Analysis of the ineffectiveness of strict gun laws in preventing gun violence.
0:11:05 Revelation of firearms as the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in America.
0:13:06 There is gun violence everywhere in America.
0:14:58 Witnessing violence creates trauma, especially for young people.
0:15:37 The presence of firearms enables and empowers violence.
0:16:53 "The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America" by Carol Anderson.
0:17:21 The idea of black people having guns was not in the original documents.
0:18:46 The Negro Act of 1740 restricted the movements and access to firearms for enslaved people.
0:19:20 South Carolina issued monetary rewards for the scalp of an escaping slave.
0:20:10 50% of wealth holders in the 13 colonies owned guns in 1774.
0:21:37 Legislation and punishment were used to control enslaved people.
0:24:00 Massachusetts and New York banning enslaved Africans from possessing guns
0:25:11 The use of the militia to control African and indigenous populations
0:26:59 Comparison of the government's use of the National Guard during civil rights protests
0:30:46 The rise in black gun ownership and the narrative of self-defense
0:32:25 Disproportionate gun violence and deaths among black youth
0:34:46 Desensitization to violence and the influence of street culture
0:35:53 Gilbert Arenas and the consequences of impulsive actions
0:37:23 Creating a community where gun violence is not normalized
0:39:32 President Biden's office of Gun Violence Prevention
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Ep. 30 Guest host Ebony White delves into the depths of community resilience and grassroots advocacy with guest Dion Green. This show promises to unravel the tapestry of a community's struggle for health equity and the individual journeys of empowerment that fuel collective hope and healing.
Dion Green is the founder and CEO of the Fudge Foundation in Dayton, Ohio. Dion shares his personal story of losing his father in the Oregon District mass shooting and the barriers he faced in accessing support from the Victims of Crime Act. He discusses his advocacy work to change legislation and establish resources for those impacted by violent crime. Dion also talks about his run for District 39 of Ohio House of Representatives and how being a survivor of tragedy fuels his agenda to make communities safer.
Resources:
Flourishing Under Distress Given Encouragement (FUDGE) a 501c3 nonprofit that helps survivors through traumatic experiences with resources and support. 
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) formula grants are intended to support victim assistance services for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, drunk driving, homicide, and other crimes.
End Gun Violence Event: Thursday, February 29 10am-1pm Erie County Medical Center Smith Auditorium 462 Grider St., Buffalo, NY
Buffalo Center for Health Equity
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Ep. 29 In this episode of Igniting Hope Radio, guest host Ebony White interviews Isiah Gary, the Director of Diversity, Community, and Health Equity at Health Sciences Charter School in Buffalo. Isiah discusses his role in helping students plan for their future careers and promoting health equity within the school. He highlights the importance of Wellness Wednesdays, an initiative that educates the school community about social determinants of health and encourages healthier decision-making. Isaiah also talks about the school's garden program, which provides students with hands-on experience in growing their own food. The episode concludes with a discussion about the Health Ambassadors program and the impact it has had on students' understanding of health and wellness.
"Our students have influence on each other, so empowering them to teach their peers, family members, and community about health equity is a slam dunk." - Isiah Gary

Key Takeaways:

The school's garden program, fostered by Home Beneath Our Feet, provides students with hands-on experience in growing their own food and promotes the importance of nutrition.

The Health Ambassadors program empowers students to teach their peers, families, and community about social determinants of health and make positive choices.

Parents and caretakers can support young people by listening to understand, leading by example, giving them time to grow, and loving them unconditionally.


Resources:

Health Sciences Charter School

Buffalo Center for Health Equity

Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center (AHEC)


Produced by JazzCast Pros

Chapters:
0:00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest speaker, Isiah Gary
0:01:16 Discussing favorite things about Buffalo, including food
0:02:00 Isiah Gary's role as Director of Diversity, Community, and Health Equity
0:03:01 Wellness Wednesday initiative at Health Sciences Charter School
0:04:08 Examples of activities during Wellness Wednesday, such as smoothie program and healthy cooking classes
0:05:12 Impact of the smoothie program on students' eating habits
0:06:36 The school's garden and plans for future involvement
0:08:03 Rewards and challenges of working with students in promoting health and wellness
0:09:49 Challenges of motivating students and accepting limitations
0:10:36 Acknowledging the loss of students and the school community's response
0:11:27 Health Sciences Charter School's strong community connection
0:12:12 Importance of teaching social determinants of health
0:13:49 Impact of Health Ambassadors program on students
0:15:19 Vision for the upcoming school year
0:17:41 Pointers and support for parents and caretakers
0:19:59 Importance of unconditional love for positive youth development

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Ep. 28 The Sensory Garden was created in response to the mass shooting at a Buffalo grocery store on May 14 2022. This is just one of seven Urban Gardens our guest has his green thumb on!
Dwight Lowe, the executive director and founder of Home Beneath Our Feet, joins Ebony White on Igniting Hope Radio to discuss the importance of gardening and providing programming for inner-city children. Dwight shares his inspiration for starting the organization, which stemmed from the lack of programming in his own youth. He believes that by teaching children how to grow their own food, they can develop life skills and a sense of stability. Dwight also emphasizes the importance of knowing where our food comes from and the benefits of eating fresh, live food. He shares his experiences working with youth and building community gardens, highlighting the positive impact it has on both individuals and the community as a whole.
For more info visit on Urban Gardening in Buffalo, NY visit Beneath Our Feet on Facebook
Email Dlowe@hbof.org
Key Takeaways

Gardening provides a sense of stability and self-sufficiency, allowing individuals to feed themselves even in challenging times.

Teaching children how to grow their own food instills valuable life skills and promotes a sense of responsibility.

Community gardens bring people together, fostering a sense of community and providing access to fresh, nutritious food.

Eating fresh, live food contributes to overall well-being and can have a positive impact on mental health.

By creating platforms for individuals to thrive, we can help them discover their purpose and reach their full potential.

Quotes

"When I see a backyard or front lawn, I see a green space and opportunity to feed ourselves and to at least that if you don't have that, you can't feed yourself." - Dwight Lowe

"Our kids are happy, happy people, happy plants. That's a fact. That's a scientific fact." - Dwight Lowe

"We want to eat live food, to stay alive, to feel better." - Dwight Lowe


Credits
Hosted by Ebony White for Buffalo Center for Health Equity
Produced by JazzCast Pros

Chapters
0:00:00 Importance of gardening and youth involvement
0:02:11 Introduction of Dwight Lowe, founder of Home Beneath Our Feet
0:03:20 Inspiration behind creating programming for inner-city youth
0:04:52 Impact of after-school programs on community
0:05:37 Priority population: inner-city children dealing with food insecurity
0:07:10 Number of gardens cultivated by Dwight Lowe
0:08:14 Importance of teaching youth about food sources and sustainability
0:09:23 Sensory garden at 1117 Ellicott St and involvement of young children
0:11:07 Teaching youth about entrepreneurship through selling produce
0:12:24 Collaboration with other organizations to support community needs
0:13:24 Importance of giving children tools for prosperity
0:13:35 Children's knowledge about bugs in the garden
0:14:20 Importance of eating live food for better health
0:15:13 Addressing the mindset of "we're going to die anyway"
0:16:19 Encouraging parents to start their own gardens
0:17:31 Balancing outdoor activities with technology
0:18:22 Volunteering opportunities with Home Beneath Our Feet
0:19:29 Neighbors taking care of community gardens
0:21:36 Gardens as a study place and sense of pride
0:22:54 Motivation to create stress-free environments for growth
0:24:18 Dwight Lowe's job is to create platforms for self-improvement.
0:24:27 Contact information for Dwight Lowe.
0:24:55 Conclusion and closing remarks.
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Ep. 27 Tobacco use is a major contributor to the three leading causes of death among African Americans—heart disease, cancer, and stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 40,000 Black people die annually from cigarettes annually but on Saturday June 24th the Tobacco Free Erie Niagara Coalition is holding a funeral for "Menthol" celebrating the death of cigarette use. In this episode Stan Martin gives us the story behind the motivation for this event and his mission to work with tobacco users to help them quit the product that, when used as intended, will kill you. 

For decades, Big Tobacco marketed menthol cigarettes to African Americans by giving them away in neighborhoods, at festivals and other events. While the use of tobacco products is about equal among Blacks and Whites, African Americans are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes, inhaling the smoke deeper into their lungs and making it more difficult to quit. 


NYS smoker quit line- 1 866 NY quits, https://www.nysmokefree.com/



About the Guest

Stan Martin, MM is the Buffalo Office Director for Cicatelli Associates Inc.
He possesses over 20 years of experience in program planning, coordination and implementation of community initiatives focused on tobacco
control, chronic disease prevention, healthy eating, nutrition, optimal adolescent health, and vaccine hesitancy in historic oppressed populations.

 
Contact Stan "The Man" via email smartin@caiglobal.org
 
Throughout his decade of service with CAI, he has held several key leadership positions, which promote health and wellness, facilitation of youth-community led initiatives including HOPE Buffalo, REACH Buffalo & Advancing Tobacco Free Communities.
Mr. Martin has expertise in building the capacity of community stakeholders to address the social determinants of health, utilization of Community Based Participatory Research, Collective Impact and Population-Based Health strategies that promote systemic and policy change at every level of the socio-ecological model, which lead to the transformation of social norms.
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