To close out the end of Black History Month, we want to continue to highlight our Black and African American staff to hear their stories and to show our appreciation for their contributions in the work that we do.
Who is Atinuke Wilhite?
“I am Atinuke Wilhite and was born and raised in Nigeria, I am my mother’s youngest and am blessed with 4 grown sons. A few years after the death of my husband, I worked as a Social Worker with Hope For HIV/ AIDS International in Nigeria. Helping those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as providing education to vulnerable and less privileged children before migrating to the US. Presently, I am the Health Educator at the Matthew 25 Owensboro Clinic.”
What does Black History Month mean to you?
“To me, Black History Month is celebration of freedom, great achievements, and also to highlight the great impact that African Americans have to make this nation the great one that it is today.”
Who is a Black Public Figure That you admire and Why?
“There are many Black public figures that I admire but will mention just two. Harriet Tubman and Dr. Martin Luther King. And the reason is that is, they both fought for what is right and speaks out on behalf of unheard Black people and communities respectively and never gave up.”
How is the Black community specifically affected by HIV?
“There are lots of reasons why the Black community is specifically affected by HIV, but I will only mention few:
Poverty plays a key role.
Lack of education contributed to this as well.
Lack of Quality Health Care services in the Black community. These answers are based on experience from another country apart from the United States.”
What can we do as a whole in this country to better support Black Communities?
“First of all, we need LOVE. This makes me think there is a reason why Black History Month and Valentine’s Day are both celebrated in the same month. Love doesn’t hate, it doesn’t discriminate, it doesn’t hurt, and doesn’t differentiate. If we all can love one another and see ourselves as one there will be unity. Let’s take a look from the Creator for example we will realize that God is the greatest artist. He created things in different colors. For example, a rainbow has different colors but all colors are the same size. So, no color should be superior or a threat to another. If we make our black tea or coffee we need our white milk or creamer to make it rich and colorful. We wear our white shirts, we need our black trousers to go with it. With these being said, some might think I am driveling but, that is just the way I see it. We have to redirect our mindsets by seeing each other as one, and be empathetic, as this will enable us to treat others the same way we want to be treated.
The Government has a huge role to play in order to better support Black communities by the policy they make/ follow. Good policy will create impactful changes while a weaponized policy will wreak havoc. Individual or group support will only be palliative in the midst of endemic challenges, thus a starting point. There should be an end to racial injustices, institutionalized racism, inequalities for all marginalized communities, and many more. Historically, no other group of people have been subjected to such hostilities and their continuing negative effects as much as Black and African American people. Many who aren’t Black don’t fully understand what has affected and is still affecting Black communities (especially the younger generations.) A great way to learn more about racial inequality against the Black community is by watching Films and Documentaries about the Black experience. Here are some examples:
1. Selma
2. Do the Right Thing
3. 12 Years a Slave
4. When They See Us
5. 13th
6. The Hate U Give.
And many more.”
I want to thank Atinuke for sharing her story and experience with us and allowing us to share it with all of you. We are very lucky to have her as part of our team at Matthew 25! Again, a huge thank you to all of our employees who shared with us their thoughts- your vulnerability, honesty and truth will make a huge impact in this world.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free and confidential HIV test, please call (866) 607-6590. You can also email jdunn@matthew25clinic.org for more!
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