Kenya Key, Psy.D., CCHP-MH

Tomorrow and Tuesday, I will be back on the Hill speaking with Congressional Black Caucus members about the ways kidney disease ravages Black communities and what they can do to help improve the quality of life for their Black constituents at-risk for and living with kidney disease. Did you know: 💡 Black people are 4x more likely than white individuals to experience kidney failure and often “crash” onto dialysis by initiating this life-saving therapy emergently? Kidney disease is asymptomatic until its advanced stages. 💡 Black individuals have lower rates of doing dialysis at home? If you ride through under-resourced neighborhoods in the U.S., you’ll surely see dialysis centers on every other corner. 💡 Despite experiencing higher rates of kidney failure, Black kidney patients are less likely to be referred for transplant by their nephrologist? Kidney transplantation is the most optimal treatment for kidney failure. 💡 The Medicare End-stage Renal Disease benefit is basically universal healthcare for people with a kidney failure diagnosis but it eventually costs the government less to pay for kidney transplantation versus long-term dialysis care? This is personal to me. I, a Black woman, walked into an emergency room in 2005 to learn I was in kidney failure and needed dialysis. Fortunately, my nephrologist put me on peritoneal dialysis, a home dialysis modality, and I received a living donor kidney transplant from a courageous college friend in 2007. So, my purpose in life is to pay it forward by helping all kidney patients, but especially those who are most vulnerable, live their best lives by having access to high-quality, discriminatory-free healthcare. No theatrics, no performative narratives, just pure passion and tenacity advocating for people to live the width of their lives and not just the length of it. I hope the Hill is ready for me 🧡✊🏾 *The shared statistic is from the UK but the sentiment rings true here in the U.S. as well.

110

12 Comments

I NEED YOUR HELP!! We need numbers to put 1500 black doulas across 24 states.. FOR FREE!! SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!! SHARE THIS POST WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!! The goal is to get over 1000 surveys completed! —————- Black birthing people have higher rates of maternal morbidity, mortality, postpartum depression, and poor experience of maternity care and lower rates of breastfeeding than other racial groups. These outcomes are a result of centuries of macrolevel policies, institutional practices, and cultural norms that reinforce one another and continue to perpetuate social, economic, and political disadvantages for Black individuals and communities. Black birth workers have always provided essential holistic health care to their communities in the United States. From the 17th to 19th centuries, enslaved Black midwives practiced the skills and traditions of African midwifery in caring for both other enslaved Black people and the White relatives of slave owners. In the Jim Crow era, “Grand” midwives in the South (elder Black community midwives) provided essential maternal and infant health care to Black communities. Community doulas have reclaimed the support role over the last few decades. As culturally congruent health workers, they share similar lived experiences and racial, cultural, and other intersectional identities with their client. Doulas provide physical and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In the prenatal and postpartum periods, community doulas assist with navigation of health care and social services, provide peer education, and give social support. ALL IN ALL.. When Black doulas are present things happen! GOOD THINGS! Studies have found that Black doulas can help troubleshoot lactation issues, keep an eye on mental health, and monitor recovery. Please share this survey with your network as we are collecting data that supports that there is a need for more culturally congruent doula trainings to implement within the Black communities. PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY. https://lnkd.in/eVeAv2fh

142

35 Comments

This information is essential for our young Black kings. @Black Equality Coalition, we intentionally focus on mentoring and coaching in the elementary sector to take preventative measures that will ensure their success through middle and high school. #education #leadership #youthspeaker #teambuilding #mentoring #youthcoach #Community #schools #federalwayschools #Organizations

3

As of 2021 Black women received less than 0.4% (Nikole Hannah Jones reported as low as 0.34%) of venture capital funds in the U.S. -@itsafronomics - Twitter. 6/3 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled it’s discriminatory for #FearlessFund exclusively to Black women stating it violated parts of the Civil Rights Act. “Data in 2018 showed that the U.S. raised 130 billion in VC funding. Only 2.2% of that went toward female-founded companies. Less than 1% of the total funding was allocated toward women of color.”(Fortune, 2018 & Girlboss, 2019) via #FearlessFund website. So. Despite the fact that 99% of VC funding is given to folk not of color, being intentional, building our own BC funds, and supporting Black women is discriminatory. So tell me again how Black people—in particular, African Americans, need to “stop waiting for handouts”, “be apart of our own rescue” and all the other tropes used to victim blame descendants of formerly enslaved Africans… Just as during the violent Tulsa race Massacre, which started 103 yrs and 3 days ago to the day of the U.S. court of appeals ruling against the Fearless Fund, when Black people build our own, whyte supremacist ideology does what it has always done—does everything within it’s purview to destroy it. You silence an inaction, self-declared “allies” is on brand…

4

Important read about the impacts of racialized violence and the aftermath. Thanks for sharing Dr. Notisha Massaquoi!

3

Judges ruling against anonymous plaintiffs suing a company aimed at helping its own raises eyebrows. The data suggests those suing may be the ones in need of assistance. Black women supporting black women is crucial. “The panel also ruled that the plaintiffs, who were not identified by name” Anonymous bullies suing a company aimed at helping its own because data shows they are the ones who need help Black women helping black women. Remember, Black Wall Street was built because racists told us we could not have what they have and get it ourselves. So we went and built our own. And then the racists burned it down anyway. They many not be able to come in and burn it down in the same physical manner, but by abusing the power of law, the ideal is the same. History shows how systemic racism has tried to hinder progress, but resilience prevails. #BlackWomenSupportingBlackWomen #Resilience #Justice #SocialTalk #Faculty #Professor #afroamerican #CRT #americanhistory #ushistory #banned #criticalracetheory #Blackpeople #Black #blackhistory #historylovers #DoddsEducates #dei #diversitymatters #UnitedStates #USA #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Polialertcom #segregation #intergration #Education #FearlessFund

1

1 Comment

Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI) and New York State Trauma-Informed Network and Resource Center, thank you for publishing "Centering the Black Feminist Perspective: Supremacy Culture is the Barrier Black Maternal Health Never Needed" in honor of Black Maternal Health Week. Linkedin fam, if you want to put your action where your heart is this Black Maternal Health Week: 💥 Share this article widely with a personal note about why it's important to encourage trauma-informed organizations to center Black Feminist Perspectives in academia. 🎓 Advance your learning by making a pledge to decolonize academia by increasing trauma-informed awareness and resilience building practices through the evidence of positive and adverse childhood experiences—PCEs & ACEs. This is also known as PACEs and resilience science and is invaluable because it considers social justice issues, racism, Black liberation, and heart-centered indigenous practices. 📣 Listen to women of African descent about our own bodies and respect the courage it takes to be an incredible accountability resource when our healthcare system fails mothers, babies, and families of African descent. I'll drop a link with the article and other information in the comments! #linkincomments #LIVideo

22

8 Comments

Excited to share that the 2023 impact report for LISC's Black Economic Development Fund (BEDF) is now live. Since 2020, with generous support from our investors, BEDF has committed a majority of its capital, investing $211.9 million to fuel Black-led financial institutions, Black-led businesses, and other organizations doing business in predominantly Black communities addressing economic challenges and contributing to closing the racial wealth gap. Through initiatives like BEDF, LISC remains at the forefront of efforts to enhance capital access for entrepreneurs serving communities of color. Here's the breakdown: https://lnkd.in/epq7mrN5 LISC Strategic Investments

72

1 Comment

124th National Black Business Conference Returns to Atlanta “We Are Together” Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the World Conference of Mayors. The National Alliance for Black Business (2022), co-founded by The National Business League ® (1900), National Black Chamber of Commerce ® (1993), and The World Conference of Mayors ® (1984), is thrilled to cohost the NBL’s 124th National Black Business Conference ®. Set to take place from August 21-24, 2024, at the Hilton Atlanta in downtown Atlanta, GA, this highly anticipated event coincides with Atlanta Black Business Weekend ™, promising an exhilarating gathering of the nation’s foremost Black business leaders and community luminaries.   Building upon the success of last year's conference, which commemorated the 30th Anniversary of the National Black Chamber of Commerce founded in 1993 and drew over 1,900 attendees, this year's event holds special significance as it celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the World Conference of Mayors. Established in 1984, The World Conference of Mayors serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Black Mayoral leadership and economic empowerment within Black communities worldwide. This year marks a significant milestone, as it pays homage to 50 years since the Southern Conference of Black Mayors held its inaugural National Conference at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel. Notably, Daniel "Chappy" James, the first four-star Black general in the Air Force and a Tuskegee airman, served as keynote speaker, setting the stage for the remarkable journey of Black elected leadership in the years to come. The conference agenda will spotlight the profound impact of Black mayors in fostering entrepreneurship, economic development, and community growth, echoing the visionary principles championed by Booker T. Washington. In 1881, Lewis Adams (Town) and Booker T. Washington (Gown) joined forces to establish Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, now known as Tuskegee University, in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. This institution was surrounded by a historic Black settlement, conceived by Dr. Washington, which, though never formally incorporated, was assigned its own zip code: 36088. This collaboration between "Town" and "Gown" laid the groundwork for further partnerships in central Alabama.   Anticipated to attract hundreds of Black-owned businesses, professionals, and elected officials from around the globe, the conference will serve as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and forging strategic partnerships with city, state, national, federal, and global resources, and leadership. The event is hosted by local, Black-led business institutions, including the Atlanta Business League, Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council. Join us as we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Black entrepreneurship at the 124th National Black Business Conference in Atlanta! Register Today: https://lnkd.in/eE5Did8a

20

3 Comments

Preserving Black cultural heritage and spaces is a compelling project of recovering an inheritance of perseverance and creativity. By locating, maintaining, and sharing the stories of Black families and communities, we rediscover the meaning of kinship, social justice, and political innovation. In the face of a history of racism and prejudice that has undermined Black intergenerational wealth, could Black cultural heritage provide a way for us to also recognize and value Black intergenerational worth?

2

STOP!! Mental health is a real thing. It kills Americans daily. Struggling with mental health is no different than struggling with cancer or another terminal illness. Let’s focus on the desire to make MENTAL HEALING a priority. As I once heard it said …. Is not the brain connected to the rest of the body? Let’s not vilify those that need support. Side note; did you know that clinical psychologists and mental health and behavioral therapists ALSO go to therapy. The weight of the world, the weight of your job, and the weight of your LIFE does not have to be your burden. Here are some resources if you need them SANARE TODAY, LLC and Maternal wellness. Link 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 #takecareofyourlife #takeverygoodcare

9

6 Comments

As Black women assume more leadership positions across industries they are coming under attack in a variety of ways. The goalpost for success and credibility is constantly being moved backward or redefined. Therefore, the way attacks are crafted and deployed is also changing. We are ready to Clapback and Get the Facts.   #SistersLead #SistersVote @SistersLead    https://lnkd.in/eMJGY8dj

20

Following the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, many activists called for greater investments toward racial equity, especially in businesses, to build Black wealth and narrow the racial wealth gap. Private and public investors listened. As of October of 2022, companies pledged about $340 billion toward racial equity efforts. However, in the wake of persistent legal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, there have been a spate of court cases across the U.S. in which litigators are challenging race-based business investment programs, including cases against the Small Business Association’s 8(a) program and the venture capital firm, The Fearless Fund. On June 21, Brookings Metro, in collaboration with the Path to 15|55 initiative, which endeavors to grow the percentage of Black-owned employer firms, will host an event to discuss what this proliferation of litigation means for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurship. Senior Fellow Andre Perry will present new data that demonstrates the opportunity in bolstering Black-owned businesses to drive economic development. Then, CapEQ President and CEO Tynesia Boyea-Robinson will moderate a dynamic panel to dive deeper into these challenges and discuss how policymakers and the philanthropic sector should respond to these attacks to keep Black businesses growing in a dynamically changing legal environment.

6

Youth engagement amongst marginalized communities is a deep passion of mine. Building youth coalitions has been a lot of my work from 18 years old to now, especially within Black communities such as Howard University. Following a conversation with my father and many people in my community, who recognize the disconnect amongst the youth, it’s been a topic that refuses to leave my mind. Lack of civic support and engagement towards marginalized youth communities explains why there is a disconnect with this demographic of voters. It is beyond necessary to ensure diversity in outreach and community organizing to reach specific demographics of the youth population. For example, not all of the youth are students, so from there, how do campaigns plan to reach out to the individuals who no longer relate to that “student” title? It is so important that ALL subgroups within the broader term of “youth” are represented during campaign seasons. Black youth face barriers to engagement. Black youth are still underrepresented. Black youth don’t feel their concerns are properly addressed. However, Black youth are still interested in civic engagement. Black youth voters are not apathetic. I can not stress enough, how important these conversations are when crafting youth engagement strategies. Hopefully, this reaches audiences that understand and prioritize all demographics of the youth during campaign season. To those who recognize disparities in civic engagement within Black and Brown communities, I encourage you to take initiative and not wait for others to ensure that civic engagement becomes a priority for communities that have historically been marginalized. Engage your friends and colleagues, listen to the young folks in the room (not doing this just to check a box of a list), and be the change you want to see for this country. Message me with any questions, or if you’d like to continue this conversation. https://lnkd.in/gwCBh7js

62

14 Comments

✨As a dedicated black mental health therapist, I am excited to present the Strength Redefyned Community & Skills Membership—an empowering and transformative space designed specifically for high-achieving Black professional women. In a world where you tirelessly invest in everyone and everything else, it's time to prioritize yourself. This membership offers a safe haven where your mental wellness and personal growth take center stage. ✨✨Membership Highlights ✨✨ 👉🏾 Monthly Live Community Support: Led by a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, learn and practice skills to combat anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, and life transitions. 👉🏾 Daily Community Support: Access a space where like-minded professional black women uplift and empower each other, providing accountability. 👉🏾 Virtual Skill Sessions: In monthly sessions, dive deep into coping and grounding skills crucial for mental wellness. 👉🏾 Weekly Wellness Tips: Practical insights delivered to a space exclusive to this membership to enhance your mental health. 👉🏾 Recorded Playbacks of Skills: For times when you can't make it to live community/skills sessions, access the recording of skills reviewed to learn and practice at your convenience (available upon request). Join us in the Strength Redefyned Community & Skills Membership, a safe space where your mental wellness is a priority. Learn more about this transformative opportunity here: https://lnkd.in/gTyf8eCb . . .                      ✨ ✨ TIP ✨ ✨  1.) Engage Actively: Participate in discussions and support others in the community. The more you engage, the more you'll benefit from the collective wisdom and support of like-minded professional black women. . . . #mindfulness #strengthredefyned #mentalhealth #selfcare #womenofcolor #blackwomenmentalhealth #bipocmentalhealth  #depression  #trauma #emotionalawareness #BehavioralActivation #selfcompassion #coach #blackwomen #blackgirlmagic #anxiety #growth #MentalHealthMatters #BlackProfessionalWomen #EmotionalWellness #AnxietyAwareness #EmpoweredBlackWomen #SelfCareTips #BlackTherapist #SelfCareIsNotSelfish

5

Good morning! This is a call to all black women in the following states and district: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Contribute to ACS's groundbreaking research that looks for cancer trends and disparities among black women. The aim of this study is to discover: (1) What causes cancer among black women? (2) Ways to detect the disease earlier (3) ways to get people treatment and (4) ways to help people thrive during treatment. To date, this is the first massive study of it's kind! And the goal is to enroll at least 100,000 women! You must be between the ages of 25-55, and have never had cancer to complete study. There is an initial online health and life history survey. Following initial enrollment, you will complete shorter survey's around life and health for the next 30 years! Click the link below to learn more. https://voices.cancer.org/

6