What does Black History Month mean to you?

To me, Black History Month means an intentional time to learn and celebrate the lives of Black people who have contributed to the foundation of the country. I also think it is a time for Black people to remember that despite all of the hardships being thrown at us, we are special people, and have done amazing things in this country, and have such a rich culture. 

What have you learned about asthma that is most surprising?

I learned that Black people have more asthma than other racial and ethnic groups (see the Asthma Inequities in Black Californians infographic). I also learned that we don't grow out of childhood asthma. I hear many people say they "thought asthma was normal," and "you learn to just deal with it," and that "you can grow out of it." I honestly believe a lot of us don't know that we can control our asthma, or at least prevent asthma attacks. We have the ability to keep asthma under control. This is why I came up with the idea for this month's social media tool kit, "Reclaim Your Breathing," which will be released next week. 

How can organizations and others raise awareness about asthma in the Black community?

Organizations and others can raise awareness about asthma in the Black community by dispelling myths about asthma being a normal thing that we have to deal with. I created the "Reclaim Your Breathing" social media tool kit which encourages Black communities suffering with asthma to take control of their breathing and control asthma by following several action steps. I'm excited for everyone to see and use it, not just for Black History Month, but all year round!  

If you could choose one thing to tell the Black Community about asthma, what would it be?

You don’t have to just live with asthma where you are having asthma symptoms all the time or struggling to breathe. People with asthma can live normal lives. I encourage everyone in my community to talk with a doctor and ask for an asthma action plan so that they can reduce asthma symptoms but also be prepared if severe asthma symptoms occur. They should also confirm that they are taking their medication correctly. 

What do you wish to accomplish this year in your work at California Breathing? 

This year, I really hope to partner with clinics that serve Black communities and train their staff on asthma education to ensure that Black individuals with asthma have the correct information they need to reduce severe asthma symptoms. I really hope to have more of a presence in Black communities across the state to show how California Breathing can help improve asthma in my community.

Please contact me if you are interested in working with us or if you have any questions! You can email me at California.Breathing@cdph.ca.gov.