Black Population
Rene Madore
State University of New York at Utica/Rome

Black Population Spector’s discussion of the Black population begins with four pictures of significance that preserve, defend, and reestablish health within their community. Figure 11-1(Spector, 2013, p. 265) shows a picture of a classic Haitian meal, which has all the necessary components of a healthy meal for maintaining health. Figure 11-2 (Spector, 2013, p. 265) shows a beaded necklace that is worn for health protection. Figure 11-3 (Spector, 2013, p. 265) shows a desiccated garden snake, as well as the powder obtained from grinding it. This powder is mixed with water to be applied to skin rashes and insect bites. Finally, figure 11-4 (Spector, 2013, p. 265) shows the grave of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King. King fought for the nonviolent resolution of prejudice. Box 11-1 (Spector, 2013, p. 269) notes the significant events in the Black population for civil rights. These events are noteworthy in the discussion of health and illness of the Black community, as the abolishment of slavery did not stop the segregation of the races. Hotels, schools, bathrooms, modes of transportation, and drinking fountains were separated by the races. In 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine Hotel, an establishment that formerly was only accessible to the Caucasian race. He had just spoken the day before about a peaceful resolution between the races. This box also shows how the Black community began to fight back for equal rights. Unfortunately, there was a great deal of bloodshed, rioting, and lawsuits to obtain this. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a powerful letter from Birmingham Jail, in which he states, “People have the moral duty to disobey unjust laws” (Spector, 2013, p. 269). These historical difficulties need to be respected by healthcare providers. Due to this extreme segregation, many blacks were thrown into poverty, intolerance, and feelings of isolation from their homeland. As a result, they initiated several traditional beliefs regarding health and illness, and it is vital to remember their struggle. It is not our position as caregivers to force these individuals to adhere to our practices; it is our obligation to respect their beliefs and afford them the right to practice them. When I think of “voodoo”, I think of the voodoo dolls that always showed pins being stuck in them. I was unaware that sacrifice and the drinking of blood were involved, and I did not know that the leaders of these sects are primarily women. The story in our book of the young woman that predicted the ages of death for the three babies delivered on Friday the 13th (Spector, 2013, p. 275-276) was both frightening and disturbing to me. I did learn through my reading that not all voodoo is bad, and some have potions for a positive effect. When the traditional methods of this community are met with the American health system, there are special considerations for a healthcare provider. It is important to understand the culture of the patient. Muslims believe that “a person is what he or she eats” (Spector, 2013, p. 278). Dietary restrictions should be honored. Their diet may conflict with that of the hospital, and the times may be different, as in Ramadan. Males can care for other males, females for females. It is important to understand that they pray 5 times a day, and that the use of prayer beads is important to them. It is also important that the provider self-reflect, to be certain there is no prejudice or judgement. If there is a language barrier, it is necessary to provide a translator. A patient should always feel safe and respected, regardless of culture or beliefs.

References
Spector, R. E. (2013). Cultural diversity in health and illness (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Education, Inc.