A call for health equity: Standing together to fight cardiovascular disease

For generations African Americans have been disproportionately impacted by heart disease — a condition that unfortunately claims far too many lives each year. These harsh realities are why I’m committed to educating people about the importance of heart health while also being honest about the systemic inequities that plague our community; often contributing to some of the root causes of the deadly killer.My heart advocacy recently amplified when I was selected as an American Heart Association’s (AHA) Leader of Impact. This initiative empowers individuals from across the country to raise awareness and funds for the country’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers: heart disease and stroke. When my wife was in her early 20s, her mother passed away from heart disease. For years, my mother-in-law battled congestive heart failure, but unfortunately, the disease was the ultimate victor. The pain my wife and her siblings feel is indescribable, but we are committed not to let my mother-in-law’s death be in vain. Our young son never had the opportunity to meet his grandmother, but like his parents, he also wants to see an end to what is often referred to as the silent killer. That starts with being honest about cardiovascular disease....