5 Things the Black Community should always Think About

Okay, Don Lemon stepped it. He said some things that many people weren't happy with. And while folks were highly upset and jumping on Twitter with silly hashtags, it really didn't change a thing. Don Lemon still stands firm with his beliefs.

But let's move on from him and get into the facts... We have issues in the Black community. Regardless of what we think or feel, there are still issues we need address. So, I thought I would create my list of 5 things we should be thinking about as a community (I also added facts/links to these issues):

Black Women and Obesity
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 60 percent of Black women are obese, the highest of all other groups of women. This matter is lowering life expectancy of Black Women and increasing their chances of developing a myriad of health problems like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

Incarceration
The Incarceration rate for Black people now six times the national average. In fact, it's so high that Black men with no high school diploma are more likely to go to jail than to find a job.

HIV
The latest CDC estimates show that Black people account for almost half of all new infections in the country each year (44 percent), as well as, almost half of all people living with HIV (44 percent). And Black men account for 70 percent of new HIV infections. Black Women account for 30 percent.

Living
Black people still die almost four years earlier than White people. According the the study, a lot has to do with health and a lack of education.

Gay Youth
According to a survey conducted by the National Strategy for Black Gay Youth in America, 43% of Black gay teens have contemplated or attempted suicide due to issues related to their sexuality.

While there are other matters to discuss, I thought these issues would be a great place to start.