Health and Wellness
Black people are not properly diagnosed and treated for Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is underdiagnosed in black people, and those that are diagnosed often go untreated.
Following choice of 4 hospital systems to take part in the March 2024 expansion of the Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease program, significant progress has been made in addressing the underdiagnosis of Black people with Parkinson’s disease. This initiative highlights the urgent must recruit more Black participants to early treatment programs.
According to NBC News, David Leventhal, director of the Dance with PD program at Mark Morris Dance Group, one among the biggest exercise programs within the United States, noticed a scarcity of black participants in program.
“We’re always asking, ‘Who’s not in the room, and why aren’t they in the room?’” Leventhal told the outlet. “With Parkinson’s, movement is the medicine. So if you don’t know how to engage communities in movement, it’s basically like withholding medication. If it were a pill, there would be chaos.”
In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, exercise can decelerate symptoms by stimulating neurons within the brain, which causes the production of dopamine. According to a study published within the National Library of Medicine, exercise has been shown to potentially groundbreaking treatment for Parkinson’s disease within the early stages.
Black people are generally less more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and after they are, they have an inclination to develop the disease at a later stage than white Americans.
According to Camilla Kilbane, MD, director of the Movement Disorders and Parkinson’s Disease Center, medical director of the Deep Brain Stimulation Program and director of the Movement Disorders Program at University Hospitals Institute, “most Parkinson’s disease research to date has focused on a large white and caucasian preponderance, with men being overrepresented compared with women.”
Kilbane continued, “Because of potential data collection bias, traditional thinking has been that the risk of Parkinson’s disease was lower in blacks and African Americans; however, this may not be true. The reality is that this population is too often underdiagnosed or diagnosed at a later stage of the disease.”
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, in 2023 PD GENERation Announced that Morehouse School of Medicine will turn into the primary HBCU university to turn into a PD GENEration research center; PD GENEration is the Parkinson’s Foundation’s global genetics initiative.
According to Amasi Kumeh, director of research partnerships on the Parkinson’s Foundation, the initiative helps meet an urgent need.
“PD GENEration has built a strong relationship with the community through engagement and programs,” Kumeh told the Parkinson’s Foundation. “We’ve become a gateway to research, helping recruit diverse participants to clinical trials and providing information about the process.”
Health and Wellness
ICYMI: Cynthia Erivo’s ‘Wicked’ Nails, Saweetie Beads and More – Essence
@Saweetie
The 12 months could also be coming to an end, but that doesn’t suggest the fierce look is slowing down in any respect.
Coco Jones made waves once more over the weekend along with her stunning, loose waves. The singer liked to flip her hair while showing off her glossy lips. Meanwhile, Mary J. Blige attracted attention along with her striking red ponytail and long eyelashes. If you zoom in on her appearance, you may also notice her long, hot pink nails. Let’s also praise Lala Anthony for her beautiful long blonde hair styled to the side and her alternative of nude lipstick.
Olympic sprinter Masai Russell reminds us that you may never go unsuitable with a double braid hairstyle. Speaking of braids, Doechii recently showed off hers, embellished with beads and a headband. She just paired it with lip oil – a nod to the indisputable fact that sometimes less is more.
If you are as excited as we’re for the upcoming movie premiere, you recognize that our girl Cynthia Erivo showed off her beautifully decorated nails throughout the press tour. What concerning the claws of the New York show? Extra long, fancy, jewel coloured ones did the trick. She’s not alone within the highlight either. Actress Jurnee Smollett turned heads at press day with loose waves and vibrant pink lipstick.
Below, find more exclusive beauty moments you could have missed this week.
Health and Wellness
City of Palm Springs to pay $5.9 million to Black and Latino families forced from their homes – Essence
Diamond dust photography
More than 50 years after Palm Springs officials demolished and burned the homes of a whole lot of black and Latino residents in Section 14 – a once-bustling majority-minority neighborhood – survivors have secured a historic $5.9 million settlement. The agreement marks a major moment in town’s reckoning with its past, because it becomes one of the few municipalities within the United States to offer compensation for racial evictions.
In the late Nineteen Fifties and Nineteen Sixties, a one-square-mile development generally known as Section 14 that housed Black and Latino homeowners and residents – who had been excluded from other neighborhoods due to racial discrimination – was demolished by city officials to create space for business development by primarily white business owners.
The destruction of Section 14 not only displaced over 2,000 families, but in addition deprived them of generational wealth, a loss that reverberated for generations to come. Today, this elegant desert resort is home to a thriving tourist industry and the typical home costs $649,000.
In 2021, the Palm Springs City Council issued an official apology for the destruction of the community. Although the $5.9 million settlement is significantly lower than the settlement $2.3 billion families initially demanded the displacement of 2,000 families, the ceremony was marked by Pearl Devers, president of the Palm Springs Survivors Section 14, who called it “a pivotal moment in the history of Palm Springs,” as reported Palm Springs Mail. In a press release, Devers said: “For years we have tried to bring attention to this case… This settlement is a long-awaited recognition of what we have experienced and how our lives have been changed by the destruction of our homes. While no amount of money can fully restore what we have lost, this agreement helps pave the way for all of us to move forward.”
Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein also expressed satisfaction with the agreement. “The City Council is deeply pleased that the former residents of Section 14 have agreed to accept what we believe to be a fair and equitable settlement offer,” he said in a press release.
The agreement was the result of continued support from survivors and their legal counsel, strengthened by the support of social justice and civil rights organizations, in addition to influential leaders including California Senator Laphonza Butler, the Human Rights Campaign, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the California League of United Citizens Latin America (LULAC).
In addition to financial compensation, the compensation package emphasizes cultural protection. Plans include making a monument honoring the history of Section 14 and renaming a Palm Springs park in honor of the survivors. Additionally, town pledged to work with Section 14 Survivors, including 1,000 survivors and their descendants, to create a “community-led cultural and racial healing center.”
“We are making history in Palm Springs. This settlement demonstrates that it is never too late to acknowledge past wrongs and take meaningful steps toward justice,” said Areva Martin, an attorney representing Section 14 survivors in Palm Springs. “With this vote, Palm Springs has the opportunity to set a powerful precedent for how cities can meaningfully address historic injustices and create pathways to true healing.”
Approval of the agreement places Palm Springs amongst a small but growing group of municipalities grappling with the legacy of racial injustice through reparations. For example, Evanston, Illinois, became the primary city to offer compensation in 2021, earmarking 25,000 housing subsidies and direct money payments to address systemic discrimination in housing.
Meanwhile, cities prefer it New York and Tulsa, Oklahoma, have established commissions to study reparations, although progress has been mixed. However, two survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, during which the affluent Greenwood community generally known as Black Wall Street was burned to the bottom, killing a whole lot in the method, were repeatedly denied demands for reparations. The Palm Springs Accord highlights each the challenges and the potential for local governments to take significant steps toward restoration.
In addition to the nearly $6 million settlement, survivors can profit from an extra $21 million earmarked for the broader Palm Springs community. The City Council will allocate $20 million to housing programs, half of which can go to a primary-time homebuyer assistance program. The other half would establish a Community Land Trust Fund, prioritizing Section 14 families. $1 million would even be put aside for small business support specializing in Section 14 families.
Health and Wellness
Designer in the highlight: thanks to Lumère, Mounir Sakho does not create clothes based on clicks – Essence
Lumere
At just 23 years old, New York-based designer Mounir Sakho has developed a loyal following for his emerging brand, Lumère. He recently released his first full-length album collection this excites the fashion world much more. The story of Lumère, which premiered in 2019, began exceptionally.
As a curious child, Sakho looked through his mother’s African textile books. A cloth called “Lumière” caught his attention, prompting him to ask his mother what it meant. He remembers how she responded to him with admiration in her eyes and exclaimed that it was the perfect solution for him. And the name of his brand was born. The designer’s name means “light”, like the French word lumière. He feels that his mother gave him a brand. This level of purpose is compelling to him, especially since he would not be here physically without her.
Sakho says he decided to name his brand Lumère as a tribute to his mother – adding that it could even be translated as “my mother”. He notes that the brand name stays close to the original word that launched his entrepreneurial journey.
The designer created his brand as an expression of his perspective as a primary-generation American with Guinean roots. The worlds of West Africa and America often mix, and his work is interesting in his eyes. Living on the Upper East Side of New York, she is usually exposed to a wide selection of styles, from streetwear to traditional African motifs. The designer deeply immersed himself in the diverse styles, sophistication and innovation that lie behind these influences. “I wanted to attract attention [my] heritage in a fresh way and tell a new story,” he shared.
Mounir attributes his talent for design to YouTube, which was an enticing learning experience for him. He engaged with the platform and thru the digital site learned a lot of the features he needed to grow as a designer. He didn’t study design in a proper environment, but that did not stop him from absorbing information and learning through his family’s wealthy design lineage.
“Fashion is in my DNA,” he said matter-of-factly. He stated that his great-grandmother was a highly respected textile designer in Guinea, so his passion for clothing and priceless designs stems from an extended-standing genetic predisposition. Sakho also learned by trial and error.
Lumère’s ethos is rooted in a balanced dance between classical and contemporary accents. It designs timeless yet forward-pondering pieces with palm red accents and the “Ètoile motif” to present a creative approach to modern fashion. When he creates, he all the time has his teenage self in mind, giving the designer space to explore, develop and experiment. She designs for many who are in search of a protected space to develop and express themselves. “Lumère is a combination of all the influences that have made me who I am; skater, nerd, artist, anime lover, proud New Yorker. I want the world of Lumère to be a place where all these things, no matter how different they are, can find common ground and coexist in harmony.” Sakho is constructing a community that’s inclusive, culturally wealthy and values creativity, diversity and modernity, while also respecting the deep-rooted cultural heritage that shaped him growing up.
His favorite look to date was the embroidered calfskin biker jacket that was recently seen on British singer Zayn Malik’s show. After achieving this feat, Mounir realized what a milestone his young brand had achieved. The jacket is an example of the way it combines modern, refined details with classic silhouettes. The remaining models from the brand’s latest collection feature a star motif. Structured jackets, two-tone trousers, contrast stitching and velvet trim are also featured in this debut collection.
“I still have a lot of room to grow, but I’ve learned that the wisdom gained over time equips you with the tools to become your best self. Every challenge I faced while creating this collection shaped me and reminded me that growth often comes from discomfort,” he explained. Reflecting on how far he’s come as a designer, he would tell his younger self to be patient. The designer says that pursuing your dreams could make the waiting a chore, especially if you want to achieve a certain level of success. “Free time is invaluable, it teaches you about yourself and deepens your understanding of your mission,” he said. Although his latest collection is accessible for pre-order, he’s currently working on one other collection and is constructing on the momentum that’s electrifying.
The Lumère designer’s dream is for it to be recognized around the world for its innovation. He wants to be included in the list of top fashion designers who push boundaries and introduce changing perspectives in an industry that usually stagnates due to trends. Sakho focuses solely on creating clothes that tell a compelling story, similar to wearable artworks.
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