Human Rights

Lessons from My Youth: Reflecting on What Juneteenth Means to Me

Growing up in Texas, Juneteenth was always a celebration—my family would gather at my grandmother's house to celebrate with food, music, and prayer. If we want to work together to build a better future, we must understand the historical importance of days such as June 19. Those who can observe this holiday going forward should take it as an opportunity to learn and listen. But we also must acknowledge that the increased recognition and celebration of this holiday is in response to the death of an African American man. Mr. Floyd’s life spurred a movement, but we should not have needed him to lose his life to have these critical conversations.

Human Rights

Reflection: Living at the Crossroads of the COVID-19 Pandemic, A Spike in Anti-Asian Hate and a Long History of Oppression

I hope the solidarity and support the AAPI community has received in the last two months doesn’t fade as the end of the pandemic draws near and many are anxious to return to a sense of normal –– because for many first-generation Asian Americans like myself, we’re still trying to figure out what “normal” means.

US Health

Respect—and More—for Nursing Home Workers

This past year has been hell for them. COVID-19 has taken the lives of more than 182,000 nursing home residents and workers. Although cases have plunged as vaccination rates have increased, these workers are still coping with grief, trauma, exhaustion and anxiety. Who knows what the long-term effects will be?

Global Health

Digitizing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

The pandemic has acted as a catalyst to modify the way sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is handled globally. Digital health interventions, for example, could allow more people access to SRHR information, including among underserved populations.

Education

A Summer Like No Other

Having access to learning opportunities this summer is more important than ever as the pandemic has forced young people to miss out on so much for so long.

Global Health

For Tuberculosis in 2020, the Madness Extended Well Past March

For many people in the U.S., there is a desire to return to “normal,” to return to college basketball games and its annual “March Madness.” But in the more impoverished parts of the world, returning to normal includes the perils of TB. If we can figure out the game plan for beating the COVID-19 pandemic in just over a year, it is past time to flex our scientific muscles and vanquish TB.

Children's Health and Wellbeing

Reflections on Raising the Next Generation

In the past year, parents and caregivers in the United States have grown increasingly aware that, despite their optimism about the future for their children, there is still a long way to go to make their hopes a reality and to end the harms from centuries of injustice.