Greetings:
Last year in the July issue of South Side Drive Magazine, we shared in detail about Project 2025, so important to us that it was our cover story. We now have an emergency. We must be prepared, physically, mentally, practically, and emotionally, for whatever comes our way. That’s why we are dedicating this entire issue to a significant conference held at Malcolm X College on April 19, themed “Trauma and Emergency Preparedness. Are you Ready in 2025???” We hope, after reading and sharing this issue, you will answer with an unequivocal “Yes! “
Although he prefers no title, as a main facilitator to this conference, Brother Olumenji’s experience in mental health, social work, trauma, and emergency preparedness has contributed greatly to its effectiveness and success. I am happy to share aspects of the conference, which was perfect for where we are today, given the confusing and cruel recent governmental changes.
April is so-called “minority” Health Month, and there is nothing minor about this issue. We are in a health crisis. The United States has faced a resurgence of infectious diseases like Measles, and the looming threat of bird flu outbreaks has reignited fears of a global pandemic. The bird flu, also known as avian influenza, has remained a persistent threat, particularly strains such as H5N1 and H5N8. Public health experts warn that viral mutations could one day enable a pandemic similar to COVID-19. Despite the danger, DOGE has cut surveillance programs and dismantled early response systems. Thus, creating gaps in the ability of doctors and scientists to detect and contain new cases early.
We thought we were rid of Measles, a highly contagious virus preventable by vaccine, which had been declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. However, vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation and politicization, has led to declining immunization rates in several communities/ As a result Measles illnesses and deaths are once again on the rise.
Compounding these public health challenges is the systematic weakening of federal agencies such as FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), thanks to DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). DOGE is also responsible for the decline in funding for medical research, as well as reduced funding and staff cuts in agencies like the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The current president has withdrawn the US from the WHO (World Health Organization).
Critical life-saving medications for AIDs victims have been eliminated – effective immediately, while tariffs are forcing prices for essential medical prescriptions to rise to unaffordable heights.
To continue, during these trying times, Real Men Charities the publisher of South Side Drive Magazine. will partner with the African American Traumatology and Emergency Preparedness Society to provide training for community success, and we’re pursuing Community Emergency and Readiness Training (CERT) certifications for you and yours. Already, our Vitality Village breakfasts and programming for “seasoned citizens,” Queenagers and Kings are addressing isolation, which is a key contributor to decreased life expectancy. The next event is on May 6th, featuring comedy, line dancing, chair yoga, and fun. Despite the odds, this is a time to conjure joy as our ancestors did, while fighting for equity and staying woke. Until this trouble we are facing is over, let us all be prepared for whatever comes our way. Please share this issue with your family, your neighbors, your coworkers, and friends, and keep in touch for activities and to get great stories to inspire at www.southsidedrivemag.com Namaste.
