OPINION:
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s time we discuss an important issue that our community avoids like the plague: how we die. Case in point: Fox’s new hit drama, “Empire,” exposes the real-life struggles the black community has in coping with end-of-life choices. On the show, record label CEO Lucious Lyon discovers he has ALS and has only three years to live, so he decides to pit his sons against each other to determine who will succeed him. The ensuing drama makes for great television, but should leave us wondering: Is there a better way to die?
The majority of African-Americans will die without expressing their final wishes. Studies show only 13 percent of us in home health care have an end-of-life plan. We are half as likely as whites to have completed advance directives or a living will. What’s more, widespread failure to make financial plans has long-term socioeconomic consequences. In fact, a study by Pew Research Center found the wealth gap between whites and blacks is at its highest in more than 25 years.
To address this challenge, African-American clergy, scholars and estate planners will meet in Washington Feb. 24 to examine why we are hesitant to make end-of-life decisions and explore solutions.
Demystifying the options for preparing to die and increasing awareness of how advance planning benefits our families is a step in the right direction. We can and need to do better for our families and for ourselves.
DANIEL R. WILSON
National and Federal Programs Director
Compassion & Choices
Washington
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