It is very rare to hear Afrikan children speak about aspirations of becoming a doctor. However, they are more than able to become one because it was Afrikan people that were educators of the world. Afrikans practiced the first forms of medicine; mostly using resources found in nature. These kinds of medical or healing practices still stand in contemporary Afrika. Anything from healing a wound to using the liquid from a certain tree as eye drops all have been used, imitated and/or exploited by western and european powers.
There are Black physicians today that know all too well the health and medical issues concerning Afrikan people around the world. Sista C.N. Howard is one of them. It is not only important to be able to establish oneself as a physician, but it is necessary as a person of color to understand the conditional health of the people. During this interview from our sista she explains her early dreams of becoming a doctor and continues on through her journey of not only achieving her goal, but her purpose for becoming a healer for the people.
Interview:
What made you decide to go into medicine and what is your focus?
Becoming a physician has been a childhood dream of mine. I received a Fischer Price Doctor’s Bag from my mother when I was approximately 3 and I’ve been giving examinations and/or inquisitive about health issues ever since. I’m currently a first year Osteopathic Medical Student, but I desire to practice primary care in the underserved community.
What is your take on the health of Black people across the Afrikan Diaspora?
There are several contradictions when considering the health & health care of Africans around the globe. Limited access to adequate and holistic health care being a primary concern, this includes those of a higher socio-economic status in our community. We need to focus more on prevention and wellness within our community (i.e. regimented exercise, healthy & balanced diet, drinking at least 8 glasses of water, cleansing our gastrointestinal system, taking vitamins, etc.).
Given the history of unethical experimental science throughout the world on people of color (i.e. the infamous Tuskegee experiment, vagina mutilation of slaves to advance gynecology, and the current practice – throughout various countries on the continent – of spreading HIV for the sake of finding vaccines and or measures to decrease transmission), Africans are very skeptical of participating in research experiments (and understandably so) that may help advance various conditions that plague our community. The solution I propose is funding our own experiments, lead by Black scientists & researchers, and formulating partnerships with Black physicians and scientists to maintain checks and balances.
Out of all the diseases and medical problems that we are facing, which would you say is the most dominant and why?
HIV/AIDS is definitely a grave concern. Sisters are being infected at alarming numbers in the States and abroad, according to statistics. As we know, there is no available cure for this virus, so we should all be concerned. Prostate Cancer is very detrimental in the older Black male population and should be aggressively screened. Diabetes Mellitus – Type 2 (a.k.a. sugar) and Hypertension (a.k.a. high blood pressure) are very prevalent in the African community. I can postulate that a conglomeration of factors are at the root of these concerns (i.e. diet, life style, genetics, distrust in the healthcare system, lack of access to healthcare, etc.), but I really would like to encourage my people to become pro-active to prevent the aforementioned through gaining proper knowledge about the diseases and focusing on wellness.
What are some ways to prevent some of the medical conditions of our people and how much does health tie into that?
Again, I have to stress the importance of wellness (physical, mental, and spiritual). A healthy, well-balanced diet, in addition to exercise, vitamins & herbs. The body has the ability to heal itself, when given optimal conditions to do so.
Are there any healers of the past that you admire? Are there and Black doctors/ physicians?
As the Yoruba Proverb states, “If I stand tall it is because I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors”; I have to acknowledge all of my predecessors who created a path for me (inclusive of the nameless and renowned natural healers, firsts to receive a Medical Degree or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, or invent medical techniques or instruments). I give much thanks for Imhotep (the father of medicine), who influence science around the world.
As you know Imhotep is the father of medicine. Is there anything from his practices that you feel could be applied today?
A lot of the teachings of Imhotep were passed to Hippocrates who the western world credits being the father of medicine, thus many practices of Imhotep and other ancient African physicians are in use today, in some shape, form, or fashion. If one studies the Metu Neter (a.k.a. hieroglyphics) they can see that many of the instruments used today in medicine, were used thousands of years ago in Africa. One thing that I would like to return to practice is birthing stools (a woman standing during delivery works with gravity, as oppose to lying down).
We hear talks about building our own businesses and schools but we rarely hear anything about starting our own medical centers/ hospitals etc.
Do you have any interest in creating an outlet for that?
While I can agree that we don’t hear much discussion about starting a hospital by Black physicians, there are some who open their own practices. Hospitals have become focused heavily on dollars and cents, business, and politics. Unless, one is seeking to create a hospital that actually serves the interest of the people, there isn’t a need for one to be started to merely capitalize off of the illnesses of the people. I plan to link up with like-minded physicians to establish a community health center that serves the needs of the underserved, specifically -but not limited to- the Black community.
Lastly what is your message to the people?
We are at a pivotal point and can no longer sit idle & complacent as we continue to get attacked politically, socially, and economically. There is no better time than now to become pro-active, gain political education, and organize so that we may be an empowered, self-determining people. “Rise up mighty soldiers, you can accomplish what you will”.
Currently Sista Howard is still working towards her medical career and continues to dedicate liberated efforts towards the people through medicine and knowledge of self.
This has been a liberated Black Power Media interview. Hotep
She finds inspiration from Black figures such as Ruby Bridges and is also inspired and supported by her mother Sharlata Marlin. Alon is also a participant/ debutant of a youth empowerment organization called The Black Girls’ Corner, located at the Art House in Charlotte NC where she is mentored by artistic coach Marina “The Poet”. Alon also has pieces of work hanging on the walls of the Art House along side several older and well respected artists in the area. 
