The historical experiences of Black Americans, characterized by cultural genocide and land dispossession, have far-reaching implications that extend beyond economic and social disenfranchisement. United States history has not only severed the ties between Indigenous Americans and their ancestral lands but has also profoundly impacted our health and well-being, particularly within the Sickle Cell community. The reclassification of Indigenous Americans as “colored,” “Negro,” “Black,” and finally “African American” was part of a systematic effort to disconnect a people from their land, culture, and traditional health practices. Understanding this context is essential to addressing the unique challenges faced by the Sickle Cell community today, particularly in sourcing culturally specific foods that can help manage the disease in a non-invasive way.
The reclassification and cultural genocide of Black Americans served as tools to alienate them from our land and true identity. As Indigenous land stewards, we were once intimately connected to the land and its resources, which were central to our cultural practices and health management. However, the forced assimilation into a society that refused to recognize our full humanity led to the erosion of these cultural practices, including traditional agriculture and nutrition. Martin Luther King Jr.'s statement, "We have become foreigners on our own land," poignantly captures this alienation. The systematic dismantling of the relationship between Black Americans and our land mirrors the experiences of Indigenous peoples globally, most notably in South Africa under apartheid, where original inhabitants were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and confined to marginalized areas.
The disconnection from the land has had dire consequences for the health of our community, particularly those living with Sickle Cell Anemia. SCA is a nutritional deficiency that disproportionately affects people of African descent, with more than 100,000 individuals in the United States currently living with the Sickle Cell Anemia. The management of SCA requires a specific nutrition plan that can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. However, the cultural genocide that disrupted our communities' connection to our land also disrupted our access to culturally significant foods that could play a crucial role in non-invasive management of the condition.
Culturally specific foods like Moringa, a nutrient-dense plant traditionally used in many African cultures, offer significant health benefits for those with SCA. Moringa is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which are essential for managing SCA symptoms. Studies have shown that the leaves of the Moringa tree are particularly rich in nutrients that can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, which are critical factors in managing SCA.
However, the ability of the Sickle Cell community to access Moringa and other culturally significant foods is severely limited by their disconnection from the land. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Black farmers make up less than 2% of all farmers in the United States and own less than 0.5% of the country’s farmland. This drastic decline from the early 20th century, when Black farmers owned 14 million acres of land, is a direct result of systemic racism, discriminatory lending practices, and legal barriers that have dispossessed Black families of their land over generations.
The challenges faced by the Sickle Cell community in sourcing culturally specific foods highlight the broader need for land and food sovereignty among Indigenous Americans. Reclaiming land and the ability to grow traditional crops is essential not only for cultural preservation but also for improving health outcomes for those with SCA. Programs that support Black farmers, such as land grants, agricultural training, and community gardens, are crucial for restoring the connection between the Sickle Cell community and the traditional foods that can aid in managing the condition.
Moreover, addressing the systemic barriers to land ownership and agricultural production is vital for achieving health equity. For example, initiatives like the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund work to protect Black-owned land and promote sustainable agriculture within our communities. These efforts are essential for empowering the Sickle Cell community to reclaim their health and cultural practices by accessing the foods that are most beneficial to their condition.
The legacy of cultural genocide and land dispossession among Indigenous Americans has had a profound impact on their ability to manage Sickle Cell in a non-invasive way. The loss of land and the reclassification of identity have not only severed ties to traditional agricultural practices but have also deprived the Sickle Cell community of access to the culturally specific foods that are vital for our health. By addressing these historical injustices and supporting land and food sovereignty, we can help restore the connection between the Sickle Cell community and our ancestral practices, ultimately improving our quality of life and empowering ourselves to manage our condition naturally and effectively. The path forward must include efforts to reclaim land, revitalize cultural practices, and ensure that the Sickle Cell community has access to the resources they need to thrive.
Support our mission by purchasing a 'Conscious Of Self Healing Tool'. Each purchase funds a Moringa health pack for someone in the Sickle Cell community at no cost through our buy-one-give-one initiative. Your package includes 100% Pure Moringa Oil, a Community Survival T-Shirt with augmented reality, Sugarloaf Moringa, sessions with Kemetic Yoga Instructor Chytea, and artwork from Espiritreveur's Mindful Art Collection. Your investment not only enhances your well-being but also drives our food justice mission, funding educational programs and free health packs. Help us reach our goal of 500 packages before winter—purchase today and become an ambassador for natural healing and community empowerment.
Eternal Source,
The Creation Of Society Team
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