This week, I celebrated my 40th birthday!
I’ve decided to celebrate all month long — because life is meant to be savored, and because choosing joy is a radical act.
AND because February is Black History Month — and I’m a Black woman making history right now.
Birthdays are an opportunity to luxuriate and pop a bottle of champagne (which I definitely did this week!) — but also, to think about the big stuff.
Who are you? What do you value?
What do you want – and what are you actually doing about it?
Out of all the issues in the world, which issues do you care about most strongly?
One issue I care about, intensely, is improving medical care for Black people.
We live in a world where Black and brown folks in the United States are less likely to receive the care they need — whether it’s a blood test, pain medication, or support during childbirth.
This is why Black parents are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white parents.
And, Black children are more likely to die after surgery than white children.
These are just a few examples of the horrific disparity that exists in our healthcare system today.
If this is upsetting, good. We should all be extremely upset.
And, we should all take action.
Right now:
- Read this Bulletin on racism in the healthcare industry. Educate yourself. Learn the facts.
- Then, read this Bulletin which outlines what you can do to help. Positive, helpful steps.
- Donate to The Hello Seven Foundation. We provide life-changing (and life-saving) services to Black parents and children in need.
Donating to the Foundation would be the greatest birthday gift that you could possibly give. Thoughts and prayers are nice, but funding is what changes the world.
Thank you for joining in this mission.
Enjoy your week. And, use your life to make a difference.
xo,
R
P.S. Wanna really brighten my b-day? Post a message on Instagram, tag me (@rachrodgersesq) and tell me, “I just donated to the Foundation.” Or tell me one cause you’re passionate about — and what you’re doing to build a better world. That’s the gift I really want.
