The KCSSU recently held a series of summits to discuss the important issue of equity. Attendees discussed a range of topics related to equity, including education, housing, and mental health. The summit provided an important opportunity for African American leaders and community members to come together and share their perspectives on these important issues.

IMG_7739

Raleigh, North Carolina is often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of the East", and for good reason. The city, along with the surrounding area, is home to the famous Research Triangle Park, one of the largest and most successful research parks in the world. The park is named after the three major research universities in the region: Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University.

IMG_7685

The Research Triangle Park has become a hub for innovation and technology, attracting some of the biggest names in the industry. Major companies like IBM, Cisco Systems, and GlaxoSmithKline have all set up operations in the park, creating a thriving ecosystem of startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers. The park is also home to a number of research institutions, including the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Institute of Statistical Sciences.

But Raleigh is more than just a research hub - it's also a principality place to live and work. The city is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States, with a high quality of life,  and a thriving arts and culture scene. However, despite being a thriving and prosperous city, African Americans in Raleigh face significant disparities in housing, education, and income. According to recent data, African Americans in Raleigh are more likely to live in poverty, have lower incomes, and face greater challenges in accessing quality healthcare and education. The KSCCU Equity Summitt addressed these disparities by leading a discussion on affordable housing, education, and mental health programs that specifically target African American communities. The summit provided an important opportunity for African American leaders and community members to come together and share their perspectives on these important issues.

MVI_6503

HOUSING

In recent years, Raleigh has experienced a severe housing crisis. As the city has grown, the demand for housing has increased, leading to skyrocketing housing prices and a shortage of affordable options for low-income families. Many residents are struggling to find suitable housing within their budgets, and homelessness rates have risen as a result. Nonprofits and community organizations are working hard to address the situation, but the problem persists.
Councilman Corey Branch explained how the city is currently exploring a range of solutions, including the construction of more affordable housing units and the implementation of policies that protect renters from being pushed out of their homes due to rising rents.

Mental HealthThe DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders mentioned in the African American Equity Summit MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health is a critical issue that affects individuals across all communities. However, studies have shown that African Americans are less likely to seek mental health treatment than other racial groups. This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including cultural stigma, lack of access to mental health resources, and systemic racism.

One of the main reasons for this disparity is the cultural stigma surrounding mental health in the African American community. Many individuals within this community view mental health problems as a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking treatment and can lead to feelings of shame and isolation.

Another factor contributing to the mental health disparities in the African American community is the lack of access to mental health resources. Many African American communities are underserved, and there is often a shortage of mental health professionals in these areas. Additionally, some individuals may not have health insurance or cannot afford to pay for mental health services out of pocket.

Finally, systemic racism can also contribute to mental health problems in the African American community. Racism can lead to chronic stress, which can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. Additionally, African Americans may face discrimination when seeking medical care, which can lead to mistrust of the healthcare system and further discourage individuals from seeking treatment.

To address these mental health disparities, KCSSU it is important to increase awareness and education about mental health within the African American community. This includes reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting the importance of seeking treatment. It is also essential to increase access to mental health resources in underserved communities and to address issues of systemic racism that can impact mental health.

EDUCATION

The education crisis facing African Americans in Raleigh is a complex issue that has significant implications for the community. One of the most pressing concerns is the school-to-prison pipeline, which refers to the trend of students being pushed out of schools and into the criminal justice system.

This trend disproportionately affects African American students, who are more likely to be suspended, expelled, and referred to law enforcement for disciplinary issues. In many cases, these students are punished for minor infractions that would be handled differently for their white peers.

The consequences of the school-to-prison pipeline are severe and long-lasting. Incarceration has been linked to a range of negative outcomes, including lower lifetime earnings, reduced job opportunities, and increased likelihood of recidivism.