We also need to address the mental, emotional and physical damage that racism causes. Racism is traumatic which affects your mental and emotional health. Systemic racism shapes communities and what is in or the lack there of in those communities which affects physical health

Most doctors and research will tell you that communities or areas people live in can help them to gain an idea of life expectancy. A lot of Black & Brown communities are food deserts with little to no access to fresh food and vegetables.

Think about it, why is it that with most diseases Black people are the most affected by it? It often is tied back to our communities and the areas in which we live that have contributed to us being in poor health. Racism runs deep and it highly affects every area of your health.

Additionally, research has shown that when your body is under extreme stress or anxiety, it affects your body it devastating ways. It can actually produce a weak immune system which makes it harder for your body to fight off various infections,viruses and diseases.

It is not a stretch at all to say that dealing with the psychological and emotional effects of racism DEFINITELY plays a role in your overall physical health.