Health, Race, and Academia in America: Survival of the Fittest?

Abstract

Health educators need to understand how the cultural environment of academe contributes to the problem of Black underrepresentation particularly in the health/academic professions. The issue of the public health of Blacks is linked to the levels of Black representation at the predominantly White institutions of higher education. Several points are articulated: 1) The health of African-Americans is inextricably influenced by socio-economic status, of which education attainment is a major factor; 2) Black scholars play a significant role in Black student matriculation, thus enhancing the well-being of Blacks as a group; and 3) Institutionalized racism is built upon a foundation of an individualistic ethic regarding university faculty promotions, which in turn provides a traditional advantage to White faculty and hinders Black faculty within White academic institutions. Unless the representation of Black faculty and students is increased, the 1990s is likely to exacerbate still further conditions of inequalities in health, academe, and society.