Congressional Black Caucus

Floor Speech

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to co-anchor the CBC's Special Order hour with Member Jonathan Jackson from the great Chicago, Illinois.

For the next 60 minutes, we have the chance to speak directly to the American people on issues of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans--the health and well-being of Americans, American Black men and boys.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), my honorable colleague.

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wilson).

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. I yield now to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Davis for his words. I yield to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath).

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative McBath for her remarks.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), my honorable colleague.

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter), my honorable colleague.

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter).

Madam Speaker, today I rise to discuss a pressing issue that has long lingered in the shadows of society, which is the reality of health disparities that disproportionately impact Black men and boys in the United States.

It is of grave concern that requires our collective attention, empathy, and most importantly, action.

The staggering health disparities faced by Black men and boys in the United States demands concrete legislative action.

As Members of Congress, it is our duty to fight tirelessly to end these disparities through comprehensive and long-term policies that address the root causes of these injustices.

We cannot ignore the profound and harsh truth that health and well- being of Black men and boys are in jeopardy. We see this truth manifest in the life expectancy gap that persists between Black and White men in America.

Studies have shown that Black men are more likely to experience significantly shorter lifespans than their White counterparts. This is both at birth and at the age of 65.

According to the CDC, for White men, life expectancy at birth is about 6 years longer than at 65. However, for Black men, that gap is over 9 years, showing that Black men are more likely to die prematurely. This is not merely a statistical anomaly but a symptom of a system that does not address the root causes of these disparities.

Such studies have shown that the burden of chronic disease, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, disproportionately affect Black men and boys. This is not a result of a mere circumstance but, rather, a consequence of systemic issues, including limited access to quality healthcare, economic disparities, and racism.

Furthermore, diseases like obesity impact Black men and boys at alarming rates. Obesity-related health disparities are felt most acutely by underserved populations, including populations and communities of color, low-income communities, and those who live in rural areas.

That why I introduced H. Res. 1047, a resolution alongside my CBC colleague, Gwen Moore, recognizing the urgent need to prevent and treat obesity as a disease to reduce the risk of related diseases and comorbidities amongst the Black community.

We must acknowledge that healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege dictated by one's racial or ethnic background. To bridge the gap in life expectancy and to address the prevalence of chronic diseases, we must prioritize this issue and allocate resources for preventive care and community health programs in underserved areas.

The mental health crisis amongst Black men and boys is also of major concern. The stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community often prevents individuals from seeking the health they desperately need. As a result, Black men and boys are more likely to suffer in silence, leading to higher rates of untreated mental health issues and, tragically, a greater risk of suicide.

We must champion comprehensive legislation, expanding access to mental health services by allocating funds for mental health awareness campaigns, destigmatization initiatives, and community-based mental health clinics. We can create an environment where Black men and boys feel comfortable seeking help when they need it.

We cannot turn a blind eye to these horrific disparities any longer. It is our moral imperative to confront the root causes of this crisis and work collectively toward a more equitable and just healthcare system.

We must advocate for policies that address socioeconomic inequalities, improve access to education, increase employment opportunities, and eliminate the racial biases that exists within the healthcare system.

All these things are possible if Members of Congress commit to changing the trajectory of our Black men and our boys.

I have been fortunate to raise a Black boy, and I pray every day that he can actually live beyond the odds. That is going to take more than prayer. That will take actions from all of our colleagues to make sure that all of our children have the same opportunities, regardless of their race, where they live, and where they are from.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to start supporting, allocating funds, and taking affirmative steps to change the trajectory of our Black men and boys, starting with health inequalities, specifically mental health and obesity treatments and comorbidities.

Madam Speaker, you have heard from my distinguished colleagues on Black men and boys, all issues of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, our constituents, Congress, and all Americans tonight.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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