Tag: Health

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Community Community Development Education Health and Wellness History Hometown Heroes Sonia Montalvo

Holly Edwards: The Legacy of Lamb and Lion Lives On

by Sonia Montalvo | Photos by Anica Marcelino

Holly Edwards was a force—both gentle and unyielding—who forever shaped Charlottesville’s community. Even now, nearly a decade since her passing, the ripple effects of her civic-centered work as a nurse, City Councilor, and community advocate are felt in both big and small ways. Holly was not just a public figure; she was a servant leader who showed up in people’s lives, day in and day out, with compassion, wisdom, and quiet strength.

To her family, she was the matriarch who led by example; to her neighbors, a trusted advocate and friend; and to the community at large, she was a woman of action, embodying what it meant to stand firmly for what is right while offering warmth and kindness to those around her.

Saturn Edwards recalls their mother’s advice: “You gotta be tough,” emphasizing her belief in balance: “She specifically said that we have to be like a lion and a lamb. You have to balance your energy when you’re interacting with other people, and you have to stand up for yourself while also doing it with grace.” Saturn and their twin, Jean, were the youngest of Holly and Ken Edwards’s children, growing up in a close-knit family alongside siblings Christen and Shelby.

Video Credit: Anna Scholl

Photo of Holly  provided by family.

Jean, fondly known as Novella, reflects on spending after-school hours at Westhaven with Holly, who seamlessly integrated family with her community work. “She would pick us up, especially during the summer when she was working as a nurse, and be like, ‘I’m going to be in my office and do my own thing, but you guys can play with your toys.’” For the Edwards children, service was more than a responsibility—it was a natural part of life.

Christen and Shelby share similarly impactful memories. Holly supported and encouraged their interests: Shelby recalls her mother buying the book that the musical she starred in during high school was based on, while Christen remembers having empowering conversations with Holly about her teenage aspirations of becoming an Olympic swimmer like Michael Phelps.

Creating Community Care

Holly’s roots run deep in Charlottesville’s public housing communities, and Westhaven held a special place in her heart. Westhaven, Charlottesville’s oldest housing complex, was where Mrs. Edwards served as a Parish Nurse and Program Coordinator for the Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR) at the Westhaven Clinic. Holly’s efforts brought healthcare directly to those who needed it most, ensuring equitable access for all. She didn’t limit her work to just one facet of community care—she also pursued political change.

Left to Right: Jean Edwards, Saturn Edwards (Front Row,) Shelby Edwards, Christen Edwards, & Ken Edwards (Back Row.)

During her time in local government, Holly Edwards served as Vice Mayor of Charlottesville from 2008 to 2010 during her term on the Charlottesville City Council. Elected to the council in 2007, she served until 2011. In her work, she fought for policies that mattered—equitable access to resources and healthcare, as well as support for the city’s most marginalized. But she also knew that leadership wasn’t just about standing tall; it was about lifting others. Her family understood her unmatched ability to listen, connect, and offer the right words at the right time.

Love and Lasting Impact

Ken Edwards, no stranger to community work, jokingly shares that he loved “the hype” surrounding his wife, Holly. As a Community Faith leader and long-time Government Service worker for the United States Postal Service, Ken has spent decades fostering spiritual growth, serving as a pastor at Union Grove Baptist Church and now the historic Zion Union Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. Alongside his late wife, the couple exemplified a life of unwavering service—Ken through his faithful leadership and commitment to public service, and Holly through her passionate advocacy for healthcare and social justice.

Reflecting on Holly’s tireless work, Ken expressed his admiration: “It was amazing how many people Holly touched in ways I never knew about… People would see her carrying the oxygen tank, taking care of the twins, and still showing up for the community. They were inspired to do more, to stop dragging their feet.” When asked about his own legacy, Mr. Edwards said, “I want people to know that I was friendly, I didn’t point the finger at anybody, I didn’t condemn anybody. I just tried to love everybody. Man, that’s what I want. If the church can get that right, guess what? We’ll be full every Sunday.”

Carrying the Torch

In 2017, Holly Edwards passed away, and the community continues to deeply feel her absence, with many still mourning the profound loss of her leadership and compassion. One of her many initiatives still utilized in Charlottesville today is her “Meet Me at the Bus” program, where she stood at the Westhaven bus stop with donuts and fruit, chatting with families as they sent their children to school. This practice has since been adopted by other organizations in the area to foster engagement with community youth and their parents.

Today, Holly’s children continue her legacy in their own ways. Shelby Edwards, a versatile professional, has made an impact in both the performing arts and the nonprofit sector. A performer and teacher in the theater world, Shelby has acted on stages from Virginia to Illinois. In a full-circle moment of legacy, Shelby also became the Executive Director of the Public Housing Association of Residents (PHAR) in 2020, the same organization where her mother once worked as a program coordinator. Now back in the Windy City, she continues her philanthropic work as a Director of Leadership Giving.

Christen, a leader in the education field, is involved in several equitable education initiatives aimed at supporting marginalized students and fostering inclusion. A graduate of North Carolina A&T and UVA, Christen was a part of the inaugural leadership team for  Charlottesville’s first Freedom School, which provides a comprehensive education on Black and Brown history, social activism, and community involvement. She also started the first equity committee in the Charlottesville school district. Christen states, “I wanted to be able to talk about equity, diversity, and inclusion… the voiceless need a voice, and if I’m gonna come back home, I’m gonna give back to Charlottesville because it’s the same community that built me up.” She now serves as a Manager of Research and Evaluation for the National Center for Teacher Residencies, a Chicago-based education organization.

Jean and Saturn, recent high school graduates, are making their mark on the community as well. Jean, currently a student at VCU’s School of Arts for Theatre, said: “I don’t know. I just feel like it’s still very early in my career. Even though I am very young, and like I can speak on some of these issues, I feel like I still have yet to experience all of it. I’m mostly looking forward to being at VCU. I’m a transfer student. I didn’t enjoy my previous college. It was much too small for my taste, and I knew I wanted more.”

Saturn, following in their mother’s footsteps of activism, has become a vocal advocate for Black queer and trans individuals, focusing on visibility and inclusivity within the Charlottesville community. Like their mother, who worked passionately to uplift marginalized groups, Saturn continues this legacy by setting an example of Black queer joy and resilience. “I’m really setting an example for what Black queer joy can look like,” Saturn says. “That’s why I decided to stay [in Charlottesville]… so other Black queer and trans youth can see me on my journey and say, ‘Wow, I can do that and be happy.’”

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Community Community Development Education Health and Wellness Vanessa Johnson

Navigating Trauma: Insights from a Human Services Journey

Working in the Human Service Field for approximately 15 years, the more I serve children and families, the more I realize the significant role that trauma plays in their lives. In the field of community-based services, 90% of the families that are in services have some level of personal, cyclical, or multi-generational trauma within their families. Trauma within families has increasingly become a tragic legacy passed down from generation to generation, creating a society of individuals who have become burdened with the pains of their past, and as they try to create a life worth living; they discover that it becomes increasingly difficult without healing. This can make the very act of living difficult and overwhelming.

 It is important to understand how childhood trauma can impact the life of a child which could consequently impact their emotional and mental health into adulthood. Experiencing trauma at a young age can cause a child to see the world only through the lens of trauma which can cause a level of distrust and create a lack of desire to contribute positively to the world around them. Children exposed to trauma are prevalent with more than two-thirds of them experiencing some type of traumatic event during their childhood. More than one type of trauma is happening to one-third of our children and as a result, 20% of trauma-exposed children develop mental health issues like posttraumatic stress disorder. Along with posttraumatic stress disorder, children also experience depressive and anxiety symptoms which can cause substantial impairment in n their daily functioning and overall well-being.

There are major factors that contribute to the development of problems in children like significant behavioral problems within the school system. Many people, including those in the human service field, do not realize the significant impact that trauma has on the body, in particular the brain. Journal articles that explore childhood trauma history have linked it to abnormal brain activities, particularly in individuals with major depressive disorders (MDD),  show findings of the dramatic primary association of the brain’s resting state network and its connection to abnormalities in those with a history of childhood trauma. Childhood trauma that includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse causes disorders like  MDD to manifest.  MDD symptoms include impaired daily function and suicidal ideation, insomnia, and disruption in cognitive functions like attention and memory. MDD is just one disorder that has been attributed to trauma.  Other disorders linked to MDD include posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and severe anxiety disorders. Obtaining knowledge of how the brain is impacted or even fractured in some senses as a result of trauma is important for those who are called to provide counsel and therapy to victims. This knowledge is important as we assist clients with their reconstruction and healing process.

My very own traumatic past has made me a lifelong student of trauma and its significant impact on the mind, body, and spirit. The work of understanding trauma can enlighten and educate a generation of people who look at children and adults with mental and emotional health issues as just people with problems. We as a society need to understand and recognize that their lives included experiences that they did not ask for and there is a real struggle to navigate through a myriad of dysfunctions and diagnoses that erupt as a result of experiences that someone else forced on them. It is not easy for society to discuss, but that does not mean it is not necessary. Our perspective of these individuals is often tainted by the behaviors that we see or the possible impact to our own lives, but I ask myself almost daily if that perspective would be different if they could see them through a trauma informed lens. Would it be seen as more significant if it happened to someone in the household or extended family? What will it take for society to aid more and condemn less; to complain less and contribute more? If it were you, what would you want society to do?

 

Vanessa Johnson has worked in the Human Service field since 1993. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in human service counseling with a focus on crisis and trauma. Vanessa is passionate about working with children and families in the Greater Charlottesville area and surrounding counties. Currently pursuing her Doctorate degree in Community Care and Counseling (Traumatology) at Liberty University, her ultimate goal is to educate other human service professionals on the emotional and mental impact of trauma on individuals. To find out more about Vanessa Johnson, please visit thrive2healservices.com

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Best In Black Community Community Development

Best In Black Cville 2024

Best in Black Cville is here for 2024! In collaboration with Soul of Cville, we are celebrating the exceptional contributions of Black individuals and businesses in Charlottesville and central Virginia. Best In Black Cville is our commitment to celebrating our diversity and excellence and shedding light on those who inspire through their hard work, creativity, and leadership.

Categories span a wide array of sectors, from business and entrepreneurship to arts, entertainment, and community service. Each nominee represents some of the best  our community has to offer, embodying Charlottesville’s true spirit of perseverance and innovation. The Best in Black Cville Awards not only recognize outstanding achievements but also foster a sense of unity and pride within our neighborhood.

Community members are encouraged to cast their votes and support their favorite nominees. Voting is simple and accessible, but don’t delay—voting closes on June 30th! Winners will be announced at a live presentation during the Soul of Cville kickoff on August 16, 2024. This collaboration with Soul of Cville amplifies our work of creating impact and bringing together a broader community to celebrate and uplift Black excellence.

This event is made possible by the generous support of the Black Professional Network and the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. Don’t miss this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements within our community. Cast your vote today and help highlight the individuals and businesses that make Charlottesville and central Virginia a dynamic and thriving place to live, work, and create!

To vote, please visit:https://www.cognitoforms.com/DSID1/BestInBlackCVille

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Community Education Health and Wellness Tamara W. Dias

Between Generations: Millennials Navigating Student Debt and Elder Care

by Tamara W. Dias

On January 31, 2023, I sat in a coworking space, working on a few projects for my business. While preparing for my lunch break, I received a phone call from my mom. Though my mom and I talk on the phone often, it was unusual for her to call me in the middle of a workday. She was a School Counseling Director, so her days were usually jam-packed until the school day ended. I remember taking a slight pause as I answered the phone, because the timing of the call signaled that this was either some really good news – or the opposite – some really terrible news. The next sentence she shared would be the catalyst for one of the most trying years of my life.

“Tamara, your father is in the emergency room at MCV hospital. He’s had multiple strokes.”

In the immediate, I wasn’t sure what all of that truly meant. The only priority was jumping in my car, driving down I-64 back to my hometown of Richmond, VA, and getting to my dad. I quickly found out that due to my father’s mix of health concerns (including high blood pressure and diabetes), his stroke recovery would be anything but normal. The next few months not only opened the door to a six-figure neurological surgery and a six-week stay in the critical care unit, but it also pulled back the curtain on the challenges faced by adult children who are quickly thrown into the role of caregiving for their aging parents.

New York Life’s 2023 survey revealed that 66% of self-reported caregivers belong to a demographic often referred to as the “sandwich generation.” This demographic is defined as millennials raising children of their own while also adding in the role of caregivers to their aging parents and loved ones. The startling percentage is an increase from the 2020 reported number of 39%.New York Life also found that for the older group of millennials, their role as caregivers meant mainly providing financial and housing support.

In the heart of modern financial dilemmas, many millennials find themselves precariously balanced between the weight of their past and the obligations of their future. It is a unique generational challenge, characterized by a tug-of-war between paying off student loans—a stark reminder of their educational investments—and stepping up as financial caregivers for older family members. This dual responsibility is not just a financial burden; it’s a profound life ordeal that reshapes the very fabric of adulthood.

The statistics are stark, essentially painting a picture of an age bracket laden with financial responsibilities unheard of in previous generations. Millennials, those born between 1981 and 1996, account for a jarring 43% of the nation’s outstanding student loan debt. The average person apart of this group carries close to $43,000 in student debt, a figure that looms over decisions ranging from homeownership to starting a family. Yet, even as they navigate this debt, many are also stepping into roles as financial caregivers for their aging parents and relatives, a reality that adds complexity to their financial landscape.

Nearly three months after my father suffered from his strokes, I found myself having to figure out his housing and financial situation. His doctor reminded us that he would have months ahead of rehabilitation as he learned to walk, talk, and eat on his own. This meant that he could not return to living alone, as he had been doing for the past 20 years. I assumed the role of caregiver by default, and as a millennial with multiple college degrees, financial goals of my own, and who was hoping to soon start a family – I realized that I was drowning trying to keep my own life together and managing his ever-changing health and financial needs.

The blending of these dual burdens—chipping away at substantial student loans while simultaneously providing financial support for aging relatives—represents a narrative that has yet to capture the spotlight it deserves. It illustrates the complex predicament of an ensnared age group between the critical phases of advancing their careers and caring for their elders, each phase exerting its unique financial pressures. This duality often creates a sense of isolation among millennials, fostering a belief that their fiscal hardships are solitary battles to be fought in silence. Yet, this is far from the truth. As this particular demographic navigates these turbulent waters, it becomes increasingly clear that their financial and emotional challenges are part of a broader collective experience, one that merits broader recognition and a more robust support system. This narrative is not just about the individual battles but about a generational shift in responsibilities, expectations, and the very definition of financial stability.

Understanding the nuances of this dual financial burden requires a deep dive into the socioeconomic factors that have shaped the age group’s experience. For one, the cost of higher education has skyrocketed, leaving numerous millennials with substantial debt on their shoulders. This financial strain is compounded by a competitive job market, where a college degree is often a minimum requirement, but not a guarantee of financial stability. Additionally, the aftermath of economic recessions has left the group navigating a landscape of financial uncertainty, further exacerbating the trials of saving for the future while repaying student loans.

On the other end of the spectrum, the aging population means that more millennials are finding themselves in caregiving roles. The financial aspect of this caregiving is multifaceted, encompassing everything from medical bills to everyday living expenses. For some, it means contributing to the cost of assisted living or in-home care; for others, it involves taking an aging family member into their own home. This shift not only affects millennials’ financial planning but also their mental and emotional well-being, as the stress of caregiving responsibilities can take a significant toll.

The convergence of these financial responsibilities creates a perfect storm, one that requires resilience, creativity, and, most importantly, a collective rethinking of financial planning. Financial experts advocate for a multi-pronged approach to managing these dual burdens, emphasizing the importance of robust savings plans, investment in long-term financial growth, and, when possible, open conversations about financial expectations and limitations within families. It is also crucial for millennials to seek out and utilize financial planning resources and support designed to navigate these complex challenges effectively.

Moreover, this situation underscores the need for systemic changes, including reform in student loan policies and more support for caregivers. There seems to be a growing call for policies that reflect the realities of modern financial loads, offering millennials a pathway to financial stability that does not come at the expense of their family obligations. The momentum for change is building, with advocacy for workplace flexibility, caregiver support services, and financial education becoming more pronounced. These systemic shifts are essential for not only alleviating their immediate pressures, but also for laying the groundwork for a more sustainable intergenerational support system in the future.

As millennials navigate these complex waters, there’s a rising sense of solidarity in our shared experiences. Through forums, social media, and personal networks, we find solace and strength in discussing our challenges and exchanging solutions. It’s a movement towards collective understanding and support, breaking through the isolation that can envelop us in these trying times. My own journey of stepping into the role of caregiver for my father after his strokes has deeply intertwined with this shared narrative. In telling my story, I have discovered not only an outpouring of empathy and support but also a wealth of guidance and shared wisdom from others traversing similar paths. This personal chapter of my life, marked by its trials and triumphs in caregiving, underscores the profound importance of our shared struggle and the resilience we foster together. It’s a testament to the power of our united voices, illustrating that even in our most personal struggles, we are never truly alone.

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Alexa Rodríguez Business Community Community Development Health and Wellness Hometown Heroes

Cherry Avenue’s Heart and Soul

a woman stretching on a yoga mat
Nicole Hawker stretches in her exercise studio.

by Alexa Rodríguez

Growing up around the Fifeville area, Nicole Hawker’s dreams of giving back to her community by creating a space for health and wellness have finally come true. A gym focused on accessibility and inclusivity, Heart and Soul Fitness with Nicole opened its doors at 818 Cherry Avenue in November of 2022. A vibe that is best described as bohemian and quirky, this charming gym is nestled within the Cherry Avenue Shopping Center and is adorned with Christmas lights, a disco ball, leafy plants, and orchids.  

Nicole Hawker, the founder and owner of Heart and Soul Fitness, originally entered into the health and fitness space while living in Tennessee in 2012. After a friend invited Nicole to the grand opening of her new gym, Smoky Mountain CrossFit, Nicole won a month of free CrossFit training. Looking back at that point in her life, Nicole describes herself as “somebody who could barely…walk to the end of my road to go get our mail without feeling like okay, I’m just gonna sit down for a minute.” But after the intense month, she noted how this profoundly transformed her life. Nicole identified how the community that formed from the fitness training was what stuck with her the most, stating, “It was just something about that space. It wasn’t just the working out; there was something about the community of people.” A year and a half later, Nicole received her level one CrossFit certification and then, in 2016, became a certified personal trainer. 

Nicole returned to Charlottesville in 2016, and two years later found herself looking to continue her fitness journey while also hoping to cultivate a space that brings people together, just as Smoky Mountain CrossFit did for her in Tennessee. I sat down with Nicole to talk about Heart and Soul Fitness. When asked about why she founded the studio, Nicole said, “I know how expensive it can be [to go to the gym]. And so, I wanted to make sure that what we did here was accessible, and that people could come in and make sure that they could work out without money being…a barrier to them.” Nicole also wanted to ensure the Black community in the area had a place where people looked like them, particularly since the neighborhood feels like home. As a child, Nicole had family members living less than a mile away and holds many fond memories of spending time with her father in the Tonsler Park area. 

exercise clothing merchandise on a rack
Heart & Soul Fitness with Nicole merchandise for sale

Nicole is particularly interested in attracting everyday people interested in starting or continuing their fitness journey. “It’s that woman who is saying, ‘I need to try something different.’ The mom who is winded from taking care of her kids… the dad who you know is going to work but who’s saying, ‘If something doesn’t change, I don’t know if I can keep at this pace.’“ It is for those who, like she was, are “sitting on the couch and [saying], ‘I’m not sure I can do this, but I’m willing to give it a shot.’” 

Heart and Soul offers classes focused on what Nicole calls “metabolic conditioning,” or a plan that integrates a combination of strength building and conditioning exercises. These workouts are designed to build strength and then a little bit of conditioning or cardio. Metabolic conditioning workouts are offered Monday through Friday mornings. The studio also offers Zumba on Wednesday evenings and is beginning to offer yoga classes on Fridays. For more information, see the full class schedule. Keeping in mind that all bodies are different, Nicole noted that “everything that is done here is modifiable to that particular person’s body.” While membership is $80 per month, Nicole encourages anyone who is interested in joining and not able to afford the monthly fee to reach out and speak with her about options. 

an exercise studio with equipment
A variety of exercise equipment found at Heart & Soul Fitness with Nicole

Returning to Charlottesville after so many years has presented both benefits and challenges for Nicole and her new gym. With any new business, it is tough to get the word out, but it has been particularly difficult since Nicole is establishing new relationships and reconnecting with old ones. However, it is evident that while the studio is relatively new, several members of the community have taken action to help the new gym. As a non-profit, Heart and Soul Fitness accepts donations for materials. Just in the last few weeks, people have donated various pieces of equipment including dumbbells, battle ropes and yoga mats. 

So, what’s next with Heart and Soul Fitness? The gym is holding an internal five kilometer walk/run for its members on Saturday, June 24th. Nicole is also expanding her yoga class offerings and is working on creating a self-defense class for the University of Virginia  community as a proud Wahoo mom. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Heart and Soul Fitness classes and events, donating equipment, or for more information about membership, feel free to contact Nicole Hawker at 865-216-7846, or visit the gym’s website at https://heartsoulfitness.org/.

 

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National Headlines

WHO: COVID cases and deaths continue to fall globally

WHO said 9 million cases were reported, a 16% weekly decline, and more than 26,000 new deaths from COVID-19.

GENEVA (AP) — The number of coronavirus cases reported globally has dropped for a second consecutive week and confirmed COVID-19 deaths also fell last week, according to a World Health Organization report issued Wednesday.

In its latest pandemic report, WHO said 9 million cases were reported, a 16% weekly decline, and more than 26,000 new deaths from COVID-19. The U.N. health agency said confirmed coronavirus infections were down in all regions of the world.

However, it warned that the reported numbers carry considerable uncertainty because many countries have stopped widespread testing for the coronavirus, meaning that many cases are likely going undetected.

Chicago's Roseland Community Hospital Handles Spike In COVID Patients Claudia Lopez tests residents for the COVID-19 virus at Roseland Community Hospital on December 14, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WHO said it was also tracking an omicron variant that is a recombination of two versions: BA.1 and BA.2, which was first detected in Britain in January. WHO said early estimates suggest the recombined omicron could be about 10% more transmissible than previous mutations, but further evidence is needed.

The agency has continued to warn countries not to drop their COVID-19 protocols too quickly and predicted that future variants could spread easily if surveillance and testing systems are shelved.

Last week, the U.K. said COVID-19 had hit record levels across the country, with government statistics estimating that about 1 in 13 people were infected. Those figures came on the same day the British government abandoned its free testing program.

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities conducted more mass testing this week across Shanghai, which remains in lockdown following another jump in infections; the city has recorded more than 90,000 cases but no deaths during the pandemic.

Despite growing public frustration and concerns about economic effects, China says it is sticking to its hard-line “zero-tolerance” approach mandating lockdowns, mass testing and the compulsory isolation of all suspected cases and close contacts. Following a public uproar, Shanghai authorities said Wednesday they would allow at least some parents to stay with children infected with COVID-19, making an exception to a policy of isolating anyone who tests positive.

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National Headlines

Ice-T and Cheerios have joined forces to get America moving

The unexpected partnership materialized in honor of American Heart Month.

“When Cheerios called and said they wanted to work together, I said ‘why?’ said legendary rapper and actor Ice-T in a conversation with theGrio. In honor of American Heart Month, he and the iconic cereal are encouraging America to have a “change of heart” by prioritizing heart-healthy eating and creative activities.

Photo: Cheerios

As African Americans are more likely to die from heart disease and are diagnosed with high blood pressure at rates three to four times higher than their white counterparts, Ice-T said it’s time the Black community, in particular, begins to take heart health more seriously. “I’m a player from the streets,” he said. “They told me the two most important things are your health and your freedom.”

As African-Americans seek to turn the corner on heart health, Ice-T said they’re going to have to learn his new favorite dance: the push-away. “As kids, we heard that we had to eat everything on our plates because there were starving kids in Africa,” the longtime Law and Order: SVU star said. “But when you get older, you can’t eat everything on that plate. You’ve got to push it away.”

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A post shared by ICEMFT (@icet)

Ice-T further shared that when his six-year-old daughter was born, he looked at her and told himself, “you can’t die.” While his daughter’s birth reinvigorated his commitment to health, Ice-T said current global events present a similar opportunity for all of us. “The people we’ve lost are gone,” he said. “But we’ve been given a chance to see what’s important and make better decisions, knowing how fragile life is.”

Photo: Cheerios

To encourage more heart-health consciousness, for a limited time, Cheerios has once again replaced its recognizable O’s with heart shapes across its various flavors. Additionally, Ice-T and Buzz Bee, the Cheerios mascot, have teamed up for a new “Pour Your Heart Into It” workout series.

Using a QR code located on each box, fans can access walking, stretching, core strengthening and dance workouts narrated by Ice-T. “You know what’s pretty dope about it is they got the anti-hero to lead the campaign and they didn’t ask me to change,” he said. Ice-T, who will turn 64 on February 16, said the interactive campaign is also a wonderful opportunity to highlight the impact of hip-hop culture beyond the music. “Hip hop has gray hair but we’re still active.”

Ice-T said his campaign with Cheerios gives him the opportunity to stress three points of advice to the world: staying in motion, keeping it moving, and doing things in moderation. “My marching orders are simple,” he said. “March. Find a way to make up for all the energy you had in your youth.”

The doting father shared a parting word to Black men regarding the importance of taking care of their health. “It’s not soft to go to the doctor,” he said. “Women have their OBGYN on speed dial. We [often] don’t even have a doctor.” Ice-T said the most important thing men can be is an example. “You want to show your kids the world and all they can be but you’ve got to be around for that.”

Candice Marie Benbow is theGrio’s daily lifestyle, education and health writer. She’s also the author of Red Lip Theology: For Church Girls Who’ve Considered Tithing to the Beauty Supply Store When Sunday Morning Isn’t Enough. Find her on Twitter and Instagram @candicebenbow.

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National Headlines

Black diversity specialist fired by Texas hospital for being ‘too sensitive about race issues’

Joseph B. Hill was fired by Memorial Hermann Health System four days before starting his new role as vice president, chief equity, diversity, and inclusion officer

A Houston, Texas hospital fired its newly-hired vice president, chief equity, diversity, and inclusion officer four days before his first day on the job — for being “too sensitive” about issues of race, according to documents obtained by NBC News.

Joseph B. Hill, who is Black, was sent a two-sentence email revoking his offer for the open position at Memorial Hermann Health System in July despite sailing through over a dozen interviews in a six-week span.

“We regret to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment dated July 21, 2021,” read the email obtained by NBC News, sent to Hill from Memorial Hermann’s vice president of human resources Lori Knowles. “We appreciate your interest in the position and wish you much success going forward.”

Joseph B. Hill thegrio.comJoseph B. Hill (Credit: Hill/LinkedIn)

“It was a shock, to say the least,” Hill told NBC News. “I was floored.”

Hill was informed two weeks later by his lawyer, Mark J. Oberti, that Memorial Hermann reversed its decision. The hospital concluded he “was not a good fit” for the company, in part because he was “too sensitive about race issues.”

Other reasons for the short-notice firing included inquires Hill made about receiving a larger relocation budget and hiring staff for his team, as well as his decision to rent a luxury car and charge it to the company, reported NBC News.

“The reasons they listed were just as shocking as rescinding the offer,” Hill told NBC News, adding that the claims were “false and nonsensical” and “they didn’t even contact me to discuss their so-called issues.”

Going into the role with Memorial Hermann, Hill had amassed over 20 years of experience in the DEI field, spending years with the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia before starting his own DEI consulting firm, JBrady5, in 2018.

Memorial Hermann thegrio.comMemorial Hermann (Credit: Facebook)

Declining to comment on the decision, Memorial Hermann executives issued a statement to NBC News that read: “We continue to make great strides in enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within our system, but we know there is always more that can be done — which is why we are recruiting for a Chief EDI Officer.”

Surface-level commitment to antiracism reform is not uncommon among institutions, according to Chris Metzler, creator of several highly-regarded Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) certification programs during his tenure as Georgetown University’s associate dean for human resources and diversity studies.

“Many organizations are not interested in real change,” Metzler told NBC News. “They are looking at diversity as a numbers game.”

Metzler, the ​​president and CEO of a global consulting firm FHW and Associates, added: “Many executives ask me privately, ‘How many Black people do I have to have?’”

Per NBC News, the murder of George Floyd and others in 2020 caused an upward trend of DEI personnel being hired to address power imbalances in the workplace.

However, a recent report from The Conference Board analyzing diversity in over 2,800 American workplaces indicates that few among those hirees were Black —  the percentage of Black DEI directors went up just 0.2% from 2020 to 2021.

Fred Hobby, former president of the Institute for Diversity and Health at the American Hospital Association who has known Hill for years told NBC News: “This is a case study of an organization needing what Joseph Hill would have provided them, but not embracing it.”

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Black vaccine hesitancy may not be about medical bias, report finds

EXCLUSIVE: A new study conducted by Brilliant Corners and the National Urban League concludes Black Americans are less likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine due to misinformation

Data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows the Black population in this country still lags way behind their white counterparts when it comes to COVID-19 vaccinations — but a recent study reveals the reasons why may not be what was previously believed.

So far, the number of Blacks Americans who are fully vaccinated stands at 1.3 million compared to 13.8 million white Americans. 

Read More: Barack, Michelle Obama get vaccine in new ad with all living presidents except Trump

COVID-19 vaccineLatiah Haley receives a dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the newest vaccine approved by the U.S. FDA for emergency use, at an event put on by the Thornton Fire Department on March 6, 2021 in Thornton, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

Cornell Belcher of Brilliant Corners conducted a COVID-19 vaccine needs assessment poll for the National Urban League on Black hesitancy on vaccinations. Belcher said he is appalled by the huge disparity between Black and white Americans who have been vaccinated, calling it “structural racism in the medical industry.”

There are historical examples of this institutional racism with detailed stories often cited about Henrietta Lacks and the Tuskegee experiment. “We know Blacks have different outcomes than whites in the medical industry,” Belcher tells theGrio.

However, Belcher’s most recent study, “Vaccine Needs Assessment: Understanding Disparate Racial Experiences During Covid and Driving Positive Attitudes towards Vaccination,” finds that ”the vast majority of Black folks are ready to get vaccinated” and that “the lag isn’t because of them not wanting it.”

Cornell BelcherCornell Belcher, founder and president of Brilliant Corners. (Photo: Twitter/Cornell Belcher)

Belcher says his study shows “the percentage of those who don’t want to take the vaccine right now are reluctant because of misinformation or no information” and not necessarily because of concerns of historical racial bias in medicine. “We have to do a better job of communicating with people of color,” he adds.

Read More: Facebook to label vaccine posts to combat COVID-19 misinformation

The Brilliant Corners study commissioned by the National Urban League found that of the Black respondents who found the vaccine to be unsafe, 48% said they had heard or read something that made them less likely to take the vaccine. This data flies in the face of the previous conclusions that Black Americans were not interested in taking the vaccine due to distrust as a result of historical bias in the medical industry.

Additionally, Belcher’s study found that 35% of Black Americans who were studied blamed their hesitancy to take the vaccine on safety concerns such as side effects and allergic reactions. What’s more, 31% are concerned the vaccine was developed too quickly and that more testing is needed. Nine percent said they need more information. 

The White House COVID-19 Task Force is working to address this dilemma, says Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC. “We have to meet people where they are,” Walensky said Monday during a press briefing.

There are attempts around the country to increase the number of Black vaccinations. Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.) tells theGrio, “In Los Angeles, we have members of the city council like Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson who have used a community-based approach. For example, in order to get around people from more affluent areas coming into South LA, he started phone banking – just like a political campaign.

“The calls say ‘at this place, at this time, vaccines will be available,’ You know what happened? 90% of the folks that showed up were African American. Why? Because of the tactical outreach. Other community clinics in our area have it so that folks call into the clinics to set up appointments. When community-based approaches are used, we turn out to be vaccinated.”

COVID-19 vaccineA nurse administers a Johnson & Jonson COVID-19 vaccination to a houseless person at Wayside Christian Mission on March 15, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the numbers are not where they should be to achieve the intended herd immunity by late summer or early fall. However, in the Monday COVID-19 task force presser, Dr. Anthony Fauci of NIH offered the importance of not worrying so much about “herd immunity” and simply get vaccinated as soon as possible. The average daily vaccinations average 2.4 million a day with 37.5 million fully vaccinated.

Based on the findings from the Vaccine Needs Assessment study, Belcher says, “right now, it is about safety concerns driven by false information. Most common responses are [that the vaccine is] developed too fast and it is not safe.”

Belcher warns that those responses feed into each other, creating a ripple effect of vaccine hesitancy.

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National Black Nurses Association offers mental health services to frontline workers

“It is essentially PPE for their mental and emotional health, which will help to impact their physical health,” NBNA president said.

The National Black Nurses Association has launched a new RE:SET campaign that offers its members free counseling services and resources while they are serving on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read More: Airlines push White House to reject COVID-19 testing for US flights

“To provide the best patient care, nurses must be able to reset and recharge from the daily pressures and renew their resilience and strength. Creating tools for renewal and increased resilience is especially important as nurses have a high prevalence of anxiety and depression,” the National Black Nurses Association said in a statement.

Launched in December, the campaign is focused on maintaining the mental health of many Black nurses who are navigating the emotional toll of the pandemic that has claimed more than 481,000 American lives.

Those factors, along with limited hospital capacities and daily positive cases have led many nurses to quit during the pandemic, according to NBC News.

“Unfortunately, there is a stigma in the Black community surrounding mental health. This, in addition to the lack of providers from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds and culturally competent providers, contributes to only one-in-three African Americans receiving mental health treatment,” the organization said.

Nurses have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 epidemic and a national organization is now offering mental health help. (Adobe Stock)

Founded in 1971, NBNA represents 308,000 Black registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, and nursing students with the mission of serving as “the voice for Black nurses and diverse populations ensuring access to professional development, promoting educational opportunities and improving health.”

Read More: Senate to award Capitol officer Eugene Goodman Congressional Gold Medal

RE:SET will provide NBNA members and their families with easily accessible resources for mental wellness including:

RE:SET Support Line: Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, members who are in need of “in-the-moment support” can speak to licensed clinicians for no-cost, confidential guidance, and resources. Free Confidential Counseling: RESET: provides up to five free sessions with experienced and licensed clinicians and removes the hassle of cost, access, and privacy issues of obtaining emotional support for members facing a situation that’s difficult to resolve. Text Coach: ‘Text Therapy’ that’s available to members via mobile phone or computer to address non-acute concerns. Licensed clinicians will be available to exchange text messages, voice notes, tip sheets, videos, and links to resources.

The campaign also provides inspiring podcasts and interactive and informative webinars covering mental health topics.

NBNA president Martha A. Dawson said it’s their mission to help protect Black nurses who are impacted by the pandemic.

“We know how difficult this year has been for nurses everywhere, especially Black nurses who are faced with both the pandemic and the current racial uprising. It is crucial that we protect our nurses’ physical and mental wellbeing during such an unprecedented time in our country,” Dawson said.

She continued, “With RE:SET we are able to provide them with the tools necessary to recover from the daily stresses of exhausting working conditions and challenges. It is essentially PPE for their mental and emotional health, which will help to impact their physical health.”

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