Department of Political Science

Since W.E.B. Du Bois’ analysis of Black American life in the late 19th century, we have known that racial inequities in health are primarily socially determined. Social scientists and activists have all agreed that racism has largely driven the disparate health outcomes for groups along racial and ethnic lines. Although having access to a decent quality of life should be a basic human right, little progress has been made in eradicating these disparities. In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King had recognized residential segregation, unfair treatment by the healthcare system, and racism-related stress are three key factors that continue to contribute to this social issue. This talk examines how Black Americans and other minorities address health disparities.