In Jay's Words

At the dawn of the twentieth century, W.E.B. Du Bois predicted that the race issue would be the prevalent and pressing issue that would consume the entire century. Even as we begin a new millennium, African-Americans continue to lead lives under the burdens of racism, discrimination, economic poverty, residential segregation, and substandard education.

Racism may be less violent today than in recent history but its powers are no less deadly. Stress, hostility, depression, social isolation and low socioeconomic status have all been identified as risk factors for the development of heart disease. All of these risk factors are strongly rooted in racism and are also linked with increasing the chance of developing other destructive behaviors like smoking, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.

Stress kills. Racism increases stress. Along with hypertension and high cholesterol, The American Heart Association lists race as a risk factor for heart disease. In his book, Race Matters, Cornel West speaks of nihilism as the sense of hopelessness and the collapse of self-meaning caused by racism. Overcoming hopelessness, anger and stress is an integral part of the daily lives of African-Americans. By talking openly and honestly about racism and how deeply it affects the spirit of African-Americans, the connection between racism and heart disease becomes painfully clear.

The body and the spirit are inseparable. To have a healthy body one must also possess a healthy spirit. Heart disease and stroke are the greatest health threats today with nearly a million Americans dying from these deadly diseases. Heart disease is not only genetic, not only hereditary, it is not only physical, it is also racial.

Cardiovascular disease has become a part of the African-American experience. Disproportionately more African-American men and women die from cardiovascular disease than white Americans. In 1995, death rates from cardiovascular disease were 49.4 percent higher for black men and 67.2 percent higher for black women according to National Center for Health Statistics and the American Heart Association.

If you're African-American and you've already had a heart attack, the prognosis is not good. Studies show that even when given the same treatment African-Americans have a significantly higher risk of suffering a second heart attack than white Americans.

Try to find an African-American whose life has not been touched by heart disease. Yet, according to The American Heart Association, most African-Americans are painfully unaware of the scope of this problem. Health, community and church leaders see the impact heart disease and stroke has within their own communities and all express an urgent need to get this message out. Racism is killing people.

This is not just an African-American problem. It is a systemic problem. It is supported institutionally by hospitals that do not give equal care to people of color and supported culturally by societal acceptance, indifference, and ignorance.

What is your definition of racism? Tell me a first hand story.

Just before Christmas, a good friend of mine, Keith Hartgrove, suffered a near fatal heart attack. It was not his first. Keith required emergency bypass surgery to save his life.

Keith and I are about the same age. He is African-American and I am of Irish-Italian descent. We have talked about the effects of racism on his dangerously high blood pressure for many years. I can remember this past fall, just a month or two before Keith's heart attack, I was checking my blood pressure when Keith dropped by the house. I was truly shocked when we compared each other's numbers. But it took his life-threatening experience to bring the systemic power of racism and its influence on heart disease among African-Americans to the forefront of my mind.

It was then I decided that this was an important story to tell. Almost immediately, I was able to assemble my talented crew and begin the chronicle of Keith's recovery. We started with an emotional interview shortly after his hospital release and we are continuing to follow this courageous story.

Keith is from Sugar Hill, a Boston inner-city community on the border of Roxbury and Dorchester. This is a proud community of long-time homeowners who are blessed with a powerful sense of family and church. Graced with tree-lined streets and beautiful turn-of-the century homes, this neighborhood feels like a small oasis. Unfortunately, one is never far from the stress of inner-city urban danger.

Keith was raised in his family home from the time he was eighteen months old. His father, a former Tuskeegee Airman and a respected figure in the community and church, was honored just after his death in 1998. His mother has always been active in the church and community, and her spark for life belies her true age. Keith is currently living in the family home with his mother, where he still is recovering his health and rebuilding his life. Keith's faith and optimism have been instrumental in his survival.

To me, the documentary process is one of weaving together interviews allowing a story to reveal itself. Interviews with leading researchers and experts in the health and psychiatric community will illustrate how systemic racism is, and how it impacts and prolongs heart disease and stroke among African-Americans. Interviews with prominent African-American figures, as well as people from the community and church will tell personal stories of strengths and weaknesses, stories of survival in a country adverse to people of color. Just as importantly, by chronicling Keith's recovery against the odds, we will put a face on the pain.

The Reverend Gregory Groover of the Historic Charles Street A.M.E. Church told me that among his congregation Keith is regarded as a walking miracle. "When I recognize and consider all that Keith experienced as a result of this serious heart attack, and when I see him smile and engage life it reminds me that for every Keith Hartgrove there can be thousands of other African-American men and women who can experience the victory that Keith experienced. Keith is a living witness that it can be done. And that we all must be committed to it as well."

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Keith's Speech In Jay's Words