LOCAL ADVOCATES
- Shantay Davies-Balch
- Mar 26
- 11 min read
Updated: Apr 21
In Fresno, local advocacy and activism are key to addressing the interconnected systems of injustice that affect our communities. These efforts span various areas, including healthcare access, economic security, educational equality, environmental justice, and gun violence prevention—all of which influence health outcomes. While not all the organizations featured in this exhibit focus directly on health, their work in challenging systemic inequalities and advocating for marginalized communities is deeply tied to improving health.
Individual behaviors and choices are not the key drivers of inequities, including health inequities in society. Instead, these disparities are rooted in systemic issues, the legacy of slavery, and unequal power dynamics. As a result, communities of color, racialized and historically marginalized communities, particularly Black and Indigenous populations in the United States, continue to experience lasting impacts.
Addressing these inequities requires critically reviewing and reimagining political and social systems. Political determinants of health are factors, such as decisions about resource allocations, policies, and laws that create the social that affect all other dynamics of health.
Social determinants of health are also factors and conditions that shape our lives on a daily basis and in turn, our health outcomes. Key areas are healthcare access and quality, education access and quality, social and community context, economic stability, and neighborhood and built environment.
In the past decades, there has been increasing attention on understanding how racism impacts access to these factors and conditions, with many advocating for the recognition of racism as the root cause of health disparities. The RRT (Racism as a Root Cause) framework allows for targeted interventions aimed at reducing inequities and improving health outcomes.
Local activism and community participation are essential in challenging racism and dismantling the systems that perpetuate disparities. We are inspired and encouraged by organizations and activists across Fresno who work tirelessly to challenge these systems and reimagine how our systems can work. From reducing recidivism and advocating for healthier neighborhoods to addressing gun violence and promoting political participation, these efforts pave the way for a more just society. Only through collective efforts can systemic change become possible.
We hope you enjoy the Local Advocates exhibit and learn from the incredible organizations we selected that are dedicated to building a more equitable future for Black communities in Fresno. We are proud to recognize their dedication and lasting impact.
Organizations:
AFRICAN AMERICAN COALITION (AAC)
ADVANCE PEACE
ANOTHER LEVEL TRAINING ACADEMY (ALTA)
BLACK WOMEN ORGANIZED FOR POLITICAL ACTION (BWOPA)
BWPC BLACK WELLNESS & PROSPERITY CENTER (BWPC)
CONCERNED CITIZENS
Advance Peace
African American Coalition (AAC)
Another Level Training Academy (ALTA)
BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC)
Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA)
Concerned Citizens
References:
Malawa, Z., Gaarde, J., & Spellen, S. (2023). Racism as a Root Cause Approach: A New Framework. Racism as a Root Cause Journal.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Why is addressing SDOH important? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/about/priorities/why-is-addressing-sdoh-important.html
World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1
Satcher Health Leadership Institute. (n.d.). Political Determinants of Health. Satcher Health Leadership Institute. Retrieved from https://satcherinstitute.org/priorities/political-determinants-of-health/
