Set against the backdrop of the NMA conference, Executive Officers from the National Medical Association, Grammy Award Winning Artist and Advocate Raheem DeVaughn, and Gilead Sciences experts, are holding today an important conversation on HIV prevention and health equity.

Black women continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV despite advances in prevention options. Today’s event is designed to uplift voices, explore barriers to access, and increase awareness and key updates about PrEP, a proven prevention method that remains underutilized among Black women. This timely gathering will feature voices from across health, media, and advocacy as we break stigma and center equity in HIV prevention.

Additional stats and information to know:

● Black women continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, with Black women representing more than 50% of new HIV diagnoses among women in the U.S. in 2022, despite comprising just 13% of women in the U.S.

● Women made up only 8% of PrEP users despite representing 19% of all new HIV diagnoses in 2022.

● Gilead Sciences is increasing awareness and addressing stigma by encouraging regular HIV testing and having judgment-free conversations with your healthcare provider about prevention options, including oral PrEP and long-acting injectable PrEP options.

● PrEP is an HIV prevention medication that has been available since 2012.

● Only 1 in 3 people in the U.S. who could benefit from PrEP were prescribed a form of PrEP in 2022.

Oakland Post

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

For many African American families, the cost of keeping the lights on and homes heated or cooled is not just a monthly bill — it’s a crushing financial burden.

A new national study from Binghamton University and California State University, San Bernardino, finds that Black households spend a far larger share of their income on energy compared to white households, even when income levels are the same. “We often say that African Americans suffer more, but we often blame it just on income. And the reality is, there is something more there,” study author George Homsy, associate professor at Binghamton University, wrote. “It’s not just because they tend to be poor. There is something that’s putting them at a disadvantage. I think what happened is it happens to be where they live.” The study, published in Energy Research & Social Science, analyzed 65,000 census tracts across the United States. It found that while the average American household spends about 3.2% of income on energy bills, households in the majority African American census tracts spend an average of 5.1%.

Homsy and researcher Ki Eun Kang point to the age and condition of housing stock, along with lower homeownership rates, as key drivers. Their research concludes that “energy burden is not simply a matter of income or energy cost but also race, which might be driven by place.” Older, less energy-efficient housing and high rental rates in Black communities mean residents often cannot make upgrades like improved insulation or new appliances, locking families into higher bills.

Tradeoffs and Health Risks

The consequences go beyond money. Families forced to spend 10% or more of their income on energy — what experts classify as “unmanageable” — may cut back on food, medicine, or other essentials. More than 12 million U.S. households report leaving their homes at unsafe temperatures to reduce costs, while millions more fall behind on utility bills. The health effects are severe. High energy burdens increase risks of asthma, depression, poor sleep, pneumonia, and even premature death. The issue is especially acute for African Americans, who are disproportionately exposed to housing and environmental conditions that amplify these risks.

Washington, D.C.: A Case Study

In Washington, D.C., the problem is particularly stark. A recent analysis by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) shows that SNAP-eligible households spend more than 20% of their income on energy bills. Across the metro area, nearly two-thirds of low-income households devote over 6% of their income to energy, and 40% face what researchers call a “severe financial strain,” paying more than 10%. Pepco, the District’s primary electricity provider, has implemented three consecutive annual rate hikes, pushing the average household bill to $114 per month as of January 2025. Shutoffs have followed — nearly 12,000 customers lost service in 2024, with disconnections doubling after a summer rate hike. Washington Gas has also sought a 12% rate increase and pushed a controversial $215 million pipeline replacement project, rebranded as “District SAFE.” The plan could ultimately cost D.C. households an additional $45,000 each over several decades, or nearly $1,000 annually added to bills.

Historical Roots

Researchers argue that these inequities are not accidental but rooted in history. The ScienceDirect study reveals that African American communities living in formerly redlined neighborhoods continue to face disadvantages today — from poor housing quality to higher climate risks. Homsy says policymakers must make targeted efforts. “It is harder to get to rental units where a lot of poor people live,” he noted. “We need to work harder to get into these communities of color.”

Stacy M. Brown

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ATLANTA — North Carolina Central running back Christian Mosley ran for 178 yards and a touchdown in front of a national television audience. His Eagles slowed down the Southern Jaguars, securing a 31-14 victory Saturday night at the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Mosley’s efforts garnered him MVP honors. With the victory, NC Central won their second MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Moreover, the MEAC has won the curtain-raising classic game 12 out of 20 times. One game was suspended due to stormy weather conditions.

On the opening drive, NC Central quarterback Walker Harris led the Eagles on a nine-play, 80-yard opening march to the endzone. Harris had an 18-yard run and Arthur Rodgers capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run.

Southern quarterback, and Jackson State transfer, Cam’Ron McCoy, ran a quarterback draw 69 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at seven.

In the second quarter, Southern wide receiver Darren Morris dropped what would surely be a touchdown pass. Southern would eventually punt. NC Central kicker Kaleb Robinson successfully nailed a 31-yard field goal attempt, giving the Eagles a 10-7 lead.

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Trey Holly, a transfer from LSU would score on a 80-yard touchdown run, giving Southern a 14-10 lead. Holly signed with LSU as a member of the 2023 recruiting class but he was charged with attempted second-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, and aggravated criminal damage to property. Head coach Brian Kelly told Holly he cannot return to the team until his legal issues were resolved. As a result, Holly transferred to Southern.

North Carolina Central wins the line of scrimmage

Meanwhile, it would be the final time the Jaguars would score Saturday night.

“I’m disappointed in the way that we played,” Southern coach Terrence Graves said. “We didn’t play the way that we’re capable of playing. And we got to go and fix some things and get back on the drawing board so we can get on pace to do what we need to do.”

The Eagles slowed down Southern’s run-pass option (RPO) plays by sliding their defensive linemen in certain interior gaps. It forced the Jaguars to run the ball wide, resulting in NC Central taking away Southern’s running attack. As the game wore on, Southern could not run the ball as well. Both of their quarterbacks, McCoy and Jalen Woods, threw for a combined 92 yards.

“It’s a blessing,” Mosley said after the game. “I want to thank my coaching staff for trusting me. It starts with the [offensive] line, man, we we got the best o-line in the MEAC. You start with those boys. So running behind them makes my job easier. All I got to do is make one or two [players] miss. I already got the speed. So is the rest is history.”

What’s Next

North Carolina Central will host their home opener on Saturday, Aug. 30, when they welcome New Hampshire to O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM. Eastern Time on ESPN+. Meanwhile, Southern will travel to Itta Bena, Miss. to take on the Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM Central Time on SWAC TV.

“Man, we love classics! Orange Blossom, Circle City, and the Celebration Bowl,” exclaimed North Carolina Central Head Coach Trei Oliver. “You know, we’re going to show up when the lights are on. And you know, it’s the opportunity when you have a chance to play in venues like this and those big games, I relish that. And these young men, we talk about it. Not everybody has an opportunity. So we prepare and thank God we’ve been able to come out on top. But you know, I didn’t play in venues like this. And when I was in school, I didn’t have these opportunities. So these guys right here, I try to explain to them, we’ve got to make the most of it. And, you know, be opportunistic as they prepare to be champions. We’ve been able to make the most of and have some success.”

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Itoro Umontuen

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