Anissa Durham

2 weeks ago | thenarrativematters.com | Anissa Durham

In the last two years, drug overdose deaths have declined by about 10% nationally. But Black Americans are still dying at alarming rates. We call them addicts. Users. Drug seekers — and we see them as less than human.  We often assume unhoused people living in tents under freeway overpasses are substance users. But it’s our neighbors, our loved ones, and our family. The reality is that most Americans know someone who struggles with substance use. And for Black America, there’s a drug overdose epidemic.

3 weeks ago | wordinblack.com | Anissa Durham

We call them addicts. Users. Drug seekers — and we see them as less than human.  We often assume unhoused people living in tents under freeway overpasses are substance users. But it’s our neighbors, our loved ones, and our family. The reality is that most Americans know someone who struggles with substance use. And for Black America, there’s a drug overdose epidemic. “We have historically criminalized substance use in Black and Brown communities — the view has been very harsh.

1 month ago | dallasweekly.com | Anissa Durham

Overview: Black families are urged to have open conversations with their children about sex to address the high rates of sexually transmitted infections and HIV diagnoses among Black youth. Parents can model consent, boundaries, and communication with their children, and start conversations early, such as by explaining diaper changes or private body parts.

1 month ago | wordinblack.com | Anissa Durham

When was the last time you spoke to your child about sex? For many parents and guardians, talking about the birds and the bees can be difficult, uncomfortable, and cringy. But Black families, talking about sex carries an added urgency: Federal data shows Black youth account for a third of all U.S. STI cases, while Black women make up half of new HIV diagnoses.

1 month ago | thenarrativematters.com | Anissa Durham

According to a new study, Black women are evicted at shocking rates. Often illegally. And the toll on their health is no joke. Legal or illegal, Black women are still the most likely to be evicted. And a new report found that Black women of reproductive age who have experienced eviction as adults or children reported poorer health outcomes.  We wanted to know why.